tough ground cover plants

Why Choose Tough Ground Cover Plants?

Tough ground cover plants are the solution when you need hardy foliage that copes with neglect, poor soils, and New Zealand’s unpredictable weather. These plants form dense mats or spreading clusters, suppressing weeds, reducing erosion, and cutting down on watering and mowing. They're invaluable for creating a lush, unified look across tricky spots like slopes or shady corners, and many perform beautifully without fuss.

Best Tough Ground Cover Plants for Kiwi Gardens

Selliera 'Sundrops'

This New Zealand native forms a low, spreading mat with glossy green leaves and sunny yellow flowers. Selliera 'Sundrops' tolerates coastal conditions, wet spots, and light foot traffic. Its charming flowers brighten shady areas and it’s well-suited to stream edges and damp garden corners.

Convolvulus Two Moons

Renowned for its silvery foliage and drought resistance, Convolvulus Two Moons is a superstar in sunny, dry places. It forms tight mats that suppress weeds, and its moon-shaped leaves offer year-round interest. Ideal for borders, rocky sites, and sunny banks needing reliable coverage.

Coprosma kirkii

For native plant enthusiasts, Coprosma kirkii offers robust, evergreen ground cover with compact, tidy foliage. It’s a top choice for erosion control and thrives in full sun or shade, handling everything from sandy coastal soils to heavy clay. Its low profile makes it perfect for underplanting or mass planting.

Acaena novae-zelandiae (Piripiri)

This spiky native is one of the toughest ground cover plants around. Acaena novae-zelandiae (Piripiri) creates a dense mat, easily covering large spaces and tolerating extremes of wind and drought. It's commonly used for bank stabilisation, wild lawns, or low-maintenance garden beds. However, its spiny seed heads mean it’s best avoided in areas for pets or barefoot kids.

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

With creamy-edged leaves, Coprosma kirkii 'variegata' provides visual variety while retaining Coprosma kirkii’s legendary toughness. This cultivar suits mixed borders and shady spots, bouncing back after seasonal stress and maintaining colour year-round.

Tips for Planting and Maintaining Tough Ground Cover

When choosing tough ground cover plants, take note of local conditions: sun exposure, soil type, and irrigation. Prepare the site by removing weeds and, where possible, incorporating organic matter. With their resilience, these plants rarely need pampering—just occasional trimming and watering during dry spells. Mulching can also boost weed suppression and moisture retention.

With the right tough ground cover plants, your garden gains resilience, beauty, and simplicity—letting you spend less time on upkeep and more time enjoying your outdoor space. For more durable ground cover solutions tailored to New Zealand, explore our range online or contact our friendly nursery team for expert advice.