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lilac ground cover plants

Lilac ground cover plants bring a soft, whimsical touch to garden beds, borders, and even shaded corners, brightening the landscape with their calming pastel hues and delightful textures. Whether you're creating a seamless carpet under trees or adding interest along pathways, lilac ground covers offer a harmonious blend of colour and easy-care versatility, perfect for both beginner and experienced New Zealand gardeners. If you’re searching for enchanting ground cover options with lilac tones, you’ll find selections that thrive in a variety of conditions, all while supressing weeds and adding lasting beauty to your outdoor spaces.

Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' stunning light blue flowers,

Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac'

Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' is an attractive evergreen perennial valued for its soft lilac purple flowers and tidy clumping habit. This reliable variety performs very well in New Zealand gardens and is ideal for borders, mass planting, and container use. Its gentle flower colour offers a softer alternative to deep blue agapanthus while still providing strong seasonal impact and year round structure in the landscape.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Riparian
westringia-lilac-and-lace-2

Westringia 'Lilac and Lace'

Westringia Lilac and Lace is a variety of the commonly known, Coastal Rosemary, and is a fast-growing, bushy shrub. It has fine and narrow leaves which are variegated cream and dark green and produces small and dainty, lilac-coloured flowers from late winter through until summer as it grows to 1.5 m tall and the same wide. Westringia Lilac and Lace is commonly included in a mixed planting, maintained in a container, included in coastal gardens, trimmed into a low hedge, or mass planted for an amazing display.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Winter
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
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
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
helichrysum-petiolare--3
Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant) is a popular evergreen plant valued for its soft silver foliage and trailing growth habit. The attractive...

From$24.77
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
chlorophytum-curly--2
Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$22.01
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
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
Pratia angulata (Panakenake) plants growing as a dense ground cover with lush green leaves and pretty, white flowers.
Pratia angulata

Pratia angulata, commonly known as Panakenake, is a fast-growing, NZ native ground cover plant. It has small, rounded, green leaves that are held...

From$20.01
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...

From$20.01
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$20.01
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...

From$17.87
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
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' plants with fine and elegant, blue foliage.
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

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...

From$23.39
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
aechmea-fasciata-
Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

From$44.09
Ajuga 'Pink Elf' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery featuring with elegant spikes carrying pink flowers.
Ajuga 'Pink Elf'

Ajuga 'Pink Elf' is a charming ground cover that brings soft pink flower spikes and compact, vibrant foliage to NZ gardens. This petite and hardy...

From$18.63
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 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
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
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
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
Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agapanthus, Chlorophytum, and Coprosma, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, and Perennials.

Search lilac ground cover plants

Why Choose Lilac Ground Cover Plants?

Choosing lilac ground cover plants is more than just a colour preference—these graceful plants create a peaceful, cohesive look across your garden. Their cool-toned hues are ideal for softening hard lines, reflecting light in shadier spots, and forming a backdrop that makes other blooms pop. Many lilac-flowering varieties are also drought-resistant or evergreen, making them a year-round asset for low-maintenance gardens.

Top Varieties of Lilac Ground Cover Plants

Looking for the perfect lilac ground cover? While true ground-hugging, lilac-blooming plants are rare, there are several gorgeous options that showcase lilac foliage or flowers close to ground level:

How to Use Lilac Ground Cover Plants in Your Garden

Lilac ground cover plants have multiple garden uses. Plant them as living mulch under trees or tall shrubs to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. Layer them along pathways for a lush, textural transition between hard surfaces and larger perennial beds. Mass-planting varieties like Ophiopogon Black Dragon or Westringia Lilac and Lace can create dramatic sweeps of colour, while the unique tones of Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' brighten sunny borders.

Caring for Your Lilac Ground Cover Plants

Most lilac ground cover plants thrive with minimal attention. Ensure they’re planted in well-drained soil, and water them regularly during their establishing year. Apply organic mulch to maintain steady soil moisture, and prune spreading varieties in late winter to keep growth dense and healthy. In New Zealand’s variable climate, most of these options perform well in coastal or inland gardens with just a little extra care.

By choosing lilac ground cover plants, you’ll create serene, inviting spaces that flourish year after year. Explore our range of unique and colourful options to discover just the right hue and growth habit for your garden’s style and needs.


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.

Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary) and Griselinia 'Canterbury' are popular for a reason, but it’s plants like Peperomia clusiifolia, Selliera 'Sundrops', and Leptospermum 'Pink Cascade' that create a truly unique garden.
–The Plant Company

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