Complete Gardening
If you’re looking for resilient plants that can withstand the sunniest spots in your garden, look no further! We’ve curated a list of 18 tough ground covers that not only survive but thrive in full sun. These plants are perfect for filling spaces, reducing weed growth, and adding beauty to your landscape. Whether you’re seeking vibrant colors, intriguing textures, or low-maintenance options, there’s something here for every gardener.
1. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum, commonly known as Stonecrop, is a diverse group of succulents that are almost indestructible. Their thick, water-storing leaves come in various shapes and colors, providing visual interest year-round.
These sun-loving plants produce star-shaped flowers that can add splashes of yellow, pink, or white to your garden. Perfect for rock gardens or as a border, Sedum requires minimal care.
Known for their resilience, Sedums can survive in poor soil conditions and are drought-tolerant, making them ideal for gardeners seeking fuss-free beauty.
2. Ice Plant (Delosperma)
The Ice Plant is a striking ground cover that dazzles with its vivid magenta flowers and succulent-like foliage. Native to South Africa, it’s adapted to hot, sunny climates and poor soil.
This plant’s fleshy leaves help conserve water, allowing it to flourish even during dry spells. The flowers open up in the sun, creating a stunning display that can transform any landscape.
Easy to grow and maintain, the Ice Plant is perfect for gardeners looking for a splash of color with minimal effort.
3. Lantana
Lantana brings a burst of tropical color to any garden, with clusters of flowers in striking shades of orange, red, and yellow. This perennial is beloved for its long blooming season and ability to attract butterflies.
Thriving in full sun and requiring little care, Lantana can handle heat and drought, making it perfect for challenging environments. Its robust nature ensures that it will flourish even in poor soil.
In addition to its beauty, Lantana’s aromatic foliage adds an extra sensory dimension to your garden.
4. Creeping Phlox
Creeping Phlox is a charming ground cover that creates a vibrant carpet of color each spring. With flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white, it’s a favorite for adding cheer to sunny areas.
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for rock gardens or as an edge plant. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, even when flowers are not in bloom.
Easy to grow and maintain, Creeping Phlox is a versatile addition to any garden, providing beauty without much effort.
5. Creeping Thyme
Creeping Thyme is a delightful aromatic herb that forms a dense, lush carpet. Its tiny purple flowers are not only visually appealing but also attract bees and butterflies, creating a lively atmosphere in your garden.
This resilient ground cover thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an optimal choice for sunny locations. Walking on it releases a pleasant, earthy fragrance, adding an extra sensory element to your landscape.
With its ability to handle foot traffic and its drought-resistant nature, Creeping Thyme is both practical and charming.
6. Ajuga (Bugleweed)
Ajuga, or Bugleweed, is a versatile ground cover known for its glossy foliage and striking blue flower spikes. Its leaves can come in various shades, adding depth and interest to your garden.
While it can tolerate some shade, Ajuga thrives best in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Its ability to spread rapidly makes it excellent for covering large areas quickly.
Ajuga’s low-maintenance nature and deer-resistant properties make it a favored choice for those looking to fill spaces with minimal upkeep.
7. Woolly Yarrow
Woolly Yarrow is a hardy perennial that adds a touch of whimsy with its soft, silver-grey foliage and cheerful yellow flower clusters. Known for its drought tolerance, it thrives in full sun and poor soil conditions.
This plant’s feathery leaves add texture and visual interest, while its flowers attract a variety of pollinators.
Whether used in borders or as a mass planting, Woolly Yarrow’s easygoing nature and resilience make it an excellent choice for sunny, low-maintenance landscapes.
8. Sun Rose (Helianthemum)
Sun Rose, or Helianthemum, is a delightful ground cover known for its profusion of vibrant blooms in pink, orange, or yellow. Its silvery foliage provides an attractive backdrop to its cheerful flowers.
Ideal for rock gardens or sunny borders, Sun Rose thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its low-growing habit and ability to spread make it perfect for covering ground with color.
Requiring minimal care, Sun Rose is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking beauty and simplicity.
9. Blue Star Creeper
Blue Star Creeper is a charming ground cover that forms a dense mat of tiny, sky-blue flowers. Its lush green foliage provides a soft, carpet-like appearance, perfect for filling spaces between stepping stones.
Thriving in full sun, Blue Star Creeper prefers well-drained soil and can handle moderate foot traffic. Its delicate flowers add a touch of whimsy to any garden setting.
With its low-maintenance nature and ability to spread quickly, Blue Star Creeper is a favorite for gardeners seeking a graceful, easy-to-care-for ground cover.
10. Verbena
Verbena is a sun-loving ground cover that brings a splash of color with its clusters of purple, red, and white flowers. Known for its long blooming season, it adds continuous beauty to gardens throughout the summer.
Thriving in full sun, Verbena prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate heat and drought, making it ideal for challenging environments. Its vibrant flowers attract butterflies and bees, adding life to your garden.
Easy to grow and maintain, Verbena is a wonderful choice for those seeking vibrant color with minimal effort.
11. Gazania
Gazania, often referred to as “Treasure Flower,” is a stunning ground cover that dazzles with its bright, daisy-like flowers. Available in shades of yellow, orange, and red, these blooms open up to the sun, creating a vibrant display.
This hardy plant thrives in full sun and is extremely drought-tolerant, making it perfect for dry, sunny spots. Gazania’s low-growing habit and ability to spread quickly make it an ideal choice for covering ground with color.
Requiring minimal care, Gazania is a favorite for those seeking a bold and cheerful addition to their garden.
12. Carpet Bugle
Carpet Bugle is a versatile ground cover known for its striking blue flower spikes and attractive foliage. Its leaves can range from deep green to a rich purple, adding depth to any garden.
This plant thrives in full sun, although it can tolerate some shade, and prefers well-drained soil. Rapidly spreading, it is excellent for covering large areas with minimal effort.
With its low-maintenance nature and vibrant color, Carpet Bugle is a perfect choice for gardeners looking to fill spaces with beauty and ease.
13. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny is a vibrant ground cover known for its striking lime-green foliage that creates a cascade of color in the garden. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets or spilling over rocks.
Thriving in full sun to partial shade, Creeping Jenny prefers moist, well-drained soil. Its bright leaves provide a cheerful contrast against other plants, enhancing any landscape.
With its ability to spread quickly, Creeping Jenny is ideal for filling spaces with color and life, requiring minimal maintenance.
14. Dianthus (Pinks)
Dianthus, commonly known as “Pinks,” is a charming ground cover that enchants with its sweetly fragrant flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. The fringed petals add a delicate touch to any garden.
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for rock gardens or borders. Its low-growing habit and evergreen foliage provide year-round interest.
Easy to care for, Dianthus is a delightful addition for gardeners seeking fragrance and beauty with minimal effort.
15. Trailing Rosemary
Trailing Rosemary is an aromatic ground cover that captivates with its cascading habit and delicate blue flowers. This Mediterranean native thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for hot, dry climates.
The needle-like leaves release a refreshing scent, adding an aromatic dimension to your garden. Its trailing nature makes it ideal for hanging baskets or draping over walls.
Requiring little maintenance, Trailing Rosemary is a beautiful and practical choice for gardeners seeking both fragrance and visual appeal.
16. Russian Sage
Russian Sage is a robust perennial known for its tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers and silvery foliage. Its airy, open structure adds a touch of elegance to any garden.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, Russian Sage is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. Its aromatic leaves and long blooming season make it a favorite among gardeners.
With its graceful appearance and resilience, Russian Sage is perfect for adding height and color to sunny landscapes.
17. Society Garlic
Society Garlic is a unique ground cover known for its lilac flowers and garlic-scented leaves. This South African native thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for hot climates.
The flowers, held on tall stems, add vertical interest, while the foliage provides a subtle garlic aroma that can deter pests.
Easy to grow and maintain, Society Garlic is a practical and attractive choice for those seeking both beauty and functionality in their garden.
18. Portulaca (Moss Rose)
Portulaca, also known as Moss Rose, is a delightful ground cover with vibrant, multicolored blooms. Available in shades of pink, orange, and yellow, these flowers open wide to the sun, creating a dazzling display.
This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and is perfect for dry, sandy soils. Its low-growing habit and succulent-like foliage make it ideal for rock gardens.
Requiring minimal care, Portulaca is a standout choice for those seeking a splash of color with little effort.