If you’re tired of battling dry, patchy spots in your yard, it’s time to rethink your plant choices. Some ground covers thrive on neglect and laugh in the face of drought. These low-water champions not only keep your landscape lush but also cut down on watering chores. Get ready to transform your yard with minimal effort.
1. Creeping Thyme Brings Fragrance and Beauty
Creeping thyme is the multitasker of ground covers. It thrives in dry soil, spreads effortlessly, and releases a delightful scent when stepped on. Plus, the tiny purple flowers make it look like your yard has been sprinkled with fairy dust. If you need a durable, low-maintenance ground cover, this little herb won’t disappoint.
2. Blue Fescue Adds a Pop of Color
Who said drought-tolerant plants have to be boring? Blue fescue is a striking ornamental grass with silvery-blue blades that provide texture and contrast. It thrives in poor soil, requires next to no watering, and stays tidy year-round. If you want a plant that looks effortlessly stylish, blue fescue is the way to go.
3. Ice Plant Is Practically Invincible
An ice plant is a true drought warrior. Its thick, succulent leaves store water, keeping it hydrated even during scorching summers. The best part? It explodes with dazzling daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and yellow. If you want a pop of color in a dry landscape, an ice plant delivers with zero fuss.
4. Sedum (Stonecrop) Loves Tough Conditions
Sedum is the plant equivalent of a survivalist—it thrives where others fail. These fleshy, water-storing succulents come in a variety of shapes and colors, adding visual interest without demanding much in return. I once planted sedum in the worst soil imaginable, forgot about it for months, and it still thrived like a champ.
5. Lamb’s Ear Feels as Soft as It Looks
If you’ve never run your fingers over lamb’s ear, you’re missing out. This velvety, silver-leafed plant is as tough as it is soft. It thrives in dry conditions, spreads beautifully, and adds a lush, carpet-like effect to any yard. Plus, it practically begs you to touch it every time you walk by.
6. Lantana Attracts Butterflies and Hums with Color
Lantana is like nature’s confetti. Its clusters of bright flowers bloom in a mix of yellow, pink, orange, and purple, attracting butterflies like a magnet. It thrives in drought conditions, shrugs off heat, and grows fast. If you want a colorful, low-maintenance ground cover, lantana is an easy choice.
7. Silver Carpet (Dymondia) Creates a Soft, Sprawling Mat
Silver carpet is the underdog of drought-tolerant ground covers. This low-growing plant forms a thick, silvery-green carpet that resists weeds and survives on minimal water. Once established, it can handle foot traffic and still look pristine. If you want something soft underfoot and incredibly hardy, silver carpet is a winner.
8. Woolly Yarrow Stays Tough and Beautiful
Woolly yarrow is one of those plants that looks delicate but can handle extreme conditions. With fuzzy, fern-like foliage and clusters of golden flowers, it thrives in poor soil and requires almost no water. Plus, it spreads naturally, making it a great option for filling large areas without constant upkeep.
9. Bearberry (Kinnikinnick) Keeps It Green All Year
Bearberry is the definition of tough. This evergreen ground cover stays lush year-round, produces small red berries, and requires almost no maintenance. I once saw a patch of bearberry growing happily on a rocky slope with zero care, and it still looked amazing. If you need a resilient, attractive ground cover, this is it.
10. Creeping Juniper Stands the Test of Time
Creeping juniper is like that reliable friend who’s always there when you need them. It hugs the ground, spreads wide, and requires almost no water once established. With its deep green, needle-like foliage, it creates a rugged, natural look that works well in dry landscapes. It’s practically maintenance-free and lasts for years.
11. Hens and Chicks Add Succulent Charm
Hens and chicks are the perfect choice if you love succulents. These hardy little rosettes spread effortlessly and store water in their thick leaves, allowing them to survive in the driest conditions. I once planted some in a rocky, forgotten corner of my yard, and they thrived without a single drop of extra water.
12. Catmint (Nepeta) Thrives on Neglect
Catmint is not just for the feline-obsessed—it’s a fantastic ground cover that blooms with delicate purple flowers and thrives in dry conditions. It spreads beautifully, attracts pollinators, and adds a soft, wild touch to gardens. If you want something that fills space quickly without demanding constant care, catmint is a top choice.
13. California Poppy Blooms Like Sunshine
California poppies are the free spirits of the plant world. These bright orange blooms pop up in the driest spots, self-seed effortlessly, and require next to no water. Once I planted a few, they decided to take over my yard in the best way possible. If effortless beauty is your goal, these are a must.
14. Snow-in-Summer Keeps Things Cool
Snow-in-summer is a stunning ground cover with silvery foliage and delicate white flowers that make it look like your garden got a dusting of fresh snow. It loves dry soil, spreads quickly, and requires minimal watering. If you want something low-maintenance yet striking, this plant will do the trick.
15. Trailing Rosemary Offers Fragrance and Functionality
Trailing rosemary is the overachiever of ground covers. It’s drought-tolerant, spreads beMediaautifully, releases an amazing scent, and can even be used in cooking. I once planted some by my walkway, and now every time I brush against it, I get a fresh burst of rosemary fragrance. Practical, tough, and aromatic—what more could you ask for?
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.