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lobelia ground cover

Lobelia ground cover is a favourite among New Zealand gardeners for its vibrant blooms, soft foliage, and versatile use in tough-to-plant spaces. If you’re searching for a low-growing, colourful carpet for your garden, lobelia ground covers offer unrivalled appeal throughout the seasons. With a range of varieties suitable for borders, rockeries, or shady pathways, these ground covers excel at both beautifying and suppressing weeds, making them a practical and eye-catching addition to any landscape design.

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

5 from 1 customers

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged with cream. This evergreen plant provides year round colour and texture while suppressing weeds and covering bare ground. Naturally tough and adaptable, it thrives in coastal conditions, exposed sites, and light frost. Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is both practical and decorative in NZ gardens and landscapes.

From $16.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
Lobelia angulata plant with green foliage and elegant white flowers.

Lobelia angulata (Panakenake)

Lobelia angulata is a charming NZ native groundcover admired for its small, bright green leaves and delicate white star shaped flowers that bloom through spring and summer. This creeping perennial quickly spreads to form a dense mat, making it ideal for filling gaps in rockeries, between pavers, or as an underplanting. Hardy and low maintenance, it adds subtle beauty and resilience to NZ gardens while supporting biodiversity in naturalistic landscapes.

From $20.01

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
Pyrethropsis hosmariensis plant with dark green foliage and white flowers.
Pyrethropsis hosmariensis (Rhodanthemum)

Pyrethropsis hosmariensis (otherwise known as Chrysanthemum hosmariense or Leucanthemum hosmariense) is a shrub that features interesting foliage and...

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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
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...

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Hedera canariensis growing on a wall with green foliage.
Hedera canariensis

Hedera canariensis, commonly known as Canary Island Ivy, is a vigorous evergreen climber valued for its large, glossy green leaves and rapid growth...

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Hedera 'Golden Ingot' plant with green and yellow foliage.
Hedera helix 'Golden Ingot'

Hedera helix ‘Golden Ingot’ is a striking evergreen ivy admired for its bright golden-yellow foliage edged with soft green tones. This compact and...

From$21.39
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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...

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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$20.63
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
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
Ophiopogon planiscapus

Ophiopogon planiscapus, commonly known as Dwarf Lilyturf, is a Mondo grass grown for its fine, dark green foliage and short stature. The foliage is...

From$6.95
Carpodetus serratus prostrata plant with horizontal stems and marbled leaves.
Carpodetus serratus prostrata

Carpodetus serratus prostrata, commonly known as prostrate Marble Leaf or prostrate Putaputaweta, is a low-growing, NZ native shrub that is often...

From$27.53
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
leptinella-dioica-
Leptinella dioica

Leptinella dioica (Bachelor Button Plant) is a low growing evergreen groundcover valued for its fine fern like foliage and ability to create a dense...

From$18.63
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Bergenia 'Rotblum' (Heart Leaf Bergenia)

Bergenia 'Rotblum' is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its bold glossy foliage and vibrant deep pink flowers that appear in late winter and...

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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
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...

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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$20.63
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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
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
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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
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
Hedera 'Silver Variegata' dark green and cream variegated foliage.
Hedera 'Silver Variegated'

Hedera ‘Silver Variegated’ is a striking evergreen ivy with silvery-green leaves edged in creamy white. Its elegant variegation brightens shaded...

From$20.63
Ophiopogon japonicus (Green Mondo Grass) growing as a groundcover in a woodland garden.
Ophiopogon japonicus

Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as green Mondo Grass, is a striking ornamental grass. It grows as a clump and produces a dense tuft of...

From$6.95
Geranium Kashmir White plant in a garden with masses of white flowers.
Geranium 'Kashmir White'

Geranium 'Kashmir White' is a hardy perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and soft, textured foliage. It provides long lasting colour in...

From$22.01
dymondia-margaretae-2
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$20.01
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Coprosma, Hedera, and Isotoma, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Groundcover Plants, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search lobelia ground cover

Why Choose Lobelia Ground Cover?

Lobelia ground cover species thrive in the New Zealand climate, where their lush mats of green and sprays of delicate blue, violet, or white flowers easily transform drab corners into a living tapestry. These hardy plants grow quickly to form dense coverage, helping retain soil moisture and limiting erosion on slopes or banks. Their compact but spreading habit ensures that no bare patches remain, while their easy-going nature suits a wide range of garden styles, from native plantings to cottage borders.

Top Varieties of Lobelia Ground Cover

Many gardeners prefer native lobelias for their ecological benefits and effortless charm. The petite Lobelia angulata (Panakenake) stands out for its blanket of tiny green leaves and dainty white blooms. For a trailing effect along path edges or walls, Lobelia angulata Treadwellii is a top pick, with its ability to elegantly cascade while attracting native pollinators.

Another popular choice is Lobelia puberula, celebrated for its clusters of blue or purple flowers and resilience in both sun and light shade. For gardeners seeking bold colour, Lobelia speciosa adds a regal splash of deep red or blue, pairing beautifully with perennial companions. If you’re open to exploring other reliable ground covers, Vinca minor Gertrude Jekyll is a classic alternative that complements lobelia’s soft texture.

How to Grow and Care for Lobelia Ground Cover

Success with lobelia ground cover starts with choosing the right planting position. Most varieties favour moist, well-drained soil and a spot with partial sun to light shade, though some, such as Lobelia puberula, tolerate more exposed conditions. Plant your lobelia ground covers in autumn or spring for best results, ensuring regular watering as they establish. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and trim back after flowering to encourage continued growth and spread.

Lobelia ground covers require little maintenance once established and rarely suffer from pests or diseases. Their adaptability makes them suitable for filling gaps in native gardens, softening lawn edges, or spilling over rocks in coastal plantings.

Companion Planting and Design Ideas

Pair your lobelia ground cover with other shade-loving perennials, native ferns, or vibrant annuals for long-lasting interest. Create a living patchwork under trees, weave between stepping stones, or add texture to mixed native borders. When combined with alternatives like Vinca minor Gertrude Jekyll, your garden enjoys year-round carpeted colour and ecological benefits.

Every lobelia ground cover brings beauty, biodiversity, and resilience to your outdoor space. Explore our range for a solution tailored to New Zealand conditions and discover just how transformative low-growing lobelias can be.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Our most famous blooms include Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia 'Veitchii', but some of our best-kept secrets are Feijoa 'Kakariki', Passiflora edulis, and Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu) — underrated beauties ready to shine.
–The Plant Company

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