Ground Cover Plants Australia: The Best Options for Low-Maintenance, Beautiful Gardens

Ground cover plants are one of the most practical ways to make a garden look fuller, reduce exposed soil and soften the spaces between larger plants.

Instead of relying only on mulch, lawn or hard landscaping, ground covers create a living layer across the soil. Depending on the variety, they can spread quickly, flower, tolerate shade, help stabilise slopes or fill areas where grass struggles to grow.

For Australian gardens, the best ground cover plants are not simply the fastest-growing ones. The right choice depends on climate, sunlight, soil, moisture, available space and how much maintenance you are comfortable with.

Some ground covers are ideal for hot, sunny positions. Others perform better under trees or in shaded areas. Some create dense coverage quickly, while compact flowering varieties are better suited to pathways, borders and rockeries.

This guide explains how ground cover plants work, which types suit different garden conditions and how to choose the right option for your project.

What Are Ground Cover Plants and Why Are They Useful?

How Ground Cover Plants Help Reduce Bare Soil and Weeds

Ground cover plants are low-growing plants that spread across the soil, creating a living layer between larger shrubs, trees and garden features.

Their biggest practical benefit is simple: they reduce the amount of exposed soil in a garden.

That can help with:

• filling gaps between larger plants
• reducing bare soil
• suppressing weed establishment
• creating a more finished garden appearance
• reducing reliance on mulch in some areas
• softening edges around paths and garden beds

Once a ground cover becomes dense, it leaves less open space for weed seedlings to establish.

That does not mean ground cover plants eliminate weeds completely. Weeding is still usually required while plants are establishing, particularly during the first months.

However, over time, a dense ground cover can make ongoing weed control easier.

Ground covers can also improve the visual structure of a garden.

Instead of individual shrubs sitting in isolated patches of mulch, a continuous layer of foliage connects different parts of the planting scheme.

This is particularly useful in landscaped gardens where the goal is to create a mature, established appearance.

Some varieties are evergreen or semi-evergreen, while others are more seasonal.

The key is choosing a plant that spreads at the right speed for the space available.

A very fast-growing ground cover can be useful across a large slope but may require frequent trimming in a narrow garden bed.

Ground Cover Plants for Slopes, Borders and Difficult Garden Areas

Ground cover plants are particularly useful in areas where traditional lawn or upright shrubs are difficult to maintain.

Common applications include:

• slopes and banks
• retaining walls
• garden borders
• beneath established trees
• between stepping stones
• rockeries
• narrow garden strips
• difficult-to-mow areas

Slopes are one of the most practical uses.

Bare soil on a slope can be exposed to erosion, especially during heavy rainfall. Spreading ground covers can help protect the soil surface and, depending on the species, contribute to better soil stability.

Ground covers are also useful around retaining walls, where trailing varieties can soften hard edges and create a more natural transition between levels.

Under trees, grass often struggles because of:

• shade
• root competition
• dry soil
• uneven moisture

Shade-tolerant ground covers can fill these areas more successfully.

Between stepping stones, very low-growing varieties can soften paving and create a more informal garden look.

Rockeries are another strong application because many compact ground covers naturally suit well-drained, sunny positions.

Before choosing a plant, think about how much spreading is actually desirable.

A large slope may benefit from rapid growth.

A pathway or border usually needs a more controlled plant that will not constantly grow over hard surfaces.

Native vs Exotic Ground Cover Plants in Australia

Both Australian native and exotic ground cover plants can work well in Australian gardens.

The better option depends on the garden style and the growing conditions.

Australian native ground covers can offer:

• suitability for Australian-style landscapes
• habitat and food for birds or pollinators
• good performance in lower-water gardens
• strong compatibility with native shrubs and grasses
• distinctive foliage and flowers

Popular native categories include low-growing Grevilleas, Myoporum, Dichondra and Viola Hederacea.

These plants can work particularly well in naturalistic, coastal or native-inspired landscapes.

Exotic ground covers offer different advantages:

• a broader range of flower colours
• different foliage textures
• strong options for cottage gardens
• suitable plants for formal landscapes
• options for Mediterranean-style gardens
• many established varieties that perform well in Australian conditions

The best garden does not necessarily need to choose one or the other.

A native ground cover may be perfect for a sunny slope, while an exotic flowering ground cover may suit a shaded courtyard better.

The most important factors remain:

• sunlight
• soil
• drainage
• climate
• available space
• maintenance requirements

A well-matched exotic plant will generally outperform a poorly matched native plant, and vice versa.

How to Choose the Best Ground Cover Plants for Your Garden

Best Ground Cover Plants for Full Sun

Ground cover plants for full sun need to tolerate heat, direct light and, in many Australian gardens, periods of dry weather.

Look for plants with:

• good heat tolerance
• drought tolerance once established
• well-drained soil requirements
• a spreading habit
• manageable mature size
• strong flowering or foliage value

One popular option is Myoporum Parvifolium.

This Australian native spreads quickly and can be useful for:

• large garden beds
• slopes
• retaining walls
• erosion-prone areas
• low-maintenance landscapes

It is particularly useful where fast coverage is the main priority.

Low-growing Grevillea varieties are another strong option for native gardens.

Depending on the cultivar, they can provide:

• low spreading growth
• attractive flowers
• bird-friendly planting
• good performance in sunny positions

Creeping rosemary can suit Mediterranean-style gardens and sunny, well-drained areas. It offers aromatic foliage and flowering while working well over walls or in raised beds.

Selected succulents can also function as ground covers in dry, sunny areas.

These may be useful in:

• rockeries
• gravel gardens
• pots
• retaining walls
• low-water planting

The main consideration with full-sun ground covers is drainage.

Many heat-tolerant plants perform poorly if their roots remain constantly wet.

Best Ground Cover Plants for Shade and Under Trees

Shaded garden areas require a different type of ground cover.

The main challenges include:

• lower light
• competition from tree roots
• reduced evaporation
• varying soil moisture
• fewer flowering options

One strong option is Dichondra Repens.

This low-growing Australian native creates a soft green carpet and can perform well in shaded or semi-shaded areas.

It can be particularly useful:

• beneath trees
• between stepping stones
• along shaded pathways
• as a lawn-alternative style ground cover in suitable locations

Viola Hederacea, also known as Native Violet, is another excellent option for shaded areas.

It produces small violet-and-white flowers and spreads to form a low carpet.

It works well:

• under trees
• beside shaded paths
• in woodland-style planting
• along garden edges

Pratia is useful where a very low flowering ground cover is preferred.

Its compact growth makes it suitable for:

• rockeries
• paths
• borders
• spaces between larger plants

Selected ferns and other shade-loving plants can also be used as ground covers, although these may create a taller or more textured look.

One thing to keep in mind is flowering.

Some ground covers can tolerate deep shade but may flower less when light levels are very low.

Beneath established trees, also consider root competition. Even in shade, the soil can be surprisingly dry because the tree absorbs significant amounts of moisture.

Low-Maintenance, Fast-Growing and Flowering Ground Covers: Which Should You Choose?

Different ground cover plants solve different problems.

The easiest way to choose is to start with the main function you need.

Best for large areas:
Fast-growing spreading varieties such as Myoporum can cover open soil quickly.

Best for low maintenance:
Hardy plants suited to the local climate usually require the least ongoing care.

Best for flowers:
Compact flowering varieties such as Pratia or Viola Hederacea can add colour without becoming tall.

Best for slopes:
Dense spreading plants with good coverage are useful where soil protection is important.

Best for pathways:
Very low-growing plants that tolerate occasional light foot traffic work best.

Best for native gardens:
Australian native ground covers such as Myoporum, Dichondra, Viola Hederacea and low-growing Grevilleas are strong options.

There is always a trade-off.

Fast-growing plants offer quicker coverage, but they may require:

• edging
• trimming
• containment
• more frequent maintenance

Compact plants are easier to control but may take longer to fill the area.

Flowering ground covers can create more visual interest but may require slightly more seasonal care.

The best low-maintenance option is usually the plant whose natural growth habit matches the space available.

Find Ground Cover Plants at Spring Colours Nursery in Sydney

Explore Ground Covers for Sun, Shade, Slopes and Pathways

Spring Colours offers Sydney gardeners access to a broad range of ground cover and landscaping plants for different garden conditions.

That can make it easier to choose based on the site rather than simply buying whichever ground cover happens to be available.

Ground cover plants can be selected for:

• sunny garden beds
• shaded areas
• slopes
• rockeries
• pathways
• native gardens
• lawn alternatives
• larger landscaping areas

Examples that may be available depending on current stock include:

• Dichondra Repens
• Myoporum Parvifolium
• Viola Hederacea
• Pratia
• other low-growing landscape varieties

Each suits a different use.

Dichondra Repens works particularly well where very low, soft green coverage is required.

Myoporum Parvifolium is useful for broad areas and fast spreading.

Viola Hederacea suits shaded and semi-shaded positions.

Pratia is a strong option for compact spaces, paths and rockeries.

Because living plant stock changes seasonally, it is worth checking current availability before planning a large project around one exact variety.

This is especially important when you need multiple matching plants.

How to Choose the Right Ground Cover and Calculate Plant Quantities

Ground cover projects often require more plants than people initially expect.

Before purchasing, calculate:

• total area in square metres
• mature plant width
• recommended spacing
• desired speed of coverage
• pot size
• number of plants required
• available budget

Spacing is particularly important.

If plants are spaced closely, the area will generally fill faster.

This can mean:

• quicker visual impact
• fewer gaps
• less exposed soil
• higher upfront cost

Wider spacing reduces the initial cost but means the plants will take longer to meet.

During that establishment period, more weed control may also be required.

For example, if a plant eventually spreads one metre wide, it does not necessarily need to be planted every 20 cm unless rapid coverage is a priority.

Pot size also influences the decision.

Smaller pots are often more cost-effective for large-scale planting.

Larger, more advanced plants create faster impact but increase the overall project cost.

For landscaping areas, delivery should be considered early.

Transporting dozens of pots can quickly become difficult in a standard car, particularly when using advanced plants.

For bigger projects, it is sensible to discuss:

• required quantities
• available pot sizes
• stock availability
• delivery
• lead times

before finalising the planting plan.

Why Buy Ground Cover Plants From Spring Colours?

Spring Colours is a Sydney nursery based in Dural, offering a broad range of plants for home gardens and larger landscaping projects.

For ground cover projects, the nursery combines several useful advantages:

• physical garden centre in Dural
• broad landscaping plant range
• online browsing
• Sydney plant delivery
• retail supply
• trade supply
• larger landscaping orders
• access to an on-site growing yard
• support choosing plants for specific conditions
• ability to check current availability

This flexibility is useful because ground cover projects vary significantly in scale.

A homeowner may only need a few plants for a small pathway.

A landscaper may need dozens or hundreds of plants for:

• slopes
• large borders
• commercial gardens
• developments
• mass planting

The ability to compare plant types, pot sizes and quantities in one place can make project planning much easier.

Spring Colours also allows customers to combine ground covers with other garden categories such as:

• shrubs
• hedging plants
• trees
• native plants
• climbers
• pots

That can help if ground covers are only one part of a larger landscape design.

Browse Spring Colours’ ground cover plant range online, visit the Dural nursery, or contact the team for help choosing ground covers for your garden conditions and project size.