Struggling to find the perfect groundcover for your Australian landscape? You’re not alone.
With the unique climate challenges and diverse soil types across the country, selecting a groundcover that thrives can be daunting. However, the right choice can transform your garden into a vibrant, low-maintenance haven.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the best groundcover options tailored for Australian conditions. From the resilient Grevillea obtusifolia ‘Gin Gin Gem’ to other versatile varieties, discover how these plants can enhance your garden’s beauty while offering practical benefits like soil erosion control and wildlife attraction.
Dive in to find the ideal groundcover that meets your landscaping needs and brings your outdoor space to life.
Popular Types of Australian Groundcovers
Australian groundcovers can transform your landscape with their resilience and beauty. Here are some popular types to consider for your garden.
#1. Grevillea Varieties
Grevillea varieties, like Grevillea obtusifolia ‘Gin Gin Gem’, are known for their toughness and low maintenance. These landscaping plants feature vibrant flowers that attract birds and insects, adding life to your garden. Some varieties can even help with soil erosion, making them practical and beautiful.
#2. Scaevola albida
Scaevola albida, also known as Fan Flower, is a popular choice for groundcovers due to its striking blue, mauve, pink, or white flowers. It thrives in part shade or sunny areas, making it perfect for plants for sandy soil.
This low-maintenance plant forms a dense carpet that brightens up any space and is an excellent choice for flower beds and rockeries.
#3. Westringia Varieties
Westringia varieties bring both foliage and flowers to your garden. They have dense, fast-growing leaves and delicate flowers in hues of mauve, blue-purple, or white. These Australian native shrubs maintain a healthy appearance without becoming woody, making them ideal for borders and low hedges.
#4. Correa Varieties
Correa varieties, known for their bell-shaped flowers, add a touch of elegance to any garden. They are well-suited to Australia’s climate, thriving in both sun and shade. Correa plants are particularly good at attracting nectar-feeding birds, providing an ever-changing display of colours.
#5. Goodenia ovata
Goodenia ovata, also called Hop Goodenia, is a hardy plant with glossy green leaves and bright yellow flowers. It grows quickly, forming a lush ground cover that is perfect for stabilising slopes. It’s adaptable, thriving in a range of soils and light conditions.
#6. Creeping Thyme
Creeping Thyme is a fragrant herb that doubles as a groundcover. It forms a low, dense mat with beautiful purple flowers. Ideal for sunny spots, it’s perfect for filling gaps between pavers or as an edging plant.
Plus, it’s both ornamental and useful in the kitchen.
#7. Lamb’s Ear Plant (Stachys byzantine)
Lamb’s Ear is beloved for its soft, velvety leaves that resemble the texture of a lamb’s ear. These border and edging plants add a unique tactile element to your garden.
It thrives in sunny spots and is drought-tolerant, making it a great option for dry gardens or rockeries. Its silvery foliage also contrasts beautifully with green plants.
Choose any of these Australian groundcovers to enhance your garden’s visual appeal while benefiting from their hardiness and low maintenance needs.
How to Care for Ground Cover Plants
Ground covers are generally easy to maintain, but some need specific care to thrive. Let’s break down the essentials.
Soil Requirements
Most ground covers need well-drained soil. Check your soil type before planting. Incorporate compost if the soil is heavy and clay-like. For sandy soils, adding organic matter can improve water retention.
Watering Practices
Water newly planted ground covers regularly until they establish roots. Once established, many types are drought-resistant.
However, maintain regular watering during dry spells. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so monitor soil moisture.
Pruning and Maintenance
Some ground covers, like Sedum and Plectranthus, need cutting back hard in winter. This encourages bushier growth and removes dead stems.
Avoid mowing as it can damage or kill many ground covers. Instead, hand prune to maintain shape and health. Regular weeding also helps keep your ground cover healthy and prevents unwanted plants from taking over.
By following these simple guidelines, you’ll have a thriving ground cover that enhances your garden’s beauty.
Design Ideas Using Ground Covers
Ground covers can transform your garden into a vibrant and low-maintenance wonder. Here are some creative design ideas to get you started:
- Native Gardens Incorporate native ground covers like Grevillea lanigera ‘Mt Tamboritha’. Its red, spider-like flowers attract birds and bees, adding life to your garden.
- Rock Gardens Use Purple Gromwell to add splashes of royal-purple. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for cascading over rocks, creating an eye-catching display.
- Waterwise Landscapes Opt for Blue Chalk Sticks. This succulent is drought-resistant, making it perfect for dry conditions. Place it in sunny spots to enjoy its striking blue-grey colour.
- Borders and Pathways Plant species like Scaevola albida along borders. Its vibrant flowers create a beautiful edge around garden beds and walkways.
- Container Gardening Grow Chrysocephalum apiculatum (Yellow Buttons) in pots. This adds a burst of yellow, brightening patios and balconies.
- Pollinator-Friendly Areas Attract butterflies and bees with Goodenia ovata. Its nectarrich flowers help sustain local wildlife and encourage pollination.
- Colourful Carpet Use Grace Ward to create a lush, colourful groundcover. Its intense blue provides year-round interest and looks stunning in sunny garden areas.
- Texture and Contrast Mix Blue Chalk Sticks with plants like Lamb’s Ear. The combination of blue-grey and silvery leaves adds texture and visual appeal.
