Ground cover plants play a vital role in any garden. These compact, low-growing plants effectively fill gaps and conceal bare soil, enhancing the landscape with lush foliage and vibrant blooms.
When selecting plants, choose those suited to your local climate. For instance, planting shade-loving varieties in sunny areas is a recipe for disappointment. Luckily, several excellent ground cover options thrive in full sun, enduring heat and dry spells.
As an experienced gardener, I've cultivated various ground cover plants in sun-drenched settings. Recently, while working on a private estate in Tuscany, I found that silver-foliage varieties excelled, tolerating temperatures up to 40°C/104°F during prolonged droughts. Here are 6 reliable ground cover options I've successfully grown that flourish in sunny borders.
Silver-leaved plants are ideal for sunny areas, typically withstanding heat and drought.
6 Exceptional Ground Cover Plants for Full Sun
Any border receiving over six hours of direct sunlight daily qualifies as a full-sun area. Ample sunlight often allows for a variety of flowering plants, but it presents challenges. Ground cover plants in full sun must withstand direct heat and dry conditions during spring and summer.
Here are a few of my favorite drought-resistant ground cover plants that thrive in sunlit spots.
1. Lamb's Ears
Stachys byzantina, known as lamb's ears, features silver leaves and soft purple blooms.
Stachys byzantina, or lamb's ears, is among the finest silver foliage plants. Its velvety, wooly leaves, adorned with fine hairs, create a stunning border along paths or in dry gravel gardens.
When considering growing lamb's ears, they thrive from US hardiness zone 4 to zone 10, adapting well to sunny environments. The silver leaves help reflect sunlight, minimizing water loss, making them suitable for full-sun cultivation.
Having grown lamb's ears in Tuscany, I can attest to their resilience against both freezing winters and intense summers. The pale lilac flower spikes are delightful, but I recommend trimming them post-bloom to maintain the plant's attractive silver appearance.
You can purchase lamb's ears starter plants online from Walmart.
2. Lavender
French lavender, Lavandula stoechas, offers lovely silver-green leaves and year-round charm.
Lavender is a hardy full-sun plant that also makes a lovely evergreen ground cover. "I adore lavender as a patio accent, along pathways, or anywhere in the garden, including beneath trees," shares Lisa Fontanarosa, a lavender grower from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
"Lavender brings structure, color, and fragrance to beds, borders, and containers," she continues, emphasizing its versatility as a landscaping option. This fragrant herb thrives in sunny spots with fast-draining soil and minimal watering needs.
Both Spanish lavender, Lavandula stoechas, and English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, are considered drought-tolerant varieties that excel in full sun. Lisa warns against pairing these herbs with thirsty plants like hydrangeas, as lavender is drought-resistant and requires little water once established.
Moreover, lavender faces few pests or issues, making it a low-maintenance choice.
You can order lavender plants online from Burpee.
3. Cistus
Cistus, or rock roses, thrive in sunny areas and produce lovely white flowers.
Cistus plants, commonly known as rock roses, are perfect for sun-drenched gardens. Throughout my time as a gardener in Italy, I found various cistus types to be drought-resistant and easy to care for, even in extreme heat.
These shrubs prefer US hardiness zones 8 to 10, flourishing in warm summers and mild winters.
Cistus plants yield fleeting yet beautiful blooms in shades of white, yellow, and pink. In mild climates, their foliage remains evergreen, making dwarf varieties like Cistus x skanbergii an excellent choice for full-sun ground cover.
Cistus plants are available online at Nature Hills.
4. Dianthus
Dianthus produces an abundance of colorful pink blossoms, with 'Pink Kisses' being particularly vibrant.
Dianthus, commonly referred to as pinks, are eye-catching perennials that flourish in sunny environments. If you're searching for pink plants for your garden, look no further than dianthus.
"Dianthus thrives in well-drained alkaline soil," notes Susan Betz, an herb specialist and Honorary Master Gardener. If your soil is neutral or slightly acidic, consider adding garden lime from Amazon to enhance alkalinity.
"With their silver leaves and pink flowers, these plants are perfect for sunny rock gardens," Susan adds.
"Varieties like clove pink, Dianthus caryophyllus, make excellent ground cover for sunny spots," she continues. "With low-growing silvery-blue foliage and bright pink flowers that emit a pleasant clove-like fragrance, they're a fantastic choice."
Dianthus plants can be ordered online through Walmart.
5. Artemisia
Artemisia showcases fern-like, aromatic leaves, adding charm to any garden.
Artemisia is celebrated for its silvery, fern-like foliage. Generally low-maintenance, these plants thrive under high heat and intense sunlight.
Artemisia is well-suited for dry gardens or arid locations due to its exceptional drought tolerance. Considered one of the top drought-resistant flowering perennials, it can handle the hottest and longest summers.
'Artemisia ludoviciana 'Silver Frost' and Artemisia ludoviciana 'Valerie Finnis' are two noteworthy cultivars boasting stunning silver-white foliage and compact growth habits," says Susan.
"These plants flourish in poor, free-draining soils under full sun conditions," she adds. "They are hardy in US hardiness zones 3 to 8 and serve as excellent ground cover when placed appropriately."
Artemisia starter plants can be ordered online from Walmart.
6. Juniper
Creeping juniper, Juniperus horizontalis, is a low-growing evergreen with attractive foliage.
Juniperus horizontalis, or creeping juniper, is a low-maintenance evergreen shrub that thrives in full sun. This native species flourishes across much of northern North America, adapting well from US hardiness zone 3 to zone 9.
I previously cultivated creeping juniper in a dry, sunny gravel garden in London. While it needs watering during its first year to establish roots, it quickly becomes self-sufficient and withstands dry, hot summers.
This low-growing juniper is practical for borders and gardens, providing a green carpet while allowing colorful flowers and perennials to thrive alongside it.
'Blue rug' spreading juniper, or Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii', is a beautiful evergreen ground cover perfect for sunny landscapes.
FAQs
Should I water ground cover plants in full sun?
Initially, I recommend watering newly planted ground cover in your garden during the first spring and summer. Once established, most full-sun tolerant species, including those mentioned here, can endure drought. However, it's wise to check soil moisture and observe your plants for signs of wilting.
Integrating full sun ground cover plants in your garden maximizes greenery in challenging areas. Planting the right species in suitable locations ensures your sun-kissed garden flourishes.
For more advice on plants suitable for dry, sunny areas, explore our recommendations for top xeriscaping plants or learn about flowering shrubs for sunny spots.
