Are you looking for a way to revamp your garden? Have you considered using groundcovers to add some color and texture to your sunny landscape? Groundcovers are low-growing plants that spread quickly and can cover large areas of soil. They are perfect for filling in gaps between stepping stones, along walkways, or in areas where grass can't grow. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best groundcovers you can use to brighten up your sunny garden.
Introduction to Groundcovers for Sun
Groundcovers are great for adding a touch of greenery to your sunny garden while also helping to reduce weed growth. They can help to retain moisture in soil, prevent soil erosion, and even reduce water usage. Groundcovers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a versatile choice for any garden. Before deciding on which groundcover to use, consider the size of the area you want to cover, the amount of sun exposure, and the soil conditions.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best groundcovers for sunny spots in your garden. From creeping phlox to sedum, there are plenty of options to choose from. These groundcovers are easy to care for, drought tolerant, and can add an impressive amount of color and interest to your garden. Let's take a closer look!
Top 3 Groundcovers for Full Sun Exposure
While many groundcovers thrive in sunny conditions, some are better equipped to handle full sun exposure than others. Here are three top picks for groundcovers that can handle the heat:
- Creeping thyme - Creeping thyme is a low-growing herb that spreads quickly to create a dense mat. It produces a beautiful display of purple flowers in the spring and summer and smells wonderful when you step on it. It is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil. Creeping thyme will grow up to 3 to 6 inches tall and spreads up to 18 inches wide, making it perfect for filling in spaces between stepping stones or along borders.
- Ice plant - Also known as Delosperma, this succulent groundcover produces bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, yellow, orange, or red. Ice plant is perfect for hot and dry conditions and is drought-tolerant. It grows up to 2 to 4 inches tall and spreads up to 24 inches wide.
- Sedum - Sedums come in a variety of colors, from green to purple, and many varieties produce lovely flowers in late summer and early fall. They are also drought-resistant and require little maintenance. They typically grow up to 6 inches tall and can spread up to 24 inches wide. Sedums are perfect for rocky or dry areas and can also be used in containers.
These groundcovers are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and can handle full sun exposure. If you're looking to fill in spaces in your garden or create a beautiful, colorful display, consider these top picks for full sun groundcovers.
Low Maintenance Groundcovers for Sunny Areas
Groundcovers are essential for landscaping projects as they provide a low-maintenance and long-lasting solution for covering bare soil. However, finding the right groundcover for a sunny area can be a challenge because many are incompatible with high temperatures and direct sunlight. Here are some of the best low-maintenance groundcovers for sunny areas:
- Creeping Thyme - Creeping thyme is a popular option for sunny areas because it thrives in full sun and requires minimal care. Its spreading nature makes it an ideal candidate for slopes, rock gardens, and between stepping stones.
- Veronica - Veronica is a versatile groundcover that is perfect for sunny areas. Its dense foliage and flowering spikes add interest to any landscape, and it's hardy enough to withstand hot temperatures.
- Ice Plant - Ice plant is a succulent groundcover that can tolerate intense heat and drought-like conditions. Its fleshy leaves and daisy-like flowers make it an attractive option for rock gardens, slopes, and borders.
- Sedum - Sedum is a low-growing succulent that can thrive in full sun or partial shade. Its fleshy leaves retain moisture, making it ideal for dry conditions, and it requires little maintenance once established.
- Blanket Flower - Blanket flower is a tough perennial that can survive in even the harshest of conditions. Its bright, daisy-like flowers bloom throughout the summer and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.
- Periwinkle - Periwinkle is a low-maintenance groundcover that can withstand the heat and prefers well-drained soil. Its glossy leaves and delicate flowers make it an excellent choice for borders and in between shrubs.
- Daylilies - Daylilies are a drought-tolerant perennial that can thrive in full sun. They require little maintenance and can add vibrant colors to your landscape with their trumpet-like flowers.
- Stonecrop - Stonecrop is a drought-resistant succulent that can grow well in both full sun and partial shade. Its fleshy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers make it an ideal addition to rock gardens and borders.
These low maintenance groundcovers for sunny areas are sure to enhance the beauty and functionality of your landscape without requiring much effort on your part. Choose one or a combination of these options to add interest, texture, and color to your garden while providing a practical solution for covering bare soil.
Groundcovers for Erosion Control in Sunlit Areas
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, groundcovers can also be used to control erosion in areas with full sun exposure. Erosion is a common issue for properties located on sloped terrain or those with heavy foot traffic. The following groundcovers are particularly effective for controlling erosion in full sun areas:
- Creeping Juniper - This evergreen groundcover is well-suited for rocky or sandy soil and can tolerate drought. It grows quickly and naturally spreads to create a thick, low-maintenance carpet.
- Creeping Phlox - This flowering groundcover is low-growing and spreads quickly to cover bare soil. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Its beautiful blooms in shades of pink, blue, and white make it a popular choice for landscaping.
- Creeping Thyme - This fragrant groundcover is perfect for erosion control on sloped areas. It is drought-tolerant and low-growing, producing small, pink or white flowers in the summer.
- Sedum - This succulent groundcover is particularly effective for erosion control on dry, rocky soil. It spreads quickly, with each plant producing multiple offsets to create a dense carpet. Sedum also produces beautiful, star-shaped flowers in the summer.
- Wild Strawberry - This low-growing groundcover produces small white flowers in the spring and juicy, edible strawberries in the summer. It is effective for erosion control on slopes and thrives in full sun exposure.
When selecting a groundcover for erosion control, it is important to consider the specific needs and conditions of your property. Some groundcovers may be better suited to rocky or sandy soil, while others may perform better in well-drained soil. Additionally, factors such as foot traffic and sun exposure should also be taken into account. By selecting the appropriate groundcover for your property, you can effectively control erosion while adding beauty to your landscaping.
Best Groundcovers for Hot and Dry Climates
For those living in hot and dry climates, finding the right groundcovers that are both low-maintenance and drought-tolerant can be a challenge. Here are some of the best groundcovers that can thrive in such environments:
- Creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) - This groundcover is low-growing and spreads quickly, making it ideal for large areas. It is also tough enough to withstand harsh conditions and can tolerate drought, heat, and poor soils. Creeping juniper comes in different varieties, with some sporting yellow or blue-green foliage.
- Ice plant (Delosperma cooperi) - This succulent groundcover is known for its bright purplish-pink flowers that bloom in the summer. It is also drought-resistant and can thrive in hot climates. Ice plants prefer sandy or rocky soils that are well-draining, and can be grown on slopes or in rock gardens.
- Woolly thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus) - This groundcover is a type of thyme that grows well in hot and dry conditions. It is a low-growing plant that only reaches up to 2 inches in height and is covered with small, woolly leaves that give it a silver-gray color. Woolly thyme prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure.
- Carpet bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) - This groundcover is a favorite among gardeners and landscapers because of its ability to form a dense carpet of foliage. It produces spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers in the spring and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including hot and dry climates. Carpet bugleweed prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial shade.
- Red yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) - This groundcover is actually a type of succulent that is native to the Southwest. It produces clumps of narrow, strap-like leaves that can reach up to 3 feet in height. Red yucca also produces spikes of coral-red flowers that bloom in the summer and attract hummingbirds. It is drought-resistant and prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure.
These groundcovers are just a few examples of plants that are well-suited for hot and dry climates. When choosing groundcovers for your garden or landscape, be sure to consider factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and water needs, as well as the specific conditions of your region. With the right groundcovers, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance landscape that can thrive even in harsh environments.
Groundcovers for Attracting Pollinators in Sun-Drenched Gardens
Groundcovers offer an excellent way to sustain biodiversity in your garden. They protect the soil from the scorching sun, prevent erosion and increase moisture retention. In addition, some groundcovers serve as a food source and habitat for pollinators. This is essential for the health of your garden and the ecosystem at large. Here are some of the best groundcovers for attracting pollinators in sun-drenched gardens.
- Creeping Thyme - This low-maintenance groundcover is a favorite for bees and other pollinators. The purple flowers bloom in early summer and give off a sweet aroma that bees cannot resist. Creeping thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
- Sedum - Also known as stonecrop, sedum is a succulent that stores water in its leaves, making it ideal for hot and dry conditions. The tiny flowers that bloom in late summer provide nectar for butterflies and bees. Sedums come in different colors and varieties, ranging from ground-hugging to taller, upright varieties.
- Creeping Phlox - This North American native is a low-growing groundcover that blooms in early spring. The pink, purple or white flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies. Creeping phlox is easy to grow and prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
- Blue Star Creeper - This ground-hugging plant produces tiny blue flowers that attract bees and other beneficial insects. Blue star creeper is perfect for filling in cracks in paving stones or between stepping stones. It prefers moist soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
- Ajuga - Also known as bugleweed, ajuga is a fast-spreading groundcover that produces blue, pink or white flowers in spring. Ajuga is a favorite of bees and is also tolerant of some shade. It prefers moist soil but can also tolerate drought conditions.
When choosing groundcovers for your garden, consider planting a variety of species with different blooming times to provide a continuous source of nectar for pollinators throughout the growing season. Also, allow some flowering weeds like dandelions and clovers to grow, as they are valuable sources of food for pollinators.
By incorporating these pollinator-friendly groundcovers into your garden design, you can help sustain the important work of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
