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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 reptans 'Variegata' plants with variegated foliage and blue flowers.

Ajuga reptans variegata

Ajuga reptans 'Variegata' is a quick-growing, ground-covering plant that features colourful leaves that are variegated green and cream. In spring, it produces showy clusters of blue flowers as it grows to 20 cm in height and 50 cm in width. Ajuga reptans' Variegata' is an excellent variety for quickly covering large areas and is often used in borders, allowed to spill out over a path, planted around outdoor living areas, or maintained in a container.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Woodland
Pratia angulata (Panakenake) plants growing as a dense ground cover with lush green leaves and pretty, white flowers.

Pratia angulata

5 from 3 customers

Pratia angulata, commonly known as Panakenake, is a fast-growing, NZ native ground cover plant. It has small, rounded, green leaves that are held densely as it grows to 10 cm tall and 2 m wide. It bears masses of white flowers in spring, which are followed by red-purple berries in autumn. Pratia angulata is an easy-to-grow plant commonly used as an attractive ground cover, planted around rocks, or allowed to trail over the edge of a small wall. It is also well-suited to trailing over the sides of a pot.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
Westringia Low Horizon with lush grey foliage as a groundcover plant.

Westringia Low Horizon

Westringia 'Low Horizon' is a variety of the commonly known Coastal Rosemary, and is a fast-growing shrub. It features narrow grey-green leaves held...

From$20.18
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$18.23
Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty' plants with elegant blue flowers and lush green leaves growing as a ground cover.

Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty'

Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty' (Carpet Bugle) is a vigorous evergreen groundcover valued for its large glossy green leaves flushed with bronze and its...

From$18.23
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$20.18
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$20.18
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$21.53
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$19.58
Ajuga 'Pink Elf' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery featuring with elegant spikes carrying pink flowers.

Ajuga 'Pink Elf'

Ajuga 'Pink Elf' is a charming ground cover that brings soft pink flower spikes and compact, vibrant foliage to NZ gardens. This petite and hardy...

From$18.23
Ajuga 'Port Wine' plant in a pot for sale at The Plant Company.

Ajuga 'Port Wine'

Ajuga 'Port Wine' brings deep wine coloured foliage and vivid blue flower spikes to NZ gardens, creating a rich tapestry of colour in shaded and semi...

From$18.23
pimelea-mimosa--1

Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is a mat forming, NZ native, ground covering plant. It has soft, blue-grey leaves which are held on stems that tend to climb over...

From$23.63
bergenia-cordifolia-3

Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
Coprosma 'Flat Freddy' ground cover shrub with brown stems and leaves.

Coprosma 'Flat Freddy'

Coprosma 'Flat Freddy' is a unique ground covering evergreen shrub valued for its rich chocolate brown foliage and naturally spreading form. Well...

From$21.53
helichrysum-petiolare--3

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long...

From$24.23
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$33.68
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$25.58
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$20.93
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$19.58
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$20.18
A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.

Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

Coprosma repens, also known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a robust New Zealand native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Growing up to 3...

From$20.18
Selliera 'Sundrops' plant with variegated yellow and green, fleshy leaves.

Selliera 'Sundrops'

Selliera 'Sundrops' is a tough low growing ground cover valued for its glossy green foliage and cheerful yellow daisy flowers that appear through the...

From$19.58
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$343.89
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$5.00
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$32.33
5-litre-plant-pots-

5 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$68.75
3-litre-plant-pots-

3.5 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$42.50
15-litre-plant-pots-

1.5 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$23.75
plant-pots-

2.5 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$32.50
35-litre-planter-bags-4

35L Planter Bags (Growing Bags)

These 35L planter bags have two handles and hold 35 litres of growing media. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling and...

From$7.00
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$20.00
pb-65-planter-bags-

PB6.5 Planter Bags (Grow Bags On Line)

These PB6.5 planter bags are 100 microns thick and hold 3.6 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$37.70
Ajuga reptans variegata

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Ajuga, Bergenia, Coprosma, Gardenia, Hedera, Helichrysum, Isotoma, Juniperus, Mint, Pimelea, Pratia, Sedum, Selliera, Sorbus, Stromanthe Vinca and Westringia, or related Categories - Plant pots, Planter Bags, Evergreen Climbers, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs Succulents and Deciduous Trees.

Search fast growing ground cover plants nz

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

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.

–The Plant Company

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