10 Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers for Dry Gardens

Ground cover is an important component in any garden, especially in dry climates where water conservation is crucial. Ground cover not only helps retain moisture in the soil, but it also helps prevent weeds from taking over and provides a lush, low-maintenance blanket of greenery.

But when we say “dry garden,” what does that really mean? For some, it’s a desert garden that thrives with no irrigation once established. For others, it’s a Mediterranean-style landscape—drought-tolerant but still benefiting from occasional deep watering. And for many, it means a xeriscape garden, where hardy plants survive on minimal drip irrigation.

In this article, we’ll explore ground covers suited to each of these dry garden styles.

Sedum "Angelina"

Sedum "Blue Spruce"

Achillea "Coronation Gold"

This yellow-flowering ground cover plant is perfect for sunny areas and is drought tolerant. It's also a great option for gardeners looking to add color to their garden.

Achillea "Saucy Seduction"

This pink-flowering achillea has fragrant blooms that attract pollinators. It's a great option for gardeners looking for a low-growing, drought-tolerant plant that adds color to their garden.

Senecio serpens

also known as blue chalk sticks, is a low-growing succulent ground cover that reaches about 6-12 inches in height. Its leaves are blue-grey in color with a fleshy texture and a unique trailing form that makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, hanging baskets or as a ground cover in the dry garden. This plant thrives in USDA zones 9-11 and is known for its drought tolerance and low maintenance, making it an ideal addition to any xeriscape garden.

Geranium "Johnson's Blue"

This blue-flowering geranium is a great option for gardeners looking for a drought-tolerant ground cover that adds color to their garden.

Echeveria agavoides "Red Tip"

A succulent with rosettes of fleshy green leaves with red edges. Its unique coloring and low maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardens. This hardy plant adds texture and vibrant color when used as ground cover in garden borders.

Prostrate Woolly Grevillea (Grevillea lanigera)

A low-growing, spreading shrub with gray-green, narrow, soft, and woolly foliage. It grows to 2 feet tall and 4 feet wide. The cream and pink flower clusters form at the stem tips in winter and spring, attracting butterflies. It grows best in full sun to light partial shade and well-draining, moist to dry soil, and can withstand short periods of drought and temperatures down to the low 20s F. The species is native to southeastern Australia and is named after its woolly leaves. 'Coastal Gem' is a particularly attractive variety with grayish-green, needle-like leaves and pinkish-red and cream flowers. It is a good ground cover for banks and dry gardens, and is not attractive to deer.

Dymondia

This ground cover plant is perfect for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance option that adds texture to their garden.

Woolly Thyme

This low-growing ground cover plant has soft, furry leaves and is perfect for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance option that adds texture to their garden.

Ground covers play a crucial role in the garden, helping to create a cohesive, finished look. These ten drought-tolerant ground covers will provide color, texture, and help to retain moisture in the soil. They are perfect for use in the dry garden, where water is scarce and planting choices must be well-considered. Use these plants to create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that will thrive in arid conditions.

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