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10 bestGround Cover Plantsof May 2025

112M consumers helped this year.

7% off

1

[x3] Polygala Chamaebuxus Grandiflora | Multi-Pack | Evergreen Shrubs | Pot Plants
[x3] Polygala Chamaebuxus Grandiflora | Multi-Pack | Evergreen Shrubs | Pot Plants

GrowOn Shrubs

9.9

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2

1 Litre | Lithodora Diffusa 'Heavenly Blue' | Evergreen Shrub | Pot Plant
1 Litre | Lithodora Diffusa 'Heavenly Blue' | Evergreen Shrub | Pot Plant

GrowOn Shrubs

9.8

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3

3 x Festuca Intense Blue - Blue Fescue - Blue Grass Plants Ready to Plant Arrives in 9cm Pots
3 x Festuca Intense Blue - Blue Fescue - Blue Grass Plants Ready to Plant Arrives in 9cm Pots

Carbeth Plants

9.7

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4

9 x Rockery Plants - Perennial Garden Ready Flowers in 10.5cm Plant Pot, Hardy Outdoor Ground Cover & Trailing Plants Year Round
9 x Rockery Plants - Perennial Garden Ready Flowers in 10.5cm Plant Pot, Hardy Outdoor Ground Cover & Trailing Plants Year Round

Tropical Plants UK

9.6

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5

Thyme Creeping Red herb aromatic leaves crimson red flowers summer loved by bees ground cover 9cm pot
Thyme Creeping Red herb aromatic leaves crimson red flowers summer loved by bees ground cover 9cm pot

Country Climbers & Garden Favourites

9.5

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6

GardenersDream 3 x Mixed Alpine Plant Collection in Pot - Outdoor Garden-Ready Perennial Plant Mix - Colorful Evergreen Live Plants for Garden, Rockery, Borders, Groundcover (20-30 cm)
GardenersDream 3 x Mixed Alpine Plant Collection in Pot - Outdoor Garden-Ready Perennial Plant Mix - Colorful Evergreen Live Plants for Garden, Rockery, Borders, Groundcover (20-30 cm)

GardenersDream

9.3

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7

Phlox Plants Hardy Perennial Mix with Long Flowering Period Variety of Colours Fragrant Flowers Attracts Pollinators Perfect for UK Gardens (6 Plants)
Phlox Plants Hardy Perennial Mix with Long Flowering Period Variety of Colours Fragrant Flowers Attracts Pollinators Perfect for UK Gardens (6 Plants)

GardenersDream

9.1

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8

GardenersDream Ceanothus 'Yankee Point' Plant - California Lilac Evergreen Shrub in 9cm Pot - Outdoor Garden Ready Hardy Shrub - All Year Round Outdoor Plant for Groundcover (15-25 cm)
GardenersDream Ceanothus 'Yankee Point' Plant - California Lilac Evergreen Shrub in 9cm Pot - Outdoor Garden Ready Hardy Shrub - All Year Round Outdoor Plant for Groundcover (15-25 cm)

GardenersDream

8.9

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9

Thyme Snowdrift herb Plant Aromatic Leaves White Flowers Summer Loved by Bees Ground Cover 9cm Pot
Thyme Snowdrift herb Plant Aromatic Leaves White Flowers Summer Loved by Bees Ground Cover 9cm Pot

Country Climbers & Garden Favourites

8.7

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10

[x3] Dwarf Conifer Juniperus Squamata 'Blue Carpet' | Multi-Pack | Evergreen Shrubs | Pot Plants
[x3] Dwarf Conifer Juniperus Squamata 'Blue Carpet' | Multi-Pack | Evergreen Shrubs | Pot Plants

GrowOn Shrubs

8.5

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A Guide to Selecting the Best Ground Cover Plants

Choosing the right ground cover plants for your garden can transform your outdoor space into a lush, green carpet that requires minimal maintenance. Ground cover plants are low-growing plants that spread across the ground, providing a natural and attractive alternative to grass. When selecting ground cover plants, consider factors such as climate, soil type, sunlight exposure, and the specific needs of your garden. The right choice will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden but also help with weed suppression, soil erosion control, and moisture retention.

Climate Suitability

Climate suitability refers to how well a plant can thrive in the specific weather conditions of your area. This is important because choosing plants that are not suited to your climate can lead to poor growth or even plant death. To navigate this, consider whether your area is temperate, tropical, arid, or cold, and select plants that are known to thrive in those conditions. For example, if you live in a hot, dry area, look for drought-tolerant ground covers. Your local nursery or gardening center can provide guidance on which plants are best suited for your climate.

Sunlight Requirements

Sunlight requirements indicate how much sun a plant needs to grow healthily. This is crucial because placing a plant in the wrong light conditions can stunt its growth or cause it to die. Ground cover plants can be categorized into full sun, partial shade, and full shade. Full sun plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, partial shade plants need 3-6 hours, and full shade plants thrive with less than 3 hours of direct sunlight. Assess the sunlight exposure in your garden and choose plants that match those conditions to ensure they flourish.

Soil Type and Quality

Soil type and quality refer to the composition and nutrient content of the soil where you plan to plant. This is important because different plants have varying soil preferences, and the right soil can significantly impact plant health and growth. Common soil types include sandy, clay, loamy, and silty. Some ground covers prefer well-drained sandy soils, while others thrive in nutrient-rich loamy soils. Test your soil to understand its type and amend it if necessary to match the needs of your chosen plants. This will help ensure robust growth and a healthy ground cover.

Growth Rate and Spread

Growth rate and spread refer to how quickly and widely a plant will grow. This is important for planning how much space the plant will cover and how soon it will achieve the desired coverage. Ground cover plants can be fast-growing, moderate, or slow-growing. Fast-growing plants are ideal if you want quick coverage, but they may require more maintenance to control their spread. Slow-growing plants take longer to establish but often require less maintenance. Consider how quickly you want your area covered and how much maintenance you're willing to do when selecting plants based on their growth rate.

Maintenance Needs

Maintenance needs refer to the level of care and upkeep a plant requires to stay healthy and attractive. This is important because it affects how much time and effort you will need to invest in your garden. Some ground cover plants are low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering and pruning, while others may need regular trimming, fertilizing, or pest control. Assess how much time you can dedicate to garden maintenance and choose plants that align with your availability. Low-maintenance plants are ideal for busy gardeners or those who prefer a more hands-off approach.

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