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.
With fern-like leaves and bright purple flowers, moss verbena makes a delightful, low-maintenance ground cover. Here’s how to grow and care for this South American native. Moss verbena (Glandularia tenera) … Read more
Trailing indigo bush may look delicate, but is considered one of the toughest ground covers you can grow in desert landscapes. Here’s everything you need to know about this Chihuahuan … Read more
If you’re looking for something a little different from the more commonly grown penstemons, consider rock penstemon. This lovely wildflower is unusual in a number of ways. Here’s everything you … Read more
With deep green leaves and brilliant purple flowers, sandpaper verbena makes an eye-catching ground cover. Here’s how to grow and care for this South American native. Sandpaper verbena (Verbena rigida) … Read more
Trailing rosemary is an aromatic, evergreen ground cover with delicate blue flowers from winter through spring. It’s a prostrate form of the “usual” rosemary, a culinary and healing herb native … Read more
Tufted evening primrose is a perennial ground cover that bursts forth with large, fragrant white-to-pink flowers when in bloom. It’s unusually pretty for a plant so tough. Here’s how to … Read more
Rocky Point ice plant is a succulent, evergreen ground cover. When in bloom, it’s dotted with shimmery, daisy-like flowers. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this delightful South … Read more
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly lawn substitute, check out Karupia. This patented evergreen ground cover thrives in desert heat and sun, and uses less water than grass. Mowing … Read more
Foxtail fern is usually grown in a container as a patio plant or houseplant, but it can also be grown as an evergreen ground cover in desert gardens. Here’s how … Read more
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
Lantana is a desert-adapted shrubby ground cover that’s carpeted with charming multicolored flowers spring through fall. It’s one of the most popular desert landscape plants for good reason, but this … Read more
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