Water conservation is increasingly vital, and creating a beautiful, sustainable landscape doesn’t mean sacrificing aesthetics. Drought-tolerant ground covers offer an ideal solution, providing erosion control, suppressing weeds, and adding visual appeal while requiring minimal watering. Choosing the right ground cover depends on several factors, including your climate, soil type, sun exposure, and personal preferences. This guide will explore the best drought-tolerant options to transform your yard into a vibrant, eco-friendly oasis.
Understanding Drought Tolerance and Its Importance
Drought tolerance refers to a plant’s ability to survive and thrive with limited water availability. These plants have adapted to arid conditions through various mechanisms, such as deep root systems, waxy leaf coatings, and the ability to store water in their tissues.
The importance of drought-tolerant ground covers extends beyond water conservation. They reduce your water bill, minimize the need for irrigation systems, and lessen your environmental impact. Furthermore, these plants are often more resistant to diseases and pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments. A drought-tolerant landscape is a resilient landscape, capable of weathering dry spells and fluctuating weather patterns. They also reduce soil erosion, prevent weed growth, and provide habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife.
Top Drought-Tolerant Ground Cover Options
Selecting the right drought-tolerant ground cover is crucial for success. Consider factors such as your region’s climate, the amount of sunlight your yard receives, your soil type, and the overall look you want to achieve. Here are some of the best options:
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Creeping thyme is a low-growing, aromatic ground cover that’s perfect for filling in gaps between paving stones or creating a fragrant carpet. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its tiny leaves release a pleasant scent when walked upon, and it produces beautiful pink or purple flowers in the summer. Creeping thyme is extremely drought-tolerant once established, making it a fantastic choice for xeriscaping. It also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Different varieties offer variations in leaf color and flower shades, allowing you to customize your landscape. It’s also deer resistant, making it an excellent choice for areas with deer pressure.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedums, also known as stonecrops, are a diverse group of succulent plants that are incredibly drought-tolerant. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making them versatile for different landscape designs. Sedums are known for their ability to store water in their leaves and stems, enabling them to withstand extended periods of drought. Some popular varieties include ‘Angelina’ with its vibrant golden foliage, ‘Autumn Joy’ with its late-season pink flowers, and ‘Dragon’s Blood’ with its deep red leaves. Sedums prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are also relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal fertilization and pruning.
Dwarf Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis ‘Twin Peaks’)
Dwarf coyote brush is a California native ground cover that’s exceptionally drought-tolerant and adaptable. It’s a low-growing evergreen shrub that provides excellent erosion control and weed suppression. ‘Twin Peaks’ is a popular cultivar known for its compact, dense growth habit. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soil types. Dwarf coyote brush is also deer-resistant and attracts beneficial insects. Its inconspicuous flowers provide nectar for pollinators, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
Ice Plant (Delosperma)
Ice plant is a succulent ground cover that’s prized for its vibrant, daisy-like flowers and exceptional drought tolerance. It comes in a range of colors, including pink, purple, orange, and yellow. Ice plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s perfect for rock gardens, slopes, and coastal areas. Its fleshy leaves sparkle in the sunlight, giving it an attractive appearance. Ice plant is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering and fertilization.
Gazania (Trailing Gazania)
Trailing gazania is a South African native ground cover that’s known for its brightly colored, daisy-like flowers and drought tolerance. It’s perfect for adding a splash of color to your landscape. Gazania thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its flowers open during the day and close at night or on cloudy days. Trailing gazania is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate poor soil conditions. It’s also salt-tolerant, making it a good choice for coastal gardens.
Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus)
Woolly thyme is another thyme variety that offers excellent drought tolerance and a unique texture. Unlike creeping thyme, woolly thyme has soft, fuzzy leaves that create a dense mat. While it doesn’t flower as profusely as creeping thyme, its foliage provides a distinctive visual appeal. Woolly thyme is extremely drought-tolerant and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a great choice for rock gardens, between paving stones, or as a lawn substitute in areas with light foot traffic.
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
While technically a wildflower, California poppy can serve as a beautiful and drought-tolerant ground cover, especially in native plant gardens. These iconic orange flowers bring a vibrant splash of color to the landscape. California poppies are incredibly drought-tolerant once established and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are also self-seeding, so they will readily spread and create a natural, meadow-like effect.
Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Kinnikinnick, also known as bearberry, is a low-growing evergreen ground cover that’s native to North America. It’s exceptionally drought-tolerant and provides year-round interest with its dark green leaves, pink flowers, and red berries. Kinnikinnick prefers well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade. It’s an excellent choice for erosion control on slopes and for creating a naturalistic ground cover in woodland gardens.
Planting and Caring for Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers
Successfully establishing drought-tolerant ground covers requires proper planting and care. Here are some essential tips:
Soil Preparation
Before planting, it’s crucial to prepare the soil. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Well-drained soil is essential for drought-tolerant plants, as it prevents root rot. Remove any weeds or debris from the planting area.
Planting Time
The best time to plant drought-tolerant ground covers is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild. This allows the plants to establish their root systems before the heat of summer or the cold of winter.
Watering
While drought-tolerant ground covers require less water than traditional lawns, they still need regular watering during the establishment phase. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Once established, they will require minimal supplemental watering, even during dry periods.
Mulching
Applying a layer of mulch around your ground cover plants helps to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulches such as wood chips or shredded bark. Avoid using rocks as mulch, as they can heat up the soil and stress the plants.
Fertilizing
Drought-tolerant ground covers generally don’t require heavy fertilization. However, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help to promote healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can make the plants more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Some drought-tolerant ground covers may benefit from occasional pruning to maintain their shape and density. Prune after flowering to encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged foliage.
Incorporating Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers into Your Landscape Design
Drought-tolerant ground covers can be incorporated into various landscape designs. Here are some ideas:
Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is a landscaping technique that focuses on using drought-tolerant plants and water-wise practices to create a sustainable and beautiful landscape. Drought-tolerant ground covers are an essential component of xeriscaping.
Rock Gardens
Rock gardens are an ideal setting for drought-tolerant ground covers. The well-drained soil and sunny conditions are perfect for these plants. Use a variety of ground covers with different textures and colors to create a visually appealing rock garden.
Slopes and Banks
Drought-tolerant ground covers are excellent for controlling erosion on slopes and banks. Their dense growth habit helps to stabilize the soil and prevent runoff.
Between Paving Stones
Planting drought-tolerant ground covers between paving stones adds a touch of greenery and softens the hard edges of the pavement. Creeping thyme and woolly thyme are excellent choices for this application.
Lawn Alternatives
In areas with low foot traffic, drought-tolerant ground covers can be used as a lawn alternative. They require less watering and maintenance than traditional lawns.
The Benefits of Choosing Drought-Tolerant Options
Choosing drought-tolerant ground covers offers a multitude of benefits beyond just water conservation. It improves the environment and helps the homeowner save money and time.
- Reduced Water Consumption: The most obvious benefit is the significant reduction in water usage. This translates to lower water bills and a reduced strain on local water resources.
- Lower Maintenance: Drought-tolerant plants generally require less maintenance than traditional lawns or water-intensive landscaping. This includes less mowing, watering, and fertilization.
- Environmental Benefits: Drought-tolerant landscapes help to conserve water, reduce pollution from lawn equipment, and provide habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife.
- Increased Property Value: A well-designed, drought-tolerant landscape can increase the value of your property.
- Resilience: Drought-tolerant plants are more resilient to harsh weather conditions, such as droughts, heat waves, and poor soil.
- Reduced Chemical Use: Because these plants are often more resistant to pests and diseases, you’ll likely need to use fewer chemical pesticides and herbicides.
Conclusion
Drought-tolerant ground covers are a valuable asset for any homeowner looking to create a beautiful, sustainable, and low-maintenance landscape. By carefully selecting the right plants for your climate and soil conditions, you can transform your yard into a vibrant oasis that conserves water and benefits the environment. Embrace the beauty and resilience of drought-tolerant ground covers and enjoy a landscape that thrives even in the driest of times. Consider your options and plan strategically for a beautiful, eco-friendly yard.
What exactly are drought-tolerant ground covers, and why should I consider using them?
Drought-tolerant ground covers are low-growing plants that spread to cover the ground, requiring minimal watering once established. They offer a visually appealing alternative to traditional lawns, reducing the need for frequent irrigation, fertilization, and mowing. This not only saves you time and money but also conserves precious water resources, making them an environmentally responsible choice for landscaping.
Choosing drought-tolerant ground covers promotes sustainability and creates a resilient landscape capable of withstanding dry conditions. They help prevent soil erosion, suppress weed growth, and can attract beneficial insects and pollinators to your garden. Moreover, they come in a wide variety of textures, colors, and flowering options, allowing you to create a beautiful and unique outdoor space that thrives even with limited rainfall.
How long does it take for drought-tolerant ground covers to establish and become truly drought-tolerant?
The establishment time for drought-tolerant ground covers can vary depending on the specific species, the planting conditions, and the climate. Generally, it takes about one to two growing seasons for these plants to fully establish their root systems and develop the resilience needed to thrive with minimal watering. During this initial period, regular watering is crucial to help them get a strong start.
Factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and proper planting techniques also influence the establishment period. Providing well-draining soil, adequate sunlight, and following recommended spacing guidelines will encourage healthy root growth and faster establishment. After the first year or two, you can gradually reduce watering frequency, allowing the plants to adapt to drier conditions and become fully drought-tolerant.
What are some of the most popular and reliable drought-tolerant ground cover options for sunny locations?
Several excellent drought-tolerant ground cover options thrive in sunny locations. Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a popular choice, known for its fragrant foliage and delicate flowers that attract bees. Sedum varieties, such as Sedum spurium (Dragon’s Blood Sedum), offer succulent foliage and vibrant colors, adding visual interest to your landscape.
Another reliable option is creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), which provides a stunning display of colorful blooms in the spring. These plants are all relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate full sun and well-drained soil. They create dense mats that suppress weeds and provide a beautiful ground cover alternative to traditional lawns.
Can drought-tolerant ground covers be used in shady areas, and if so, what are some recommended varieties?
While many drought-tolerant ground covers prefer full sun, some varieties can thrive in shady areas, though their drought tolerance might be somewhat reduced in deep shade. These shade-tolerant options provide a beautiful and practical solution for ground cover in areas where sunlight is limited.
For shady areas, consider using Pachysandra terminalis, a classic ground cover with glossy, evergreen foliage. Another excellent choice is Vinca minor (Periwinkle), which offers delicate blue flowers and spreads readily in shaded conditions. Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed) is also a good option, featuring attractive foliage and colorful flower spikes. These plants will need some initial watering during establishment, but are generally drought-tolerant once mature.
How do I prepare the soil for planting drought-tolerant ground covers to ensure their success?
Proper soil preparation is essential for the successful establishment of drought-tolerant ground covers. Start by removing any existing weeds, grass, or debris from the planting area. Then, amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve drainage and fertility.
Drought-tolerant plants generally prefer well-draining soil, so avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture. If your soil is clayey, consider incorporating sand or gravel to improve drainage. Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of at least 6-12 inches to encourage root growth. Conducting a soil test can help determine if any specific nutrient deficiencies need to be addressed.
What is the best way to plant and maintain drought-tolerant ground covers after planting?
When planting drought-tolerant ground covers, space them according to the specific needs of the chosen variety. Proper spacing allows for adequate air circulation and prevents overcrowding. Dig holes that are slightly larger than the root balls of the plants and gently place them in the holes, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
After planting, water the ground covers thoroughly to help them settle in. Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. During the first growing season, water regularly to establish strong root systems. Once established, reduce watering frequency, allowing the plants to adapt to drier conditions. Prune as needed to maintain desired shape and prevent excessive spreading.
Are there any potential problems or challenges associated with using drought-tolerant ground covers?
While drought-tolerant ground covers offer numerous benefits, there are some potential challenges to be aware of. Some varieties can be aggressive spreaders and may require occasional pruning to prevent them from encroaching on other areas of the garden. It’s important to choose varieties that are appropriate for your specific site conditions and to monitor their growth.
Another potential challenge is the possibility of weed intrusion. While ground covers help suppress weeds, they are not completely weed-proof. Regular weeding may be necessary, especially during the initial establishment period. Additionally, some drought-tolerant ground covers may be susceptible to certain pests or diseases, although this is generally less common than with traditional lawns.