Water conservation is becoming increasingly crucial, especially in regions prone to drought. Maintaining a beautiful and thriving landscape doesn’t have to be a water-intensive endeavor. Drought-tolerant ground cover offers an excellent solution, providing aesthetic appeal while minimizing water usage. This comprehensive guide will explore the best options, their benefits, and how to choose the right ground cover for your specific needs.
Why Choose Drought-Tolerant Ground Cover?
Drought-tolerant ground cover offers a myriad of benefits, making it a smart choice for homeowners and landscapers alike. Beyond water conservation, these plants can contribute to a healthier ecosystem and a more visually appealing yard.
Water Conservation
The most significant advantage is, of course, water conservation. These plants are specifically adapted to thrive in arid conditions, requiring significantly less water than traditional lawns or water-hungry ornamentals. This reduces your water bill and helps conserve this precious resource, especially crucial in drought-stricken areas.
Erosion Control
Ground cover plants, with their dense root systems, are excellent for preventing soil erosion. They bind the soil together, preventing it from being washed away by rain or wind. This is particularly important on slopes or in areas prone to runoff.
Weed Suppression
A thick mat of ground cover can effectively suppress weed growth. By covering the soil surface, it prevents sunlight from reaching weed seeds, inhibiting their germination and growth. This reduces the need for herbicides and manual weeding.
Low Maintenance
Compared to lawns, drought-tolerant ground cover typically requires less maintenance. They often need less mowing, fertilizing, and pest control, saving you time and effort. Many varieties are also self-sufficient once established.
Aesthetic Appeal
Drought-tolerant ground cover comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and forms, allowing you to create visually stunning landscapes. From flowering varieties to those with interesting foliage, there’s a ground cover to suit every style.
Improved Soil Health
As ground cover plants decompose, they contribute organic matter to the soil, improving its structure and fertility. This can benefit other plants in your garden and create a healthier ecosystem overall.
Top Drought-Tolerant Ground Cover Options
Choosing the right ground cover depends on your specific climate, soil type, and aesthetic preferences. Here are some of the best drought-tolerant options available:
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Creeping thyme is a popular choice for its fragrant foliage and delicate flowers. It’s incredibly drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It releases a pleasant aroma when walked upon, making it a delightful addition to pathways or rock gardens. It’s a great option for between stepping stones.
Sedum (Various species)
Sedums, also known as stonecrops, are succulents that are highly drought-tolerant and come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil and are relatively low-maintenance. Popular varieties include Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ and Sedum ‘Angelina’. Sedum is known for its ability to retain water.
Dwarf Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis ‘Twin Hills’)
This evergreen ground cover is native to California and is extremely drought-tolerant once established. It’s low-growing and spreading, making it an excellent choice for erosion control on slopes. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi)
Ice plant is a succulent ground cover that produces vibrant, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red. It’s incredibly drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its ability to suppress weeds makes it a popular choice.
Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Lamb’s ear is known for its soft, velvety leaves that resemble a lamb’s ear. It’s drought-tolerant and prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. While it does produce flower spikes, many gardeners prefer to remove them to maintain the foliage’s appealing texture.
Blue Star Creeper (Laurentia fluviatilis or Isotoma fluviatilis)
Despite its delicate appearance, Blue Star Creeper is surprisingly drought-tolerant once established. It features tiny, star-shaped blue flowers and forms a dense mat of foliage. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, but can tolerate drier conditions.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Creeping phlox is a spring-blooming ground cover that produces a carpet of colorful flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and blue. It’s relatively drought-tolerant and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Gazania (Gazania rigens)
Gazania is a vibrant flowering ground cover that thrives in hot, dry conditions. It produces daisy-like flowers in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, red, and pink. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is extremely drought-tolerant.
Silver Ponyfoot (Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’)
Silver Ponyfoot is a trailing ground cover with beautiful, silvery-gray foliage. It’s extremely drought-tolerant and prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It’s often used in hanging baskets or as a cascading ground cover over walls. The cascading effect of this plant is its most appealing characteristic.
Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus)
Woolly thyme is a very low-growing ground cover with fuzzy, gray-green leaves. It’s extremely drought-tolerant and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s not as fragrant as creeping thyme, but its unique texture makes it a visually interesting choice.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Ground Cover
Selecting the right ground cover requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure it thrives in your specific environment.
Climate and Hardiness Zone
The first and most important factor is your climate and hardiness zone. Choose plants that are well-suited to your region’s temperature ranges and rainfall patterns. Check the plant’s hardiness zone rating to ensure it can survive the winters in your area.
Soil Type
Different ground cover plants have different soil preferences. Some prefer well-drained soil, while others can tolerate clay or sandy soil. Test your soil and choose plants that will thrive in its specific composition.
Sun Exposure
Consider the amount of sunlight your planting area receives. Some ground cover plants require full sun, while others prefer partial shade. Choose plants that will receive the appropriate amount of sunlight to flourish.
Foot Traffic
If you plan to use the ground cover in an area with foot traffic, choose a variety that can tolerate being walked on. Creeping thyme and some sedums are good options for pathways or areas with light foot traffic.
Growth Habit
Consider the growth habit of the ground cover plant. Some spread quickly and can become invasive, while others are more slow-growing and well-behaved. Choose a plant that will fill the space you want to cover without becoming a nuisance.
Maintenance Requirements
Think about how much maintenance you’re willing to put into your ground cover. Some varieties require more pruning, fertilizing, or pest control than others. Choose a plant that fits your lifestyle and available time.
Aesthetic Preferences
Finally, consider your aesthetic preferences. Choose a ground cover that you find visually appealing and that complements the overall style of your landscape. Think about the color, texture, and form of the plant and how it will look in your garden.
Planting and Caring for Drought-Tolerant Ground Cover
Proper planting and care are essential for ensuring the success of your drought-tolerant ground cover.
Soil Preparation
Before planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds, rocks, or debris. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
Planting
Plant the ground cover plants according to the recommended spacing for the specific variety. Water thoroughly after planting.
Watering
While drought-tolerant ground cover requires less water than traditional lawns, it still needs some watering, especially during the establishment phase. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Mulching
Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilizing
Most drought-tolerant ground cover plants don’t require frequent fertilization. However, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.
Pruning
Some ground cover plants may need occasional pruning to maintain their shape or control their spread. Prune as needed to keep the plants looking their best.
Pest and Disease Control
Monitor your ground cover plants for any signs of pests or diseases. Treat any problems promptly to prevent them from spreading.
Design Ideas for Drought-Tolerant Landscapes
Drought-tolerant ground cover can be incorporated into a wide variety of landscape designs.
Rock Gardens
Drought-tolerant ground cover plants are a natural fit for rock gardens. Their low-growing habit and ability to thrive in well-drained soil make them perfect companions for rocks and boulders.
Pathways and Walkways
Planting drought-tolerant ground cover between stepping stones or along pathways can create a charming and low-maintenance landscape.
Slopes and Banks
Ground cover is an excellent choice for stabilizing slopes and banks and preventing erosion. Choose varieties with dense root systems for maximum effectiveness.
Front Yards
Replace your traditional lawn with drought-tolerant ground cover for a water-wise and visually appealing front yard.
Container Gardens
Drought-tolerant ground cover can also be used in container gardens. Their trailing habit makes them ideal for cascading over the edges of pots and planters.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with proper care, you may encounter some problems with your drought-tolerant ground cover. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or pest infestation. Adjust your watering schedule, fertilize as needed, and treat any pest problems promptly.
Brown Spots
Brown spots can be caused by fungal diseases or drought stress. Improve air circulation around the plants and water deeply and infrequently.
Slow Growth
Slow growth can be due to poor soil, lack of sunlight, or nutrient deficiency. Amend the soil, provide adequate sunlight, and fertilize as needed.
Invasive Spread
Some ground cover plants can spread aggressively and become invasive. Monitor their growth and prune them back as needed to prevent them from encroaching on other areas of your garden.
By following these tips and choosing the right drought-tolerant ground cover for your specific needs, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape that conserves water and thrives in even the driest conditions.
What exactly does “drought-tolerant” mean in the context of ground cover, and how does it benefit my landscape?
Drought-tolerant ground cover refers to plants that require significantly less water than traditional lawns or other high-water-demanding landscaping options. These plants have evolved or been bred to thrive in arid conditions, possessing adaptations like deep root systems to access underground water sources, waxy or hairy leaves to reduce transpiration, or the ability to store water in their tissues. By choosing drought-tolerant varieties, you can substantially reduce your water consumption for landscaping, contributing to water conservation efforts and lowering your utility bills, particularly during dry seasons.
Beyond water conservation, drought-tolerant ground cover provides numerous benefits to your landscape. These plants often require less maintenance, reducing the need for frequent mowing, fertilizing, and pest control. They can also help suppress weeds, prevent soil erosion, and add visual appeal to your yard, creating a low-maintenance and aesthetically pleasing environment. Furthermore, many drought-tolerant options are native to specific regions, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Which types of soil are best suited for drought-tolerant ground cover, and are there any amendments I should consider?
Drought-tolerant ground covers often thrive in well-draining soil. While some varieties are adaptable to various soil types, heavy clay soils can pose a challenge due to their poor drainage and tendency to become compacted. Sandy soils, although well-draining, may lack essential nutrients. The ideal soil is a loamy mix that balances drainage with nutrient retention, allowing the ground cover to establish strong roots and access the resources it needs to thrive.
To improve your soil for drought-tolerant ground cover, consider amending it with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will enhance drainage in clay soils, improve water retention in sandy soils, and provide essential nutrients. Before planting, it is also beneficial to test your soil’s pH level to determine if any adjustments are necessary to optimize the growing conditions for your chosen ground cover varieties. Adding a layer of mulch after planting can further conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
How do I choose the right drought-tolerant ground cover for my specific climate and landscape conditions?
Selecting the appropriate drought-tolerant ground cover requires careful consideration of your local climate, including average rainfall, temperature ranges, and sun exposure. Plants labeled as drought-tolerant in one region may not necessarily perform well in another with different climatic conditions. Research native ground cover options that are specifically adapted to your area, as they are naturally suited to the prevailing climate and soil conditions. Also, consider the microclimates within your landscape, such as areas with full sun, partial shade, or dry shade, and choose varieties that match these specific conditions.
Evaluate the specific characteristics of your landscape, including the slope, soil type, and intended use of the ground cover. For slopes, consider ground covers with deep root systems that can help prevent erosion. In areas with foot traffic, choose varieties that are durable and can withstand being walked on. Also, think about the aesthetic appeal you desire, considering factors such as flower color, foliage texture, and growth habit. By carefully considering these factors, you can select the ideal drought-tolerant ground cover that will thrive in your landscape and provide lasting beauty.
What are some popular examples of drought-tolerant ground cover plants, and what are their specific benefits?
Several ground cover plants are well-known for their drought tolerance and aesthetic appeal. Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a popular choice, offering fragrant foliage and charming flowers while tolerating light foot traffic. Sedums, also known as stonecrops, are succulent ground covers that store water in their leaves and come in a variety of colors and textures. Another excellent option is creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), which produces a stunning carpet of flowers in the spring. These examples provide beautiful ground cover options requiring minimal water.
Other excellent choices include Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ with its cascading silver foliage, perfect for containers or slopes, and woolly thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus) with its soft, fuzzy leaves. These plants provide different textures and visual interests. The benefits of drought-tolerant plants include reduced water consumption, low maintenance, and enhanced biodiversity, making them excellent choices for environmentally conscious gardeners. By selecting from this diverse range of options, you can create a stunning and sustainable landscape that thrives even in dry conditions.
How should I plant and establish drought-tolerant ground cover effectively?
Proper planting and establishment are crucial for ensuring the success of drought-tolerant ground cover. Begin by preparing the soil thoroughly, removing any weeds, rocks, or debris. Amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient content, as discussed previously. Dig planting holes that are slightly larger than the root balls of the plants, and space them according to the recommendations for the specific ground cover variety. When planting, gently loosen the roots of the plants to encourage them to spread and establish quickly.
After planting, water the ground cover thoroughly to settle the soil and provide initial hydration. Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. During the first few weeks, water the ground cover regularly to help it establish a strong root system. Once the plants are established, gradually reduce watering frequency, allowing them to adapt to drier conditions. With proper care and attention during the initial establishment phase, your drought-tolerant ground cover will thrive and provide lasting beauty to your landscape.
What kind of maintenance is required for drought-tolerant ground cover after it’s established?
Once drought-tolerant ground cover is established, it generally requires minimal maintenance compared to traditional lawns. Regular watering is typically unnecessary unless there are prolonged periods of extreme drought. However, it’s important to monitor the plants for signs of stress, such as wilting or discoloration, and provide supplemental watering as needed. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
Periodic weeding is important to prevent weeds from competing with the ground cover for resources. Mulching can help suppress weed growth and retain soil moisture. Pruning may be necessary to maintain the desired shape and size of the ground cover, or to remove any dead or damaged foliage. Fertilizing is generally not required for most drought-tolerant ground covers, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring if needed. Following these simple maintenance practices will ensure that your drought-tolerant ground cover remains healthy and attractive for years to come.
Are there any common pests or diseases that affect drought-tolerant ground cover, and how can I prevent or treat them?
While generally resistant, drought-tolerant ground cover can occasionally be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Overwatering or poor drainage can create conditions that favor fungal diseases like root rot or powdery mildew. Pests such as aphids or spider mites can sometimes infest ground cover, especially during periods of stress. Regular inspection of your plants can help you detect any problems early on.
To prevent pests and diseases, ensure proper planting and drainage, avoid overwatering, and maintain good air circulation. If you detect any pests or diseases, treat them promptly with appropriate organic or chemical controls. Horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can be effective against aphids and spider mites, while fungicides can help control fungal diseases. In some cases, removing and destroying infected plants may be necessary to prevent the spread of disease. Choosing disease-resistant varieties of ground cover can also reduce the risk of problems.