Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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hardy ground cover plants full sun

Searching for hardy ground cover plants full sun? If you’re looking to transform a sunny spot in your garden with robust, low-maintenance ground covers, you’ve come to the right place. New Zealand gardeners know the importance of choosing ground cover plants that not only endure full sun but also thrive despite challenging conditions. Whether you need erosion control, weed suppression, or simply want to create a lush, beautiful landscape, hardy ground cover plants are the solution. Below, discover top plant choices, expert tips, and how to achieve a vibrant, sun-loving ground cover garden that lasts.

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter', commonly known as Pinatoro or the NZ Daphne plant, is a mat-forming, NZ native, ground cover plant. It has small, blue foliage which becomes adorned with fragrant, white flowers in spring and results in white berries. This evergreen typically grows to 10 cm tall and 50 cm wide. Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' is commonly used as a groundcover, added to coastal plantings, included in rock gardens, planted around outdoor living areas, grown on a bank, or positioned so it can spill out over a path or over a wall.

Buy Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

From $24.98

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 10 cm

Spread: 50 cm

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

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

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

Grevillea Gaudichaudii (Grevillea x gaudichaudii)

Grevillea Gaudichaudii, commonly known as Spider Flower, is a hardy and attractive groundcover plant. Attractive, dark green and purple tinted foliage has a lush and fresh appearance and is held on prostrate branches. Showy, spider-like, burgundy-coloured flowers are produced from spring through autumn as it grows to 30 cm tall and 2 m wide. Grevillea Gaudichaudii is commonly used as a groundcover, included in a mixed planting, added to a tropical garden, maintained in a container, or mass planted around larger trees or on a bank. It looks amazing when allowed to cascade over walls and rocks.

Buy Grevillea Gaudichaudii (Grevillea x gaudichaudii)

From $28.28

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 30 cm

Spread: 2.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Autumn, Winter

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy

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

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

Why Choose Hardy Ground Cover Plants for Full Sun?

Full sun areas can be tough for some plants, but the right hardy ground cover plants will excel, offering evergreen foliage, resilience, and year-round interest. These plants help cool the soil, reduce water loss, suppress weeds, and add beauty with their varied textures and colours. Hardy ground cover plants full sun are chosen for their ability to withstand heat, drought, and exposure, making them perfect for New Zealand’s coastal, suburban, and rural gardens.

Top Hardy Ground Cover Plants for Full Sun

1. Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' is a standout native ground cover, valued for its compact habit and attractive blue-green foliage. It forms dense mats, smothering weeds and thriving in full sun, coastal, and dry sites. Its delicate white flowers are a bonus for pollinators.

2. Grevillea Gaudichaudii (Grevillea x gaudichaudii)

For bold, spreading cover, Grevillea Gaudichaudii brings handsome, deeply lobed leaves and showy crimson blooms. Adapted to New Zealand conditions, this Australian native hybrid copes superbly in full sun and tough soils, attracting birds and helping with erosion.

3. Coprosma Hawera (Sand Coprosma)

Native and coastal-tolerant, Coprosma Hawera (Sand Coprosma) is prized for its fine, bright green foliage and compact growth. This hardy ground cover plant loves full sun and is ideal for difficult sandy or exposed spots, creating a neat, attractive carpet.

4. Pimelea mimosa

For a low-growing option with elegant leaves and clusters of soft white flowers, Pimelea mimosa thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. It’s especially effective in rock gardens, banks, and open spaces needing reliable ground cover.

5. Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

If you want a versatile native with wiry stems, Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is ideal. It tolerates wind, salt, intense sun, and makes an excellent ground cover for coastal gardens and challenging sites, quickly forming dense, attractive greenery.

Success Tips for Planting Ground Covers in Full Sun

Prepare the soil: Ensure good drainage and remove competing weeds before planting.
Space wisely: Allow plants room to grow and spread.
Mulch after planting: Mulching conserves moisture and suppresses weeds.
Water wisely: Establish hardy ground cover plants with regular watering; most will become drought-tolerant.
Trim as needed: Occasional pruning keeps ground covers tidy and encourages new growth.

Discover the Best Hardy Ground Covers for NZ Gardens

Embrace hardy ground cover plants full sun for enduring beauty, healthier soil, and easier maintenance. Browse our wide range of natives and exotics, including Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter', Coprosma Hawera, Grevillea Gaudichaudii, Pimelea mimosa, and Muehlenbeckia complexa. Choose the perfect plant for your sunny spot and enjoy a garden that flourishes 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.