cascading ground cover plants
If you’re searching for an attractive way to cover bare earth, soften garden edges, or create a lush green carpet that drapes elegantly down slopes or walls, cascading ground cover plants are the answer. These versatile, low-maintenance plants offer a living solution to erosion, weeds, and problem spots in gardens. Their trailing foliage and rapid spread make them a popular choice for New Zealanders wanting practical beauty in landscape design. Whether you want a burst of colour, silvery texture, or evergreen coverage, cascading ground cover plants thrive across a range of conditions—from sun-baked rockeries to shady corners. Let’s discover how these plants can transform your garden, which varieties suit different areas, and tips for successful planting.
Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)
Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long stems that host small and rounded, grey-silver leaves. The leaves are complemented with cream-coloured flowers in summer as it grows to 50 cm tall and 1.5 m wide. Helichrysum petiolare is commonly included in rock and cottage gardens, used in border plantings, maintained in a container, planted around outdoor living areas such as pools and the like, or mass planted as a groundcover on a bank.
From $24.23
Grevillea 'Royal Mantle'
Grevillea 'Royal Mantle' is a vigorous groundcover Grevillea known for its sprawling habit and masses of brilliant red spider like flowers. Flowering for much of the year, it attracts nectar feeding birds and pollinators, adding life to the garden. With its dense foliage and cascading form, Grevillea 'Royal Mantle' is perfect for covering banks, slopes, and large areas. Hardy and low maintenance, this variety is a striking choice for NZ gardens.
From $28.28
