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hardy ground cover plants

Hardy ground cover plants are a game-changer for Kiwi gardens, providing year-round colour, weed suppression, and effortless beauty with less maintenance. Designed to thrive in New Zealand’s diverse climates, these tough performers protect your soil, tackle erosion, and add instant appeal to every landscape. If you’re searching for robust ground covers that stand up to challenging conditions, our expert range has you covered—whether you need lush foliage for sunny slopes, trailing greenery for rockeries, or low-care solutions for large spaces. Discover some of our top recommendations and tips below for creating a resilient, low-maintenance oasis.

Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.

Coprosma kirkii

5 from 3 customers

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy green leaves. This evergreen plant spreads across the ground, suppressing weeds and providing year round greenery.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 25 cm
Spread: 2.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Shade, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

5 from 1 customers

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.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 25 cm
Spread: 2.50 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
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$20.63
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
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$65.55
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
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
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
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Vinca 'Elizabeth Cran'

Vinca 'Elizabeth Cran' is an attractive evergreen perennial valued for its rich green foliage, spreading habit, and colourful seasonal flowers. Its...

From$20.01
Cerastium tomentosum ground cover with grey foliage and elegant white flowers.
Cerastium tomentosum

Cerastium tomentosum is an herbaceous perennial featuring tiny, white, star shaped flowers through spring and summer. These are complemented with...

From$20.01
Coprosma 'Flat Freddy' ground cover shrub with brown stems and leaves.
Coprosma 'Flat Freddy'

Coprosma 'Flat Freddy' is a unique ground covering evergreen shrub valued for its rich chocolate brown foliage and naturally spreading form. Well...

From$17.95
Coprosma 'Hawera' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its fine foliage and excellent tolerance to coastal conditions. The...

From$17.95
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
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$17.95
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Rubus pentalobus (Creeping Raspberry)

Rubus pentalobus is a hardy, low growing groundcover known for its attractive textured foliage, small white flowers, and bright red berries. This...

From$35.81
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
Fuchsia procumbens plant growing across the ground with green foliage and yellow-green flowers.
Fuchsia procumbens (Climbing 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$14.95
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$18.95
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
Ophiopogon planiscapus

Ophiopogon planiscapus, commonly known as Dwarf Lilyturf, is a Mondo grass grown for its fine, dark green foliage and short stature. The foliage is...

From$6.95
A border planting of Rose 'Flower Carpet Gold' with masses of yellow flowers.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Gold'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Gold' is a low growing ground cover rose that delivers a bright display of golden yellow blooms across a long flowering season...

From$34.43
Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet' plants with red flowers above lush, green foliage.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet' is a low growing ground cover rose that produces a bold display of scarlet red flowers over a long season. Its spreading...

From$33.81
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Black Polythene - 1 m Wide

Black Polythene - 1 m Wide is a practical plastic sheeting option for garden, nursery, and landscaping applications. The black finish helps block...

From$138.40
Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink' stunning pink flowers.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink' is a low growing ground cover rose loved for its masses of clear pink flowers, spreading habit, and dependable garden...

From$34.43
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.63
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
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Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
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Native Plant Fertiliser

Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

From$16.95
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Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
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10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
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Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

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5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

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Coprosma kirkii

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search hardy ground cover plants

Why Choose Hardy Ground Cover Plants?

Selecting hardy ground cover plants is the smart approach for both beginner and experienced gardeners. These versatile plants establish quickly to smother unwanted weeds and prevent soil erosion—critical for sloping sections or exposed sites. Many options offer year-round visual interest and can even handle poor soils or coastal conditions, reducing the need for fertilisers and constant watering. By using robust ground covers, you’ll save time and keep your garden looking tidy and healthy in every season.

Top Hardy Ground Cover Choices

Grevillea Gaudichaudii (Grevillea x gaudichaudii)

For bold foliage and striking flowers, consider Grevillea Gaudichaudii (Grevillea x gaudichaudii). This Australian native flourishes in tough NZ conditions, forming a dense mat of burgundy foliage and producing nectar-rich crimson blooms that attract native birds and pollinators.

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

After something that really brightens semi-shaded areas? Coprosma kirkii 'variegata' is your answer. Its creamy-edged leaves create a soft, textural carpet and bring life to even the trickiest sites.

Coprosma kirkii

The straight species, Coprosma kirkii, is a native classic, adored for its spreading habit and resilience. It’s an ideal solution for mass planting, suppressing weeds and stabilising banks in both sun and part-shade.

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

If you need unbeatable toughness on coastal or windy plots, look to Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue). Its wiry stems weave into a thick, tangled mat, thriving in poor soils where other plants struggle. Pohuehue is often used for sand dune restoration, but it’s just as effective in home gardens.

Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

For a fine-textured ground cover with unique character, Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine) forms dense mats along pathways, under trees, or between stepping stones. Its wiry stems are ultra-tough, making it one of the best hardy ground cover plants for challenging spots.

Planting and Care Tips

For best results, plant hardy ground cover plants in weed-free soil and water regularly until established. Most tough ground covers suit a range of soils and are generally pest-resistant, but regular mulching will help them settle faster and suppress stray weeds. Prune as needed to encourage thicker growth or keep them in bounds, and watch as your garden becomes a low-care, evergreen tapestry.

Explore our full range of hardy ground cover plants to transform your outdoor space with lasting beauty, protection, and less work all year round.


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.

We love Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) and Gardenia radicans as much as anyone, but part of the fun is discovering Griselinia littoralis, Hibiscus syriacus 'Coelestis', and Olive 'Frantoio'.
–The Plant Company

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