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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.

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 hardy climber provides year-round colour and texture, perfect for brightening shaded or dull garden areas. It’s ideal for use as ground cover, a trailing plant, or for training on trellises and walls.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Arches, Banks, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen, Walls
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
vinca-blue-

Vinca minor Blue (Lesser Periwinkle)

Vinca minor Blue is a variety of the commonly known, Periwinkle, features bright green leaves which are held densely on stems that creep along the ground. Single, blue flowers adorn the plant through spring as it grows to about 20 cm tall and 1 m wide. Vinca minor Blue is commonly used where a hardy groundcover is required.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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
Hedera 'Silver Variegata' dark green and cream variegated foliage.
Hedera 'Silver Variegated'

Hedera ‘Silver Variegated’ is a striking evergreen ivy with silvery-green leaves edged in creamy white. Its elegant variegation brightens shaded...

From$14.95
Pratia puberula alba with masses of white flowers above fine, green foliage.
Pratia pedunculata 'alba'

Pratia pedunculata ‘Alba’ is a beautiful, low-growing groundcover with lush green foliage and a profusion of crisp white, star-shaped flowers from...

From$13.95
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Lockwood de Forest' plants trailing over a wall.
Rosmarinus 'Lockwood de Forest' (Creeping Rosemary)

Rosemary 'Lockwood de Forest' is a creeping or prostrate variety of Rosemary that features petite, blue flowers through winter and spring. These are...

From$22.01
vinca-elizabeth-cran-1
Vinca Elizabeth Cran

Vinca Elizabeth Cran is a variety of the commonly known, Lesser Periwinkle, features small, dark green leaves which are held densely on stems that...

From$20.01
Rosmarinus prostrata trailing over a bank.
Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary)

Rosmarinus prostratus, commonly called Prostrate Rosemary, is a hardy, low-growing shrub with aromatic green foliage and masses of blue flowers from...

From$20.63
taxodium-cascade-falls-
Taxodium distichum 'Cascade Falls'

Taxodium distichum 'Cascade Falls' is a graceful weeping form of Bald Cypress, admired for its cascading branches, soft feathery foliage, and...

From$387.55
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
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$11.95
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
gleditsia-emerald-cascade-
Gleditsia 'Emerald Cascade' (Weeping Honey Locust)

Gleditsia 'Emerald Cascade' is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its graceful cascading branches and fine bright green foliage that creates a...

From$387.55
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
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...

From$16.95
Isotoma fluviatilis plants grow as a ground cover, featuring lush, green foliage and attractive, blue flowers.
Isotoma fluviatilis

Isotoma fluviatilis features small, dark green leaves that give the appearance of a lush, green carpet. The foliage is adorned with masses of small...

From$13.95
helipterum-paper-cascade-
Helipterum Paper Cascade

Helipterum 'Paper Cascade' is a charming flowering plant prized for its masses of papery blooms and cascading growth habit. The colourful flowers...

From$26.15
Grevillea prostrata 'Aurea' yellow flower.
Grevillea prostrata Aurea

Grevillea 'Prostrata Aurea' is a low growing evergreen shrub admired for its finely divided foliage and masses of golden yellow spider flowers that...

From$28.91
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
heterocentron-elegans-4
Heterocentron elegans

Heterocentron elegans (Spanish Shawl) is a charming trailing perennial admired for its masses of vibrant purple pink flowers and small rich green...

From$20.01
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' plants with green foliage and blue flowers growing in a garden bed.
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' (Bugleweed Plant) is a vigorous evergreen groundcover valued for its large glossy dark green leaves and striking blue flower...

From$18.63
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...

From$9.95
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
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$14.95
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$30.29
rose-flower-carpet-gold--1
Rose Flower Carpet Gold

Rose Flower Carpet Gold is a popular ground cover rose that features masses of showy, yellow flowers. Flowering begins in spring and will continue...

From$34.43
rose-flower-carpet-scarlet-
Rose Flower Carpet Scarlet

Rose Flower Carpet Scarlet is a ground cover rose that features masses of showy, scarlet red flowers. The flowers are complemented with glossy, dark...

From$33.81
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
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$14.95
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
Hedera helix 'Golden Ingot'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Hedera, Muehlenbeckia, and Pratia, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Groundcover Plants, and Deciduous Trees.

Search cascading ground cover plants

Why Choose Cascading Ground Cover Plants?

Cascading ground cover plants serve multiple purposes: they suppress weeds, reduce soil erosion, and fill gaps with year-round greenery or seasonal blooms. Their trailing stems naturally spill over borders, raised beds, and retaining walls, creating soft visual transitions and texture. These plants are particularly effective for challenging spaces where mowing or maintenance is difficult, such as steep banks and rocky slopes.

Top Cascading Ground Cover Plant Varieties

If you’re after a ground cover that doesn’t just spread, but gracefully cascades, there are plenty of options suitable for Kiwi gardens:

Planting and Care Tips

Success with cascading ground cover plants depends on selecting the right variety for your site. Plant in well-drained soil and space plants to allow for expansion. Water regularly until established, then reduce as most become drought-tolerant. Prune back as needed to control growth, especially near pathways or lawns. Mulch annually to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Where Cascading Ground Covers Work Best

These plants excel on slopes, banks, raised beds, and over walls. They’re also ideal for container gardens, hanging baskets, and covering unsightly patches beneath trees or along fences. Cascading ground cover plants are perfect for creating a natural, layered look or pairing with upright perennials for extra texture.

Ready to transform your garden with cascading ground cover plants? Explore our range of recommended varieties and give your landscape lasting, effortless beauty.


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.

–The Plant Company

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