Pink Trumpet Vine: Fabulous & Flexible
Pink trumpet vine is a sprawling, tropical-looking plant with bubble gum pink flowers. It can be grown as a shrub, vine, or ground cover depending on how it’s pruned and … Read more
Desert Ground Covers
There are many excellent reasons to plant ground covers. They break up expanses of gravel, adding color and texture to desert landscapes. They keep the ground cool for surrounding plants. They can prevent erosion and water run-off. Some can even take the place of a lawn.
Ground covers can be plants you normally think of as perennials, small shrubs, succulents, or even vines that have been allowed to sprawl.
Here at Southwest Gardener, you’ll find in-depth information to help you choose and care for ground covers that will add beauty to your desert garden.
Lantana: Array of Colorful Options
Lantana is a desert-adapted shrubby ground cover that’s carpeted with charming multicolor flowers spring through fall. It’s one of the most popular desert landscape plants for good reason, but this … Read more
Yellow Dot: Shade-Loving Emerald Carpet
Yellow dot is an emerald green ground cover that can be grown in desert shade. When in bloom, it pops with a scattering of daisy-like flowers. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Sacred Datura: Evening Delight
Sacred datura is a perennial ground cover with large white flowers that makes a great addition to any desert-themed garden. But before you plant, be aware that all parts are … Read more
Myoporum: Grass Green Ground Cover
Myoporum is an evergreen ground cover that’s peppered with small white flowers spring through summer. If you miss seeing expanses of green, this plant really is “grass green.” Here’s how … Read more
‘Mediterranean Carpet’: Incomparable Ground Cover
‘Mediterranean carpet’ is an aromatic, evergreen ground cover that’s carpeted with lavender flowers from spring through fall. It makes an excellent alternative to the ubiquitous ground cover lantana, which has … Read more
Beavertail Prickly Pear: Eye-Catching Cactus
Beavertail prickly pear is a colorful, low-growing cactus with blue-green pads and brilliant magenta flowers. It offers several benefits over other prickly pear cactus species. Here’s how to plant and … Read more
Damianita: Diminutive Flowering Shrub
Damianita is a tiny evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves that’s virtually smothered in yellow flowers when in bloom. For their size, these plants excel at commanding your attention! Here’s how … Read more
Angelita Daisy: Tiny but Tough
Angelita daisy is a diminutive, grass-like perennial. Its yellow, daisy-like flowers sit atop slender stems. Here’s how to grow and care for this surprisingly hardy native wildflower. Angelita daisy (Tetraneuris … Read more
Bush Morning Glory: Keeps its “Cool”
Bush morning glory is a silvery ground cover that looks cool and fresh, even in desert heat. Here’s how to plant and care for this Mediterranean native. Silver-gray leaves and … Read more
Bulbine: Flexible Garden Gem
Bulbine is a charming, compact plant that has a surprising number of applications in the desert landscape. But for all its attributes, it’s not used as often as it could … Read more
Mexican Evening Primrose: Deceptively Aggressive
Mexican evening primrose is a perennial ground cover that’s blanketed with delicately beautiful pink flowers when in bloom. But be forewarned — it can be deceptively aggressive. Here’s how to … Read more