Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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hardy ground cover plants

Hardy ground cover plants are a game-changer for Kiwi gardens, providing year-round colour, weed suppression, and effortless beauty with less maintenance. Designed to thrive in New Zealand’s diverse climates, these tough performers protect your soil, tackle erosion, and add instant appeal to every landscape. If you’re searching for robust ground covers that stand up to challenging conditions, our expert range has you covered—whether you need lush foliage for sunny slopes, trailing greenery for rockeries, or low-care solutions for large spaces. Discover some of our top recommendations and tips below for creating a resilient, low-maintenance oasis.

Coprosma kirkii

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy green leaves. This evergreen plant spreads across the ground, suppressing weeds and providing year round greenery. Naturally tough, it thrives in exposed and coastal conditions, making it ideal for low maintenance gardens, banks, and rockeries. Creeping Coprosma is both practical and attractive in NZ landscapes.

Buy Coprosma kirkii

From $20.18

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 80 cm

Spread: 2.00 m

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Shade, Wind

Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged with cream. This evergreen plant provides year round colour and texture while suppressing weeds and covering bare ground. Naturally tough and adaptable, it thrives in coastal conditions, exposed sites, and light frost. Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is both practical and decorative in NZ gardens and landscapes.

Buy Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

From $21.53

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 60 cm

Spread: 1.50 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock

Why Choose Hardy Ground Cover Plants?

Selecting hardy ground cover plants is the smart approach for both beginner and experienced gardeners. These versatile plants establish quickly to smother unwanted weeds and prevent soil erosion—critical for sloping sections or exposed sites. Many options offer year-round visual interest and can even handle poor soils or coastal conditions, reducing the need for fertilisers and constant watering. By using robust ground covers, you’ll save time and keep your garden looking tidy and healthy in every season.

Top Hardy Ground Cover Choices

Grevillea Gaudichaudii (Grevillea x gaudichaudii)

For bold foliage and striking flowers, consider Grevillea Gaudichaudii (Grevillea x gaudichaudii). This Australian native flourishes in tough NZ conditions, forming a dense mat of burgundy foliage and producing nectar-rich crimson blooms that attract native birds and pollinators.

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

After something that really brightens semi-shaded areas? Coprosma kirkii 'variegata' is your answer. Its creamy-edged leaves create a soft, textural carpet and bring life to even the trickiest sites.

Coprosma kirkii

The straight species, Coprosma kirkii, is a native classic, adored for its spreading habit and resilience. It’s an ideal solution for mass planting, suppressing weeds and stabilising banks in both sun and part-shade.

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

If you need unbeatable toughness on coastal or windy plots, look to Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue). Its wiry stems weave into a thick, tangled mat, thriving in poor soils where other plants struggle. Pohuehue is often used for sand dune restoration, but it’s just as effective in home gardens.

Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

For a fine-textured ground cover with unique character, Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine) forms dense mats along pathways, under trees, or between stepping stones. Its wiry stems are ultra-tough, making it one of the best hardy ground cover plants for challenging spots.

Planting and Care Tips

For best results, plant hardy ground cover plants in weed-free soil and water regularly until established. Most tough ground covers suit a range of soils and are generally pest-resistant, but regular mulching will help them settle faster and suppress stray weeds. Prune as needed to encourage thicker growth or keep them in bounds, and watch as your garden becomes a low-care, evergreen tapestry.

Explore our full range of hardy ground cover plants to transform your outdoor space with lasting beauty, protection, and less work all year round.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.