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low maintenance ground cover plants nz

Are you searching for low maintenance ground cover plants for your garden in New Zealand? You're in the right place! Ground cover plants are a brilliant solution for those wanting to create beautiful landscapes without the fuss of high-maintenance gardening. These hardy plants not only save you time and effort but also enhance your outdoor spaces by providing color, texture, and soil stability. Whether you're looking to restrict weeds, cover bare soil, or create a tapestry of delightful greenery, low maintenance ground cover plants are the answer.

Coprosma 'Flat Freddy' ground cover shrub with brown stems and leaves.

Coprosma 'Flat Freddy'

5 from 2 customers

Coprosma 'Flat Freddy' is a unique ground covering evergreen shrub valued for its rich chocolate brown foliage and naturally spreading form. Well suited to New Zealand conditions, it is hardy low maintenance and performs well in coastal and urban gardens. This variety is ideal for gardeners wanting bold year round colour as a dense groundcover or low border plant.

From $21.53

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 15 cm
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
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 warmer months. This hardy plant performs exceptionally well in New Zealand gardens, especially in coastal and exposed sites. It is ideal for gardeners wanting a reliable low maintenance ground cover with colour. Selliera 'Sundrops' spreads neatly to suppress weeds while adding brightness and texture to garden spaces.

From $19.58

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Wet
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip' plants as an effective ground cover.

Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip'

Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip' is a compact groundcover prized for its narrow, glossy bronze-purple leaves and vibrant blue flower spikes in spring. Growing...

From$18.23
Coprosma prostrata plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Coprosma prostrata

Coprosma prostrata is a hardy NZ native groundcover valued for its dense interwoven branches and small glossy green leaves. This low growing shrub...

From$21.53
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$19.58
A Scleranthus biflorus (Cushion Plant) green plant.

Scleranthus biflorous

Scleranthus biflorus, commonly known as the Cushion plant, is a New Zealand native with spreading, moss-like properties, but it is not a moss! It...

From$26.33
Fuchsia procumbens plant growing across the ground with green foliage and yellow-green flowers.

Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia)

Fuchsia procumbens, commonly known as Creeping Fuchsia, is a low-growing, NZ native plant valued for its unique yellow-red flowers and ornamental...

From$18.23
pimelea-mimosa--1

Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is a mat forming, NZ native, ground covering plant. It has soft, blue-grey leaves which are held on stems that tend to climb over...

From$23.63
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$18.23
Ajuga 'Port Wine' plant in a pot for sale at The Plant Company.

Ajuga 'Port Wine'

Ajuga 'Port Wine' brings deep wine coloured foliage and vivid blue flower spikes to NZ gardens, creating a rich tapestry of colour in shaded and semi...

From$18.23
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$20.18
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$26.93
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$19.58
Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' pink flowers amidst dark green foliage.

Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha'

Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' is a popular evergreen groundcover shrub admired for its dense, spreading habit and masses of pink and cream...

From$28.28
Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty' plants with elegant blue flowers and lush green leaves growing as a ground cover.

Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty'

Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty' (Carpet Bugle) is a vigorous evergreen groundcover valued for its large glossy green leaves flushed with bronze and its...

From$18.23
Carex maorica growing in water.

Carex maorica (NZ Sedge)

Carex maorica is a hardy New Zealand native sedge that forms attractive clumps of arching, green foliage. Found naturally in wetlands and damp areas...

From$15.53
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$20.18
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$33.68
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$21.53
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...

From$19.58
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$18.23
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$25.58
coprosma-acerosa-hawera-5

Coprosma Hawera (Sand Coprosma)

Coprosma Hawera, also known as Sand Coprosma or Tātaraheke, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover shrub featuring fine, green foliage on orange...

From$21.53
Grevillea poorinda 'Royal Mantle' dark pink flowers with lush, green foliage.

Grevillea 'Royal Mantle'

Grevillea 'Royal Mantle' is a vigorous groundcover Grevillea known for its sprawling habit and masses of brilliant red spider like flowers. Flowering...

From$28.28
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$22.88
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$20.18
bergenia-cordifolia-3

Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
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$18.83
helichrysum-petiolare--3

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long...

From$24.23
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$20.93
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$26.33
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$19.58
Coprosma 'Flat Freddy'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acaena, Ajuga, Bergenia, Carex, Carpodetus, Coprosma, Fuchsia, Gardenia, Grevillea, Helichrysum, Isotoma, Juniperus, Lobelia, Muehlenbeckia, Pimelea, Pratia, Scleranthus, Sedum, Selliera, Stachys Vinca and Westringia, or related Categories - Grasses, Groundcover Plants Perennials and Succulents.

Search low maintenance ground cover plants nz

Benefits of Low Maintenance Ground Cover Plants

Low maintenance ground cover plants in NZ offer many benefits that make them a favorite among gardeners. Firstly, these plants require minimal care, which means less watering, weeding, and fertilization. This quality makes them ideal for busy individuals or those new to gardening. Additionally, they help prevent soil erosion and retain moisture, allowing your garden to thrive even during drier months.

One of the great choices in this category is Pimelea mimosa, known for its attractive foliage and delicate flowers. It provides excellent coverage while being resilient and easy to grow. For a stunning blue option, consider Pimelea prostrata Misty Blue, which adds a unique touch to your garden design.

Popular Varieties of Ground Cover Plants

Exploring various options for low maintenance ground cover plants can be exciting! Here are some top picks that not only beautify your garden but are also simple to care for.

  1. Muehlenbeckia complexa: This versatile plant is perfect for weaving through rocky terrains or spilling over walls, making it an excellent choice for unique landscaping features. Check out Muehlenbeckia complexa for details on how this plant can enhance your outdoor space.

  2. Carex solandri: With its lush green blades, Carex solandri brings a soft texture that looks great in any setting. It's drought tolerant, making it a fantastic addition for low fuss gardens.

  3. Correa Limelight: With its vibrant foliage and lovely flowers, Correa Limelight is a must-have for any low maintenance garden. It’s known for its ability to thrive in various conditions, adding life and color effortlessly.

Ground Cover Plants for Specific Needs

When choosing low maintenance ground cover plants, consider your specific garden needs or the environment you’re working with. For sunny spots, options like Fuchsia procumbens are wonderful, while those seeking shade may find Pratia Country Park to be the perfect fit.

Another fantastic option is Carex comans Red, a unique grass that offers a pop of color and excellent coverage. If you're after varied textures, mix in Ajuga reptans variegata for a captivating layout.

In conclusion, opting for low maintenance ground cover plants in NZ is a smart, eco-friendly choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. With a wide selection available, from hardy native plants to stunning ornamental varieties, your dream garden is just around the corner. Dive into our collection and discover the perfect low maintenance ground cover plants to beautify your landscape today. Happy gardening!

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 garden favourites Rose 'Flower Carpet White' and Canna Cannova Rose get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Leucanthemum Shapcott Ruffles, Mesembryanthemum Crimson Glory, and Fuchsia 'La Campanella'.
–The Plant Company

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