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best ground cover plants to prevent weeds

Looking for the best ground cover plants to prevent weeds in your New Zealand garden? Smart gardeners know that planting dense, low-growing ground covers not only keeps your garden looking lush but also helps suppress unwanted weeds, reducing maintenance. Choosing the right ground cover plants creates a living carpet that blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds, making it harder for them to sprout and thrive. With the right selections, your garden beds, borders, or even tricky sloped areas can stay weed-free and attractive all year round.

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

5 from 1 customers

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.

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
Acaena novae-zelandiae colourful foliage.

Acaena novae-zelandiae (Piripiri)

Acaena novae-zelandiae is a hardy NZ native groundcover commonly known as Bidgee Widgee. It is admired for its fine green foliage and small burr like seed heads that follow clusters of inconspicuous flowers. This vigorous, evergreen groundcover forms dense mats that suppress weeds and stabilise soil.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Paths & Steps, Ponds
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.
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...

From$17.95
pachysandra-terminalis-5
Pachysandra terminalis

Pachysandra terminalis, commonly known as Japanese Spurge, is a hardy evergreen groundcover valued for its glossy dark green foliage and dense...

From$23.39
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Black Polythene - 1 m Wide

Black Polythene - 1 m Wide is a practical plastic sheeting option for garden, nursery, and landscaping applications. The black finish helps block...

From$138.40
rubus-pentalobus-2
Rubus pentalobus (Creeping Raspberry)

Rubus pentalobus is a hardy, low growing groundcover known for its attractive textured foliage, small white flowers, and bright red berries. This...

From$35.81
rose-flower-carpet-gold--1
Rose Flower Carpet Gold

Rose 'Flower Carpet Gold' is a low growing ground cover rose that delivers a bright display of golden yellow blooms across a long flowering season...

From$34.43
Muehlenbeckia axillaris growing as a ground cover.
Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

Muehlenbeckia axillaris, commonly known as Creeping Wire Vine, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover with wiry stems and small, dark green...

From$20.01
A Lithodora 'Grace Ward' plant with blue flowers in a rock garden.
Lithodora 'Grace Ward'

Lithodora 'Grace Ward' is a stunning low growing evergreen perennial admired for its masses of vivid deep blue flowers that appear from spring...

From$20.63
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana', commonly known as the Prostrate Juniper, is a ground-hugging conifer that forms a carpet of blue-green, needle-like...

From$34.43
Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet' plants with red flowers above lush, green foliage.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet' is a low growing ground cover rose that produces a bold display of scarlet red flowers over a long season. Its spreading...

From$33.81
Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink' stunning pink flowers.
Rose Flower Carpet Pink

Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink' is a low growing ground cover rose loved for its masses of clear pink flowers, spreading habit, and dependable garden...

From$34.43
Coprosma acerosa growing on a sand dune.
Coprosma acerosa

Coprosma acerosa, also known as Sand Coprosma or Tātaraheke, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover well-suited to exposed and coastal...

From$7.50
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Weed Mat

Weed Mat is a woven black polypropylene fabric designed to provide long-term and effective weed suppression around plants and landscaped areas. It is...

From$166.60
Chamaemelum nobile plants with white flowers and lush, green foliage.
Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile)

Chamaemelum nobile (Lawn Chamomile, Roman Chamomile) is a low growing evergreen herb valued for its fragrant feathery foliage, delicate daisy like...

From$15.95
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) growing as a topiary hedge.
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green...

From$20.63
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Juniperus conferta

Juniperus conferta, commonly known as Shore Juniper, is a hardy evergreen conifer valued for its dense, spreading habit and fresh green foliage. It...

From$192.51
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Coco Fibre Matting - 2m x 10 m roll

This is 100% biodegradable matting made from coconut fibre. At 1200 grams per square metre this mat supresses weeds while also letting through...

From$429.00
Hedera 'Golden Ingot' plant with green and yellow foliage.
Hedera helix 'Golden Ingot'

Hedera helix ‘Golden Ingot’ is a striking evergreen ivy admired for its bright golden-yellow foliage edged with soft green tones. This compact and...

From$17.95
leptinella-dioica-
Leptinella dioica

Leptinella dioica (Bachelor Button Plant) is a low growing evergreen groundcover valued for its fine fern like foliage and ability to create a dense...

From$13.95
Silver leaves and pink flowers on a Stachys byzantina plants in a garden.
Stachys byzantina

Stachys byzantina, commonly known as Lambs Ear, is a low-growing, evergreen perennial valued for its soft, silvery foliage that resembles lambs’...

From$16.95
Hedera helix 'Needlepoint' creeping stems with green foliage.
Hedera helix 'Needlepoint'

Hedera helix ‘Needlepoint’ is a refined evergreen ivy featuring small, deeply lobed leaves with a delicate, pointed shape. This compact and elegant...

From$14.95
Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf or mini Mondo Grass grown for its delicate, dark green foliage. Flower spikes are borne in summer and bear...

From$9.95
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
A Gardenia radicans shrub looking amazing with lush foliage and white flowers.
Gardenia radicans

Gardenia radicans is a compact, low-growing shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and intensely fragrant white flowers. Blooming from late spring...

From$18.95
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.
Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with fine, near black foliage. The foliage is...

From$9.95
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
Ophiopogon planiscapus

Ophiopogon planiscapus, commonly known as Dwarf Lilyturf, is a Mondo grass grown for its fine, dark green foliage and short stature. The foliage is...

From$6.95
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
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Vigilant-Gel Herbicide

Vigilant is a ready to use herbicide for the treatment of freshly cut stems of weeds such as Barberry, Broom, Gorse, Willow, Woolley Nightshade, and...

From$95.80
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Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
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Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acaena, Coprosma, and Juniperus, or related Categories - Black polythene, Groundcover Plants, and Carpet Roses.

Search best ground cover plants to prevent weeds

Why Ground Cover Plants Are Essential for Weed Control

Ground cover plants act as a natural barrier against weeds by shading the soil and outcompeting unwelcome growth. Unlike mulch, ground covers offer year-round appeal, prevent soil erosion, and provide habitat for pollinators. Whether you need coverage under trees, along paths, or in sunny and shaded spots, there's a ground cover suited for every situation. The best ground cover plants to prevent weeds in New Zealand should be fast-growing, dense, and hardy.

Top Ground Cover Plants to Prevent Weeds

1. Acaena novae-zelandiae (Piripiri)

Native and tough, Acaena novae-zelandiae (Piripiri) forms a thick mat of foliage that quickly blankets the ground. With its spreading habit and attractive leaf texture, Piripiri is ideal for open spaces and works wonders at keeping weeds at bay. It’s particularly well-suited to coastal and rocky areas, and requires minimal care once established.

2. Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

The broad, glossy leaves of Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' create a dense cover, effectively stopping weeds from pushing through. Ajuga thrives in both sun and shade, and produces beautiful blue flowers in spring. It's a popular choice for underplanting and shaded borders, where weed growth can be rampant.

3. Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Variegated foliage brings extra visual interest, and Coprosma kirkii 'variegata' offers reliable, evergreen coverage that chokes out weeds. This low-growing shrub suits exposed locations and spreads readily, making it an excellent weed suppressor for larger areas.

4. Coprosma kirkii

For a classic, NZ-native solution, Coprosma kirkii provides excellent weed suppression through its compact habit and ability to adapt to a range of conditions. This species forms tidy mats of foliage, protecting soil and outcompeting weeds year-round.

5. Ajuga 'Port Wine'

With deep, rich foliage tones, Ajuga 'Port Wine' is not only beautiful but also a powerful ground cover for weed control. Its growth habit ensures quick coverage and its resilience means fewer weeds and less garden maintenance.

Establishing Ground Cover for Maximum Weed Prevention

To get the best from your ground cover plants, space them appropriately so they quickly join together and shade the soil completely. Ensure new plantings are well watered and mulched until established. Over time, these plants serve as both ornamentals and weed-fighters, transforming troublesome spots into vibrant, low-maintenance garden areas.

Choose the Best Ground Cover Plants for Your Garden

Investing in the best ground cover plants to prevent weeds ensures your garden thrives with less effort and looks stunning all year. Discover more options and expert advice from our range of ground covers, and enjoy weed-free gardening the natural way.


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.

We love Ficus 'Black Knight' and Rose 'Flower Carpet White' as much as anyone, but part of the fun is discovering Camellia 'Black Tie', Olive 'El Greco', and Rose Raspberry Ice.
–The Plant Company

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