During the hottest months of the year, choosing the right ground cover can make a big difference in how your garden looks and functions. The best options are not only heat-tolerant but also work hard to keep weeds from taking over. These plants create dense mats, reduce soil erosion, and need very little water once established. Whether you want color, texture, or low maintenance, there is something here for every yard. Let’s take a closer look at the top ground covers that can handle the summer heat.
1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Creeping thyme is a tough, sun-loving ground cover that grows low and spreads fast. It forms a dense mat of tiny green leaves that can handle foot traffic and smother weeds. In summer, it produces small purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies. It grows best in full sun and well-draining soil. Once established, it needs very little water. This makes it a great choice for hot, dry spots. It also releases a light scent when stepped on.
2. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana is a flowering ground cover that thrives in heat and full sun. It produces clusters of bright blooms that can range from yellow and orange to pink and red. The plant spreads wide and can fill in bare spaces quickly. Its thick foliage helps block weeds from growing. Lantana is also drought-tolerant once settled in. It attracts pollinators like butterflies while asking for little care. Be mindful, as it can be invasive in warm regions.
3. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a group of succulent plants that love hot, dry conditions. Their fleshy leaves store water, making them perfect for low-water gardens. Sedums spread easily and form tight mats that choke out weeds. Many types offer small, star-shaped flowers in late summer. They come in a range of colors, from green to red and even blue-gray. Sedum needs full sun and sandy or rocky soil to thrive.
4. Dymondia (Dymondia margaretae)
Dymondia is a tough ground cover that handles both heat and foot traffic. It grows in a tight, silver-green carpet that stays low to the ground. This plant is ideal for filling spaces between pavers or sunny pathways. Dymondia prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It uses very little water once established. Its dense growth helps prevent weeds while giving a clean, modern look to landscapes.
5. Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)
Blue star creeper is a soft, mat-forming plant that spreads quickly in sunny or lightly shaded spots. It features tiny green leaves and small blue flowers that bloom in warm months. This ground cover handles light foot traffic and fills gaps between stones or along borders. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and grows best with regular watering during dry spells. Its thick coverage helps stop weeds from taking hold.
6. Blackfoot Daisy (Melampodium leucanthum)
Blackfoot daisy is a hardy native ground cover with fine leaves and white, daisy-like flowers. It blooms from spring through fall and thrives in full sun. This plant prefers dry, rocky soil and needs little water. It grows in low mounds and spreads slowly, filling gaps between rocks or borders. Blackfoot daisy resists weeds with its dense foliage. It is a tough, cheerful plant that works well in hot climates.
7. Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi)
Ice plant is a succulent ground cover that thrives in hot, dry spots. It forms a low, spreading mat with fleshy leaves that hold water. In summer, it bursts into bright pink or purple flowers that attract pollinators. Ice plant needs full sun and well-drained soil. It is ideal for slopes or rock gardens where other plants might struggle. Its thick growth keeps weeds from gaining ground.
8. Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus)
Woolly thyme is a low-growing herb with fuzzy, silver-green leaves that form a dense mat. It prefers full sun and dry soil, making it perfect for hot areas. This ground cover is often used between stepping stones or in rock gardens. Though not fragrant like other thymes, it offers a soft texture and good weed control. It needs little water once established and is also safe for light foot traffic.
9. Carpet Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Carpet bugleweed is a shade-tolerant ground cover that spreads by runners to form thick mats. It has colorful foliage in shades of green, bronze, or purple. In spring, it sends up spikes of blue flowers that attract pollinators. Ajuga prefers moist, well-drained soil and grows well under trees or along shaded borders. Its dense cover helps suppress weeds and adds year-round interest.
10. Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Roman chamomile is a fragrant ground cover with fine, feathery leaves and small white flowers. It grows low and spreads across sunny or lightly shaded spots. The plant prefers well-drained soil and regular moisture but tolerates short dry spells. Roman chamomile is often used between pavers or as a lawn alternative. It can handle some foot traffic and releases a pleasant scent when crushed.
11. Beach Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis)
Beach strawberry is a native ground cover that grows well in coastal areas and sandy soil. It spreads through runners and forms a thick mat of green leaves. In spring, it produces small white flowers followed by red fruit that wildlife enjoys. This plant grows best in full sun to partial shade and can handle windy, salty conditions. Its dense growth helps prevent weeds and soil erosion. Beach strawberry is also a good choice for sloped areas.
12. Texas Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora)
Texas frogfruit is a tough native ground cover that handles heat, drought, and poor soil. It grows quickly, spreading by runners to form a thick mat. The plant blooms through warm months with tiny white and purple flowers that attract pollinators. Frogfruit tolerates mowing and light foot traffic, making it a smart choice for open spaces. It thrives in full sun and does not need rich soil. Its fast growth helps crowd out weeds.
13. Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum)
Asiatic jasmine is a popular ground cover in warm climates due to its glossy green leaves and ability to block weeds. It grows in thick layers and handles full sun or partial shade. This plant is low-maintenance once established and requires little water. It does not flower much, but its dense foliage makes up for it. Asiatic jasmine is great for large areas where turf may struggle. Avoid planting in cooler regions where it may not survive frost.
14. Prostrate Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus')
Prostrate rosemary is a trailing form of the herb that works well as a ground cover in hot, dry areas. Its needle-like leaves are fragrant and evergreen, adding texture and scent to landscapes. The plant produces pale blue flowers that attract bees. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Prostrate rosemary spreads slowly but forms thick growth over time. It helps suppress weeds and adds color in winter gardens.
15. Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus)
Mondo grass is a grass-like ground cover with dark green, strappy leaves. It grows well in shade and tolerates a range of soils. While not a true grass, it forms clumps that slowly spread by underground roots. Mondo grass is ideal for borders, shaded pathways, or as a turf alternative in low-traffic areas. It suppresses weeds by covering soil with thick growth. It can also handle occasional dry spells once established.
16. Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)
Irish moss is a soft, cushiony ground cover that grows well in cool, moist conditions. It stays low to the ground and forms a dense green carpet. In spring and summer, it may produce tiny white flowers. Irish moss prefers part shade and soil that drains well but stays moist. It is often used between stones or as a lawn substitute in small areas. This plant helps keep weeds out by creating a solid cover.
17. Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)
Purple heart is a striking ground cover with deep purple leaves and trailing stems. It grows best in full sun to part shade and can handle hot, dry conditions. The plant spreads quickly and forms dense patches that block out weeds. In warm climates, it may bloom with small pink flowers in summer. Purple heart is often used in borders, containers, or large beds. Its bold color makes it stand out in any garden.
18. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is a tough, flowering ground cover known for its fern-like leaves and flat-topped blooms. It grows well in sunny spots with poor, dry soil. The plant spreads by rhizomes and fills in space over time. Its flowers attract pollinators and can range from white to yellow, pink, or red. Yarrow is drought-tolerant and helps reduce weeds by forming thick clumps. It is a good choice for natural or meadow-style gardens.
19. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Bearberry is a native evergreen ground cover that thrives in sandy, well-drained soil. It grows low and spreads slowly, forming mats of small green leaves with red stems. In spring, it produces pale pink flowers, followed by red berries that birds enjoy. Bearberry is best for sunny slopes, dry areas, or rocky landscapes. Its growth helps prevent soil erosion and keeps weeds in check. It needs little water once established.
20. Sunshine Mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa)
Sunshine mimosa is a native ground cover with fern-like leaves and soft pink flowers. It grows best in full sun and sandy or loamy soil. The plant spreads quickly through runners and forms a low mat that handles light foot traffic. Its dense growth helps block weeds and holds soil in place. Sunshine mimosa also supports pollinators. It works well in natural gardens or as a turf alternative in warm climates.
21. Pussytoes (Antennaria plantaginifolia)
Pussytoes is a low-growing native ground cover with fuzzy, gray-green leaves. It gets its name from its soft, cat-paw-shaped flower heads that bloom in spring. This plant thrives in dry, rocky soil and full sun. It spreads by runners to create a mat that helps prevent weed growth. Pussytoes is a great choice for natural areas, slopes, or places where turf would fail. It also supports native pollinators and adds soft texture to gardens.
22. Kurapia (Lippia nodiflora hybrid)
Kurapia is a non-seeding ground cover bred from a native species. It grows quickly and forms a dense mat that handles drought and light foot traffic. Kurapia blooms from spring through fall with small white flowers. It thrives in full sun and various soil types, including clay. Its thick growth helps prevent weed problems and soil erosion. Kurapia is often used as a low-maintenance lawn alternative in warm climates.
23. Native Sedges (Carex spp.)
Native sedges are grass-like perennials that grow in clumps and work well as low ground covers. They come in many forms and adapt to sun or shade depending on the type. Sedges prefer moist soil but many can handle dry periods once mature. Their dense foliage helps prevent weeds and adds soft movement to landscapes. Native sedges are great for eco-friendly gardens, rain gardens, or natural-looking borders.
24. California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum)
California fuchsia is a native flowering ground cover that loves heat and dry conditions. It produces bright red or orange tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. The plant grows in spreading clumps and thrives in poor soil. It prefers full sun and low water once established. California fuchsia is ideal for slopes, rocky areas, or native gardens. Its thick cover keeps weeds from gaining ground.
25. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny is a fast-spreading ground cover known for its bright chartreuse leaves. It creates a flowing carpet that grows well in sun or part shade. The plant thrives in moist soil and works well around ponds or rain gardens. While beautiful, it can spread aggressively, so consider using barriers. Its thick cover blocks weeds, and in summer it may produce small yellow flowers. It adds bold color to any garden bed.
Ground Covers That Keep Summer Easy
Choosing the right ground cover can save time, water, and effort during the hottest part of the year. These plants help create a cleaner, cooler yard without the stress of constant upkeep. With options for sunny slopes, shady borders, and everything in between, you can build a landscape that works for your space. Many also support pollinators and reduce the need for chemicals. With the right mix, your garden can stay beautiful and low-maintenance all summer long.