9 Ground Covers that Perfectly Suit Your UK Garden

Posted on 11/09/2025

Introduction to Ground Covers for UK Gardens

Creating a visually appealing and low-maintenance garden can be a fulfilling endeavor, especially when incorporating versatile ground covers. These plants are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, providing essential weed suppression and soil protection. This article will guide you through nine amazing ground covers that perfectly suit the unique climate and soil conditions of UK gardens.

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping thyme is a delightful, aromatic ground cover that thrives in the UK. It is durable, evergreen, and remarkably drought-resistant, making it ideal for various garden settings. In summer, this hardy plant produces small purple flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.

Benefits of Creeping Thyme

• Attracts beneficial insects
• Requires minimal water once established
• Releases a pleasant fragrance when stepped on

2. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Ajuga reptans, commonly known as Bugleweed, is a striking ground cover suitable for the UK's temperate climate. Its stunning deep purple foliage and vibrant blue flowers make it a popular choice. This plant excels in shady areas, keeping the ground lush and colorful throughout the year.

Key Advantages of Bugleweed

• Perfect for shaded areas
• Produces beautiful flower spikes
• Dense mat formation suppresses weeds

3. Scottish Moss (Sagina subulata)

Don't let the name deceive you - Scottish Moss isn't actually moss but a type of flowering plant that mimics a mossy appearance. Thriving in the cool, damp conditions typical of UK gardens, it provides a lush, green carpet dotted with tiny white flowers in late spring.

Scottish Moss Features

• Resistant to light foot traffic
• Tolerates partial shade and sun
• Provides a soft, cushioned ground cover

4. Golden Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea')

Also known as Creeping Jenny, this plant is prized for its vigorous growth and striking yellow foliage. It's perfect for garden borders, hanging baskets, or as a ground cover in moist, well-drained soils. Golden Creeping Jenny adapts well to the varying conditions of UK gardens.

Creeping Jenny Benefits

• Vivid color throughout the year
• Ideal for wetter areas
• Complements water features well

5. Hosta (Hosta species)

The Hosta genus offers several ground cover options for UK gardens, renowned for their lush foliage and ability to thrive in shaded conditions. They are available in various sizes and colors, providing diversity and interest to any garden space.

Why Choose Hosta?

• Excellent for shady gardens
• Offers pest-resistant varieties
• Provides textural contrast in garden designs

6. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Vinca minor, commonly known as Periwinkle, is an evergreen trailing plant that serves as an effective weed suppressant. It is particularly well-suited for slopes and undergrowth, thriving in both sun and partial shade.

Periwinkle Perks

• Thrives in various light conditions
• Produces pretty blue or purple flowers
• Low maintenance and hardy

7. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Creeping Phlox is a colorful ground cover that bursts into life with vibrant blooms in late spring. Its star-shaped flowers blanket the ground, creating a stunning carpet of color. This plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun, making it suitable for rock gardens and borders.

Attributes of Creeping Phlox

• Produces an abundance of flowers
• Good for rocky or sandy soils
• Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

8. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Bearberry is a low-growing evergreen with attractive glossy leaves and red berries. It thrives in acidic soils, common in many parts of the UK, and offers year-round appeal thanks to its persistent foliage and decorative berries.

Bearberry Benefits

• Ideal for acidic soils
• Evergreen with striking fruits
• Provides habitat for wildlife

9. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

Galium odoratum, known as Sweet Woodruff, is a rapidly-spreading ground cover that prefers shady, moist environments. Its small white flowers and the fragrant scent of the leaves make it a beloved choice among UK gardeners looking for naturalistic garden designs.

Highlights of Sweet Woodruff

• Fragrant foliage adds interest
• Great for naturalistic plantings
• Spreads quickly under trees

Conclusion

Incorporating the right ground cover plants can transform your UK garden into a vibrant and sustainable landscape. From the aromatic Creeping Thyme to the colorful Creeping Phlox, these nine ground covers each bring unique qualities to your garden. Choose the ones that best fit your soil conditions, sunlight, and aesthetic preferences to enjoy a lush and low-maintenance garden year-round.