Top 10 Plants for Ground Cover

Plants that do not exceed 45cm (18in) in height are often referred to as "ground cover", especially if they have a spreading growth habit. They are ideal for softening and disguising hard edges of paving or walls and breaking up straight lines. They help to suppress weed growth and reduce evaporation of soil moisture, so can be used under other plants. Low-growing plants also mix well with bulbs that are left undisturbed and provide an extra season of interest. If they flower, these plants can be a source of food for foraging insects and they will provide cover and a habitat for small creatures.

Ajuga reptans

A ground-hugging hardy perennial that spreads to form a carpet. The leaves are usually bronze, but green and variegated forms are available. In summer, short spikes of blue flowers are produced that stand above the leaves. Prefers cool, moist conditions in light shade. Spreads by runners.

Aubrieta deltoidea

This pretty mat-forming, evergreen perennial grows easily from seed and spreads steadily to cover a wide area. Known as “rock cress” it flowers prolifically in spring, usually in shades of purple, but pink/red forms are available as young plants. Prefers a well-drained site in full sun and will spread by seeding.

Bergenia cordifolia

Known as “elephant’s ears” these plants are popular with flower arrangers for the large, rounded leaves. They have dense clusters of attractive pink or white bell-shaped flowers in spring. They will tolerate just about any position in the garden and spread by underground rhizomes. Once established, they can be hard to remove.

Campanula carpatica

This form of “bell-flower” forms a low mound up to 0.5m (20in) across. It grows easily from seed and is ideal for growing over a wall or under other plants. It has blue, star-shaped flowers in early summer. Prefers a sunny, well-drained position and cannot tolerate wet conditions.

Epimedium

There are a wide range of Epimediums, which suit differing conditions. Some are deciduous, some evergreen and some in between. They have colourful, heart-shaped leaves and dainty, star-like flowers in spring. They prefer a shady spot and moist soil, but spread slowly by seed, so multiple plants will be needed for cover.

Geranium sanguineum

The lowest-growing of the hardy perennial geraniums, this rhizomatous plant spreads fairly quickly, trailing over a wall or under other plants. It has purple flowers throughout the summer (pink and white forms are available) and will tolerate any well-drained position.

Hypericum calycinum

This fast-growing, spreading shrub is ideal for stabilising a bank or edging a footpath. It grows to 60cm (24in), so is taller than some other ground-cover plants, and is covered with wide, golden-yellow flowers all summer, followed by red berries that turn black. Can be cut back hard in early spring to control the height.

Pachysandra terminalis

This is a mat-forming, rhizomatous evergreen perennial plant that has glossy, toothed leaves. In early summer, it produces short spikes of small white flowers. It spreads by creeping stems and will tolerate any but the driest of positions. Ideal for city and coastal gardens.

Roses

There are many ground-cover roses, so the choice comes down to preference of flower colour and shape. They are ideal for stabilising a sloping bank or covering bare earth beneath other plants, where they can be pegged down to create a carpet of flowers in summer, often followed by red hips in autumn. Prefer full sun and a well-drained site.

Tiarella cordifolia

The "foam flower" is a herbaceous perennial that spreads slowly by stolons. The leaves are heart-shaped and spikes of tiny, creamy-white flowers are produced above the foliage in summer. Prefers a cool, moist soil in partial shade. There are numerous different forms available, with coloured leaves and pink-shaded flowers.