1: Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ (Siberian bugloss – main image)
With striking, heart-shaped silver leaves with green veining, this perennial will create a bright carpet in shady borders. In spring, it produces delicate blue flowers reminiscent of forget-me-nots. Thriving in partial to full shade, it prefers moist, well-drained soil and pairs beautifully with other woodland plants. ‘Jack Frost’ is valued for its foliage in spring and summer, and its ability to illuminate dark corners, making it a great ground cover for shade gardens.
Spread: 1m
2: Geranium ‘Rozanne’ (Hardy geranium)
‘Rozanne’ is a standout hardy geranium, famed for its ability to scramble across the ground, forming a mass of deeply cut green leaves topped with large, violet-blue flowers from early summer into autumn. It fills gaps at the front of borders or under shrubs with vibrant colour and attractive foliage. ‘Rozanne’ thrives in sun or partial shade and is undemanding, tolerating most soils. Its sterile nature means it flowers for months without self-seeding, making it a reliable and long-lasting ground cover.
Spread: up to 11
3: Vinca minor (Lesser periwinkle)
This tough evergreen perennial is prized for its glossy green foliage and dainty, star-shaped purple flowers from spring to late summer. Hugging the ground at around 10cm high, it quickly forms a dense mat, suppressing weeds and covering bare soil with ease. Vinca minor thrives in sun or shade and copes well with a range of soil types, making it ideal for tricky spots under trees or on banks. Far less invasive than its larger relative, greater periwinkle, it’s perfect for smaller gardens needing reliable, low-maintenance ground cover.
Spread: up to 1.5m
4: Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese spurge)
An evergreen mat-forming perennial that excels at carpeting shady areas beneath trees and shrubs. Its glossy, serrated leaves create a lush, dense cover, and tiny white flowers appear in spring. Pachysandra prefers moist, slightly acidic soil and tolerates dry shade once established, making it invaluable for difficult, shady corners. Slow to establish but long-lived, it’s a classic choice for low-maintenance ground cover, requiring minimal care once settled. Its ability to outcompete weeds and retain greenery year-round makes it a stalwart of shaded borders and woodland gardens.
Spread: up to 1.5m
5: Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’ (Lamb’s ear)
‘Silver Carpet’ is a low-growing evergreen perennial, celebrated for its tactile, woolly, silver-grey leaves that form dense mats. Drought-tolerant and evergreen, it’s perfect for the front of sunny borders, gravel gardens, or banks, providing year-round interest and weed suppression. The foliage is so soft it’s irresistible to touch, and its neat habit means it rarely produces flowers, focusing energy on lush leaf growth. Once established, it copes well with poor, dry soils, making it a resilient and attractive ground cover choice.
Spread: up to 1m
6: Gaultheria procumbens (Checkerberry)
Checkerberry is a compact evergreen shrub which spreads to create a dense carpet of red-edged leaves that are particularly striking in winter. It’s adorned with white flowers in summer, followed by bright red berries that last into winter. Preferring moist, well-drained acidic soil, it’s ideal for banks, slopes, or wildlife gardens, where its berries provide food for birds and mammals. Checkerberry’s neat, low-growing habit and attractive winter colouring make it a valuable ground cover, especially in gardens where year-round interest is needed.
Spread: up to 1m
7: Euonymus fortunei ‘Silver Queen’ (Spindle)
This versatile, evergreen shrub forms a low, spreading mat of white-edged, variegated leaves, making it excellent for covering ground and suppressing weeds. The fresh, variegated foliage brightens borders, banks, or shady spots, and its tolerance of a range of soils and exposures makes it easy to grow. Remove any non-variegated shoots to maintain the beautifully variegated leaves. ‘Silver Queen’ is a reliable, decorative solution for year-round ground cover. Spindle is harmful to people and pets if eaten.
Spread: 1.5m
8: Ajuga reptans BLACK SCALLOP ‘Binblasca’ (Bugle)
BLACK SCALLOP is a spreading perennial, prized for its glossy, dark, almost black foliage. In spring, it sends up short spikes of deep blue flowers, adding a burst of colour to shady borders. It thrives in partial to full shade, coping with a range of soils. Leaf colour will vary slightly, with plants in full shade having greener foliage than plants in partial shade; some sun is required to bring out the darkness of the leaves. Low-maintenance and quick to establish, it’s ideal for suppressing weeds and adding dramatic foliage contrast to mixed plantings, especially in difficult, shaded areas.
Spread: 1m
9: Bergenia (Elephant’s ears)
Bergenia, also known as elephant’s ears, is a robust, evergreen perennial with large, shiny leaves that often take on a red flush in winter. Forming dense clumps up to 50cm high and wide, it’s perfect for covering ground in borders or shady corners. Mauve or pink flowers appear in spring, providing early colour. Bergenias tolerate a wide range of soils and conditions, thriving best in moist, well-drained spots. Their bold foliage and resilience make them a classic, low-maintenance ground cover for year-round interest.
Spread: up to 50cm
10: Hedera helix (Ivy)
Ivy is a classic evergreen ground cover, renowned for its adaptability and vigorous, spreading habit. It forms dense mats of lobed, glossy leaves, available in many shapes and variegated forms. Ivy thrives in sun or deep shade, tolerates a wide range of soils, and is invaluable for covering banks, underplanting trees, or masking unsightly areas. Once established, it needs minimal care, other than to ensure it doesn’t spread too far. It’s excellent for wildlife, providing shelter and food for insects. Ivy is harmful to people and pets if eaten, and it’s a skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
Spread: usually up to 1.5m, but can spread further
11: Tiarella cordifolia (Foam flower)
Also known as foam flower, this charming perennial is perfect for ground cover in shady spots. Its deeply lobed, fresh green leaves form a dense carpet, while frothy spikes of starry white flowers appear from May to July. It also has the advantage of bronze leaves in autumn. Plant in groups to get maximum impact, ideally in moist, humus-rich soil. Thriving in partial to full shade, tiarella needs little attention once established. It will brighten up even the gloomiest corners with its delicate blooms and attractive leaves.
Spread: 50cm
12: Heuchera (Coral bells)
Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is prized for its scalloped foliage in a kaleidoscope of colours, from soft orange to deep purple. They form attractive clumps and make useful ground cover for a shady spot. In summer, slender stems rise above the leaves, topped with dainty sprays of tiny flowers. Heucheras are low-maintenance and evergreen, offering year-round interest. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, making them a reliable choice for difficult spots. Their versatility and vibrant leaves make them a firm favourite for adding texture and colour.
Spread: up to 50cm
13: Erica x darleyensis ‘Furzey’ (Heather)
This robust heather forms a spreading mat of fine, evergreen foliage. From December to May, it’s smothered in lilac-pink flowers, brightening up winter and early spring. This heather thrives in neutral or acid soil and loves a sunny position, making it ideal for banks or south-facing borders. Its dense growth suppresses weeds and provides shelter for wildlife. Hardy and undemanding, ‘Furzey’ is perfect for low-maintenance gardens, delivering colour and structure when little else is in flower.
Spread: 50cm
14: Veronica pinguifolia ‘Sutherlandii’ (Hebe)
With low carpeting mounds of attractive, grey-green foliage, Veronica pinguifolia ‘Sutherlandii’ is a useful and beautiful ground cover choice. In late spring to early summer, it bears short spikes of white flowers, much loved by bees. This veronica is tolerant of pollution and salty air, making it suitable for coastal gardens and urban spaces. It flourishes in full sun and well-drained soil, and its evergreen foliage ensures year-round interest. ‘Sutherlandii’ is excellent for ground cover in groups, providing reliable, fuss-free greenery.
Spread: 50cm
15: Crocosmia (Montbretia)
Crocosmia, or montbretia, is renowned for its arching sprays of fiery flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red, blooming in late summer. The upright, sword-like leaves form dense clumps, making it an effective ground cover when planted en masse. Crocosmia thrives in a sunny, sheltered spot and prefers well-drained soil. It’s low-maintenance and can quickly fill gaps at the front of borders. Its vibrant blooms are a magnet for pollinators and bring a touch of drama to any garden. Mulch in winter if your garden is particularly cold. Avoid planting Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora, as it’s a Schedule 9 species and can be invasive if it escapes into the wider landscape.
16: Helianthemum nummularium (Rock rose)
This clump-forming, evergreen shrub bears pretty, papery flowers in a range of colours in early and midsummer. Rock roses are perfect for the front of a sunny border or a rock garden, thriving in well-drained soil and needing little attention once established. Their dense growth helps suppress weeds, and they bring a splash of colour to even the driest, poorest soils. Plants may need protection in harsh winters.
Spread: 50cm
17: Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’ (Dwarf juniper)
This dwarf juniper forms a neat, rounded mound of steely-blue evergreen foliage. Its slow-growing, low habit makes it ideal for ground cover in rock gardens, on slopes or at the front of borders. ‘Blue Star’ prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and is highly drought-tolerant once established. The striking blue foliage provides year-round interest and contrasts beautifully with other plants. Juniper is harmful if eaten, and it’s a skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
Spread: 1m
18: Bistorta officinalis ‘Superba’ (Red bistort)
This vigorous perennial quickly forms a dense carpet of broad green leaves, ideal for ground cover in damp, partly shaded areas. From late spring to early summer, it sends up spikes of fluffy pink flowers. It spreads quickly, making it an ideal ground cover. It’s fairly easy to grow and will thrive in full sun or partial shade. It can also cope well with moisture-retentive soils. Grow alongside ferns and hostas for a particularly striking display.
Spread: 1m
19: Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s mantle)
Lady’s mantle is a classic ground cover plant with soft, scalloped leaves. In early summer, it produces clouds of tiny, yellow flowers above the foliage. Its spreading habit quickly covers bare soil, making it excellent for the front of borders or for underplanting. Lady’s mantle thrives in sun or partial shade and tolerates most soils. Low-maintenance and reliable, it’s perfect for cottage gardens and informal borders.
Spread: 50cm
20: Epimedium x youngianum ‘Niveum’ (Barrenwort)
Also known as barrenwort, this robust shade-lover spreads quickly, covering the ground with low, leathery foliage. Airy clouds of delicate white flowers appear in spring, while the foliage often takes on bronze tints in autumn. This herbaceous perennial thrives in deep or partial shade and is ideal for under trees or in woodland borders. Its spreading habit helps suppress weeds.
Spread: 50cm
21: Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae (Mrs Robb’s bonnet)
This tough evergreen perennial has glossy, deep-green leaves with lime-green flowers in spring. It forms dense, spreading clumps via underground runners, suppressing weeds with ease. Thriving in dry shade, it’s perfect for under trees or in awkward corners. Once established, it needs little care and copes well with poor soils. The foliage remains attractive all year, providing structure in winter. Euphorbia is harmful if eaten. Be careful not to touch the milky sap, which can irritate skin – wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
Spread: 1.5m
22: Lamium maculatum ‘Roseum’ (Deadnettle)
A slow-growing, spreading perennial with striking light green leaves with a silver stripe down the middle, topped by pink flowers in summer. It forms a dense carpet, making it ideal for ground cover in shady or partially shaded spots. The evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage brightens dark corners, providing year-round interest.
Spread: 1m
23: Persicaria affinis ‘Darjeeling Red’ (Knotweed)
This low-growing perennial forms a spreading carpet of glossy green leaves. From midsummer to autumn, it produces a long-lasting display of dense spikes of pink flowers that fade to red. ‘Darjeeling Red’ is undemanding, thriving in sun or partial shade and tolerating a range of soils, including poor or dry conditions. With a robust nature, spreading quickly in wet soils, it’s perfect for covering banks, edging paths or filling gaps in borders.
Spread: 50cm
24: Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ (Golden creeping Jenny)
Golden creeping Jenny is a mat-forming perennial with vivid golden-yellow, rounded leaves and small yellow flowers in summer. It prefers moist soil and sun or partial shade. It spreads rapidly, rooting at each leaf node and is unbeatable for filling gaps at the front of borders, trailing over walls or softening pond edges. Its cheerful foliage provides year-round interest.
Spread: 1m
25: Waldsteinia ternata (Siberian waldsteinia)
Waldsteinia ternata is a robust, semi-evergreen perennial, forming neat, low mats of glossy leaves. In spring, it produces cheerful yellow flowers, adding a splash of colour. It’s well-suited for ground cover beneath trees or shrubs, thriving in sun or shade and coping with dry or poor soils. It spreads but isn’t invasive, and its dense foliage effectively suppresses weeds.
Spread: 1m
26: Hypericum calycinum (Rose of Sharon)
Rose of Sharon is a hardy semi-evergreen shrub, spreading rapidly to form a dense ground cover. Its oval leaves are deep green, and from summer to autumn it produces large, golden-yellow flowers. Thriving in sun or shade, it tolerates poor soils and drought once established. It’s often used on banks or under trees, where its vigorous growth suppresses weeds and adds a splash of colour.
Spread: 1.5m
27: Calluna vulgaris (Heather)
Heather is a compact evergreen shrub with fine foliage and masses of small, bell-shaped flowers in late summer and autumn. It forms low, spreading mounds, ideal for carpeting acidic soils, slopes or rock gardens. Heather thrives in full sun and well-drained, acidic soil. Its flowers are loved by bees, and the foliage provides year-round interest, turning bronze or red in winter.
Spread: 50cm
28: Saxifraga x urbium (London pride)
London pride is a classic evergreen ground cover, forming neat rosettes of toothed leaves. In late spring and early summer, it sends up airy sprays of tiny, starry pink-white flowers. It thrives in shade or sun and tolerates poor, dry soils, making it ideal for city gardens, walls or under trees. Easy to grow and low maintenance, it quickly forms a weed-suppressing mat.
Spread: 1m
29: Polystichum setiferum (Soft shield fern)
Soft shield fern is a great choice for ground cover in shaded spots. Its finely divided, soft-textured fronds arch gracefully, creating a lush, green carpet. This evergreen fern thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and copes well in deep or dappled shade. Avoid dry or exposed sites, as the fronds can scorch or become tatty. It’s perfect for woodland gardens or shaded borders.
Spread: 1m
30: Dryopteris erythrosora (Copper shield fern)
Copper shield fern stands out with its coppery-pink young fronds, which mature to a rich, glossy green. This semi-evergreen fern forms neat clumps and spreads steadily, making it ideal for ground cover beneath trees or in shaded borders. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and will tolerate both deep and partial shade. Its attractive foliage and tolerance of dry shade once established make it a reliable, low-maintenance option for bringing texture and colour to tricky corners.
Spread: 1m
31: Cornus canadensis (Creeping dogwood)
Cornus canadensis, or creeping dogwood, creates charming ground cover for cool, moist, acidic soils in partial shade. It forms a mat of whorled, bright green leaves and produces white, dogwood-like flowers in late spring, followed by red berries in autumn. This perennial is perfect for woodland gardens or under shrubs where it slowly spreads to create a soft, natural carpet. Its seasonal interest and neat habit make it a delightful addition to shaded borders.
Spread: 1m
32: Sagina subulata (Heath pearlwort)
This low-growing, evergreen perennial forms a dense, moss-like mat of tiny, bright green leaves. It’s perfect for filling gaps between paving stones, edging paths or covering bare soil in sunny or lightly shaded areas. In summer, it produces small, star-shaped white flowers that add a dainty touch. Sagina subulata prefers moist, well-drained soil and dislikes drought or heavy shade. Its compact habit and fresh appearance make it ideal as a weed-suppressing ground cover.
Spread: 50cm
33: Galium odoratum (Sweet woodruff)
Sweet woodruff is a shade-loving perennial, ideal for carpeting the ground beneath trees or shrubs. Its whorls of slender, bright green leaves and frothy clusters of starry white flowers in late spring create a delicate carpet of blooms. It thrives in moist but well-drained soil and copes well with dry shade once established. Sweet woodruff spreads steadily but is easy to manage, making it a top choice for naturalistic planting schemes or woodland gardens.
Spread: usually 1.5m, but can spread further
34: Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape)
Oregon grape is a tough evergreen shrub that makes excellent ground cover with its spreading habit and glossy, holly-like leaves. In spring, it produces clusters of bright yellow flowers, followed by blue-black berries. The foliage often takes on a purple tinge in winter. Mahonia aquifolium thrives in full or partial shade and will tolerate sunny spots as long as the soil stays moist. Its resilience and year-round structure make it a valuable addition to borders and wildlife gardens.
Spread: 1.5m
35: Hedera colchica ‘Dentata Variegata’ (Persian ivy)
This vigorous evergreen ivy is prized for its large, leathery, cream-edged leaves, which bring brightness to shady areas. It spreads rapidly, making it ideal for covering bare soil, suppressing weeds or covering walls and fences. ‘Dentata Variegata’ thrives in sun or deep shade and is tolerant of most soil types. Its bold foliage and adaptability make it a reliable ground cover for difficult spots where little else will thrive. Ivy is harmful to people and pets if eaten, and it’s a skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
Spread: 4m
