Best small groundcovers

Story by Helen Young

Whether they’re hiding or protecting soil, or bridging gaps in the garden, smaller groundcovers are the quiet little achievers that make a big difference.

Small groundcovers form a dense mat that can soften the edges of stepping stones and pavers, fill crevices in rockeries, carpet a small area or underplant a pot.

There are plenty of reasons to add groundcovers to your garden. Bare soil looks unattractive, dries out easily and offers an easy home for weeds. Ground-hugging plants act as living mulch. They help to create and maintain even soil temperatures and moisture levels, which also improves the habitat of a wealth of soil organisms. Design-wise, having a carpet of plants gives a softer, lusher look and adds another level of interest to a layered garden. Flowering groundcovers also add seasonal interest and attract beneficial insects and birds. Small groundcovers also tend to put down new roots as they spread, making them very resilient.

Here are three of my favourites…

**Star creeper or pratia (Lobelia pedunculata)**

The tiny leaves of this pretty native (pictured above) form a dense mat studded with starry white or blue flowers in spring and summer. In full sun it’s almost flat; in part shade it can reach 10–15cm. It sends down roots as it spreads and prefers reliable moisture. Suits most climates, and copes with moderate frosts. Plant in a full sun or semi-shade position. Good between pavers and in rockeries.

**Native violet (Viola hederacea)**

The almost-constant purple and white flowers of this native groundcover are held well above its heart-shaped leaves. It spreads quickly, developing roots as it goes, which means it can become invasive. Best in moist soil, it will recover from dry periods and tolerates some foot traffic. Suits most climates, Plant in semi-shade or shade. Good lawn substitute, or in a side passage.

**Temple grass (Zoysia matrella var. matrella)**

This Asian grass forms sculptural, undulating, soft mounds of fine leaves, yet needs little to no mowing. It grows slowly to about 10cm tall, taking time to establish, but is then hard-wearing with deep roots. Suits warm temperate to tropical climates and copes with light frosts. Plant in full sun or semi-shade. Good as a lawn substitute, in Asian-style gardens, around courtyard specimen trees.