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Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
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ground cover plants for sandy soil

Struggling to find the right ground cover plants for sandy soil in your New Zealand garden? Sandy soil poses unique challenges, such as poor water retention and low nutrients, but with the right selection, you can easily enjoy a lush, low-maintenance landscape. Ground cover plants adapted to dry, sandy conditions not only help prevent erosion—they also suppress weeds and add year-round beauty. Whether you’re looking for silver foliage, vibrant flowers, or hardy, creeping habits, several standout species are perfectly suited for sandy areas.

Coprosma acerosa

Coprosma acerosa, also known as Sand Coprosma or Tātaraheke, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover well-suited to exposed and coastal environments. It features dense, tangled, prostrate growth with delicate, needle-like foliage in shades of green to bronze.

Buy Coprosma acerosa

From $7.50

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 30 cm

Spread: 1.50 m

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native

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 with cream. This evergreen plant provides year round colour and texture while suppressing weeds and covering bare ground.

Buy Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

From $16.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 60 cm

Spread: 1.50 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock

Why Choose Ground Cover Plants for Sandy Soil?

Ground cover plants for sandy soil are vital for stabilising loose ground, improving moisture retention, and introducing visual interest with minimal fuss. Unlike thirsty lawns or demanding perennials, these ground covers can handle drought, heat, and exposure—making them a sustainable choice for difficult spaces like coastal gardens, sandy slopes, and open suntraps.

Top Ground Cover Plants for Sandy Soil

When choosing ground cover for sandy soils, it’s important to look for species known for resilience, adaptability, and fast spread. Here are some of our favourite, proven performers:

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Renowned for its soft, silver foliage, Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant) thrives in sandy, free-draining soils. Its velvety leaves create a lovely, silvery carpet that reflects sunlight and reduces water loss, making it ideal for hot, exposed sites.

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

This hardy New Zealand native, Coprosma kirkii 'variegata', excels in poor, sandy ground. Its low, creeping habit and attractive variegated leaves form a dense mat, providing beauty and erosion control year-round.

Cerastium 'Snow in Summer'

If you love a bright, flowering display, Cerastium 'Snow in Summer' is a must. This tough ground cover produces masses of white blooms in late spring, contrasting beautifully with its silvery foliage—making it a popular choice for dry, sandy banks or borders.

Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

Known for its wiry stems and small, bead-like leaves, Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine) handles exposed, sandy sites with ease. It’s a versatile native selection that weaves through rocks, over walls, and fills bare patches, creating a dynamic, textural ground cover.

Helichrysum argyrophyllum

For those after a spreading, drought-tolerant ground cover with luminous, silvery hues, Helichrysum argyrophyllum is a standout. Its soft, trailing foliage and yellow flowers brighten up dry, sandy corners with almost no fuss.

Planting and Care Tips

To get the best from your ground cover plants for sandy soil, enrich the soil with organic matter before planting, and water well until established. Mulching helps conserve moisture and further reduces weed competition. Once settled in, these hardy varieties will thrive with little intervention—perfect for coastal gardens, holiday homes, or any spot where sandy soil poses a challenge.

Browse our full collection of ground covers or explore the species above to transform your sandy soil into a resilient, beautiful landscape.

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.

ground cover plants for sandy soil

Coprosma acerosa

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

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Why Choose Ground Cover Plants for Sandy Soil?