Creating an attractive garden doesn't have to be a time-consuming task filled with constant watering and upkeep. Drought-tolerant groundcovers provide an excellent solution for achieving a vibrant outdoor space while conserving water and reducing maintenance needs. These resilient plants enhance your garden's appearance and help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Here are ten popular drought-tolerant groundcovers that thrive in UK gardens.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Creeping Thyme is an ideal choice for sunny UK gardens, offering fragrant foliage and delightful purple flowers during summer. This hardy herb thrives in well-drained soils and is perfect for filling gaps between paving stones or in rock gardens. Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it perfect for low-maintenance landscapes.
Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedum, commonly referred to as stonecrop, is a versatile succulent that flourishes in dry conditions. With various varieties available, Sedum can add vibrant colour and texture to your garden. It thrives in poor soils and requires little maintenance, making it suitable for Mediterranean gardens or areas with sunny spots.
Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga, or Bugleweed, is a popular groundcover for shady areas in the UK. Known for its stunning blue flower spikes that bloom in spring, Ajuga features attractive foliage that adds interest year-round. This hardy plant can tolerate dry spells and is effective at suppressing weeds, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny is a vibrant groundcover celebrated for its striking golden-green foliage. This perennial thrives in various soil types and can withstand dry conditions once established. It's perfect for hanging over walls or filling in garden beds, providing colour and texture throughout the seasons.
Common Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
The Common Bluebell is a beautiful addition to any garden, known for its stunning blue flowers that bloom in spring. While it prefers moist soils, this native flower can tolerate periods of drought once established. It works well as a ground cover in lightly shaded areas, adding a lovely pop of colour to your landscape.
Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Lamb's Ear is renowned for its soft, fuzzy leaves and tall purple flower spikes. This drought-resistant perennial thrives in sunny gardens and can tolerate poor soil conditions. It works well as a groundcover and is excellent for attracting bees, adding both beauty and biodiversity to your outdoor space.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Creeping Phlox is a cherished perennial that produces a stunning display of flowers in vibrant shades of pink, purple, and white in spring. This hardy groundcover flourishes in sunny locations and can thrive in poor soils. Its ability to withstand drought once established makes it a popular choice for rock gardens and borders.
Herniaria glabra (Green Mat)
Also known as Green Mat or Rupturewort, Herniaria glabra is a hardy groundcover that flourishes in sunny locations. Its low-growing habit is perfect for filling in gaps in rock gardens or along pathways. This drought-tolerant plant requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent addition to any low-care garden.
Scutellaria (Skullcap)
Skullcap is a lovely ground cover with delicate blue flowers that attract bees and butterflies. It thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate periods of drought. This resilient plant is perfect for filling in gaps in flower borders or as a low-maintenance option in mixed beds.
Bacopa (Sutera cordata)
Bacopa is a charming ground cover with trailing stems and small white or blue flowers. It thrives in sunny spots and is perfect for hanging baskets or containers. Bacopa is drought-tolerant and can adapt to various soil types, adding a touch of elegance to your garden with minimal care.