Are you searching for the best ground cover plants for dry soil? If your garden beds are on the sunny side or you’re facing patchy, thirsty spots where nothing seems to grow, you’re not alone. Many New Zealand gardeners deal with dry, free-draining soils—whether on a sandy coastal section or under established trees. Thankfully, there’s a fantastic range of resilient ground cover plants for dry soil that are not only tough but also stunning, transforming tricky areas into lush, low-maintenance features.

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green leaves that create dense coverage. Growing up to 4 m wide and 2 m high, it’s perfect for fences, banks, or walls. Pohuehue tolerates wind, salt spray, and dry conditions once established. Small, white flowers are followed by black berries, attracting birds and making it an excellent choice for both erosion control and biodiversity.
From $20.18

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This dependable plant adds strong texture and structure to New Zealand gardens throughout the year. The bold foliage forms dense clumps that look attractive even when not in bloom. Bergenia cordifolia is an excellent choice for gardeners wanting a tough low maintenance perennial that delivers colour and reliable garden performance.
From $21.53
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