For a drought-resistant ground cover, match the plant to your site first: sun or shade, soil drainage, regional climate, and the amount of spread you can accommodate. These 12 candidates cover sunny, dry sites and some dry-shade situations, but they are not a universal ranking or a one-size-fits-all planting list. Even drought-tolerant plants need regular attention while they establish.
How to choose a ground cover for a dry site
Start with the conditions at the planting area, not the plant’s drought-tolerant label. A sunny, fast-draining slope and a shaded area beneath trees call for different choices. Check local plant guidance for your region, especially before treating a species as native: a plant native in one state may not be native or well suited where you live.
- Exposure: Determine whether the spot gets full sun, partial shade, or shade. “Dry shade” is not the same growing condition as an open, hot slope.
- Soil and drainage: Note whether soil is sandy, rocky, acidic, or slow to drain. Drought tolerance does not mean a plant will thrive in waterlogged soil.
- Spread and upkeep: Ground covers may spread slowly, by rhizomes or suckers, or by self-seeding. Choose a growth habit that suits the space and plan to contain vigorous spreaders.
- Use: If people will walk across the planting, check local plant guidance for traffic tolerance; drought tolerance alone does not establish that a plant can withstand foot traffic.
Ground covers can help stabilize soil, reduce weeds, and conserve water, but the sources cited here do not establish a general percentage of water saved by planting them.
Ground covers for sunny, dry sites
These options are listed as candidates for sunny drought-tolerant plantings. Their regional suitability and preferred soil conditions still need to be checked locally. Maryland Extension separates its recommendations by light and soil moisture; see its ground cover guidance.
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1. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
An evergreen choice for sunny sites. Delaware Extension describes bearberry as 6–12 inches tall, while Maryland Extension notes that it prefers cooler summers. It may be a poor fit for locations with hot summers; check regional guidance before planting.
2. Purple lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis)
A grass-like ground-cover candidate for sun and poor soil, including sandy or rocky loam. It spreads modestly by rhizomes and can self-seed, so new plants may appear beyond the original planting.
3. Fragrant sumac ‘Gro-Low’ (Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’)
A sunny-site option with a pronounced spreading habit. It can spread aggressively by suckers, so leave room for it and plan for edging or periodic control where it meets lawn or other plantings.
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4. Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
A fragrant, semi-evergreen choice for sunny ground. Its low, spreading growth can suit gaps between other plants, but confirm that local conditions and the intended use suit the specific thyme you buy.
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5. Stonecrop or sedum (Sedum spp.)
Maryland Extension lists sedums among its sunny, drought-tolerant ground-cover choices. The name covers many species, so select a species or cultivar suited to your climate and site rather than assuming every sedum has identical needs. Woodland stonecrop, Sedum ternatum, is a separate shade option described below.
6. Hens-and-chicks (Sempervivum spp.)
These evergreen succulents form offsets around the original rosette. Their compact habit makes them a candidate for sunny, dry spots, but they should still be matched to local conditions and well-drained soil.
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7. Eastern pricklypear (Opuntia humifusa subsp. humifusa)
A slow-spreading, sunny-site candidate that is also salt tolerant. Its deliberate pace may suit a planting where rapid coverage is not essential; take its spiny growth into account when locating it near paths or work areas.
8. Poverty oatgrass (Danthonia spicata)
A grass for sunny sites with low-fertility, acidic, rocky, or sandy soils. It spreads slowly or by self-seeding, making it a less rapid cover than a vigorous runner.
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Shade does not automatically mean a site stays moist. These choices are specifically identified for shady or partly shaded conditions, but the amount of moisture and the local climate still matter.
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- 2. Perfect Ground Cover for Gardens Creeping thyme seeds ground cover is a popular choice for pathways, rock gardens, borders, slopes, and lawn alternatives. Helps create a dense and attractive garden carpet.
- 3. Perennial & Low Maintenance As one of the best ground cover seeds perennial options, creeping thyme returns year after year. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.
- 4. Easy to Grow in Full Sun These creeping thyme seeds prefer full sun and well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Germination usually takes 14–28 days with proper moisture and warm temperatures.
- 5. Great Alternative to Creeping Phlox If you like creeping phlox or creeping thyme plants live, this seed option offers an easy and affordable way to grow your own colorful flowering ground cover at home.
9. Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica)
Maryland Extension lists this semi-evergreen sedge for partly shaded to shady sites and describes it as drought tolerant. It spreads slowly by rhizomes, which can make it easier to manage than a fast-moving ground cover.
10. Woodland stonecrop (Sedum ternatum)
An evergreen stonecrop listed by Maryland Extension as drought tolerant for shade. It is distinct from the broad group of sunny-site sedums; confirm that this species suits your region and the conditions at the planting spot.
11. Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea)
A California native that UC Master Gardeners describe as suitable for dry shade and able to grow in full sun. It spreads by rhizomes, so allow room for it. Its regional origin is important: it is not a universal native-plant recommendation.
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A regional option for dry slopes
12. Carmel Creeper Ceanothus (Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis)
A California regional ground cover for dry slopes and retaining walls. UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County reports a height of 1–3 feet and spread of up to 15 feet; those are reported plant dimensions, not a guarantee of the size it will reach in every landscape. Check local suitability before using it outside its regional context.
Water and care while plants establish
“Drought-resistant” describes established plants under suitable conditions; it does not mean no water after planting. UC Cooperative Extension advises that drought-tolerant ground covers need more water during their first year or two as roots develop. In its foothill context, it recommends planting in late winter or the earliest part of spring so plants can establish during cooler, wetter weather. Timing will vary with local climate.
- Prepare the planting area: Remove existing weeds manually where herbicide could damage plants you want to keep.
- Water according to establishment and soil conditions: Maryland Extension advises checking soil during dry weather by feeling a few inches down and watering when it is mostly dry, with adjustments for the preferences of the species you planted.
- Suppress weeds while the planting fills in: Mulch between new plants to reduce weeds. Once the ground cover is established, remove mulch from gaps where you want plants to spread.
- Control unwanted spread: Where an aggressive spreader meets lawn, Maryland Extension suggests garden edging. Dig or divide plants that spread more than you want.
- Keep fire safety in mind: UC Cooperative Extension cautions that some ground covers can be flammable. Do not plant them close to the house, and keep them maintained.
Choosing among the 12
For an open sunny area, compare the soil and the desired pace of coverage: purple lovegrass and poverty oatgrass can be slower, while ‘Gro-Low’ sumac may need space and containment. For shade, Pennsylvania sedge offers slow rhizome spread, while woodland stonecrop and California’s hummingbird sage are other source-listed options. Bearberry and Carmel Creeper Ceanothus carry especially important climate or regional caveats. Before buying, verify the plant’s mature spread, local suitability, and preferred drainage with an extension service or native-plant resource for your area.
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