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fast growing ground cover plants

Looking for fast growing ground cover plants to transform your garden quickly and effortlessly? Whether you want to fill bare spots, suppress weeds, or create lush carpeted areas, choosing the right ground cover can make all the difference. Fast growing ground cover plants bring instant, low-maintenance beauty to New Zealand gardens, providing effective soil erosion control, reducing garden chores, and even attracting beneficial wildlife. Explore the best options for sunny or shaded sites, sloped terrain, or pathways and borders to enjoy a thriving and versatile landscape in no time.

Hedera canariensis variegata green and cream foliage.

Hedera canariensis Variegata

5 from 2 customers

Hedera canariensis ‘Variegata’ is a striking evergreen climber known for its large, glossy green leaves edged with creamy-white variegation. This hardy and fast-growing ivy adds a touch of elegance and brightness to New Zealand gardens.

From $14.95

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, Banks, Containers, Screening, Walls
Garden styles: Coastal, Japanese, Mediterranean
Hedera helix 'Needlepoint' creeping stems with green foliage.

Hedera helix 'Needlepoint'

5 from 2 customers

Hedera helix ‘Needlepoint’ is a refined evergreen ivy featuring small, deeply lobed leaves with a delicate, pointed shape. This compact and elegant variety provides year-round greenery and texture, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

From $14.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening, Walls
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern
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$16.95
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$17.95
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$17.95
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga) plants in flower with lush green foliage in a border garden.
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

From$9.95
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
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$19.50
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
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
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
Carex solandri grass in a NZ native planting.
Carex solandri

Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and...

From$11.50
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
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
black-polythene-1-m-wide-
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
pb-8-planter-bags-1
PB8 Planter Bags (Mushroom Grow Bags)

PB8 Planter Bags are a practical and economical option for growing larger trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other established nursery stock...

From$51.69
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
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
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
pb-40-planter-bags-
PB40 Planter Bags (Tomato Grow Bag)

PB40 Planter Bags are a durable and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$121.64
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser

Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

From$16.95
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
zamioculcas-black-knight-
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
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 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$5.76
Hedera canariensis Variegata

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search fast growing ground cover plants

Why Choose Fast Growing Ground Cover Plants?

Fast growing ground cover plants are ideal for gardeners who need quick results. These vigorous spreaders rapidly blanket the soil, helping prevent weed growth and retaining vital moisture in your garden beds. They’re perfect for stabilising hillsides, tackling difficult-to-mow spaces, or softening the edges of pathways. With a wide range of foliage colours, flowering types, and growth habits available, you can easily find a ground cover to match your garden’s aesthetic while solving landscaping challenges.

Top Fast Growing Ground Cover Plants for New Zealand Gardens

Several exceptional fast growing ground cover plants thrive in New Zealand conditions. Among native choices, Pratia angulata is a standout, offering glossy green leaves and masses of dainty white star-shaped flowers in spring and summer. This ground cover grows quickly in both sun and partial shade, making it a reliable option for covering tricky spots or underplanting larger shrubs.

For gardeners after a touch of colour and texture, variegated options like Ajuga reptans variegata deliver attractive foliage—vivid green leaves highlighted with creamy white—that spreads swiftly. Ajugas are renowned for their hardiness, and gaps in your border quickly disappear with Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty', producing deep blue flower spikes above dark, glossy leaves. If you need to cover even larger areas, Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' provides bold foliage and spreading power for speedy ground coverage in full or part shade.

For a more architectural look, Westringia Low Horizon offers neat, grey-green foliage and small white flowers. This fast growing ground cover plant is ideal for coastal gardens or windy sites, as it’s naturally tolerant of poor soils, salt spray, and exposure—while remaining compact and manageable.

Tips for Establishing Fast Growing Ground Cover Plants

To get the most from your fast growing ground cover plants, start by preparing the soil thoroughly—clear weeds and add compost to promote healthy root growth. Plant at the recommended spacing for each species to ensure rapid coverage and water regularly until established. Mulching between plants helps retain moisture and stops weeds from competing while your ground cover is filling in. Pruning or pinching back tips encourages denser growth and a tidier appearance.

Ground Covers for Every Garden Situation

Whether you’re covering a slope, brightening shady corners, or softening paved areas, fast growing ground cover plants are a smart solution for Kiwi gardens. With beautiful foliage, reliable performance, and low upkeep, you’ll enjoy a vibrant, lush carpet in record time. Browse our collection and consider standout options like Pratia angulata, Ajuga reptans variegata, and Westringia Low Horizon to transform your landscape quickly and with stunning results.

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.
It’s easy to fall for Ficus benjamina variegata and Azara microphylla, but Hemerocallis 'Wee William Mullis', Gardenia 'Lace Lady', and Michelia 'Paton Pink' offer a different kind of delight.
–The Plant Company

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