Ground cover plants – practical choices for an easy-care garden


Ground cover plants – practical choices for an easy-care garden


Ground cover plants are a simple and effective way to keep the garden lush and well-maintained without constant weeding and watering. They cover the soil, suppress weeds, and help retain moisture in the beds. At the same time, they can add colour, structure, and variety throughout the season – from evergreen carpets to flowering surfaces that attract bees and butterflies.
In this article, you’ll get an overview of different types of ground cover plants and their characteristics, so you can find the varieties that best suit your garden and your preferences for appearance and maintenance level.
The article presents a selection of ground cover plants available at Danish garden centres and nurseries. The aim is to provide a broad insight into the many possibilities – from shade-tolerant species to sunny slopes and from flowering varieties to robust, evergreen solutions. The information about the plants is based on publicly available descriptions from producers and retailers, and it has been summarised to provide a clear and informative overview.

Soft Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis) is a perennial used as ground cover in gardens and green areas. It forms a low, dense growth with soft, slightly hairy leaves that collect dew drops and give the plant a distinctive appearance.
The plant thrives in both sun and partial shade and does well in ordinary garden soil. It typically grows 30–50 cm tall and 20–40 cm wide and spreads evenly, making it suitable for covering the ground and suppressing weeds.
Flowering takes place from June to September, when small lime-green to yellow-green flowers gather in loose clusters. The light flower heads provide a fresh play of colour in the bed without being dominant.
The foliage is decorative and can be used in bouquets and decorations. The plant is hardy, easy to grow and requires minimal care, making it suitable for both private gardens and larger plantings.
- Long flowering period: From June to September with lime-green flowers.
- Decorative foliage: Soft, hairy leaves with a distinctive shape.
- Suitable as ground cover: Forms a dense green carpet that suppresses weeds.
- Undemanding and hardy: Thrives in sun to partial shade and ordinary garden soil.
- Suitable for cutting: The foliage can be used in bouquets and decorations.
Pros and cons
- Easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance
- Tolerates both sun and partial shade
- Long flowering period
- Effective as ground cover
- Decorative in both beds and bouquets
- Can spread more than desired if not kept in check
- The flowers may appear discreet in colour compared to more colourful perennials
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance
- Tolerates both sun and partial shade
- Long flowering period
- Effective as ground cover
- Decorative in both beds and bouquets
Cons
- Can spread more than desired if not kept in check
- The flowers may appear discreet in colour compared to more colourful perennials
Pros
- Easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance
- Tolerates both sun and partial shade
- Long flowering period
- Effective as ground cover
- Decorative in both beds and bouquets
Cons
- Can spread more than desired if not kept in check
- The flowers may appear discreet in colour compared to more colourful perennials
Specifications
- Botanical name: Alchemilla mollis
- Danish name: Soft Lady's Mantle
- Plant height: 30–50 cm
- Plant width: 20–40 cm
- Flowering time: June–September
- Flower colour: Lime green to yellow green
- Leaf colour: Green
- Light conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Ordinary garden soil, medium nutrient level
- Plant density: 6–9 plants per m²
- Growth form: Ground-covering, medium growth
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Use: Gardens and parks, ground cover, cutting

St. John's Wort (Hypericum calycinum) is a ground cover plant that forms a dense green carpet in the garden. It is partially evergreen and has elongated green leaves on reddish stems, giving a lively appearance all year round.
The plant blooms from July to September with large yellow flowers that have long styles and add colour and structure to the bed. It can be used both as ground cover and as a cut flower for bouquets.
St. John's Wort spreads quickly via root shoots and tolerates pruning, making it suitable for covering larger areas. It thrives best in good loamy soil and does well in both sun and partial shade.
With a height of around 30–50 cm and a planting distance of about 55 cm, it is suitable for creating a uniform, low plant cover that is also robust against the Danish climate.
- Long flowering period: Blooms from July to September with large yellow flowers.
- Robust growth: Tolerates pruning and spreads effectively via root shoots.
- Partially evergreen: Retains some of its foliage through the winter.
- Suitable ground cover: Forms a dense green carpet that suppresses weeds.
- Thrives in sun and partial shade: Adapts to different light conditions and soil types.
Pros and cons
- Hardy and undemanding plant that thrives in the Danish climate
- Long flowering period with decorative yellow flowers
- Requires minimal maintenance after establishment
- Suitable for both sun and partial shade
- Can be used as ground cover or in bouquets
- Spreads quickly and may require control to avoid unwanted spreading
- Requires regular fertilisation for optimal growth and flowering
Pros and cons
Pros
- Hardy and undemanding plant that thrives in the Danish climate
- Long flowering period with decorative yellow flowers
- Requires minimal maintenance after establishment
- Suitable for both sun and partial shade
- Can be used as ground cover or in bouquets
Cons
- Spreads quickly and may require control to avoid unwanted spreading
- Requires regular fertilisation for optimal growth and flowering
Pros
- Hardy and undemanding plant that thrives in the Danish climate
- Long flowering period with decorative yellow flowers
- Requires minimal maintenance after establishment
- Suitable for both sun and partial shade
- Can be used as ground cover or in bouquets
Cons
- Spreads quickly and may require control to avoid unwanted spreading
- Requires regular fertilisation for optimal growth and flowering
Specifications
- Botanical name: Hypericum calycinum
- Category: Ground cover plant
- Height: 30–50 cm
- Width: 10–20 cm
- Plant spacing: approx. 55 cm
- Flower colour: Yellow
- Flowering period: July–September
- Leaf colour: Green
- Light conditions: Full sun or partial shade
- Growth form: Upright
- Growth type: Medium-growing
- Hardiness: Fully hardy in the Danish climate
- Use: Ground cover, gardens, cutting
- Fertilisation level: Medium

Quaking Grass (Briza media) is a perennial ornamental grass that forms low tufts with short runners. It grows best in light to partial shade and prefers calcareous soil. The plant is native to Denmark and naturally occurs in meadows and grasslands.
The grass reaches about 30 cm in height, while the seed heads can reach up to 40 cm. The small, heart-shaped seed heads hang lightly on thin stems and move in the wind, giving a light and lively expression in the planting.
The colour of the seed heads changes throughout the season – from blue-green in spring to golden brown in late summer. Flowering takes place from May to August, and the seeds are readily eaten by small birds.
Quaking Grass is well suited for group planting, where 9 plants per square metre provide a dense and natural cover. It can be used as ground cover along lawns, in perennial beds, or in more naturalistic gardens.
- Low-growing tuft grass: Forms dense tufts with short runners.
- Decorative seed heads: Small heart-shaped seed heads that move gently in the wind.
- Colour change through the season: From blue-green to golden brown seed heads.
- Flowering period: May to August.
- Native species: Naturally occurring in Denmark and host plant for the Meadow Brown butterfly.
Pros and cons
- Natural appearance and movement in the planting
- Suitable as ground cover in light to partial shade
- Low maintenance and robust growth
- Attracts insects and birds
- Requires well-drained and preferably calcareous soil to thrive optimally
- May appear delicate as a solitary plant and looks best in groups
Pros and cons
Pros
- Natural appearance and movement in the planting
- Suitable as ground cover in light to partial shade
- Low maintenance and robust growth
- Attracts insects and birds
Cons
- Requires well-drained and preferably calcareous soil to thrive optimally
- May appear delicate as a solitary plant and looks best in groups
Pros
- Natural appearance and movement in the planting
- Suitable as ground cover in light to partial shade
- Low maintenance and robust growth
- Attracts insects and birds
Cons
- Requires well-drained and preferably calcareous soil to thrive optimally
- May appear delicate as a solitary plant and looks best in groups
Specifications
- Botanical name: Briza media
- Danish name: Quaking Grass
- Plant height: Tuft approx. 30 cm, seed heads up to 40 cm
- Growth form: Tuft-forming with short runners
- Placement: Light to partial shade
- Flowering period: May–August
- Plant density: 9 plants per m²
- Category: Ground-covering perennials
- Main category: Ground cover
- Origin: Native to Denmark

Large-leaved Ivy (Hedera hibernica) is an evergreen plant used as ground cover or a climbing plant. It forms a dense, green carpet that effectively suppresses weeds and helps retain soil moisture. The plant has large, dark green, heart-shaped leaves and a vigorous growth habit, making it suitable for covering larger areas.
The ivy thrives best in ordinary, well-drained soil and can grow in sun, partial shade, and shade. However, it prefers slightly acidic soil and performs particularly well on north-facing slopes. For optimal growth, ammonium sulphate fertiliser can be applied if the plants show signs of weak development.
The plant is fully hardy and retains its foliage all year round, providing a stable green appearance through all seasons. It can be used as ground cover under shrubs and trees or as a climbing plant on walls and fences. When planting, 8–10 plants per square metre are recommended to achieve an even cover.
Large-leaved Ivy is also known for attracting insects such as the holly blue butterfly, which can contribute to increased biodiversity in the garden.
- Evergreen: Retains its leaves all year round and provides a green appearance throughout the year.
- Versatile use: Can be used both as ground cover and as a climbing plant.
- Shade tolerant: Thrives in sun, partial shade, and shade.
- Low maintenance: Only requires pruning if it spreads too much.
- Hardy: Tolerates the Danish climate and grows in ordinary garden soil.
Pros and cons
- Forms a dense and lasting ground cover
- Suitable for shady areas
- Can also be used as a climbing plant
- Evergreen and hardy
- Requires minimal care after establishment
- Can spread vigorously and requires pruning to be kept in place
- Prefers slightly acidic soil and may perform poorly in heavy, wet soil
Pros and cons
Pros
- Forms a dense and lasting ground cover
- Suitable for shady areas
- Can also be used as a climbing plant
- Evergreen and hardy
- Requires minimal care after establishment
Cons
- Can spread vigorously and requires pruning to be kept in place
- Prefers slightly acidic soil and may perform poorly in heavy, wet soil
Pros
- Forms a dense and lasting ground cover
- Suitable for shady areas
- Can also be used as a climbing plant
- Evergreen and hardy
- Requires minimal care after establishment
Cons
- Can spread vigorously and requires pruning to be kept in place
- Prefers slightly acidic soil and may perform poorly in heavy, wet soil
Specifications
- Botanical name: Hedera hibernica
- Plant category: Ground cover / Ivy
- Use: Ground cover, climbing plant on walls and trees
- Leaf colour: Green to dark green
- Leaf shape: Heart-shaped
- Growth habit: Trailing, self-clinging
- Placement: Sun, partial shade, shade
- Height: 800–1000 cm (as a climbing plant)
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Fertilisation level: Medium
- Plant density: 8–10 plants per m²
- Soil type: Ordinary, well-drained, slightly acidic soil

Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis) is a low-growing, evergreen plant often used as ground cover in gardens and parks. It forms dense, green carpets that effectively cover the soil and suppress weeds.
The plant thrives best in partial shade to shade and prefers acidic soil. It has oval, dark green leaves that retain their colour all year round, and in spring it develops small, white flowers with a subtle appearance.
Japanese Spurge grows moderately and reaches about 25 cm in height with a width of 20–40 cm. It is fully hardy and therefore well suited to the Danish climate. With a planting distance of 35–50 cm, it can quickly form a dense plant cover.
The plant is typically used under trees, in shady beds or on slopes, where it contributes to a green and uniform appearance all year round.
- Evergreen ground cover plant: Retains its green colour all year round.
- Shade-tolerant: Thrives in partially shaded and shady areas.
- Low growth: Approx. 25 cm high and 20–40 cm wide.
- Spring flowering: Small white flowers in May.
- Robust and hardy: Suitable for Danish conditions and requires minimal maintenance.
Pros and cons
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
- Suitable for shady areas
- Requires little maintenance
- Effectively suppresses weeds as ground cover
- Fully hardy in the Danish climate
- Does not thrive in full sun or dry soil
- Growth is moderate, so full coverage may take time
Pros and cons
Pros
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
- Suitable for shady areas
- Requires little maintenance
- Effectively suppresses weeds as ground cover
- Fully hardy in the Danish climate
Cons
- Does not thrive in full sun or dry soil
- Growth is moderate, so full coverage may take time
Pros
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
- Suitable for shady areas
- Requires little maintenance
- Effectively suppresses weeds as ground cover
- Fully hardy in the Danish climate
Cons
- Does not thrive in full sun or dry soil
- Growth is moderate, so full coverage may take time
Specifications
- Botanical name: Pachysandra terminalis
- Plant height: approx. 25 cm
- Width: 20–40 cm
- Flower colour: White, greenish
- Flowering period: Spring (May)
- Leaf colour: Green to dark green
- Leaf shape: Oval
- Light conditions: Partial shade to shade
- Soil type: Acidic soil
- Growth form: Ground covering
- Growth: Moderately growing
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Plant spacing: 35–50 cm
- Use: Gardens and parks, ground cover under trees

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a hardy perennial that forms dense clumps and is well suited as ground cover in sunny gardens. It grows best in well-drained soil and can be used for naturalising, where it quickly spreads and covers the ground effectively.
The plant grows to about 60 cm tall and develops flat flower heads with many small white flowers, which towards the end of flowering may take on a faint pink hue. Flowering occurs from July to September.
Yarrow has finely divided, fragrant foliage and tolerates drought. It is suitable for cutting and drying and has historically been used as a medicinal plant. The species attracts many insects, including bees, hoverflies and butterflies, and serves as a host plant for several moths.
When planting, a density of about six plants per square metre is recommended to achieve continuous ground cover.
- Light growing site: Thrives best in sun and well-drained soil.
- Height: About 60 cm at full growth.
- Flowering: July to September with white to slightly pink flowers.
- Drought-tolerant: Suitable for areas with limited watering.
- Insect-friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
Pros and cons
- Robust and drought-tolerant perennial
- Suitable as ground cover and for naturalising
- Long flowering period in mid-summer
- Attracts many beneficial insects
- Can be used for cutting and drying
- Requires sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth
- Can spread vigorously, requiring control in smaller beds
Pros and cons
Pros
- Robust and drought-tolerant perennial
- Suitable as ground cover and for naturalising
- Long flowering period in mid-summer
- Attracts many beneficial insects
- Can be used for cutting and drying
Cons
- Requires sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth
- Can spread vigorously, requiring control in smaller beds
Pros
- Robust and drought-tolerant perennial
- Suitable as ground cover and for naturalising
- Long flowering period in mid-summer
- Attracts many beneficial insects
- Can be used for cutting and drying
Cons
- Requires sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth
- Can spread vigorously, requiring control in smaller beds
Specifications
- Botanical name: Achillea millefolium
- Plant height: approx. 60 cm
- Plant density: 6 plants per m²
- Flowering period: July–September
- Flower colour: White, sometimes light pink towards the end of flowering
- Growing conditions: Light growing site, well-drained soil
- Characteristics: Drought-tolerant, fragrant foliage, suitable for cutting and drying
- Category: Ground-covering perennials
- Main category: Ground cover

Snow rush (Luzula nivea) is a perennial that forms dense clumps of narrow, green leaves and develops fine, white flower spikes in June. The spikes stand high above the foliage and later turn dark brown, giving the plant a varied appearance throughout the season.
The plant thrives best in partial shade to shade and is therefore suitable for areas where many other plants struggle to grow. It grows to about 30 cm high in the clump, while the flower spikes can reach up to 60 cm.
Snow rush is evergreen and thus retains its foliage all year round. It is tolerated by grass allergy sufferers, as it does not belong to the grass family, and the dried spikes can be used decoratively. For dense ground cover, a planting density of about six plants per square metre is recommended.
- Evergreen: Retains its foliage all year round and provides structure in the garden during winter.
- Shade tolerant: Thrives in partial shade and shade, where many other plants do not succeed.
- Decorative flowers: White spikes in June that later turn dark brown.
- Allergy friendly: Tolerated by grass allergy sufferers, as it is not a grass species.
- Suitable as ground cover: Forms dense clumps that effectively cover the soil.
Pros and cons
- Robust and easy to establish in shady areas
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Can be used as an allergy-friendly alternative to grass
- Prefers moist soil and may perform poorly in very dry areas
- The flowering period is short and mainly in June
Pros and cons
Pros
- Robust and easy to establish in shady areas
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Can be used as an allergy-friendly alternative to grass
Cons
- Prefers moist soil and may perform poorly in very dry areas
- The flowering period is short and mainly in June
Pros
- Robust and easy to establish in shady areas
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Can be used as an allergy-friendly alternative to grass
Cons
- Prefers moist soil and may perform poorly in very dry areas
- The flowering period is short and mainly in June
Specifications
- Botanical name: Luzula nivea
- Danish name: Snow rush
- Plant height: Clump approx. 30 cm, flower spikes up to 60 cm
- Growing conditions: Partial shade to shade
- Planting density: 6 plants per square metre
- Flowering time: June
- Flower colour: White (later turns dark brown)
- Characteristics: Evergreen, tolerated by grass allergy sufferers, spikes can be dried
- Category: Ground-covering perennials
- Main category: Ground cover

Vinca major, known as Large-leaved Periwinkle, is a perennial, evergreen plant that forms a dense and green ground cover throughout the year. It has vigorous growth and broad, glossy leaves that quickly close gaps in the planting and provide a uniform appearance in the bed.
The plant blooms in April and May with large, blue-purple flowers, and a smaller re-flowering may occur later in the summer. It is well suited as ground cover under shrubs and trees, where it can effectively cover the soil and suppress weeds.
Large-leaved Periwinkle thrives in both sun and shade and makes few demands on the soil, as long as there is no standing water in the root zone. It tolerates pruning all year round and maintains its dense growth, making it suitable for both new and established beds.
For optimal coverage, it is recommended to plant 6–9 plants per square metre. It is fully hardy and does well in the Danish climate, even in more shaded or dry growing sites.
- Evergreen: Retains its green foliage all year round.
- Flowering: Large blue-purple flowers in April–May, often with re-flowering.
- Growth form: Vigorous and ground-covering with rooting branches.
- Light conditions: Thrives in both sun and shade.
- Care: Tolerates pruning all year round and requires minimal maintenance.
Pros and cons
- Fast and dense growth that effectively covers the soil
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
- Tolerates both sun and shade
- Requires little care after establishment
- Suitable for shaded beds and underplanting
- Can spread vigorously and requires control in smaller gardens
- Young plants need regular watering to establish
- Does not thrive in soil with standing water
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fast and dense growth that effectively covers the soil
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
- Tolerates both sun and shade
- Requires little care after establishment
- Suitable for shaded beds and underplanting
Cons
- Can spread vigorously and requires control in smaller gardens
- Young plants need regular watering to establish
- Does not thrive in soil with standing water
Pros
- Fast and dense growth that effectively covers the soil
- Evergreen and decorative all year round
- Tolerates both sun and shade
- Requires little care after establishment
- Suitable for shaded beds and underplanting
Cons
- Can spread vigorously and requires control in smaller gardens
- Young plants need regular watering to establish
- Does not thrive in soil with standing water
Specifications
- Botanical name: Vinca major
- Danish name: Large-leaved Periwinkle
- Plant height: approx. 30–45 cm
- Flower colour: Blue-purple
- Flowering period: April–May (possible re-flowering in summer)
- Leaf colour: Fresh green to dark green, glossy
- Light conditions: Sun to shade
- Growth form: Ground-covering, rooting branches
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Recommended planting density: 6–9 plants per m²
- Category: Ground cover plant, Periwinkle
- Pot variants: 0.8 L, 1 L, 1.5 L

















