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variegated ground cover plants

Add instant interest and vibrance to your garden with variegated ground cover plants. Their distinctive, multicoloured leaves offer more than just functional coverage; they create striking visual texture along pathways, under trees, or across garden beds. Suitable for New Zealand gardens, these versatile plants suppress weeds, help retain soil moisture, and provide a beautiful alternative to ordinary green foliage.

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.

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
Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum white flowers and variegated leaves.

Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum (Variegated Star Jasmine)

Trachelospermum jasminoides Variegatum is a striking evergreen climber featuring glossy green leaves edged with creamy-white margins. In summer, it produces clusters of sweetly scented, star-shaped white flowers contrasting beautifully against the variegated foliage.

From $15.50

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical, White
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
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$14.95
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
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$20.01
Ficus pumila 'Ice Caps' plant with trailling variegated foliage.
Ficus 'Ice Caps'

Ficus 'Ice Caps' is a variety of Creeping Fig that features variegated leaves. It carries small, heart-shaped leaves which are light green with a...

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
Liriope muscari 'Gold Banded' plants with colourful, variegated foliage and pink flowers.
Liriope 'Gold Banded' (Variegated Liriope)

Liriope 'Gold Banded' produces green leaves edged with gold, and masses of lavender coloured flowers in summer. This herbaceous perennial grows as a...

From$17.95
vinca-blue-
Vinca minor Blue (Lesser Periwinkle)

Vinca minor Blue is a variety of the commonly known, Periwinkle, features bright green leaves which are held densely on stems that creep along the...

From$20.01
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$20.01
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$18.95
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$20.01
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$13.95
Westringia 'Mundi' with lush green-grey foliage and white flowers in a pot.
Westringia 'Mundi'

Westringia 'Mundi' is a variety of the commonly known Coastal Rosemary, and is grown for its lovely foliage and great form. It grows as a spreading...

From$18.95
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
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
heterocentron-elegans-4
Heterocentron elegans

Heterocentron elegans (Spanish Shawl) is a charming trailing perennial admired for its masses of vibrant purple pink flowers and small rich green...

From$20.01
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$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
acer-palmatum-shirazz--3
Acer palmatum 'Shirazz'

Acer palmatum 'Shirazz' is a stunning variegated Japanese Maple admired for its rich purple red foliage edged with soft pink. The colourful leaves...

From$299.95
Metrosideros kermadecensis 'variegata' red flowers and variegated foliage.
Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa)

Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Variegata' is a striking NZ native shrub or small tree admired for its glossy green leaves edged with creamy variegation...

From$30.29
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
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$19.95
Ctenanthe lubbersiana plant with yellow and green foliage.
Ctenanthe lubbersiana

Ctenanthe lubbersiana, commonly known as the Bamburanta Plant is a lush foliage plant that is commonly grown indoors as a potted plant. It features...

From$44.09
rose-flower-carpet-scarlet-
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
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$14.95
peperomia-clusiifolia-
Peperomia clusiifolia

Peperomia clusiifolia, commonly known as the Jelly Plant, is a popular and easy to grow indoor plant. It produces short stems carrying thick and...

From$34.43
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana variegata

Agave americana variegata, commonly known as the Variegated Century Plant, is a large succulent that features broad, powder-blue leaves with yellow...

From$15.95
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
schefflera-variegata-
Schefflera arboricola variegated

The variegated Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola Variegated) is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant due to its attractive and...

From$19.95
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Chlorophytum, Coprosma, and Ficus, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Grasses, and Mondo Grass.

Search variegated ground cover plants

Why Choose Variegated Ground Cover Plants?

Variegated ground cover plants are perfect for brightening shady corners or adding contrast to your landscape. The cream, white, gold, or silver patterns in their leaves make these plants truly eye-catching, whether they're cascading over walls or forming lush carpets. Many variegated varieties are robust, low-maintenance, and adaptable to a range of soil and light conditions, making them ideal for both novice and expert gardeners.

Top Variegated Ground Cover Plants for New Zealand

Ajuga reptans variegata

For a hardy, fast-spreading option, Ajuga reptans variegata is a top choice. Its attractive bronze-green leaves are edged with creamy white, and it produces upright spikes of deep blue flowers in spring. Ajuga thrives in partial shade and stays lush throughout the year.

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Kiwi gardeners love Coprosma kirkii 'variegata' for its tough adaptability and unique, cream-edged leaves. This New Zealand native hugs the ground beautifully and stands up well to coastal exposure, wind, and salt spray, making it perfect for those hard-to-fill gardens.

Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum (Variegated Star Jasmine)

If you want fragrance as well as foliage, try the Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum (Variegated Star Jasmine). It has glossy green leaves with creamy yellow margins and produces scented white flowers. Use it as ground cover in a sunny spot, or allow it to climb and trail where you need a splash of colour.

Hedera canariensis Variegata

The bold, variegated leaves of Hedera canariensis Variegata bring elegance to any shady space. This vigorous form of ivy covers large areas quickly, making it ideal for suppressing weeds on banks or beneath trees, while adding dramatic foliage contrast.

Carpodetus serratus prostrata

For something different, Carpodetus serratus prostrata offers intricate, creeping forms with small leaves. It's great for naturalistic planting, rockeries, or erosion control on slopes. While not strictly variegated, its texture adds interest among other variegated ground cover plants.

How to Use Variegated Ground Cover in the Garden

Plant variegated ground cover plants along borders, between shrubs, or beneath trees for a burst of brightness and texture. They’re perfect for unifying mixed plantings, creating a tapestry effect, or softening the hard lines of paths and driveways. For best results, mix several varieties for a year-round display, and pair with native species for resilience and biodiversity.

Explore our full selection of ground cover plants—including the stunning variegated varieties above—to add effortless beauty to your garden all year round.

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 Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) and Apodasmia similis (Oi Oi) — like the subtle beauty of Acer 'Fireglow', Corokia 'Sunsplash', and Garrya elliptica 'James Roof'.
–The Plant Company

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