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

If your garden is craving bold texture and a lush, carpeted look, large leaf ground cover plants are a fantastic choice. With their broad foliage and spreading growth, these standout species fill bare soil effortlessly, suppress weeds, and add dramatic appeal to shaded borders, woodland gardens, or under trees. In New Zealand gardens, large leaf ground covers also offer durability and low maintenance, thriving in a range of conditions. Whether you’re looking for perennial classics, evergreen groundcovers, or something with architectural flair, discover the best large leaf ground cover plants to elevate your landscape.

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green leaves that create dense coverage. Growing up to 4 m wide and 2 m high, it’s perfect for fences, banks, or walls. Pohuehue tolerates wind, salt spray, and dry conditions once established.

Buy Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

From $20.63

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 30 cm

Spread: 2.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Arches, Banks, Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Topiary, Walls

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

Hedera canariensis Variegata

Hedera canariensis ‘Variegata’ is a striking evergreen climber known for its large, glossy green leaves edged with creamy-white variegation. This hardy and fast-growing ivy adds a touch of elegance and brightness to New Zealand gardens.

Buy Hedera canariensis Variegata

From $14.95

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, Banks, Containers, Screening, Walls

Garden styles: Coastal, Japanese, Mediterranean

Why Choose Large Leaf Ground Cover Plants?

Big, beautiful leaves are more than just eye-catching. Large leaf ground cover plants offer exceptional coverage, quickly blanketing open areas with striking foliage that blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds. Their dense habit reduces soil erosion on slopes and can create a cooling, moisture-retentive microclimate around your other plants. You’ll particularly appreciate their ability to shine in challenging, shady spots where turf and smaller plants struggle.

Top Large Leaf Ground Cover Plants for New Zealand Gardens

Bergenias: Year-Round Colour and Texture

Few groundcovers are as reliable as Bergenias, known for their thick, glossy leaves and tough-as-nails performance. For vibrant pink blooms and impressive foliage, Bergenia Rotblum (Heart Leaf Bergenia) is a standout. Its large, heart-shaped leaves remain attractive year-round, turning rich shades of red in cooler months. Another favourite, Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant), is renowned for its bold leaf clumps and unique texture. Both make exceptional ground covers beneath trees or along shaded paths.

Ajuga: Lush Carpets with Majestic Leaves

Ajugas are prized for speedy spreading, resilience, and their showy, oversized foliage in garden beds. Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty' displays deep green to purplish-bronze leaves and sends up rich blue flower spikes in spring, creating a striking contrast. For the largest option, Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' reigns supreme, with leaves notably larger than most varieties and the ability to form dense mats even in part shade.

Tropical Flair with Rhaphidophora decursiva

For a bold, statement-making ground cover in spacious indoor or sheltered outdoor areas, Rhaphidophora decursiva brings a tropical touch. Its dramatic, deeply-lobed leaves are perfect for creating a lush, modern carpet effect. While ideal as a striking indoor specimen, in frost-free regions, it can also thrive outdoors as an unusual ground cover for shaded, protected spaces.

Tips for Succeeding with Large Leaf Ground Cover Plants

When planting large leaf ground cover plants, prepare the soil well by adding organic matter, especially if planting under established trees. Water deeply after planting and mulch to retain moisture. While these plants are generally low maintenance, keep an eye on spreading varieties to ensure they don’t overrun neighbouring beds. Divide and replant every few years to rejuvenate growth and maximise coverage.

Transform Your Garden with Drama and Texture

Embrace the architectural beauty and practical benefits of large leaf ground cover plants. Choose from robust options like Bergenia Rotblum (Heart Leaf Bergenia), the ever-reliable Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant), versatile Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty' and Ajuga 'Catlins Giant', or the statement-making Rhaphidophora decursiva. With the right selection, your garden will enjoy year-round interest, easy care, and a beautiful, weed-suppressing carpet of lush leaves.

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.

large leaf ground cover plants

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Hedera canariensis Variegata

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Why Choose Large Leaf Ground Cover Plants?