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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.

Hedera canariensis growing on a wall with green foliage.

Hedera canariensis

5 from 1 customers

Hedera canariensis, commonly known as Canary Island Ivy, is a vigorous evergreen climber valued for its large, glossy green leaves and rapid growth. Ideal for covering fences, walls, and pergolas, it also makes an excellent ground cover for shaded or difficult areas.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 30.00 m
Spread: 30.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Containers, Screening, Walls
Garden styles: Coastal, Japanese, Mediterranean
leptinella-dioica-

Leptinella dioica

5 from 1 customers

Leptinella dioica (Bachelor Button Plant) is a low growing evergreen groundcover valued for its fine fern like foliage and ability to create a dense carpet of greenery. The attractive foliage provides year round texture and softens pathways, rock gardens, and garden edges.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Tropical
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
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
Dymondia margaretae growing between pavers and featuring small, grey foliage.
Dymondia margaretae

Dymondia margaretae (Silver Carpet) is a hardy low growing groundcover valued for its attractive silver green foliage and dense spreading habit. This...

From$13.95
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) growing as a topiary hedge.
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green...

From$20.63
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
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
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
Acaena novae-zelandiae colourful foliage.
Acaena novae-zelandiae (Piripiri)

Acaena novae-zelandiae is a hardy NZ native groundcover commonly known as Bidgee Widgee. It is admired for its fine green foliage and small burr like...

From$9.95
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
Silver leaves and pink flowers on a Stachys byzantina plants in a garden.
Stachys byzantina

Stachys byzantina, commonly known as Lambs Ear, is a low-growing, evergreen perennial valued for its soft, silvery foliage that resembles lambs’...

From$16.95
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$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$18.95
Chamaemelum nobile plants with white flowers and lush, green foliage.
Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile)

Chamaemelum nobile (Lawn Chamomile, Roman Chamomile) is a low growing evergreen herb valued for its fragrant feathery foliage, delicate daisy like...

From$15.95
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 White' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Rose 'Flower Carpet White'

Rose 'Flower Carpet White' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its masses of pure white flowers and exceptional disease resistance. This tough...

From$26.91
Carex solandri grass in a NZ native planting.
Carex solandri

Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and...

From$11.50
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$6.95
Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' ground cover with masses of red flowers.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Red'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its rich red flowers and outstanding disease resistance. This tough rose performs...

From$34.43
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Lockwood de Forest' plants trailing over a wall.
Rosmarinus 'Lockwood de Forest' (Creeping Rosemary)

Rosemary 'Lockwood de Forest' is a creeping or prostrate variety of Rosemary that features petite, blue flowers through winter and spring. These are...

From$22.01
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
rose-flower-carpet-gold--1
Rose Flower Carpet Gold

Rose Flower Carpet Gold is a popular ground cover rose that features masses of showy, yellow flowers. Flowering begins in spring and will continue...

From$34.43
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
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
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.
Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with fine, near black foliage. The foliage is...

From$9.95
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
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
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
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
Hedera canariensis

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

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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