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.