Your garden doesn’t have to look like the Sahara—ground covers exist that laugh at the sun! Scorching afternoons leave bare patches begging for mercy. And if you’ve ever stared at a dusty corner wondering what could survive, you’re not alone. These aren’t your flimsy fillers. We’re talking low-riding champions that hug the soil, lock down dust, and pop color when most plants wilt. They creep, cushion, and blanket the ground without begging for water every sunrise. Imagine soft mats of green that shrug off triple-digit days… Tiny blooms dancing in desert breezes… And zero bare spots mocking your efforts. Ready to turn those sad patches into heatproof turf? Meet 16 ground covers built for the Southwest’s hottest summers. Your soil will stay cooler, your weeds will flee, and your garden will finally look like you mean business.
Lantana
Lantana brings an explosion of color to any garden, with its bright clusters of red, orange, and yellow flowers. These hardy plants flourish under the sun’s intense rays, thriving where other plants wither. You may notice their subtle citrus scent wafting through the air, a delight for any gardener.
Lantana is not only visually appealing but also low-maintenance, making it perfect for those with a busy lifestyle. Just a little water and this plant rewards you with a profusion of blooms.
Consider planting Lantana along pathways or in containers for a splash of color.
Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a succulent that thrives in the heat. With its fleshy leaves and vibrant green hues, it’s a striking addition to any arid landscape. The beauty of Sedum lies in its ability to retain water, making it exceptionally drought-resistant.
This plant can create a lush carpet over time, filling in those barren spots with ease. Its pink-tinged leaves add a touch of color, while the plant itself requires very little care.
Place Sedum among rocks for a natural desert look, and watch it flourish even in dry conditions.
Ice Plant
Imagine a carpet of magenta flowers stretching across your garden. That’s the magic of the Ice Plant, a ground cover that thrives in the heat. Its fleshy leaves shimmer with moisture, a testament to its drought-tolerant nature.
This plant spreads rapidly, covering bare spots with brilliant color. Not only does it look stunning, but it also requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-effort beauty.
Use Ice Plant in areas with full sun, where its flowers can open up and dazzle in the bright light.
Thyme
Thyme isn’t just for cooking; it’s a wonderful ground cover! With tiny leaves and delicate purple flowers, it adds texture and fragrance to your garden. It’s resilient under the sun, making it a favorite in the Southwest.
Plant it between stepping stones or let it spill over edges for a whimsical touch. As you walk by, the scent of thyme fills the air, transforming any garden into a sensory delight.
Thyme is hardy and drought-tolerant, requiring little more than sunlight to thrive.
Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny, with its golden leaves, is like sunshine captured on the ground. This plant is not only visually striking but also thrives in sunny conditions. It’s perfect for filling those hard-to-grow areas with its spreading habit.
Watch as its cheerful foliage brightens up any spot, offering a delightful contrast to other plants. Creeping Jenny’s ability to tolerate heat makes it a valuable addition to any Southwest garden.
Consider using it around water features, where its reflective leaves can add shimmering beauty.
Blue Fescue
Blue Fescue stands out with its blue-gray foliage, adding a touch of cool elegance to hot climates. This grass-like plant forms neat clumps that are perfect for lining pathways or edging garden beds.
Despite its delicate appearance, Blue Fescue is surprisingly hardy, thriving under the relentless sun. It requires minimal care, making it ideal for the busy gardener.
Mix it with other drought-tolerant plants for a textured look that enhances any landscape.
Gazania
Gazania dazzles with its bold, daisy-like flowers, available in vibrant shades of yellow and orange. This plant is a sun worshiper, thriving in the Southwest’s heat.
Its low-growing habit makes it a fantastic ground cover, filling bare spots with cheerful blossoms. Gazania’s sturdy nature means it can handle dry spells, yet still reward you with blooms.
Plant it in full sun, and let Gazania’s flowers bring warmth and color to your garden even in the hottest months.
Verbena
Verbena is a ground cover that thrives in the sun, known for its clusters of vibrant flowers in purples, reds, and pinks. This plant’s trailing habit allows it to spread quickly, filling bare spots with ease.
Its resilience against heat and drought makes it a go-to choice for Southwest gardens. The blooms attract butterflies, adding life and movement to your space.
Use Verbena in garden beds or containers for a splash of color that lasts all summer long.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a plant of contrasts, with feathery leaves and clusters of bright yellow flowers. This heat-tolerant plant is perfect for filling in bare spots, providing both color and texture.
It’s not just beautiful; Yarrow is also tough, withstanding the harshest summer conditions. Its flowers can be cut and used in arrangements, adding versatility to its charm.
Plant Yarrow in full sun, and enjoy a garden that thrives despite the heat.
Dymondia
Dymondia, with its silver-green leaves, spreads like a soft carpet underfoot. This plant is perfect for those tough spots in the garden, thriving under the hot Southwest sun.
It’s a low-growing ground cover that tolerates foot traffic, making it ideal for pathways and borders. The occasional yellow flower adds a touch of contrast to its foliage.
Dymondia requires minimal water, making it a sustainable choice for eco-friendly gardens.
California Poppy
California Poppy brings a splash of color with its iconic bright orange flowers. These poppies thrive in the sun, making them perfect for the Southwest’s climate.
Their delicate petals flutter in the breeze, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere. California Poppies are not only beautiful but also easy to grow, requiring little more than sunlight.
Plant them en masse for a stunning display that captures the essence of summer.
Portulaca
Portulaca, often called moss rose, is a hardy ground cover with rose-like blooms that thrive in the sun. These plants are perfect for hot, dry climates, bringing a rainbow of colors to any garden.
Their succulent-like leaves help them retain moisture, making them incredibly drought-tolerant. Portulaca’s low-growing habit allows it to spread quickly, filling bare spots with ease.
Plant it in full sun for a carpet of vibrant blooms that requires minimal care.
Achillea
Achillea, also known as yarrow, is a robust ground cover with flat-topped clusters of white flowers. Its hardy nature makes it a staple in Southwest gardens, thriving under the sun’s relentless heat.
The fern-like foliage adds texture to any landscape, creating visual interest even when not in bloom. Achillea’s drought-resistant nature means it requires little maintenance.
Use it in mass plantings for a striking effect that draws the eye across the garden.
Rockrose
Rockrose is a resilient plant that brings beauty to arid gardens. With its delicate pink flowers and sturdy green foliage, it stands out in any landscape.
This ground cover loves the sun, tolerating drought with ease. Its ability to grow in poor soil makes it perfect for challenging spots in the garden.
Plant Rockrose for a splash of color that requires minimal care, adding charm to any outdoor space.
Silver Carpet
Silver Carpet, with its silvery leaves, creates a soft, inviting ground cover in any garden. This plant thrives in sunny conditions, spreading effortlessly across the landscape.
Its foliage is not only visually appealing but also drought-tolerant, requiring minimal water to maintain its beauty. The occasional yellow flower adds a pop of color to its silver backdrop.
Use Silver Carpet in rock gardens or as a border plant for a shimmering effect.
Jasmine Vine
Jasmine Vine brings fragrance and beauty to the garden with its creamy white flowers. This climbing plant flourishes in the sun, perfect for trailing along fences or trellises.
Its glossy green leaves create a lush backdrop, while the flowers fill the air with their sweet scent. Jasmine Vine is heat-tolerant, thriving in the Southwest’s hot climate.
Consider this vine for vertical interest, adding both visual and sensory appeal to your garden.