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Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
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fast growing ground cover plants nz

Looking for fast growing ground cover plants in NZ? Whether you’re revamping a bank, taming a tricky slope, or filling up bare patches in your garden, these plants are the secret to transforming spaces in no time. Fast growing ground covers spread rapidly, suppress weeds, and can help prevent soil erosion, making them ideal for New Zealand’s diverse landscapes. From sun-loving mat-formers to hardy shade-dwellers and resilient trailing varieties, there’s a perfect ground cover for every part of your garden. Read on to discover some of the best fast growing options and expert tips for successful planting.

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 spikes in spring. This robust variety performs exceptionally well in New Zealand gardens and is ideal for fast ground coverage, borders, and underplanting.

Buy Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

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

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.

Buy Hedera canariensis

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

Why Choose Fast Growing Ground Cover Plants in NZ?

Fast growing ground cover plants are a gardener’s shortcut to quick results. They create a lush, weed-suppressing carpet within a single season, reducing the need to mulch or repeatedly weed. In NZ gardens, these ground covers protect soil from heavy rain, improve moisture retention, and fill awkward gaps where lawns struggle. Many are evergreen or semi-evergreen, ensuring your garden looks great all year round with minimal maintenance.

Top Fast Growing Ground Cover Plants for NZ Gardens

Pratia angulata

One of New Zealand’s own, Pratia angulata is a star performer for fast coverage on banks, in shaded areas, and even between pavers. This native ground cover quickly forms a dense mat of fresh green foliage, dotted with tiny white flowers in late spring, followed by attractive berries. It tolerates damp sites and light foot traffic, making it versatile and hard-working.

Westringia ‘Low Horizon’

Westringia Low Horizon offers rapid ground hugging growth with excellent drought tolerance. Its compact form hugs the ground and produces soft white flowers throughout much of the year. Ideal for coastal gardens and sunny, exposed sites, this Australian native is also wind-hardy and low maintenance, thriving where other plants may struggle.

Ajuga ‘Catlins Giant’ and Ajuga ‘Jungle Beauty’

For shadier garden beds and under trees, Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' and Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty' are unbeatable fast growing ground cover plants in NZ gardens. Their broad, bronze-tinged leaves create a carpet of rich colour, while bold blue flower spikes bring dramatic effect from late spring through early summer. Ajugas are perfect for challenging, heavily shaded sites where lawns won’t grow.

Hedera canariensis Variegata

Hedera canariensis Variegata makes a fast, attractive ground cover for large areas, especially where you need quick results on slopes or tricky corners. Its striking variegated leaves brighten shady spots and make it a popular choice for low-maintenance, weed-suppressing coverage.

Planting Tips for Fast Growing Ground Covers

Prepare the soil by removing weeds and adding compost for a quick start.
Space your ground covers according to their mature spread for even coverage.
Water new plantings well until established, then most fast growing varieties will thrive with minimal care.
Prune or trim as needed to encourage dense growth and keep plants within their bounds.

Choosing fast growing ground cover plants in NZ doesn’t just bring instant greenery — it’s a long-term investment in a beautiful, low maintenance garden. Explore more options to find the right plant for your site, and enjoy a lush, weed-free landscape 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.

fast growing ground cover plants nz

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

Hedera canariensis

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Why Choose Fast Growing Ground Cover Plants in NZ?