Spruce Up Your UK Garden with These Gorgeous Ground Cover Plant Selections - Top 9 List

Posted on 18/05/2024

Gardening in the UK can be challenging, especially when it comes to selecting plants that will thrive in its varying weather conditions. One way to add some beauty and diversity to your garden is by incorporating ground cover plants. These low-growing, spreading plants not only provide great coverage for bare patches of soil, but they also keep weeds at bay and add visual interest to your garden. In this article, we'll explore the top 9 ground cover plant selections that will spruce up your UK garden.

1. Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme is a popular choice for ground cover due to its ability to form a dense carpet of foliage that is covered in pretty pink or purple flowers during the summer months. It thrives in both sun and partial shade, making it a versatile option for any garden. Creeping thyme also releases a pleasant aroma when stepped on, adding another sensory element to your garden.

2. Aubrieta

Aubrieta is a vibrant and eye-catching ground cover plant that boasts clusters of purple, pink or white flowers in the spring. It has a trailing habit and looks stunning when cascading over walls or rocks. This plant requires full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for those sunny spots in your garden.

3. Bugleweed

Bugleweed, also known as Ajuga, is a resilient ground cover plant that can withstand even the toughest conditions in the UK. It produces dense foliage with attractive spikes of blue flowers in late spring and early summer. Bugleweed does well in both sun and shade, making it a great option for those hard-to-plant areas.

4. Snow-in-Summer

If you're looking for a ground cover plant that will add some brightness to your garden, then Snow-in-Summer is the one for you. With its silvery leaves and delicate white flowers, this plant creates a stunning contrast against dark green foliage. It is a hardy plant that can thrive in poor, dry soils, making it a great choice for those challenging areas of your garden.

5. Moss Phlox

Moss phlox is a low-growing plant that spreads quickly and produces an abundance of vibrant flowers in the spring. It comes in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and white, making it a versatile choice for any garden color scheme. This plant requires full sun and well-drained soil to thrive.

6. Spotted Deadnettle

Spotted deadnettle, also known as Lamium, is a shade-loving ground cover plant that produces stunning silver foliage with splashes of pink or purple flowers. It is a low-maintenance plant that does well in shady areas under trees or along borders. Spotted deadnettle is also deer-resistant, making it a great option for gardens with wildlife visitors.

7. Sedum

Sedum is another resilient ground cover plant that can withstand harsh weather conditions in the UK. It has succulent leaves and produces clusters of colorful flowers during the summer months. Sedum can thrive in almost any type of soil and requires minimal maintenance, making it a popular choice for busy gardeners.

8. Golden Creeping Jenny

Golden creeping jenny is a striking ground cover plant that adds a touch of gold to your garden with its bright yellow foliage. It cascades beautifully over walls and rocks and does well in moist soil and partial shade. This plant is perfect for adding some color to dark corners of your garden.

9. Periwinkle

Periwinkle, also known as Vinca minor, is a fast-growing ground cover plant that forms dense evergreen mats with lavender-blue flowers from early spring to fall. It thrives in partial shade and even grows well under trees where other plants struggle due to lack of sunlight. Periwinkle also has medicinal properties and has been used to treat a variety of ailments.

Tips for Growing Ground Cover Plants

- Before planting ground cover, make sure to prepare the soil by removing any weeds and adding compost.
- Water newly planted ground cover regularly until they are established.
- Consider mixing different types of ground cover plants for a more diverse and interesting garden.
- Prune ground cover plants regularly to maintain their shape and promote healthy growth.

Pros:
- Ground cover plants provide excellent coverage for bare patches of soil.
- They suppress weed growth, reducing the need for weeding.
- Many ground cover plants have attractive flowers that add beauty and color to your garden.
- They can be used in various areas of the garden, including slopes and under trees where other plants may struggle.

Cons:
- Some ground cover plants can become invasive if not properly maintained.
- It may take some time for ground cover to spread and provide full coverage.
- Some ground cover plants may not do well in certain weather conditions or soil types.

Takeaways:
Ground cover plants are an excellent addition to any garden, providing both practical benefits and aesthetic appeal. They come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and textures, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your garden. With proper care and maintenance, these plants can transform your outdoor space into a lush and vibrant haven.

In conclusion, incorporating ground cover plants into your UK garden is a great way to spruce it up with minimal effort. From thyme to periwinkle, there is a wide selection of beautiful ground covers to choose from that will thrive in varying conditions. So why not add some depth and diversity to your garden this season with these gorgeous ground cover plant selections?