Finding the perfect drought-tolerant ground cover plants can transform your landscape into a lush, low-maintenance, and water-efficient garden. Whether you’re dealing with hot climates, poor soil, or water restrictions, these plants provide excellent coverage while conserving moisture.
This guide explores the best drought-resistant ground covers, their growing conditions, and how to use them effectively in your landscape.
Why Choose Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers?
1. Saves Water
- Requires minimal irrigation, making them ideal for dry climates.
- Reduces water bills and environmental impact.
2. Prevents Soil Erosion
- Helps stabilize slopes and sandy soils.
- Protects against wind and rain erosion.
3. Low Maintenance
- Requires little to no mowing or fertilizing.
- Resistant to pests and diseases.
4. Enhances Landscape Aesthetics
- Provides year-round greenery and seasonal blooms.
- Ideal for rock gardens, pathways, and borders.
Best Drought-Tolerant Ground Cover Plants
1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Height: 2-4 inches
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, sandy or rocky soil
- Bonus: Produces fragrant purple flowers that attract pollinators.
2. Sedum (Stonecrop) (Sedum spp.)
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Height: 3-6 inches
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, dry soil
- Bonus: Comes in various colors and textures, perfect for rock gardens.
3. Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi)
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Height: 3-6 inches
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, sandy soil
- Bonus: Produces bright pink, purple, or yellow flowers.
4. Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Height: 1-3 inches
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, moist or dry soil
- Bonus: Forms a dense carpet of tiny blue flowers.
5. Dymondia (Dymondia margaretae)
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Height: 1-2 inches
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, sandy soil
- Bonus: Tolerates foot traffic and works well between stepping stones.
6. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’)
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Height: 2-4 inches
- Soil Needs: Moist, well-draining soil
- Bonus: Bright golden-green foliage adds contrast to landscapes.
7. Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus)
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Height: 1-3 inches
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, sandy soil
- Bonus: Soft, fuzzy texture makes it a great ornamental ground cover.
8. Lantana (Lantana montevidensis)
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Height: 6-12 inches
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, dry soil
- Bonus: Produces clusters of vibrant flowers that attract butterflies.
9. Silver Carpet (Dymondia margaretae)
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Height: 1-2 inches
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, sandy soil
- Bonus: Gray-green foliage with yellow flowers adds visual interest.
10. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Height: 6-12 inches
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, acidic soil
- Bonus: Produces red berries that attract birds.
How to Use Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers in Landscaping
1. Replace Traditional Lawns
- Use creeping thyme, sedum, or dymondia as a low-maintenance lawn alternative.
- Requires less mowing and watering.
2. Fill in Gaps Between Pavers and Stones
- Use woolly thyme or blue star creeper between stepping stones.
- Creates a soft, natural look.
3. Prevent Erosion on Slopes
- Plant ice plant or bearberry to stabilize soil and prevent runoff.
4. Create a Rock Garden
- Combine sedum, lantana, and creeping jenny for a colorful, drought-resistant display.
5. Border Pathways and Flower Beds
- Use silver carpet or creeping thyme to define garden edges.
Caring for Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers
1. Watering
- Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
- Once established, most require little to no irrigation.
2. Soil Preparation
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Add sand or gravel for better drainage.
3. Pruning and Maintenance
- Trim overgrown areas to maintain shape.
- Remove dead or damaged foliage periodically.
4. Fertilization
- Most drought-tolerant plants require minimal fertilization.
- Use a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer if needed.
Conclusion
Drought-tolerant ground cover plants are a beautiful, eco-friendly solution for landscaping in hot, dry climates. Whether you want to replace a lawn, prevent erosion, or add texture to your garden, these plants provide low-maintenance, water-efficient coverage.
By selecting the right plants and following proper care tips, you can create a lush, resilient landscape that thrives with minimal effort.
FAQ
1. What is the best drought-tolerant ground cover for full sun?
Creeping thyme, sedum, and ice plant thrive in full sun and dry conditions.
2. Can drought-tolerant ground covers survive in poor soil?
Yes! Many, like sedum and dymondia, thrive in sandy, rocky, or nutrient-poor soil.
3. Do drought-tolerant ground covers need watering?
Once established, most require little to no irrigation, except during extreme droughts.
4. What is the best low-maintenance ground cover?
Woolly thyme, dymondia, and blue star creeper require minimal care and watering.
5. Can drought-tolerant ground covers handle foot traffic?
Yes! Dymondia, creeping thyme, and woolly thyme are great for walkways and paths.
By incorporating drought-resistant ground covers, you can enjoy a beautiful, sustainable, and hassle-free landscape for years to come! 🌿🌞✨