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fast ground cover plants

Looking for fast ground cover plants to quickly transform your garden? Whether you need to suppress weeds, stabilise soil, or simply add a lush carpet of green, the right ground cover can make all the difference. Rapid-growing ground covers are ideal for New Zealand’s varied conditions, providing quick results and year-round charm. Discover the best options for brightening up bare patches, covering difficult slopes, or creating pathways through your garden, all while saving time and reducing maintenance.

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

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

5 from 1 customers

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' (Bugleweed Plant) is a vigorous evergreen groundcover valued for its large glossy dark green leaves and striking blue flower spikes in spring. This robust variety performs exceptionally well in New Zealand gardens and is ideal for fast ground coverage, borders, and underplanting.

From $18.63

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 25 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern
Hedera canariensis growing on a wall with green foliage.

Hedera canariensis

5 from 1 customers

Hedera canariensis, commonly known as Canary Island Ivy, is a vigorous evergreen climber valued for its large, glossy green leaves and rapid growth. Ideal for covering fences, walls, and pergolas, it also makes an excellent ground cover for shaded or difficult areas.

From $17.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 30.00 m
Spread: 30.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Containers, Screening, Walls
Garden styles: Coastal, Japanese, Mediterranean
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
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 canariensis variegata green and cream foliage.
Hedera canariensis Variegata

Hedera canariensis ‘Variegata’ is a striking evergreen climber known for its large, glossy green leaves edged with creamy-white variegation. This...

From$14.95
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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-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
Ficus pumila 'Ice Caps' plant with trailling variegated foliage.
Ficus 'Ice Caps'

Ficus 'Ice Caps' is a variety of Creeping Fig that features variegated leaves. It carries small, heart-shaped leaves which are light green with a...

From$9.95
Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra Green Allure

Lomandra Green Allure is widely used in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted as a ground cover or on a bank, included in...

From$19.25
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$16.95
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
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
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
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
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
Dymondia margaretae growing between pavers and featuring small, grey foliage.
Dymondia margaretae

Dymondia margaretae (Silver Carpet) is a hardy low growing groundcover valued for its attractive silver green foliage and dense spreading habit. This...

From$13.95
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
leptinella-pusilla-
Leptinella pusilla (Purple Brass Buttons)

Leptinella pusilla is a low growing evergreen groundcover valued for its delicate fern like foliage and ability to form a dense carpet of greenery...

From$12.95
clianthus-puniceus-
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
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
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.
Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$16.49
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
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.51 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$23.04
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acaena, Ajuga, and Coprosma, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, and Groundcover Plants.

Search fast ground cover plants

Why Choose Fast Ground Cover Plants?

Fast ground cover plants are a smart solution for gardeners wanting swift results and low-maintenance landscaping. These hardworking plants form thick mats or spreads, effectively preventing erosion and suppressing unwanted weeds. With the right selection, you’ll achieve a vibrant garden even in areas where turf grass or larger shrubs may struggle to thrive. Ground covers are perfect for filling gaps under trees, spilling over walls, or softening the edges of paths and borders.

Top Varieties for Rapid Coverage

Some of the most popular fast ground cover plants in New Zealand are chosen for their vigour, adaptability, and year-round visual appeal.

How to Plant and Care for Fast Ground Covers

To get the best performance from your fast ground cover plants, start by preparing the soil—clear away weeds and amend with compost for healthier growth. Space your plants according to their mature spread. Water well until established, then mulch to retain moisture and suppress new weeds. Most fast ground covers require little ongoing care, making them perfect for both busy gardeners and large landscapes.

Fast Solutions for Every Garden

Fast ground cover plants offer a simple way to achieve a lush garden or solve tricky landscaping challenges in New Zealand. Whether you’re covering a sunny slope with Grevillea Bronze Rambler (Groundcover Grevillea), greening a shaded corner with Ajuga reptans variegata, or adding native softness with Pratia angulata, our range of fast-growing ground covers ensures you’ll find just the right plant for every situation. Explore our full selection and start greening your garden in no time.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
From trusted favourites like Griselinia 'Canterbury' and Austrocylindropuntia vestita (Furry Cactus) to fresh faces like Camellia 'Yuletide', Azalea 'Dr Van Slyieken' (Azalea Dr Van Slyieken), and Cuphea 'Mad Hatter' — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

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