These plants can be found all over the world, from Europe and North America to Asia, and their origins vary widely depending on the species. There are 10,000+ species of these plants and more are still discovered and described. Some species have always been there, while others were brought there as garden plants. 

The use of groundcover plants is not limited to the outdoors; they can also be employed indoors. It’s usually recommended to plant some species in the ground, while others can thrive in pots. Certain groundcover plants are also tropical, meaning they do best in hot, humid climates.

Types of Ground Covers Plants

You can classify ground cover plants by their growth pattern, leaves, bloom, colour, and other features. Examples of typical ground cover plants include:

1. Creeping vines

Trailing stemmed, ground-hugging and support-climbing plants are known as “creeping vines.” For example, our DISCHIDIA NUMMULARIA – STRING OF NICKELS is surely going to be a wonderful addition to your space. 

2. Succulents

Succulents thrive in dry, sunny conditions because of their thick, meaty leaves, which they use to store water. You can elevate the overall ambiance of your cherished space by adding our eye-throbbing ECHEVERIA DARK VADER & ECHEVERIA BLACK KNIGHT. 

3. Ornamental

Long, thin leaves on ornamental grasses create movement and texture in the garden. Blue fescue, liriope, and mondo grass are all examples of such grasses.

4. Ferns

Ferns are fragile plants with lacy leaves that thrive in damp, shady environments. The maidenhair fern, the Japanese-painted fern, and the autumn fern are just a few examples.

5. Perennials

Plants that bloom repeatedly throughout the year are known as perennials. You can check our visually appealing RHOEO PINK JOY – TRADESCANTIA SPATHACEA TRICOLOR, which has dark green leaves striped with pink and a purple underside.

6. Mosses

Mosses are plants that thrive in moist, shaded regions and can be used to create a thick, green carpet in a garden. Irish moss and sheet moss are two such examples.

How To Maintain & Care Ground Covers Plants

Maintaining and caring for groundcover plants is essential to keep them healthy and looking their best. Here are some tips on how to care for groundcover plants:

1. Watering

Groundcover plants typically have shallow root systems, so it’s important to water them regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Be sure to water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.

2. Fertilising

Depending on the type of groundcover plant, fertilising may be necessary to promote healthy growth and vibrant colour. Use a slow-release fertiliser in the spring and again in the fall, following the instructions on the label.

3. Pruning

Regular pruning can help keep groundcover plants looking neat and tidy and can encourage fuller growth. Prune back any dead or damaged growth, and trim back any leggy stems to encourage branching.

4. Weed control

Weeds can compete with groundcover plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight, so it’s important to keep them under control. Pull weeds by hand or use an organic weed killer that won’t harm your groundcover plants.

5. Mulching

Applying a layer of mulch around the base of your groundcover plants can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

6. Pest and disease control

Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases that can affect groundcover plants, such as aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Use natural pest control methods or a mild pesticide as needed.

7. Rejuvenation

Some groundcover plants can become sparse or overgrown over time. To rejuvenate them, trim back the growth and thin out any dead or weak stems, and then apply a layer of compost or fertiliser to encourage new growth.