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ground cover plants for dry shaded areas

Finding the right ground cover plants for dry shaded areas can transform those tricky corners of your garden into lush, beautiful spaces. Dry shade, often found beneath mature trees, along building foundations, or under eaves, brings a real challenge for gardeners in New Zealand. Traditional lawn and most flowering perennials struggle in these conditions, but the right ground cover plants can thrive where others fail—adding texture, greenery, and even flowers to your shady, moisture-sparse spots.

Carex dissita (Purei) plant growing in a native garden.

Carex dissita (Purei)

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Carex dissita, commonly known as Purei or Forest Sedge, features arching, mid-green leaves that radiate from a central clump. It typically grows to 50 cm tall and the same wide, performing best when planted in shaded areas that do not dry out.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Tolerances: Hardy, Shade, Wet
Garden uses: Borders, Paths & Steps, Ponds
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
Hedera canariensis growing on a wall with green foliage.

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.

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
Fuchsia procumbens plant growing across the ground with green foliage and yellow-green flowers.
Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia)

Fuchsia procumbens, commonly known as Creeping Fuchsia, is a low-growing, NZ native plant valued for its unique yellow-red flowers and ornamental...

From$14.50
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$11.95
vinca-blue-
Vinca minor Blue (Lesser Periwinkle)

Vinca minor Blue is a variety of the commonly known, Periwinkle, features bright green leaves which are held densely on stems that creep along the...

From$20.01
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$14.95
Hedera helix 'Needlepoint' creeping stems with green foliage.
Hedera helix 'Needlepoint'

Hedera helix ‘Needlepoint’ is a refined evergreen ivy featuring small, deeply lobed leaves with a delicate, pointed shape. This compact and elegant...

From$14.95
leptinella-pusilla-
Leptinella pusilla (Purple Brass Buttons)

Leptinella pusilla is a low growing evergreen groundcover valued for its delicate fern like foliage and ability to form a dense carpet of greenery...

From$12.95
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$20.01
Westringia 'Mundi' with lush green-grey foliage and white flowers in a pot.
Westringia 'Mundi'

Westringia 'Mundi' is a variety of the commonly known Coastal Rosemary, and is grown for its lovely foliage and great form. It grows as a spreading...

From$18.95
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$34.43
Muehlenbeckia axillaris growing as a ground cover.
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...

From$20.01
leptinella-dioica-
Leptinella dioica

Leptinella dioica (Bachelor Button Plant) is a low growing evergreen groundcover valued for its fine fern like foliage and ability to create a dense...

From$13.95
Hedera 'Golden Ingot' plant with green and yellow foliage.
Hedera helix 'Golden Ingot'

Hedera helix ‘Golden Ingot’ is a striking evergreen ivy admired for its bright golden-yellow foliage edged with soft green tones. This compact and...

From$16.95
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) growing as a topiary hedge.
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green...

From$20.63
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$18.95
Hedera 'Silver Variegata' dark green and cream variegated foliage.
Hedera 'Silver Variegated'

Hedera ‘Silver Variegated’ is a striking evergreen ivy with silvery-green leaves edged in creamy white. Its elegant variegation brightens shaded...

From$14.95
dymondia-margaretae-2
Dymondia margaretae

Dymondia margaretae (Silver Carpet) is a hardy low growing groundcover valued for its attractive silver green foliage and dense spreading habit. This...

From$13.95
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$13.95
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$18.63
Coprosma acerosa growing on a sand dune.
Coprosma acerosa

Coprosma acerosa, also known as Sand Coprosma or Tātaraheke, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover well-suited to exposed and coastal...

From$7.50
vinca-gertrude-jekyll-1
Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll'

Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll' is a beautiful evergreen groundcover plant admired for its pure white flowers and glossy green foliage. This low...

From$20.01
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga) plants in flower with lush green foliage in a border garden.
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

From$9.95
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$16.95
Grevillea prostrata 'Aurea' yellow flower.
Grevillea prostrata Aurea

Grevillea 'Prostrata Aurea' is a low growing evergreen shrub admired for its finely divided foliage and masses of golden yellow spider flowers that...

From$28.91
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$14.95
Ficus pumila 'Ice Caps' plant with trailling variegated foliage.
Ficus 'Ice Caps'

Ficus 'Ice Caps' is a variety of Creeping Fig that features variegated leaves. It carries small, heart-shaped leaves which are light green with a...

From$9.95
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Lockwood de Forest' plants trailing over a wall.
Rosmarinus 'Lockwood de Forest' (Creeping Rosemary)

Rosemary 'Lockwood de Forest' is a creeping or prostrate variety of Rosemary that features petite, blue flowers through winter and spring. These are...

From$22.01
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$21.39
heterocentron-elegans-4
Heterocentron elegans

Heterocentron elegans (Spanish Shawl) is a charming trailing perennial admired for its masses of vibrant purple pink flowers and small rich green...

From$20.01
Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf or mini Mondo Grass grown for its delicate, dark green foliage. Flower spikes are borne in summer and bear...

From$6.95
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$14.95
Carex dissita (Purei)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Carex, Coprosma, and Fuchsia, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Grasses, and Groundcover Plants.

Search ground cover plants for dry shaded areas

Why choose ground covers for dry shade?

Ground cover plants for dry shaded areas are valued for their resilience and low maintenance needs. They help suppress weeds, conserve soil moisture, and provide a neat, carpet-like effect. Many are evergreen, keeping your garden vibrant year-round. Unlike annuals or turf, these plants don't require frequent watering or mowing, making them ideal for busy gardeners or drought-prone locations.

Top ground cover plants for dry shaded areas in New Zealand

When selecting ground cover plants, look for varieties adapted to both shade and dry soils. Here are some exceptional options for local conditions:

Hedera canariensis

A popular choice for shaded areas, Hedera canariensis, also known as Canary Island Ivy, thrives in dry shade. Its vibrant, large leaves create dense coverage, and it handles neglect and poor soils with ease. Perfect for suppressing weeds along fence lines or beneath trees, this hardy ground cover can also climb if left unpruned.

Grevillea Gaudichaudii (Grevillea x gaudichaudii)

Looking for a flowering ground cover in a difficult spot? Grevillea Gaudichaudii (Grevillea x gaudichaudii) offers lovely reddish-purple flowers and a carpet of finely divided foliage. It's drought-tolerant, perfect for dry shaded areas, and attracts native birds.

Ajuga 'Port Wine'

For a low-growing ground cover with colourful foliage, Ajuga 'Port Wine' is ideal. It flourishes in dry shade, spreading rapidly with rich burgundy leaves and vibrant blue flower spikes in spring. Ajuga is excellent for edging beds or covering bare patches under deciduous trees.

Coprosma kirkii

A New Zealand native, Coprosma kirkii is perfectly adapted to our climate. This evergreen ground cover thrives in dry shaded areas, with small glossy leaves and a neat, spreading habit. It’s a sturdy, reliable option for suppressed or compacted soils under established trees.

Pachysandra terminalis

If you need a classic, fuss-free solution, Pachysandra terminalis is a fantastic candidate for ground cover plants for dry shaded areas. Pachysandra forms a dense mat of shiny, deep green leaves and copes well with both drought and low light. It's an excellent pick for heavily shaded areas around buildings or pathways.

Tips for planting ground cover plants in dry shade

Start by improving the soil with compost if you can, even in tough spots. Mulch around newly planted ground covers to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly until established, but once your ground cover plants for dry shaded areas are settled, they'll need little ongoing care. Grouping compatible varieties or natives can create a more cohesive and resilient effect.

Transform your garden's dry, shady areas with the right ground covers, and enjoy a greener, healthier landscape with far less effort. Explore our full range to find the perfect match for your garden’s needs.


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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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