Choosing the Right Ground Cover for Your Desert Garden
Source: https://www.summerwindsnursery.com/az/plants/groundcovers/
Choosing the Right Ground Cover for Your Desert Garden
Ground covers are essential for desert gardens, providing benefits such as erosion control, soil moisture retention, and weed suppression. Choosing the right ground cover can enhance your garden's aesthetic appeal while minimizing maintenance. Here are some excellent ground cover options suitable for desert climates and their benefits.
1. Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)
Source: https://plantsexpress.com/products/elijah-blue-fescue
Blue Fescue is a compact, tufted grass with striking blue-gray foliage. It's drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it an excellent choice for desert gardens.
Benefits:
Low water requirements
Attractive year-round color
Minimal maintenance
2. Dymondia (Dymondia margaretae)
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dymondia
Dymondia, also known as Silver Carpet, forms a dense, silver-green mat that can withstand foot traffic. It's an excellent ground cover for pathways and between pavers.
Benefits:
Drought-tolerant
Low-growing and dense
Suppresses weeds effectively
3. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Source: https://gardenerspath.com/plants/succulents/grow-sedum/
Sedums, or stonecrops, are a diverse group of succulents known for their hardiness and low water needs. They come in various colors and forms, adding visual interest to your garden.
Benefits:
Extremely drought-tolerant
Variety of colors and textures
Low maintenance
4. Verbena (Verbena spp.)
Source: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/verbena/
Verbenas are flowering ground covers that provide vibrant colors throughout the growing season. They are heat-tolerant and thrive in sunny locations.
Benefits:
Long blooming period
Attracts pollinators
Low water needs
5. Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus)
Source: https://www.sandysplants.com/plant-name/Thymus--Wooly
Woolly Thyme is a soft, low-growing herb that forms a dense mat. It produces tiny, fragrant flowers in the summer and can handle light foot traffic.
Benefits:
Drought-tolerant
Aromatic foliage
Suppresses weeds
6. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Source: https://waterwisegardenplanner.org/plants/lantana-montevidensis/
Lantana is a versatile ground cover with bright, multi-colored flowers. It's a hardy plant that can withstand the intense Arizona sun.
Benefits:
Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Heat and drought-tolerant
Vibrant, long-lasting blooms
Tips for Planting and Maintaining Ground Covers
Soil Preparation: Ensure your soil is well-draining. Amend with organic matter if necessary to improve soil structure.
Planting: Space plants according to their growth habits to allow them to spread and fill in the area.
Watering: Water new plantings regularly until they are established. Once established, most ground covers will require minimal watering.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pruning: Trim back ground covers as needed to maintain their shape and prevent overgrowth.
Conclusion
Choosing the right ground cover for your desert garden can enhance its beauty while reducing maintenance needs. By selecting drought-tolerant and hardy plants, you can create a sustainable and attractive landscape. For more personalized advice and professional landscaping services, contact Saguaro Scapes. We're here to help you achieve the garden of your dreams!
