good ground cover plants

Why Choose Good Ground Cover Plants?

Good ground cover plants do more than just look attractive – they protect the soil from erosion, act as living mulch, regulate soil temperature, and help retain moisture. Many varieties are also ideal for slopes and hard-to-mow areas. For busy gardeners, ground covers can mean less weeding and less watering, creating an easy-care garden with year-round interest.

Top Varieties to Try

When it comes to selecting good ground cover plants, it’s important to match the plant to your site’s conditions. Here are some excellent choices available at our nursery:

Grevillea Gaudichaudii (Grevillea x gaudichaudii)

This tough, fast-growing ground cover features striking dark green foliage with vivid reddish new growth. Grevillea Gaudichaudii (Grevillea x gaudichaudii) produces rich burgundy flowers in spring and summer, attracting birds and adding colour to sunny, dry spots.

Grevillea Bronze Rambler (Groundcover Grevillea)

Known for its trailing, bronze-toned leaves, Grevillea Bronze Rambler (Groundcover Grevillea) creates a dense, weed-suppressing mat. It's ideal for sun-drenched banks or under larger shrubs where a low-growing, textural feature is desired.

Ajuga reptans variegata

If you’re looking for colour and shade tolerance, Ajuga reptans variegata is a superb choice. Its glossy, variegated leaves and blue flower spikes make it popular for borders and shady nooks. It spreads readily, covering bare soil with minimal care.

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

This native evergreen, Coprosma kirkii 'variegata', is valued for its tough, low-growing habit and silvery-variegated leaves. It thrives in coastal and exposed sites, making it both practical and highly ornamental.

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

For dramatic foliage and reliable coverage, Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' offers broad bronze-green leaves and vivid blue flower spikes each spring. It’s suited to mixed beds, under trees, or where a splash of colour is needed.

How to Plant and Care for Ground Covers

Plant your chosen ground covers in well-prepared soil for best results. Space them according to their mature spread, keep them well-watered until established, and top up mulch annually to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Most good ground cover plants are low maintenance once established, rewarding you with years of beautiful, living coverage.

Explore our nursery’s full range to discover even more options for transforming your garden with good ground cover plants. The right selection will give you a greener, healthier, and easier-care landscape all year round.