Goodding’s Verbena: Lovely Native Ground Cover
Goodding’s verbena is a perennial ground cover found primarily in Arizona, but it grows across much of the Southwest. It has charming lavender flowers and is tougher than it looks. … 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.
Elephant Food: More Than a Potted Plant
Elephant food is a succulent that’s a favorite of — you guessed it! — elephants. It’s usually grown in a container as a houseplant or patio plant, but it can … Read more
Coral Fountain: Fabulous Exotic
Coral fountain is an aptly named cascading perennial that’s truly sensational when in full bloom. It looks straight out of the tropics, yet it does surprisingly well in desert landscapes. … Read more
Trailing Lantana: Delightful Lavender Ground Cover
Trailing lantana is an evergreen ground cover that’s blanketed with lavender flowers from spring through winter’s first freeze. In mild winters, it will bloom nonstop all year. Here’s how to … Read more
Gregg’s Mist: Flutters of Butterflies
Gregg’s mist is a captivating, native perennial with bright green foliage and fuzzy blue flowers that butterflies can’t resist! Here’s everything you need to know about taking care of this … Read more
‘Outback Sunrise’ Emu: High Impact Ground Cover
‘Outback Sunrise’ emu is an evergreen ground cover that’s blanketed with tubular yellow flowers in the spring. Here’s how to plant and care for this extremely low-maintenance cultivar of an … Read more
Gopher Plant: Vivid Spring Color
Gopher plant is one of the first desert landscape plants to bloom in late winter, when it’s studded with vivid chartreuse flowers that almost glow. Here’s how to grow this … Read more
Candelilla: Surprisingly Sturdy Succulent
Candelilla is comprised of numerous delicate-looking stems, but this succulent is surprisingly sturdy. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this resilient Chihuahuan Desert native. Candelilla … Read more
Blackfoot Daisy: Dainty But Tough
Blackfoot daisy is a perennial ground cover that, for much of the year, is smothered in adorable daisy-like flowers. This small plant is much tougher than it looks. Here’s how … Read more
Cape Honeysuckle: Versatile Yearlong Bloomer
Cape honeysuckle is a colorful, sprawling plant that can easily be grown as either a shrub or a vine depending on how it’s pruned. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
‘Blue Elf’ Aloe: Petite, Hardy Hybrid
‘Blue Elf’ is a hardy, compact aloe that blooms in the winter when little else is blooming. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this carefree … Read more
‘Dallas Red’ Lantana: Red-Hot Ground Cover
‘Dallas Red’ lantana is a desert-adapted ground cover that’s carpeted with fiery red flowers all summer long. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking care of this … Read more