Drought-Tolerant Groundcover Plants
If you live in an area that doesn’t get a lot of rain, you might be used to a brown lawn. Instead of planting turfgrass, try these hardy groundcovers that can withstand the heat. Growing Conditions: Full sun in well-drained soil Size: Up to 12 inches tall Zones: 5-9 Buy It: Red Creeping Thyme ($33, Breck’s) Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade in well-drained soil Size: Up to 12 inches tall, depending on variety Zones: 3-10 Buy It: ‘Angelina’ Sedum ($23, Etsy) Growing Conditions: Full sun in well-drained soil Size: Up to 6 inches tall Zones: 3-8 Buy It: Hen and Chicks Collection ($21, Walmart)
Groundcover Plants for Shade
Shady areas are often too dim for many plants to do well. These groundcovers will thrive in the normally-tricky areas of the garden. Growing Conditions: Full to part shade in moist, well-drained soil Size: Up to 12 inches tall Zones: 4-8 Buy It: Sweet Woodruff Growing Conditions: Full shade to full sun in moist, well-drained soil Size: Up to 9 inches tall Zones: 3-9 Buy It: ‘Fancy Finch’ Ajuga ($17, Walmart) Growing Conditions: Full to part shade in moist, well-drained soil Size: Up to 8 inches tall Zones: 3-8 Buy It: ‘Purple Dragon’ Lamium ($10, Etsy)
Evergreen Groundcover Plants
Besides staying green throughout the hot summer months, these groundcovers will add winter interest to the garden as well! Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil Size: Up to 3 inches tall Zones: 4-10 Buy It: ‘Platt’s Black’ Brass Buttons ($16, Walmart) Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil Size: Up to 1 foot tall Zones: 6-10 Buy It: Black Mondo Grass ($30, The Home Depot) Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade in well-drained soil Size: Up to 36 inches tall, depending on variety Zones: 4-9 Buy It: ‘Hummelo’ Lamb’s Ear Growing Conditions: Full to part shade in well-drained soil Size: 12 inches tall Zones: 5-9 Buy It: Pachysandra
