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

Discover 20 exceptional ground hatch perfect for fill unsheathed post in the Southwest ’s hottest summer . These resilient plants not only hold up extreme heat and drought but also supply beauty and color to landscapes . Whether you ’re calculate for vivacious efflorescence or console foliage , this natural selection provide a motley of option to suit any garden manner . Each plant is uniquely adapt to boom in challenge consideration , providing lush coverage and reducing piddle needs . Explore the versatility and appeal of these ground covers and transform your garden into a booming haven , even in the harshest climates .

1. Dymondia (Dymondia margaretae)

Dymondia margaretae , often called “ silver-tongued carpet , ” stands lively against drouth and foot traffic . Its hunky-dory , silvery - green leaves create a thick mat , idealistic for nerve pathway . This ground cover thrives in full sunlight , demand minimum pee once established . The plant ’s ability to suffer coarse conditions crap it perfect for Southwest gardens . Its subtle beauty lies in its thick chassis and understated elegance . Dymondia not only covers bare spots but also enriches the landscape with its unique grain . Consider it for region where other plants struggle . Gardeners appreciate its gloomy - maintenance nature , making it a favorite choice .

2. Lippia (Phyla nodiflora) (Creeping Lippia)

Creeping Lippia , or Phyla nodiflora , is a vigorous ground top known for its speedy spread and charming lavender blooms . This plant forms a lush , grim - grow carpet , fill garden space effortlessly . Its fragrant blossom attract pollinators , tot life sentence to any garden scene . idealistic for cheery areas , it withstand heating plant and drought with ease . Lippia ’s ability to adapt to various grime type makes it versatile in challenging environments . Its vigorous nature intend it can rapidly insure big areas , reducing the need for frequent lacrimation . gardener esteem its knockout and resilience , make it a staple in Southwest landscape .

3. Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi)

The Ice Plant , Delosperma cooperi , dazzles with its succulent leaf and vibrant magenta blooms . Perfect for hot , sun - drenched locations , this earth cover thrives where others wilt . Its ability to last wretched ground and reflect sun stool it indispensable in challenging landscape . The Ice Plant ’s low body of water motivation and striking appearance create a captivating garden display . Its bloom assailable in the daytime , adding a outburst of colour that brightens any space . This plant ’s tenacity and beauty make it a favorite among gardeners seeking low - sustenance options . Its exotic tone tot up a unequaled flare to the garden .

4. Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis)

Trailing Lantana , Lantana montevidensis , bring a shower of gloss to any garden . This semi - evergreen vine spills over edge , showcasing delicate clusters of lavender or white blossom . know for extreme hotness and drouth allowance , it thrives in rough conditions where other plants go wrong . Its cascading drug abuse makes it ideal for hanging baskets or trail down slopes . With minimum care , Lantana provides vibrant blooms throughout the summertime . Its adaptability to poor grunge and dry areas makes it a versatile selection . gardener appreciate its ability to attract butterfly , summate life and effort to the landscape painting .

5. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping Thyme , Thymus serpyllum , enchants with its fragrant foliage and frail pink blossom . This redolent primer cover creates a bee - friendly mat , perfect for hot , ironic , rocky spots . Its low - growing nature adds good luck charm to nerve tract and borders , releasing a pleasant scent when walk upon . Thyme thrives in full sun , enduring drought stipulation once established . Its power to attract pollinators enhance the garden ’s ecosystem , while its compact form minimizes criminal maintenance . Ideal for gardeners seeking both beauty and functionality , cower Thyme is a delightful increase to any southwesterly landscape painting , offer both visual and redolent ingathering .

6. Blue Star Creeper

Blue Star Creeper captivates with its frail mien and springy spirit . This low - produce ground cover charge broadcast chop-chop , create a dense mat adorned with tiny blue blossom . Perfect for garden areas that receive full Dominicus , Blue Star Creeper is an idealistic choice for those calculate to add a ghost of color without overwhelming the outer space . Fun Fact : Despite its fragile appearance , Blue Star Creeper can stand firm scant foot dealings , making it pragmatic as well as pretty .

7. Sedum (Sedum album ‘Coral Carpet’)

Sedum record album ‘ Coral Carpet ’ captivates with its coral - pink blooms and lush nature . This low - grow ground book binding thrives in blazing sun , demand minimum water . Its vivacious flowers and sarcoid leaves create a striking contrast against rocky or sandlike grunge . Sedum ’s ability to resist drought and heat makes it ideal for challenging environments . Its heavyset phase and low maintenance appealingness to gardener attempt both sweetheart and resilience . Coral Carpet ’s singular color and grain enliven any garden , providing a succulent , attractive cover that demands fiddling attention . Perfect for those want vibrant down - piss solutions in dry conditions .

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

Sedum spurium ‘ Dragon ’s bloodline ’ impresses with its outstanding carmine leafage and yellow-bellied star - shaped blooms . This drought - resistant ground back thrives in full Lord’s Day , adding fiery color to gardens . Its deep red leafage call on even more vibrant under intense sunlight , create a dynamic display . Ideal for rock gardens or as an idiom among other plant , Red Carpet requires little maintenance . It spreads easily , covering simple spots with ease . Gardeners measure its hardiness and sheer coming into court , puddle it a democratic selection for challenging landscapes . Its name hint at its royal presence , enhancing any blank with vivid color .

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

Blue Rug Juniper , Juniperus horizontalis ‘ Wiltonii , ’ offers steely - blue mats of evergreen foliage . This hardy ground cover spreads wide , providing profuse coverage with minimal care . Its deer - resistant nature makes it an excellent choice for rural or suburban garden . thrive in full Sunday , Blue Rug Juniper adapts well to poor soils and drought conditions . Its cascading habit creates a soft , soothe landscape painting feature article , perfect for incline or as a border . Gardeners revalue its resilience and low - sustenance quality , make it a staple fiber in Southwest gardens . Its tranquillize blue chromaticity adds a touch of tranquility to any setting .

10. Buffalo Grass

Buffalo Grass exudes an untamed elegance , offer a low - maintenance alternative to traditional lawn . Its fine sword create a soft , waving sea of super C that thrives in sunny and teetotal conditions . hone for expansive area , Buffalo Grass postulate minimal watering and mop , making it an eco - well-disposed choice for Brobdingnagian landscape . story Bit : Native to the Great Plains , Buffalo Grass has adapted to exist drouth conditions , becoming a staple in sustainable horticulture .

11. Woolly Thyme

Woolly Thyme pay for you into a world where grain dominate supreme . With its easy , fuzzy leave , this ground screening create a intimate carpet that can tolerate the harsh sunshine of the Southwest . A delight for both middle and feet , Woolly Thyme is an splendid pick for pathways or rock garden . Its low - growing nature make it stark for fill in gaps between stepping Oliver Stone . Did you know ? Woolly Thyme is not just beautiful ; it ’s also redolent , releasing a delightful smell when walked upon .

12. Sunset Gold Coleonema

Sunset Gold Coleonema dazzle with its golden - imbue foliage , a beacon of brightness in any garden setting . This low - sustentation primer coat cover version is as resilient as it is beautiful . Ideal for sum contrast and people of colour , it thrives in cheery place , postulate little more than occasional pruning to keep its build . Anecdote : Known as ‘ Breath of Heaven ’ , this plant is said to fetch good fortune and has been cherished in gardens for its lift up bearing .

13. Trailing Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’)

Rosmarinus officinalis ‘ Prostratus , ’ or Trailing Rosemary , enhances garden with its fragrant , evergreen foliage . This woody herb cascades gracefully over wall and gradient , adding visual involvement . Known for thriving in sun and hotness , it requires minimal water once established . Its aromatic leaves add sensorial appeal , arrive at it a favorite among gardeners . Trailing Rosemary ’s power to abide poor soil and dry conditions makes it versatile in challenging environments . Its cascade habit provides profuse coverage and can be used in culinary applications . The flora ’s resilience and beauty make it an excellent choice for Southwest garden .

14. Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Roman Chamomile exudes an honest-to-goodness - humankind charm with its redolent green leaves and daisy - like white flowers . Often used in herbal remedy , it bring in both beauty and utility to garden . This ground covering flourish in full sun , enduring the Southwest warmth with its drouth - resistant nature . Its fragrant foliation offers a soothing olfactory property , enhancing the garden experience . idealistic for bungalow gardens or naturalized expanse , Roman Chamomile is sodding for creating a calm and inviting air . Its gloomy - maintenance needs make it a gardener ’s delight .

15. Gold Carpet (Aurinia saxatilis)

Aurinia saxatilis , known as Gold Carpet , bring a burst of yellow to bound garden . This ground cover version take shape obtuse cushions that handle baking ground with relief . Its evergreen foliage ply class - rhythm interest , wee it a various choice for sunny spots . Gold Carpet thrives in full sun , requiring minimum pee once found . Gardeners appreciate its ability to crush weeds and sate bare spots . Its lustrous bloom of youth attract pollinator , enhancing the garden ’s ecosystem . The plant ’s resiliency and cheerful presence make it a favorite in intriguing conditions . Its low - maintenance nature summate to its prayer in Southwest landscapes .

16. Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum)

Snow - in - Summer captivates with its silvery leaves and blanket of white flush that flower in early summer . This ground book binding ’s frosty appearance offers a striking contrast against ardent landscape painting tones . Perfect for bumpy orbit or slopes , it thrives in well - drain soil under full Lord’s Day . Its cascading use softens hard edges , enhancing garden design . C - in - Summer is not only visually appealing but also sturdy and drouth - tolerant . Its resilience relieve oneself it a favourite for challenging spot where other works might fight .

17. Copper Canyon Daisy (Tagetes lemmonii)

Tagetes lemmonii , or Copper Canyon Daisy , captivates with its favorable blooms and redolent foliage . This arching land cover thrives in hot , dry sites , proffer both beauty and resilience . screw for its power to endure coarse conditions , it is perfect for Southwest landscapes . The plant ’s fragrant leaves add sensory appeal , attracting pollinators and enhancing the garden ’s ecosystem . Copper Canyon Daisy ’s long bloom season provides uninterrupted stake , making it a darling among gardeners . Its vivacious color and rich nature make it an idealistic choice for gainsay environment . This plant ’s personal appeal and hardiness ensure garden success .

18. Elfin Thyme (Thymus ‘Elfin’)

Thymus ‘ Elfin , ’ or Elfin Thyme , good luck charm with its heavy , low - rise drug abuse . Perfect for planting between stepping endocarp , it creates a succulent , green carpet . Known for its aromatic leaf , Elfin Thyme thrives in full sun , want minimum water . Its compact nature makes it idealistic for small spaces or as an accent in larger landscapes . The plant ’s power to endure drouth and heat add up to its ingathering in Southwest gardens . gardener apprise its beauty and functionality , using it to fill up gaps and add texture . Elfin Thyme ’s hex front and practicality make it a various choice for sunlit areas .

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

Mirabilis Rosa multiflora , or Perennial Four - O’Clock , enchants with its fragrant evening flowers . This native plant circulate effortlessly , thriving on neglect in full Dominicus . Its ability to hold out drouth and piteous dirt makes it perfect for challenging surround . The blooms open in the evening , releasing a honeyed fragrance that draw in pollinators . nurseryman appreciate its resilience and low sustenance , adding ocular interest to landscapes . Perennial Four - O’Clock ’s vivacious colour and adaptability make it a beloved pick for Southwest gardens . Its capacitance to thrive with little care ensure on-going beauty , provide an attractive solution for bare berth .

20. Trailing Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’)

Coreopsis verticillata ‘ Moonbeam , ’ known as Trailing Coreopsis , brightens gardens with its butter - yellowed daisy . This drouth - tolerant plant features silver - filigreed foliage , tot texture and color . idealistic for gay spots , it expand with minimal water , providing long - lasting blooms . The flora ’s power to withstand heat and poor soil enhances its appeal in Southwest landscapes . Gardeners value its cheerful appearance and crushed upkeep . Trailing Coreopsis transmute bare area into vibrant display , extend both beauty and resilience . Its transport bearing and adaptability make it a favourite pick for those seeking easy - care solution in challenge climates .