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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.

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 environments. It features dense, tangled, prostrate growth with delicate, needle-like foliage in shades of green to bronze.

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
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' plants with fine and elegant, blue foliage.

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

5 from 1 customers

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.

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
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$17.95
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 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$17.95
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
Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine) as a ground cover showing lush foliage and white flowers.
Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine)

Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is a versatile, evergreen climber renowned for its glossy green leaves and masses of highly fragrant white...

From$29.95
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$65.55
Phlox 'Daniel' plant covered in pink flowers.
Phlox 'Daniel'

Phlox 'Daniel' is a stunning evergreen perennial admired for its masses of pure white star shaped flowers that cover the plant during spring. This...

From$23.39
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
coprosma-repens-green-rocks-
Coprosma 'Green Rocks'

Coprosma 'Green Rocks' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense compact growth habit and fresh green glossy foliage. This attractive New...

From$17.95
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
rubus-pentalobus-2
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
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 '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
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
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$9.95
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 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
Ophiopogon japonicus (Green Mondo Grass) growing as a groundcover in a woodland garden.
Ophiopogon japonicus

Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as green Mondo Grass, is a striking ornamental grass. It grows as a clump and produces a dense tuft of...

From$9.95
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
vinca-elizabeth-cran-1
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
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
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
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
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
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
black-polythene-1-m-wide-
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
native-plant-fertiliser-
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
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
Coprosma acerosa

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search hardy ground cover plants full sun

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

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.


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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.

We love Corokia 'Geenty's Green' and Heuchera 'Peppermint Spice' as much as anyone, but part of the fun is discovering Peach 'Sanguine', Echeveria secunda, and Camellia 'Little Liane'.
–The Plant Company

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