Spreading from the root structure outward, varieties like the Native Pigface are equally impressive sprawling on the ground or spilling from a hanging pot.
The low height profile can make them useful as a replacement for grass, or as a native garden border, adding gradual depth, texture and height to your overall garden.
Sometimes the difference between a groundcover and a very small shrub is just a matter of opinion; generally these plants grow to less than 70 centimetres high.
Habitat Value: Level 2
Food and Shelter
Planting a groundcover in your garden may not seem like a high-value ReWild activity, but they are great for building diversity into your site. They provide wonderfully complementary habitat value to larger, more impressive specimens, and add visual interest and colour to your garden.
The Level 2 habitat value reflects a typical groundcover’s ability to provide shelter (modest) and food (modest).
The habitat value of groundcovers favours bugs and critters, but they are an essential part of a functioning ecosystem.
We haven’t included potted groundcovers as a separate activity, but you may find them a useful addition to a balcony setting in a deep hanging pot or placed high on a shelf.
Planting Guide
Most groundcovers are reasonably easy to establish and quite resilient. They make excellent borders and help frame a garden.
Try looking at options that can use groundcover colours and textures to contrast with your ‘feature’ plants and add visual interest.
For instance, the Coastal Jug-flower (Adenanthos cuneatus) grows amazing foliage combining silver and green with coral pink tips!
