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silver ground cover plant

If you’re searching for a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance way to carpet your garden with colour and texture, a silver ground cover plant offers the perfect solution. These versatile plants bring a subtle shimmer to garden beds, borders, pathways, and rockeries. Renowned for their silvery-grey foliage, silver ground covers reflect the natural light and pair beautifully with green-leaved companions, making them a favourite for modern landscaping and classic cottage gardens alike in New Zealand.

Helichrysum petiolare plants with grey foliage growing as a ground cover.

Helichrysum petiolare (Trailing Dusty Miller)

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant) is a popular evergreen plant valued for its soft silver foliage and trailing growth habit. The attractive leaves provide year round colour and texture, making it a favourite for containers, hanging baskets, borders, and groundcover plantings.

From $24.77

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
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’ ears. It forms dense mats around 30 cm tall, making it ideal as a ground cover or edging plant. In summer, it produces short spikes of pale purple flowers.

From $16.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
Cerastium tomentosum ground cover with grey foliage and elegant white flowers.
Cerastium tomentosum

Cerastium tomentosum is an herbaceous perennial featuring tiny, white, star shaped flowers through spring and summer. These are complemented with...

From$18.63
Poa cita grass plants on a plateau overlooing the sea.
Poa cita

Poa cita, commonly known as Silver Tussock, is a clump-forming NZ native grass with delicate, green foliage that wafts gracefully in the breeze. It...

From$9.95
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

From$6.95
Buxus 'Silver Beauty' plant with dark green and yellow variegated foliage.
Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood)

Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty', commonly known as Box Hedge, features small leaves that are dark green with irregular, cream-silver margins, and...

From$129.95
Corokia Silver Ghost plant with silver foliage.
Corokia 'Silver Ghost'

Corokia 'Silver Ghost' is a striking evergreen New Zealand shrub admired for its fine silver grey foliage, distinctive branching, and naturally...

From$13.95
Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen' bushy plants in pots.
Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen'

Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen' is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub admired for its delicate, silvery-green foliage and airy appearance. Ideal for hedging...

From$206.50
heuchera-northern-exposure-silver-
Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Silver'

Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Silver' is a stunning perennial prized for its large silver foliage accented with dark veining and its exceptional garden...

From$22.01
eucalyptus-baby-blue-2
Eucalyptus 'Baby Blue' (Silver Gum)

Eucalyptus 'Baby Blue' is a highly popular evergreen tree admired for its stunning silver blue foliage and strong ornamental appeal. The rounded...

From$408.85
Lavender 'Silver Prince' plant with pink flowers above grey-green foliage.
Lavender 'Silver Prince'

Lavender 'Silver Prince' is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its silvery foliage and colourful flower spikes that bring year round interest...

From$19.95
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
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
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
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 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
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$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
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
azalea-silver-anniversary-1
Azalea 'Silver Anniversary'

Azalea 'Silver Anniversary' is an elegant evergreen azalea prized for its beautiful white flowers that are often lightly flushed with pink during...

From$18.85
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
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
rose-flower-carpet-gold--1
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
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
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
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
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
Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra Green Allure

Lomandra Green Allure is widely used in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted as a ground cover or on a bank, included in...

From$19.25
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
A Lithodora 'Grace Ward' plant with blue flowers in a rock garden.
Lithodora 'Grace Ward'

Lithodora 'Grace Ward' is a stunning low growing evergreen perennial admired for its masses of vivid deep blue flowers that appear from spring...

From$20.63
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
Helichrysum petiolare (Trailing Dusty Miller)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Buxus, Cerastium, and Corokia, or related Categories - Grasses, Mondo Grass, and Groundcover Plants.

Search silver ground cover plant

Why Choose a Silver Ground Cover Plant?

Silver ground cover plants do more than simply fill gaps. Their unique hue helps suppress weed growth, retain soil moisture, and create striking visual contrast. Many silver ground cover species are drought-resistant and thrive even in poor soils, making them ideal for tough spots, coastal gardens, or sun-exposed slopes. The reflective foliage is also a wonderful companion for other plants, softening hot spots in the garden and complementing blooms of any colour.

Top Silver Ground Cover Plant Picks

Several outstanding choices are available if you’re looking to add a silver ground cover plant to your landscape. Leading the list is Dymondia margaretae (Silver Carpet), prized for its fine, silver leaves and low-spreading habit. Silver Carpet forms a dense mat, making it perfect for high-traffic areas, between stepping stones, or as a beautiful lawn substitute.

Another favourite is Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant), well-known for its soft, velvety silver foliage and trailing stems. This hardy plant is particularly effective spilling over walls, hanging baskets, or as edge planting for a dynamic, cascading effect.

For those seeking a ground cover that thrives in almost any condition, Cerastium tomentosum is a stand-out choice. This silver ground cover plant creates a carpet of fuzzy silver leaves topped with starry white flowers in late spring to early summer. It’s ideal for rock gardens, borders, and sun-soaked banks.

Silver Foliage Options Beyond Ground Covers

If you love the allure of silver foliage but want to combine ground covers with taller textures, consider Heuchera Northern Exposure Silver (Coral Bells). While Coral Bells aren’t a classic ground cover, they add beautiful silver hues and soft mounds that blend effortlessly with spreading plants. For vertical interest with silver tones, Hedera 'Silver Variegated' can be left to ramble as a ground cover or trained to climb, offering multi-purpose garden value.

Planting and Caring for Silver Ground Cover Plants

Most silver ground cover plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and need well-drained soil. Once established, many are drought-tolerant and require minimal maintenance. Give plants room to spread, and water during dry spells to help them settle in. Light pruning after flowering can rejuvenate growth and keep the foliage dense and attractive.

Silver ground cover plants are an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add resilience and year-round beauty to their outdoor spaces. Explore our collection today and discover just how easy it can be to introduce timeless, silvery elegance into your garden.

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.
There’s more to explore beyond Ficus Tuffi and Coprosma acerosa — like the subtle beauty of Metrosideros 'Maungapiko', Leucadendron 'Golden Tulip', and Escallonia 'Gold Brian'.
–The Plant Company

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