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perennial ground cover plants

Searching for perennial ground cover plants to transform your garden into a lush, low-maintenance oasis? This guide spotlights hardy, evergreen options that create beautiful carpeting year-round. Whether you’re battling weeds, beautifying borders, or filling bare soil, perennial ground covers are a gardener’s secret weapon. Explore New Zealand’s best-performing varieties that thrive in a range of settings—including shady nooks, sunny slopes, and tricky spots under trees.

Cerastium tomentosum ground cover with grey foliage and elegant white flowers.

Cerastium tomentosum

5 from 5 customers

Cerastium tomentosum is an herbaceous perennial featuring tiny, white, star shaped flowers through spring and summer. These are complemented with small, silver-grey leaves held on creeping stem as it grows to 20 cm tall and 1 m wide.

From $18.63

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 18 cm
Spread: 75 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
vinca-elizabeth-cran-1

Vinca 'Elizabeth Cran'

5 from 1 customers

Vinca 'Elizabeth Cran' is an attractive evergreen perennial valued for its rich green foliage, spreading habit, and colourful seasonal flowers. Its trailing stems create a dense carpet that provides useful year round coverage, while the blooms add welcome colour through the flowering season.

From $20.01

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 15 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White
Phlox 'Daniel' plant covered in pink flowers.
Phlox 'Daniel'

Phlox 'Daniel' is a stunning evergreen perennial admired for its masses of pure white star shaped flowers that cover the plant during spring. This...

From$23.39
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$16.95
coprosma-repens-green-rocks-
Coprosma 'Green Rocks'

Coprosma 'Green Rocks' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense compact growth habit and fresh green glossy foliage. This attractive New...

From$17.95
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
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$17.95
Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' plant with pink flowers.
Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler'

Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' is a low growing evergreen shrub valued for its bronze tinted foliage and vibrant red flowers. Flowering over a long...

From$24.95
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$13.95
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$14.95
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$17.95
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.63
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$20.01
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$65.55
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$19.95
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$18.95
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$17.95
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$14.95
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
Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana'

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf or mini Mondo Grass grown for its delicate, dark green foliage. Flower spikes are borne in summer and bear...

From$9.95
Rose 'Flower Carpet White' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Rose 'Flower Carpet White'

Rose 'Flower Carpet White' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its masses of pure white flowers and exceptional disease resistance. This tough...

From$26.91
rubus-pentalobus-2
Rubus pentalobus (Creeping Raspberry)

Rubus pentalobus is a hardy, low growing groundcover known for its attractive textured foliage, small white flowers, and bright red berries. This...

From$35.81
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$9.95
A border planting of Rose 'Flower Carpet Gold' with masses of yellow flowers.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Gold'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Gold' is a low growing ground cover rose that delivers a bright display of golden yellow blooms across a long flowering season...

From$34.43
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
Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet' plants with red flowers above lush, green foliage.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet' is a low growing ground cover rose that produces a bold display of scarlet red flowers over a long season. Its spreading...

From$33.81
Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink' stunning pink flowers.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink' is a low growing ground cover rose loved for its masses of clear pink flowers, spreading habit, and dependable garden...

From$34.43
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
black-polythene-1-m-wide-
Black Polythene - 1 m Wide

Black Polythene - 1 m Wide is a practical plastic sheeting option for garden, nursery, and landscaping applications. The black finish helps block...

From$138.40
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
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
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
Cerastium tomentosum

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Arthropodium, Cerastium, and Coprosma, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Groundcover Plants, and Perennials.

Search perennial ground cover plants

Why Choose Perennial Ground Cover Plants?

Perennial ground cover plants offer enduring beauty, boost soil health, and help suppress weeds naturally. Once established, they require little fuss, saving you time on watering and upkeep. Unlike annuals, perennial ground covers return every year, providing consistent coverage and seasonal interest. Many varieties are also resistant to pests and adaptable to challenging conditions—meaning they’re perfect for both experienced gardeners and beginners alike.

Top Perennial Ground Cover Plants for New Zealand Gardens

1. Pachysandra terminalis

Pachysandra terminalis is highly valued for its glossy, evergreen foliage and resilience in shaded areas. This plant spreads slowly to form dense mats, suppressing weeds and adding texture to beds and borders. Pachysandra is ideal for under trees or along paths where other plants struggle.

2. Vinca Elizabeth Cran

The trailing stems and vibrant flowers of Vinca Elizabeth Cran make it a top choice for ground cover. It thrives in both sun and partial shade, producing delicate blooms and attractive foliage that persist throughout the year. Perfect for slopes, banks, or mass plantings.

3. Bergenia Rotblum (Heart Leaf Bergenia)

Known for its bold, heart-shaped leaves and striking pink flowers, Bergenia Rotblum (Heart Leaf Bergenia) creates robust, weed-suppressing carpets. This versatile perennial is frost-resistant and thrives in a range of soil conditions, making it a reliable ground cover for Kiwi gardens.

4. Vinca minor Gertrude Jekyll

If you’re searching for a shade-loving ground cover, Vinca minor Gertrude Jekyll offers classic foliage and delicate blue flowers. Its low profile and spreading growth habit make it a favourite for underplanting and difficult corners.

5. Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

For gardeners seeking bold, architectural ground cover, Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant) delivers with oversized leaves and cheerful spring blooms. This perennial ground cover is tough, adaptable, and excellent for adding winter interest as its foliage often develops a dramatic reddish tint in cooler months.

Tips for Planting and Maintaining Perennial Ground Covers

To achieve the best results, plant perennial ground cover plants in well-prepared soil with good drainage. Space your plants to allow for spreading, and keep the area mulched during the first year to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Regular watering during establishment is key, but over time, your ground covers will require little input.

Embrace the power of perennial ground cover plants to enhance your landscape, create beautiful living carpets, and reduce garden chores. Discover these dependable performers and enjoy a garden that’s both stunning and easy-care, year after year.

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.
Rhododendron 'Black Magic' and Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily) turn heads, but Haworthia mirabilis triebneriana, Chusquea gigantea, and Dracaena 'Amigo' quietly charm the most seasoned gardeners.
–The Plant Company

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