Low-growing plants that knit together into a weed-suppressing carpet — for shade, sun, slopes and the gaps between paving. Packs of 6 to 60 plants, with free delivery across Ireland and 24 more EU countries.
For shade For sun & slopes How many to plant Bulk & trade orders
Choosing ground cover plants
Ground cover plants are low-growing perennials and small shrubs, usually 10–30cm tall, that spread to form a dense mat. Once they close over, they shade out weeds and hold soil on slopes. The right choice depends mostly on light and soil.
Which ground cover plants grow in shade?
For shade, choose periwinkle (Vinca minor), which is evergreen with blue spring flowers, or Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis), which is slower but very dense. Under trees and in dry shade, Epimedium, Liriope, wood-rush (Luzula) and Waldsteinia cope well once established. For part shade, bugle (Ajuga reptans) adds bronze or purple foliage and blue spring flowers.
Which ground cover plants suit sun and slopes?
For full sun and free-draining soil, creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is fragrant, visited by bees and takes light foot traffic between stepping stones. Irish moss (Sagina subulata) makes a soft green cushion between paving, blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) forms a low flowering mat, and Cotoneaster dammeri is a tough evergreen for banks and slopes.
How many plants do I need, and how fast do they spread?
| Plant | Best for | Spread | Plants per m² (guide) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Periwinkle (Vinca minor) | Shade, banks | Covers in 2–3 seasons | 5–9 |
| Japanese spurge (Pachysandra) | Deep shade | Slow, very dense | 8–10 |
| Bugle (Ajuga reptans) | Part shade | Fast, by runners | 6–9 |
| Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) | Sun, paving | Moderate | 6–9 |
| Irish moss (Sagina subulata) | Between paving | Moderate | 9–12 |
| Epimedium | Dry shade | Slow | 5–7 |
| Cotoneaster dammeri | Slopes, banks | Moderate, woody | 3–4 |
These are starting ranges for young plants in 9cm pots. Plant closer for faster cover or wider for economy, and mulch the gaps until the plants knit together. Planning a larger area? See bulk & trade orders or our landscaping plants guide.
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Planning a larger garden project? Browse our landscaping hub or request a bulk quote — trade pricing for landscapers and garden designers across Ireland and 24 more EU countries.
Shortlists: Best Ground Cover Plants for Full Sun · Best Ground Cover Plants for Slopes & Banks · Best Ground Cover Plants for Weed Suppression · Best Plants for Dry Shade