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landscaping ground cover plants

Searching for the right landscaping ground cover plants can be a game-changer for your garden design. Ground covers not only add lush greenery and texture, but also help prevent weed growth, reduce erosion, and create striking visual contrast. Whether you’re looking to carpet shady areas, stabilize slopes, or fill gaps between larger plants, ground covers offer versatile solutions for New Zealand gardens. At our nursery, we offer a premium selection of landscaping ground cover plants that thrive in Kiwi conditions and suit a variety of garden styles.

Ajuga reptans 'Variegata' plants with variegated foliage and blue flowers.

Ajuga reptans variegata

Ajuga reptans 'Variegata' is a quick-growing, ground-covering plant that features colourful leaves that are variegated green and cream. In spring, it produces showy clusters of blue flowers as it grows to 20 cm in height and 50 cm in width. Ajuga reptans' Variegata' is an excellent variety for quickly covering large areas and is often used in borders, allowed to spill out over a path, planted around outdoor living areas, or maintained in a container.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Woodland
Selliera 'Sundrops' plant with variegated yellow and green, fleshy leaves.

Selliera 'Sundrops'

Selliera 'Sundrops' is a tough low growing ground cover valued for its glossy green foliage and cheerful yellow daisy flowers that appear through the warmer months. This hardy plant performs exceptionally well in New Zealand gardens, especially in coastal and exposed sites. It is ideal for gardeners wanting a reliable low maintenance ground cover with colour. Selliera 'Sundrops' spreads neatly to suppress weeds while adding brightness and texture to garden spaces.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Wet
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
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$16.95
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
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 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
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
Ajuga 'Port Wine' plant in a pot for sale at The Plant Company.
Ajuga 'Port Wine'

Ajuga 'Port Wine' brings deep wine coloured foliage and vivid blue flower spikes to NZ gardens, creating a rich tapestry of colour in shaded and semi...

From$18.63
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
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
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$16.95
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
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
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
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
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
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
Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra Green Allure

Lomandra Green Allure is widely used in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted as a ground cover or on a bank, included in...

From$19.25
rose-flower-carpet-scarlet-
Rose Flower Carpet Scarlet

Rose Flower Carpet Scarlet is a ground cover rose that features masses of showy, scarlet red flowers. The flowers are complemented with glossy, dark...

From$33.81
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$20.01
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
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$19.95
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.
Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$16.49
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
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
pb-8-planter-bags-1
PB8 Planter Bags (Potting Bags For Plants)

These PB8 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 4.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$51.69
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

Using fertiliser for acid loving plants is important for plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphne’s, Gardenia’s, and Hydrangea’s who...

From$8.64
pb-12-planter-bags-
PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

These PB12 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 6.75 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$57.76
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
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$13.40
Ajuga reptans variegata

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search landscaping ground cover plants

Why Choose Landscaping Ground Cover Plants?

Ground cover plants are valued for their dense growth habit and ability to spread smoothly, covering soil while requiring minimal maintenance. They’re ideal for suppressing weeds, improving soil health, and providing year-round colour. Many species remain evergreen, offering attractive foliage and sometimes vibrant flowers. Landscaping ground cover plants can help reduce mowing areas and protect exposed soil from drying out or washing away in heavy rain.

Favourite Ground Cover Plants for New Zealand Gardens

When selecting landscaping ground cover plants, consider sun exposure, soil conditions, and the role you want your ground cover to play—whether it’s ornamental, functional, or both. Below are some outstanding options for your garden:

Variegated Ajuga

The Ajuga reptans variegata is prized for its striking foliage, blending shades of green and cream or pink. This tough perennial thrives in shade or part sun and quickly forms a neat carpet. Ajuga is well-suited to moist soils and adds beautiful texture to pathways, borders, and woodland gardens.

Ajuga ‘Jungle Beauty’

With rich, deep purple foliage and elegant blue flowers, Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty' provides superb ground coverage and year-round interest. It’s ideal for underplanting shrubs, edging beds, or filling shady spots where grass struggles.

Grevillea Gaudichaudii

If you’re after a robust ground cover with architectural flair, Grevillea Gaudichaudii (Grevillea x gaudichaudii) should top your list. Its trailing stems and finely divided foliage are complemented by unique crimson flowers. This Grevillea tolerates dry conditions, making it perfect for tough slopes or hot, exposed sites.

Scleranthus biflorous

For something distinctly Kiwi, Scleranthus biflorous forms a velvety, moss-like mat that creates a soft, natural feel. This native ground cover loves well-drained soils and works wonders in rockeries or Japanese-style gardens.

Selliera ‘Sundrops’

Light up damp or shaded corners with Selliera 'Sundrops', an NZ native that offers glossy green foliage and cheerful yellow blooms. Selliera tolerates periodic wetting and is superb for coastal gardens, stream edges, and low-maintenance landscaping.

How to Use Ground Covers in Landscaping

Landscaping ground cover plants can be used as living mulch, underplanting for trees and shrubs, or as a vibrant alternative to lawn. Use them to connect garden zones, soften hard edges, or create layered plantings for greater depth. When planting, space ground covers as recommended to allow them to fill in naturally. Keep soil well-prepared and mulch lightly in the early stages to encourage strong establishment.

For a garden that’s beautiful, sustainable, and easy to care for, explore our range of landscaping ground cover plants and find the perfect fit for your outdoor space.


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.

–The Plant Company

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