If you’ve ever struggled to keep your garden green during hot, dry summers, you know the challenge of finding plants that thrive without constant watering. That’s where 10 easy-care ground cover plants that handle drought and full sun come in handy. These hardy plants are designed by nature to survive tough conditions while still adding color, texture, and life to your outdoor space.

Unlike traditional lawns that demand regular irrigation, ground covers save time, water, and energy. Many people search for best drought-tolerant ground cover or sun-loving perennials when planning their gardens. This article focuses specifically on easy-care options that protect your soil, suppress weeds, and create a stunning landscape even in the hottest climates.

Why Choose Easy-Care Ground Cover Plants

Ground covers are more than just fillers for empty spaces. They form living carpets that hold soil in place, reduce erosion, and eliminate the need for frequent weeding. Choosing 10 easy-care ground cover plants that handle drought and full sun means you’ll enjoy beauty without constant upkeep.

Compared to general drought-resistant plants, ground covers provide broader coverage and work well in both decorative and functional landscapes. They’re ideal for slopes, borders, or replacing parts of your lawn with something far more sustainable. By choosing wisely, you’ll have a garden that looks lush year-round with minimal effort.

10 Easy-Care Ground Cover Plants That Handle Drought and Full Sun

1. Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme is one of the most popular choices for easy-care ground cover plants that handle drought and full sun. This low-growing herb spreads quickly, forming a fragrant, soft mat that can even be walked on. Its tiny purple blooms add a splash of color in summer.

Compared with low-maintenance lawn alternatives, creeping thyme requires far less mowing or watering. It thrives in poor soil and is perfect for filling gaps between stepping stones. Plus, it doubles as a culinary herb a win-win for gardeners.

2. Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a succulent that thrives in full sun and rocky soil. Its fleshy leaves store water, making it a top pick among 10 easy-care ground cover plants that handle drought and full sun. It comes in many varieties, from bright green mats to reddish trailing forms.

People often compare sedum with other succulent ground covers, but sedum stands out for its versatility. It tolerates poor soil and still produces clusters of star-shaped flowers. For gardeners seeking resilience and beauty, sedum is unbeatable.

3. Ice Plant (Delosperma)

For vibrant color, the ice plant is hard to beat. This succulent ground cover produces dazzling daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, yellow, and purple. True to the promise of easy-care ground cover plants that handle drought and full sun, it thrives in sandy, rocky areas with little water.

Unlike some heat-tolerant flowering ground covers, the ice plant blooms for an extended season. Its evergreen foliage also provides year-round interest. It’s perfect for brightening up borders, rock gardens, or dry slopes.

4. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

Creeping Jenny is known for its golden-green foliage that spills beautifully over rocks or containers. Once established, it earns its place among 10 easy-care ground cover plants that handle drought and full sun. While it loves moisture initially, it adapts well to dry conditions.

Many versions of Creeping Jenny are shade-tolerant, but the sun-loving variety develops the brightest color. Compared with shade ground covers, the golden form is ideal for hot gardens that still need a lush look. It’s also fast-growing, so it covers ground quickly.

5. Lantana

Lantana isn’t just a shrub; it also works as a spreading ground cover. With clusters of red, orange, pink, or yellow flowers, it’s a standout among 10 easy-care ground cover plants that handle drought and full sun. Pollinators like butterflies and bees flock to its blooms.

Compared with sun-loving perennial ground cover options, lantana adds unmatched tropical flair. It tolerates sandy soil, extreme heat, and long dry spells. For anyone wanting continuous color, lantana delivers.

6. Silver Carpet (Dymondia margaretae)

Silver Carpet earns its name with silvery-green foliage that sparkles in sunlight. It forms a tight, drought-proof mat, making it a perfect lawn alternative. Among 10 easy-care ground cover plants that handle drought and full sun, Silver Carpet is one of the toughest.

Compared with turf alternatives for hot climates, it requires almost no mowing and far less water. Its small yellow blooms add charm, but the foliage itself is the real star. It’s ideal for pathways and sunny borders.

7. Gazania (Treasure Flower)

Gazania, or treasure flower, produces bold blooms in shades of orange, yellow, and red. It thrives in sandy, nutrient-poor soils, making it a practical pick for 10 easy-care ground cover plants that handle drought and full sun. Its cheerful flowers open in the morning and close at night.

Compared with ornamental ground covers, gazania brings unmatched drama with its bright daisy-like flowers. It’s especially useful for large sunny areas where water is scarce. Plus, it grows quickly, covering ground in no time.

8. Portulaca (Moss Rose)

Portulaca, or moss rose, is a low-growing succulent that bursts with colorful blooms all summer. It thrives in dry, sandy soil and asks for little care, which makes it a highlight of 10 easy-care ground cover plants that handle drought and full sun.

Compared with colorful ground cover for drought areas, moss rose blooms nonstop, adding long-lasting vibrancy. Its trailing stems spill beautifully over containers, rock walls, and garden beds. For maximum color with minimum effort, Portulaca is a top pick.

9. Woolly Thyme

Woolly thyme is a dense, fuzzy variety of thyme that forms a soft carpet underfoot. It thrives in full sun and poor soil, making it a reliable option within 10 easy-care ground cover plants that handle drought and full sun. Like creeping thyme, it’s aromatic and tough.

Compared with creeping thyme, woolly thyme is lower-growing and has a unique texture. It’s great between stepping stones or as a decorative filler. Gardeners who want variety often plant both types together for contrast.

10. Verbena

Verbena is a spreading perennial with clusters of purple, pink, or red flowers. It’s beloved for its long blooming season and drought tolerance. As part of 10 easy-care ground cover plants that handle drought and full sun, verbena adds color from spring through fall.

Compared with flowering ground cover for hot weather, verbena provides consistent coverage and bright color. It also attracts pollinators, making it an eco-friendly choice. With minimal water needs, verbena is both practical and beautiful.

How to Select the Best Easy-Care Ground Cover Plants

Choosing from 10 easy-care ground cover plants that handle drought and full sun depends on your garden goals. Do you want vibrant flowers, silvery foliage, or a lawn replacement? Consider your soil type, space, and desired look.

Compared with shrubs, perennials, or ornamental grasses, ground covers are more versatile. They require less water, grow faster, and cover larger areas. Whether you choose flowering or foliage-focused plants, there’s an option for every style.

Planting and Care Tips

Even though these plants are labeled “easy-care,” they still need attention at the beginning. Water your chosen easy-care ground cover plants that handle drought and full sun regularly until they’re established. After that, you can reduce watering significantly.

Adding mulch helps retain moisture and reduce weeds. While most of these plants are tough, occasional trimming keeps them neat. With a little effort upfront, they reward you with years of low-maintenance beauty.

Comparing Variations of the Keyword

When researching, you’ll notice similar terms like drought-tolerant landscaping plants or full sun ground covers. While those are helpful, 10 easy-care ground cover plants that handle drought and full sun is more specific. It pinpoints both the plant type (ground covers) and the conditions (drought and full sun).

That specificity makes it ideal for gardeners searching for practical solutions. Shade ground covers, for instance, are entirely different and won’t survive in hot, dry conditions. By focusing on this keyword, readers get exactly what they need.

FAQs

1. What is the best ground cover for full sun and drought?
Creeping thyme, sedum, and lantana are among the best performers in hot, dry gardens.

2. Do ground cover plants replace lawns?
Yes, many easy-care ground cover plants that handle drought and full sun can act as sustainable lawn alternatives.

3. Are these plants suitable for slopes?
Yes, options like creeping thyme, lantana, and verbena are excellent for erosion control on slopes.

4. How often should drought-tolerant ground covers be watered?
Once established, most need watering only during prolonged dry spells.

5. Which ground cover blooms the longest?
Verbena, lantana, and portulaca provide extended bloom seasons in sunny conditions.