ground cover plants for clay soil nz
Finding the right ground cover plants for clay soil NZ gardeners can be challenging, but there are fantastic options available to transform heavy, sticky soils into beautiful, low-maintenance green carpets. Many New Zealand gardens feature clay soils, which can be rich in nutrients but prone to waterlogging and compaction. The good news is that a selection of tough, attractive ground cover plants thrive in clay, suppressing weeds, stabilising slopes, and adding texture and colour. With the right species, you can create a resilient and vibrant ground layer even in the most difficult spots.
Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)
Muehlenbeckia axillaris, commonly known as Creeping Wire Vine, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover with wiry stems and small, dark green leaves. It forms a dense, mat-like spread ideal for covering banks, rockeries, or underplanting. Thriving in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, it tolerates drought, wind, and coastal conditions once established. Its low-growing habit, adaptability, and resilience make it a popular, low-maintenance option for a wide range of garden settings.
Carpodetus serratus prostrata
Carpodetus serratus prostrata, commonly known as prostrate Marble Leaf or prostrate Putaputaweta, is a low-growing, NZ native shrub that is often used as a groundcover. Its spreading and somewhat tangled branches carry small leaves which are variegated green and lime green as it grows to 50 cm tall and 1 m wide. Carpodetus serratus prostrata is ideal for planting around the base of larger trees and shrubs, as a groundcover on damp sites, or for inclusion in border plantings.
From $26.93
