Landscaping
Best Drought-Tolerant Groundcovers For Landscapes
The Shift Away from Traditional Turf
For decades, the monoculture turf lawn has been the default standard in American landscaping. However, as water scarcity becomes a pressing global issue and municipal water restrictions grow more common, homeowners and landscape designers are rethinking the traditional yard. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), outdoor water use accounts for nearly 30% of total residential water consumption, with turf grass being the primary culprit. Replacing water-thirsty lawns with drought-tolerant groundcovers is one of the most effective, aesthetically pleasing, and ecologically responsible landscaping decisions you can make.
Groundcovers offer a living carpet that suppresses weeds, prevents soil erosion, and regulates soil temperature. Unlike traditional Kentucky Bluegrass or Fescue lawns that demand weekly mowing, frequent fertilization, and daily irrigation during summer months, xeriscape groundcovers thrive on neglect once established. This guide explores the best variety and species selections for both sun-baked slopes and dry, shady understories, providing actionable planting and maintenance advice.
Top Sun-Loving Drought-Tolerant Groundcovers
Full-sun landscapes present unique challenges: intense UV radiation, rapid soil moisture evaporation, and extreme heat. The species selected for these areas must possess deep root systems, succulent foliage, or reflective leaf surfaces to survive. The University of California Davis WUCOLS database classifies the following species as low to very low water use, making them ideal for sunny xeriscaping.
1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Creeping thyme is a woody, aromatic perennial that forms a dense, low-growing mat. It is highly tolerant of foot traffic, making it an excellent substitute for grass between stepping stones or along garden pathways.
- Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Mature Height: 2 to 4 inches
- Spread: 12 to 18 inches
- Soil Requirements: Well-draining, sandy or rocky soil; pH 6.0 to 8.0
- Cost Estimate: $45 to $70 per 72-plug flat
Pro Tip: Avoid planting creeping thyme in heavy, unamended clay soils, as winter wetness will cause root rot. If you have clay, amend the top 6 inches of soil with expanded shale or coarse gravel before planting.
2. Stonecrop (Sedum spurium 'John Creech')
Sedums are succulent perennials that store water in their fleshy leaves. The 'John Creech' variety is a standout for its rapid growth habit, scalloped green foliage, and late-summer pink blooms. It thrives in poor soils where other plants would perish.
- Hardiness Zones: 3-8
- Mature Height: 2 to 3 inches
- Spread: 12 inches
- Foliage: Evergreen in mild climates; semi-evergreen in colder zones
3. Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi)
Known for its dazzling, neon-purple daisy-like flowers that bloom continuously from early summer to the first frost, the hardy ice plant is a showstopper. Its needle-like leaves are covered in bladder cells that reflect sunlight, giving the plant a frosty, "icy" appearance.
- Hardiness Zones: 6-10
- Mature Height: 3 to 6 inches
- Water Needs: Extremely low; requires zero supplemental watering once established in most climates
Top Shade-Tolerant Drought-Tolerant Groundcovers
Dry shade is notoriously the most difficult microclimate in landscape design. Tree roots compete aggressively for available moisture, and the dense canopy limits rainfall penetration. Selecting the right shade-tolerant species is critical for understory success.
1. Big Blue Lilyturf (Liriope muscari)
Liriope is a grass-like evergreen perennial that is virtually indestructible. It forms dense, arching clumps that choke out weeds and produce spikes of purple flowers in late summer, followed by black berries. It is highly resistant to deer and rabbit browsing.
- Hardiness Zones: 5-10
- Mature Height: 12 to 18 inches
- Light Requirements: Full shade to partial sun
- Maintenance: Mow or shear foliage to the ground in late winter before new spring growth emerges
2. Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
For a native, woodland aesthetic, Wild Ginger is unparalleled. Verified through the USDA Plants Database as a native species across much of the eastern and central United States, it features large, heart-shaped, velvety leaves that create a lush, tropical look in dry shade. It spreads slowly via shallow rhizomes.
- Hardiness Zones: 4-6
- Mature Height: 6 to 12 inches
- Ecological Benefit: Serves as a host plant for the pipevine swallowtail butterfly
3. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet woodruff features whorls of bright green, lance-shaped leaves and tiny, starry white flowers in spring. When crushed or dried, the foliage emits a sweet scent reminiscent of freshly mowed hay and vanilla. It thrives in the dry, acidic soil found beneath pine and oak trees.
Species Comparison Chart
| Species | Common Name | Light Requirement | Zones | Foot Traffic Tolerance | Mature Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thymus serpyllum | Creeping Thyme | Full Sun | 4-9 | High | 2-4 inches |
| Sedum spurium | Stonecrop | Full Sun | 3-8 | Low | 2-3 inches |
| Delosperma cooperi | Hardy Ice Plant | Full Sun | 6-10 | None | 3-6 inches |
| Liriope muscari | Big Blue Lilyturf | Shade / Part Shade | 5-10 | Low | 12-18 inches |
| Asarum canadense | Wild Ginger | Full Shade | 4-6 | None | 6-12 inches |
Site Preparation and Turf Removal
The success of your drought-tolerant groundcover hinges entirely on site preparation. Planting directly into compacted, dead turf will result in high mortality rates. Follow these actionable steps to prepare your landscape beds:
- Turf Removal: Rent a sod cutter (approximately $90 per day) to slice off the top 2 inches of existing grass and roots. Alternatively, use the solarization method: mow the grass as short as possible, water deeply, and cover the area with clear, 4-mil builder's plastic for 6 to 8 weeks during the heat of summer. This cooks the grass and weed seeds, creating a clean slate.
- Soil Amendment: Drought-tolerant plants require excellent drainage. Spread 2 to 3 cubic yards of organic compost per 1,000 square feet of planting area. For heavy clay soils, mix in an equal part of expanded shale or pea gravel to permanently improve soil porosity.
- Grading: Ensure the soil slopes away from your home's foundation at a minimum grade of 5% (a 6-inch drop over the first 10 feet) to protect your foundation from moisture intrusion.
Planting Layout and First-Year Care
While these species are highly drought-tolerant once established, they require strategic irrigation during their first growing season to develop deep, resilient root systems.
Spacing and Layout
For rapid coverage and weed suppression, plant in a staggered grid (diamond) pattern rather than straight rows. For low-growing spreaders like Creeping Thyme and Sedum, space plugs 8 to 10 inches apart. This requires approximately 145 to 225 plants per 1,000 square feet. For clumping varieties like Liriope, space plants 12 to 14 inches apart.
The First-Year Watering Schedule
Do not rely on rainfall during the establishment phase. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the root zone, minimizing evaporation and fungal diseases on the foliage.
- Weeks 1-2: Water lightly every day to keep the top 2 inches of soil consistently moist.
- Weeks 3-6: Water deeply every other day, encouraging roots to stretch downward.
- Months 2-6: Transition to watering twice a week, applying roughly 0.5 inches of water per session.
- Year Two and Beyond: Cease supplemental watering entirely, relying only on natural precipitation, except during periods of extreme, prolonged drought (21+ days without rain and temperatures exceeding 90°F).
Mulching for Moisture Retention
After planting, apply a 1.5 to 2-inch layer of inorganic or organic mulch. For succulents and thyme, use inorganic gravel or crushed granite mulch; this prevents crown rot and reflects heat. For woodland shade plants like Wild Ginger and Sweet Woodruff, use shredded hardwood bark or leaf mold to mimic the natural forest floor and retain soil moisture. Keep mulch at least 1 inch away from the direct crown of the plants to prevent rot.
By carefully selecting the right species for your specific microclimates and investing time in proper soil preparation, you can cultivate a stunning, resilient landscape that conserves water, reduces maintenance costs, and supports local biodiversity for decades to come.
