Your garden does n’t have to expect like the Sahara — ground covers exist that gag at the sun !

Scorching afternoons go away bare fleck begging for mercy . And if you ’ve ever stared at a cold recession wondering what could survive , you ’re not alone .

These are n’t your tenuous filler . We ’re talking low - ride champions that hug the grime , lock down junk , and pop color when most plant life droop . They creep , shock absorber , and blanket the ground without beg for water every sunrise .

Imagine soft MAT of green that shrug off ternary - digit days … Tiny prime dance in desert pushover … And zero stripped patch mock your efforts .

quick to bend those sad patches into heatproof turf ? Meet 16 ground book binding ramp up for the Southwest ’s hot summers . Your stain will quell cooler , your weeds will flee , and your garden will finally look like you have in mind business .

Lantana

Lantana brings an detonation of color to any garden , with its bright cluster of cherry , orange , and chickenhearted flowers . These fearless plant flourish under the sun ’s intense rays , thriving where other plants wither . You may notice their pernicious citrus fruit scent waft through the aura , a delectation for any nurseryman . Lantana is not only visually appealing but also low - sustenance , making it hone for those with a in use lifestyle . Just a little water and this plant repay you with a profusion of blooms . Consider planting Lantana along footpath or in containers for a splash of color .

Sedum

Sedum , also live as stonecrop , is a succulent that thrives in the hotness . With its fleshy leave and vivacious green hue , it ’s a striking plus to any arid landscape painting . The beauty of Sedum lie in its power to keep on water , making it exceptionally drouth - insubordinate . This plant can create a exuberant rug over time , filling in those free spots with relief . Its pink - tint foliage add a trace of colour , while the plant itself requires very niggling forethought . Place Sedum among rocks for a natural desert look , and watch out it prosper even in dry conditions .

Ice Plant

guess a carpet of magenta flowers stretching across your garden . That ’s the magic of the Ice Plant , a ground cover that thrives in the heat . Its fleshy leaves play with moisture , a will to its drouth - tolerant nature . This plant spread speedily , covering bare post with brilliant color . Not only does it look stunning , but it also requires minimal maintenance , make it idealistic for gardeners seeking downcast - effort peach . practice Ice Plant in areas with full sun , where its prime can open up and bedazzle in the bright light .

Thyme

Thyme is n’t just for cooking ; it ’s a tremendous ground cover ! With bantam leaf and soft purple flower , it adds texture and bouquet to your garden . It ’s resilient under the Dominicus , making it a favorite in the Southwest . Plant it between stepping Stone or allow it pour forth over edges for a capricious touch . As you walk by , the perfume of thyme fills the air , transforming any garden into a sensory delight . Thyme is hardy and drought - liberal , requiring little more than sun to thrive .

Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny , with its halcyon leaves , is like sunshine appropriate on the ground . This flora is not only visually strike but also expand in sunny conditions . It ’s perfect for fill those punishing - to - uprise surface area with its diffuse habit . Watch as its pollyannaish foliage lighten up up any spot , offering a delightful demarcation to other plants . Creeping Jenny ’s ability to support heat makes it a worthful addition to any southwesterly garden . regard using it around water features , where its brooding parting can add up shimmering lulu .

Blue Fescue

Blue Fescue stands out with its blue - gray foliage , add a mite of cool elegance to spicy mood . This grass - like works class clean clump that are perfect for lining nerve tract or edging garden beds . Despite its delicate appearance , Blue Fescue is surprisingly hardy , thriving under the relentless Dominicus . It take minimum tutelage , making it idealistic for the busy nurseryman . integrate it with other drought - tolerant plants for a coarse-textured flavour that enhances any landscape .

Gazania

Gazania dazzles with its sheer , daisy - like flowers , available in vivacious shades of yellow and orange . This plant is a sun worshiper , thriving in the Southwest ’s heat . Its low - growing habit makes it a fantastic ground covering fire , filling bare smear with cheerful blossoms . Gazania ’s hardy nature mean it can handle dry spells , yet still reward you with blooms . implant it in full sun , and let Gazania ’s flowers add affectionateness and color to your garden even in the live months .

Verbena

Verbena is a ground back that flourish in the Lord’s Day , known for its clusters of vibrant heyday in purples , reds , and pinks . This plant ’s tag habit allow it to spread quickly , fill bare spot with ease . Its resilience against heat and drouth ca-ca it a go - to choice for Southwest garden . The blooms attract butterflies , adding life and drift to your place . Use Verbena in garden beds or containers for a splash of colour that hold out all summer long .

Yarrow

Yarrow is a plant of contrasts , with feathery folio and cluster of bright scandalmongering peak . This heat - tolerant plant is perfect for filling in bare spots , providing both colouring material and texture . It ’s not just beautiful ; Yarrow is also toughened , withstanding the harsh summer conditions . Its flowers can be cut and used in placement , adding versatility to its charm . Plant Yarrow in full sun , and savor a garden that thrives despite the heat .

Dymondia

Dymondia , with its silver - green leaves , spreads like a soft carpet underfoot . This plant is perfect for those hard spots in the garden , flourish under the red-hot Southwest sun . It ’s a low - growing ground covering fire that tolerate pes dealings , take in it idealistic for pathways and border . The casual yellow bloom adds a contact of contrast to its leafage . Dymondia requires minimal water , making it a sustainable choice for eco - favorable gardens .

California Poppy

California Poppy brings a splash of color with its iconic bright orange bloom . These poppies thrive in the sun , make them gross for the Southwest ’s clime . Their frail flower petal flutter in the duck soup , creating a lively and upbeat air . California Poppies are not only beautiful but also easy to grow , requiring little more than sun . imbed them en masse shot for a sensational display that captures the essence of summertime .

Portulaca

Portulaca , often called moss rose , is a hardy earth cover charge with rose - similar blooms that flourish in the sun . These plants are unadulterated for hot , dry mood , convey a rainbow of colours to any garden . Their succulent - like leave help them keep back wet , making them fabulously drouth - tolerant . Portulaca ’s low - develop wont allows it to spread quickly , fill bare spots with ease . Plant it in full Lord’s Day for a carpet of vibrant blooms that requires minimum care .

Achillea

Achillea , also known as yarrow , is a robust ground cover with flat - topped clusters of white flowers . Its hardy nature make it a staple in Southwest garden , thriving under the Sunday ’s unrelenting estrus . The fern - like foliage adds texture to any landscape painting , make visual pastime even when not in bloom . Achillea ’s drought - resistant nature means it want little maintenance . Use it in aggregative plantings for a striking effect that draws the eye across the garden .

Rockrose

Rockrose is a lively plant that brings beauty to arid gardens . With its ticklish pink flowers and sturdy green foliage , it stand out in any landscape painting . This ground covering fire loves the Lord’s Day , abide drought with ease . Its ability to maturate in poor soil bring in it hone for challenging spots in the garden . Plant Rockrose for a splash of color that requires minimum precaution , adding charm to any outdoor space .

Silver Carpet

Silver Carpet , with its silvery leaves , creates a flabby , inviting soil cover in any garden . This plant prosper in cheery conditions , spread effortlessly across the landscape painting . Its foliage is not only visually appealing but also drought - tolerant , require minimum water to maintain its dish . The occasional yellowed flower tote up a dada of color to its silvery backdrop . Use Silver Carpet in rock garden or as a border plant for a shimmering effect .

Jasmine Vine

Jasmine Vine brings fragrance and smasher to the garden with its creamy white flowers . This climbing plant life flourish in the sunshine , perfect for trailing along fences or trellises . Its showy green leaves create a lush backdrop , while the flowers fill the air with their sweet perfume . Jasmine Vine is heat - tolerant , thriving in the Southwest ’s blistering clime . Consider this vine for vertical interest , adding both optic and sensory appeal to your garden .

16 Ground Covers That Beat Bare Spots in the Southwest’s Hottest Summers

Lantana

© Better Homes & Gardens

Lantana

Sedum

© Costa Farms

Sedum

Ice Plant

© Great Garden Plants

Ice Plant

Thyme

© Dengarden

Thyme

Creeping Jenny

© Stone Post Gardens

Creeping Jenny

Blue Fescue

© Eureka Farms

Blue Fescue

Gazania

© Outsidepride.com

Gazania

Verbena

© The Spruce

Verbena

Yarrow

© Great Garden Plants

Yarrow

Dymondia

© Little Prince of Oregon Nursery

Dymondia

California Poppy

© Eden Brothers

California Poppy

Portulaca

© The Spruce

Portulaca

Achillea

© Southern Living

Achillea

Rockrose

© uclabotanical

Rockrose

Silver Carpet

© Southern Living

Silver Carpet

Jasmine Vine

© Natures Way

Jasmine Vine