20 Ground Covers That Beat Bare Spots in the Southwest’s Hottest Summers

Discover 20 surpassing ground cover perfect for filling unsheathed spots in the Southwest ’s hottest summers . These resilient plant not only withstand uttermost heat and drought but also add beauty and color to landscape . Whether you ’re looking for vibrant blush or soothing foliage , this survival of the fittest offers a variety of option to become any garden panache . Each plant is uniquely adapted to thrive in challenge conditions , providing plushy insurance coverage and reducing water supply indigence . Explore the versatility and charm of these ground covers and transform your garden into a palmy oasis , even in the rough climates .

1. Dymondia (Dymondia margaretae)

Dymondia margaretae , often call “ silver carpet , ” stands bouncy against drouth and foot traffic . Its hunky-dory , silvery - green leaves create a dim mat , ideal for nerve pathway . This ground cover thrives in full sun , requiring minimum water once established . The plant ’s power to go harsh conditions makes it double-dyed for Southwest gardens . Its subtle beauty lies in its compact mannikin and understated elegance . Dymondia not only covers desolate spots but also enriches the landscape with its unique grain . Consider it for areas where other plants shinny . Gardeners treasure its low - upkeep nature , making it a preferred pick .

2. Lippia (Phyla nodiflora) (Creeping Lippia)

Creeping Lippia , or Phyla nodiflora , is a vigorous earth cover recognize for its speedy facing pages and charming lavender blooms . This industrial plant forms a lush , blue - growing carpet , fulfil garden spaces effortlessly . Its fragrant blossom attract pollinators , adding life to any garden setting . idealistic for sunny areas , it withstand passion and drought with ease . Lippia ’s ability to conform to various grunge types makes it versatile in challenging environments . Its vigorous nature means it can quickly cover large sphere , deoxidise the indigence for frequent lachrymation . gardener value its beauty and resiliency , making it a basic in Southwest landscape .

3. Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi)

The Ice Plant , Delosperma cooperi , dazzles with its succulent foliage and vivacious magenta bloom . Perfect for hot , sun - drenched locations , this ground cover thrives where others wilt . Its ability to endure poor soil and reflected Lord’s Day make it indispensable in challenging landscapes . The Ice Plant ’s blue water needs and striking coming into court create a bewitch garden display . Its bloom of youth opened in the daytime , add a fit of color that brightens any infinite . This plant ’s persistence and beauty make it a favorite among gardeners seeking low - maintenance options . Its exotic look adds a unique flair to the garden .

4. Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis)

Trailing Lantana , Lantana montevidensis , contribute a cascade of vividness to any garden . This semi - evergreen vine spills over edges , showcasing delicate clusters of lavender or blanched flowers . Known for extreme warmth and drought tolerance , it thrives in harsh conditions where other plants fail . Its cascade down habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets or trailing down slope . With minimal care , Lantana provides vibrant blooms throughout the summer . Its adaptability to miserable soil and wry country hold it a various choice . Gardeners apprise its ability to attract butterfly , adding life and movement to the landscape .

5. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping Thyme , Thymus serpyllum , enchants with its fragrant foliage and delicate pink flowers . This aromatic ground cover creates a bee - friendly matting , perfect for raging , dry , rocky spot . Its low - growing nature adds magic spell to pathways and border , issue a pleasant scent when walk upon . Thyme prosper in full sunshine , endure drought conditions once show . Its ability to attract pollinator enhances the garden ’s ecosystem , while its thick form minimizes maintenance . idealistic for gardeners attempt both peach and functionality , creep Thyme is a delightful addition to any southwesterly landscape , offering both visual and aromatic collection .

6. Blue Star Creeper

Blue Star Creeper bewitch with its delicate presence and resilient spirit . This low - grow flat coat covering spreads rapidly , create a dull mat adorned with tiny blue flowers . hone for garden areas that receive full sunlight , Blue Star Creeper is an ideal choice for those looking to bestow a touch of color without overwhelming the blank . Fun Fact : Despite its fragile show , Blue Star Creeper can withstand light foot dealings , making it hard-nosed as well as pretty .

7. Sedum (Sedum album ‘Coral Carpet’)

Sedum record album ‘ Coral Carpet ’ captivates with its coral - pinkish blooms and lush nature . This low - growing ground binding thrives in blaze sun , needing minimal water . Its vibrant flowers and sarcoid folio create a striking direct contrast against rocky or flaxen grease . Sedum ’s ability to withstand drought and heat make it ideal for dispute environments . Its compact build and low maintenance appeal to nurseryman seek both ravisher and resiliency . Coral Carpet ’s unique color and texture enliven any garden , providing a lucullan , attractive natural covering that demands little attention . Perfect for those wanting vibrant low - body of water resolution in wry conditions .

8. Red Carpet (Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’)

Sedum spurium ‘ Dragon ’s Blood ’ impressment with its striking cherry foliage and yellow hotshot - shaped blooms . This drouth - resistant ground cover thrives in full sun , sum fiery coloration to gardens . Its deep cherry-red leaves turn even more vivacious under acute sun , create a dynamic display . idealistic for rock gardens or as an stress among other plant , Red Carpet expect small sustainment . It spreads well , covering mere spot with ease . Gardeners measure its hardiness and bold appearing , making it a popular choice for challenge landscape . Its name hint at its regal presence , enhancing any infinite with vivid color .

9. Blue Rug Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’)

Blue Rug Juniper , Juniperus horizontalis ‘ Wiltonii , ’ propose steely - blue mats of evergreen leafage . This sturdy ground covering fire spreads wide , allow succulent coverage with minimum guardianship . Its cervid - resistant nature makes it an splendid option for rural or suburban gardens . Thriving in full sun , Blue Rug Juniper adapts well to poor soils and drouth condition . Its cascading wont create a balmy , soothing landscape characteristic , perfect for slopes or as a boundary line . Gardeners prize its resiliency and downcast - maintenance lineament , making it a staple in Southwest garden . Its calming aristocratic hue adds a touch of tranquility to any setting .

10. Buffalo Grass

Buffalo Grass ooze an untamed elegance , offering a low - care alternative to traditional lawns . Its hunky-dory blades create a soft , waving sea of green that prosper in sunny and dry conditions . Perfect for talkative areas , Buffalo Grass requires minimal watering and mowing , making it an eco - favorable option for vast landscape . History Bit : Native to the Great Plains , Buffalo Grass has conform to subsist drouth conditions , becoming a staple in sustainable horticulture .

11. Woolly Thyme

Woolly Thyme invites you into a universe where grain reign supreme . With its soft , fuzzy folio , this ground cover creates a cozy carpet that can stick out the rough sun of the Southwest . A delight for both eye and feet , Woolly Thyme is an fantabulous choice for pathways or rock gardens . Its low - growing nature stimulate it perfect for meet in gaps between stepping stones . Did you know ? Woolly Thyme is not just beautiful ; it ’s also aromatic , free a delightful scent when walked upon .

12. Sunset Gold Coleonema

Sunset Gold Coleonema daze with its golden - hued foliage , a beacon of brightness in any garden setting . This low - sustainment ground cover song is as lively as it is beautiful . idealistic for supply contrast and coloring material , it fly high in sunny situation , demand little more than occasional pruning to maintain its shape . Anecdote : acknowledge as ‘ Breath of Heaven ’ , this plant is say to convey good luck and has been cherished in gardens for its uplifting bearing .

13. Trailing Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’)

Rosmarinus officinalis ‘ Prostratus , ’ or Trailing Rosemary , enhances garden with its fragrant , evergreen leafage . This woody herb cascade gracefully over walls and incline , adding visual interest group . Known for thriving in Sunday and heating , it requires minimal body of water once install . Its aromatic leave total sensational appeal , induce it a front-runner among gardeners . Trailing Rosemary ’s power to tolerate pitiable filth and ironical conditions makes it various in ambitious environments . Its cascade wont provides luxuriant coverage and can be used in culinary program . The plant ’s resiliency and beauty make it an fantabulous option for Southwest gardens .

14. Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Roman Chamomile ooze an old - world charm with its aromatic green leaves and daisy - like white flowers . Often used in herbal remedies , it institute both beauty and utility to gardens . This ground blanket flourish in full sun , endure the Southwest rut with its drought - resistant nature . Its fragrant leaf offer a soothing scent , enhancing the garden experience . Ideal for cottage gardens or naturalized areas , Roman Chamomile is perfect for make a calm and inviting standard pressure . Its downhearted - upkeep needs make it a gardener ’s delight .

15. Gold Carpet (Aurinia saxatilis)

Aurinia saxatilis , known as Gold Carpet , brings a burst of lily-livered to spring gardens . This ground cover imprint dumb shock absorber that handle baking grunge with ease . Its evergreen foliage ply year - one shot pastime , making it a versatile choice for sunny spots . Gold Carpet fly high in full Sunday , requiring minimal piddle once set up . gardener measure its ability to suppress locoweed and fill stark spots . Its brilliant efflorescence draw in pollinators , enhancing the garden ’s ecosystem . The plant ’s resiliency and upbeat presence make it a favourite in challenging conditions . Its low - maintenance nature adds to its appeal in Southwest landscapes .

16. Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum)

Snow - in - Summer captivates with its silvery leaves and cover of blanched bloom that bloom in early summertime . This priming coat cover ’s crisp show offers a striking contrast against warm landscape tones . sodding for jumpy areas or slopes , it thrives in well - drain soil under full Sunday . Its cascading habit softens hard edges , enhance garden design . Snow - in - Summer is not only visually appealing but also hardy and drought - kind . Its resilience makes it a favorite for dispute spots where other plants might struggle .

17. Copper Canyon Daisy (Tagetes lemmonii)

Tagetes lemmonii , or Copper Canyon Daisy , capture with its golden blooms and aromatic leaf . This curve basis top thrives in hot , dry sites , offer both beauty and resilience . Known for its power to endure harsh conditions , it is complete for Southwest landscapes . The works ’s fragrant leaves lend sensory appeal , pull pollinators and enhancing the garden ’s ecosystem . Copper Canyon Daisy ’s long blooming time of year provides continuous interestingness , making it a favourite among gardener . Its vibrant color and robust nature make it an ideal choice for challenging environments . This plant ’s personal appeal and hardiness guarantee garden success .

18. Elfin Thyme (Thymus ‘Elfin’)

Thymus ‘ Elfin , ’ or Elfin Thyme , magical spell with its dense , crushed - grow habit . hone for planting between stepping stones , it create a lush , light-green carpet . know for its aromatic foliation , Elfin Thyme prosper in full sun , involve minimal water . Its compact nature makes it idealistic for small infinite or as an emphasis in larger landscapes . The plant life ’s ability to run drought and hotness adds to its ingathering in Southwest garden . Gardeners appreciate its lulu and functionality , using it to fill gaps and add grain . Elfin Thyme ’s enchanting front and practicality make it a various choice for sunstruck domain .

19. Perennial Four-O’Clock (Mirabilis multiflora)

Mirabilis multiflora , or Perennial Four - O’Clock , enchants with its fragrant evening flowers . This aboriginal plant spreads effortlessly , thriving on neglect in full Sunday . Its ability to withstand drought and poor ground relieve oneself it perfect for challenge environment . The blooms open in the evening , releasing a angelical odour that pull pollinators . nurseryman appreciate its resilience and depleted maintenance , adding visual interest to landscapes . Perennial Four - O’Clock ’s vibrant colour and adaptability make it a darling selection for Southwest gardens . Its capacity to fly high with little care ensures on-going beauty , providing an attractive solution for unornamented post .

20. Trailing Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’)

Coreopsis verticillata ‘ Moonbeam , ’ bang as Trailing Coreopsis , brightens gardens with its butter - yellow daisies . This drought - liberal plant features silver - filigreed foliage , adding texture and color . Ideal for gay spots , it boom with minimal urine , allow for long - endure salad days . The plant ’s power to hold out warmth and poor filth enhance its appeal in Southwest landscape . gardener value its pollyannaish appearance and low upkeep . Trailing Coreopsis transform bare areas into vivacious displays , offering both beauty and resilience . Its beguile comportment and adaptability make it a favorite selection for those seek easygoing - attention solution in challenging climates .