As a lover of succulents, I have found that one of the best ways to create interest in a drought-tolerant garden is by incorporating low-growing succulent ground covers. These plants not only add texture and color to the landscape but also require minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for busy gardeners.

One of my favorite low-growing succulent ground covers is the rock purslane (Calandrinia spectabilis), which produces vibrant pink flowers that bloom from spring to fall. Another great option is the Caucasian stonecrop (Sedum spurium), which forms a dense mat of foliage and produces small pink or red flowers in the summer. For a unique blue-gray color, I recommend the blue chalksticks (Senecio serpens), which can also be grown as a houseplant in frost-free areas.

Whether you’re looking for a ground cover to complement your existing succulent collection or want to create a low-maintenance garden, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, I’ll share some of my top picks for low-growing succulent ground covers and provide tips on their growing conditions and care.

Key Takeaways

Low-growing succulent ground covers are an excellent choice for a drought-tolerant garden.
Rock purslane, Caucasian stonecrop, and blue chalksticks are some of the best low-growing succulent ground covers to consider.
These plants require minimal maintenance and add texture and color to the landscape.

These Low-Growing Succulents Create Interest in The Drought-Tolerant Garden

As a professional gardener, I always recommend using low-growing succulents as ground covers in drought-tolerant gardens. Not only do they add texture and color to the landscape, but they also require very little maintenance.

One of my favorite low-growing succulents is the stonecrop (Sedum spp.). These plants come in a variety of colors, from green to pink to red, and produce small, star-shaped flowers in the summer. They are also very easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of growing conditions.

Another great option for a low-maintenance ground cover is purslane (Portulaca spp.). This succulent has small, colorful flowers that bloom in the summer and can grow in both frost-free and drought-tolerant areas. It’s also a great option for houseplants.

If you’re looking for a creeping succulent, I recommend the string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus). This plant has small, bead-like leaves that cascade down from the pot or hanging basket. It’s a great way to add interest to a garden or indoor space.

Overall, low-growing succulent ground covers are a great way to add interest and texture to a drought-tolerant garden. With their low maintenance requirements and variety of colors and textures, there’s sure to be a succulent that can fit into any garden or landscape.

Rock Purslane (Calandrinia Spectabilis)

Rock Purslane, also known as Calandrinia Spectabilis, is a beautiful succulent ground cover that is native to the Mediterranean climates. It is a hardy plant that can thrive in USDA zone 9 and can grow up to 6 inches tall and 18 inches wide.

One of the most notable features of Rock Purslane is its vibrant magenta flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. These flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to any garden.

Rock Purslane is a low-maintenance plant that requires little water and can tolerate drought conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It can also be used as a border plant or as a ground cover in rock gardens.

In terms of care, Rock Purslane does not require much attention. It is a fast-growing plant that can spread quickly, so it is important to prune it regularly to prevent it from taking over other plants in the garden.

Overall, Rock Purslane is a beautiful and hardy succulent ground cover that can add vibrant colors to any garden. Its low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in USDA zone 9 make it a great addition to any garden in the Mediterranean climates.

Caucasian Stonecrop (Sedum Spurium)

Caucasian Stonecrop, also known as Sedum Spurium, is a hardy and easy-to-grow succulent ground cover that is perfect for rock gardens, borders, and containers. It is native to the Caucasus Mountains and is known for its star-shaped pink flowers that bloom in late summer.

I have found that this plant is very easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can handle periods of dryness, making it an excellent choice for areas with low rainfall.

One of the great things about Caucasian Stonecrop is that it spreads quickly, forming a dense mat of foliage that can help suppress weeds. It also looks great cascading over walls or spilling out of containers.

In terms of size, Caucasian Stonecrop typically grows to be around 6 inches tall and can spread up to 18 inches wide. It is a great choice for filling in gaps between larger plants or for covering bare patches of soil.

Overall, I highly recommend Caucasian Stonecrop for anyone looking for a low-maintenance, hardy, and beautiful succulent ground cover. Its star-shaped pink flowers add a pop of color to any garden, and its ability to spread quickly makes it a great choice for filling in gaps and suppressing weeds.

Blue Chalksticks (Senecio Serpens)

As a professional in the world of succulent ground covers, I have come across many beautiful and unique plants. One of my favorites is the Blue Chalksticks, also known as Senecio Serpens or Blue Chalk Sticks.

This stunning succulent has a striking blue-green color that adds a pop of color to any garden or landscape. It grows in a low, spreading manner, making it an excellent ground cover option.

Blue Chalksticks are drought-tolerant and prefer full sun to partial shade. They are also low-maintenance and require minimal watering. However, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.

One of the most significant benefits of Blue Chalksticks is its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. This makes it an excellent addition to any pollinator garden.

In terms of propagation, Blue Chalksticks are relatively easy to propagate from stem cuttings. They can also be grown from seeds, although this method can be more challenging.

Overall, Blue Chalksticks are an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant ground cover that adds a unique pop of color to their garden.

Parry’s Agave (Agave Parryi)

Parry’s Agave, scientifically known as Agave parryi, is a beautiful succulent that is native to the American Southwest. This ground cover is popular among gardeners and landscapers due to its hardiness and low maintenance requirements.

Agave parryi is a slow-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 1-2 feet and a width of 2-3 feet. It features blue-gray leaves that are thick and fleshy, with sharp tips and edges that form a rosette shape. The plant produces a tall flowering stalk that can reach up to 12 feet in height, with yellow flowers that bloom in the summer.

One of the benefits of Parry’s Agave is its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for arid climates. It also prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate some shade, making it a versatile option for landscaping.

When planting Parry’s Agave, it’s important to give it enough space to spread out. This plant can be propagated by offsets, which are new plants that grow from the base of the parent plant. It’s also important to note that the leaves of Agave parryi have sharp edges, so it’s best to plant it away from high traffic areas.

Overall, Parry’s Agave is a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance ground cover that adds a unique touch to their landscaping. Its hardiness and adaptability make it a popular choice among gardeners in the American Southwest.

Upright Myrtle Spurge (Euphorbia Rigida)

I have found that the Upright Myrtle Spurge (Euphorbia Rigida) is an excellent succulent ground cover option. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region and is known for its chartreuse flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.

One of the benefits of the Upright Myrtle Spurge is its ability to grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, sandy, and loamy soils. It can also tolerate drought conditions, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.

This plant typically grows to be about 2-3 feet tall and wide, making it a great option for filling in larger areas of a garden. It also has a unique upright growth habit that adds visual interest to any landscape.

It is important to note that the Upright Myrtle Spurge does contain a milky sap that can be irritating to the skin and eyes, so it is important to wear gloves when handling this plant.

Overall, I highly recommend the Upright Myrtle Spurge for anyone looking for a hardy, low-maintenance succulent ground cover option with unique chartreuse flowers.

Resin Spurge (Euphorbia Resinifera)

As a professional writer, I am excited to introduce you to one of the best succulent ground covers, the Resin Spurge (Euphorbia Resinifera). This succulent is native to Africa and is known for its unique appearance and hardiness.

The Resin Spurge is a low-growing succulent that can spread up to two feet wide. Its leaves are blue-green and arranged in a rosette pattern. The plant produces small yellow flowers in the spring and summer months.

One of the unique features of the Resin Spurge is its sap, which is thick and sticky, resembling resin. This sap is used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions and is also used in industrial applications.

The Resin Spurge is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate drought conditions. It is also deer resistant, making it an excellent choice for areas with wildlife.

When planting the Resin Spurge, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot. It is also important to wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid contact with the sap.

In conclusion, the Resin Spurge (Euphorbia Resinifera) is an excellent choice for a succulent ground cover. Its unique appearance, hardiness, and medicinal properties make it a standout plant in any garden.

Royal Dewflower (Drosanthemum Speciosum)

As a succulent ground cover, the Royal Dewflower (Drosanthemum Speciosum) is a popular choice for many gardeners. This plant is native to South Africa and is known for its beautiful and vibrant flowers that bloom in the late spring and early summer.

One of the unique features of the Royal Dewflower is its ability to tolerate extreme heat and drought conditions. This makes it an ideal plant for those who live in hot and dry climates. The plant can grow up to 6 inches tall and can spread up to 2 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for ground cover.

The Royal Dewflower is also easy to care for. It requires minimal watering, and fertilization is not necessary. However, it is important to provide good drainage to prevent root rot.

This plant is also known for attracting pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to your garden. The vibrant flowers of the Royal Dewflower are sure to add a pop of color to any landscape.

Overall, the Royal Dewflower is an excellent choice for a low-maintenance and beautiful ground cover. Its ability to tolerate extreme heat and drought conditions, along with its vibrant flowers, make it a popular choice for many gardeners.

Candelilla (Euphorbia Antisyphilitica)

As a succulent ground cover, Candelilla (Euphorbia Antisyphilitica) is a popular choice for gardeners. This plant is native to the Chihuahuan Desert and is known for its hardy and drought-resistant nature.

Candelilla is a low-growing plant that can reach up to 1 foot in height and 2 feet in width. Its leaves are small and grayish-green in color, and it produces small yellow flowers in the spring.

One of the benefits of using Candelilla as a ground cover is that it is low-maintenance. It requires little water and can tolerate a variety of soil types. Additionally, it is resistant to pests and diseases, making it a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance garden.

However, it is important to note that Candelilla can be toxic if ingested, so it should not be planted in areas where pets or children may be tempted to eat it.

Overall, Candelilla is a great option for those looking for a hardy and low-maintenance succulent ground cover. Its ability to thrive in harsh conditions and resist pests and diseases make it a popular choice for gardeners.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best succulent ground cover for your garden or landscape can be a great way to add low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and colorful plants to your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking for low-growing, creeping, or stonecrop varieties, there are many options to choose from that will thrive in frost-free areas and require minimal watering.

Some of the best succulent ground covers include purslane, sedum, and ice plant. These plants come in a variety of textures and colors, making them a great choice for adding visual interest to your garden. Additionally, they are easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of growing conditions.

When selecting a succulent ground cover, it’s important to consider the specific growing conditions of your garden or landscape. Some succulents prefer full sun, while others do better in partial shade. Additionally, some varieties may be better suited for indoor growing as houseplants.

Overall, succulent ground covers are a great choice for anyone looking to add low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants to their garden or landscape. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find a variety that fits your family’s needs and preferences.

References

As I researched the best succulent ground covers, I consulted a variety of sources to ensure that my recommendations were accurate and well-informed. Here are the references I used:

“Succulent Ground Covers: 5 Low-Growing Plants to Consider” by Debra Lee Baldwin, published on Houzz.com
“10 Best Succulent Ground Covers” by Matt Gibson, published on GardeningKnowHow.com
“Succulent Ground Covers for Easy-Care Gardens” by Pam Penick, published on GardenDesign.com
“Succulent Ground Covers” by the staff at Mountain Crest Gardens, published on MountainCrestGardens.com

I also consulted a number of gardening books and magazines, including “The Complete Book of Cacti & Succulents” by Terry Hewitt, “The Bold Dry Garden” by Johanna Silver, and “Fine Gardening” magazine.

These sources helped me to identify the best succulent ground covers for a variety of growing conditions, including full sun, partial shade, and dry soil. I also learned about the unique characteristics of each plant, such as its growth habit, color, and texture.

Overall, I found that there are a wide variety of succulent ground covers to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. By consulting these references, I was able to make informed recommendations that will help gardeners create beautiful and low-maintenance landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some drought-tolerant succulent ground covers?

Some of the best drought-tolerant succulent ground covers include Sedum, Delosperma, and Portulaca. These plants require minimal watering and can thrive in hot and dry conditions.

What are the best succulents for ground cover in full sun?

Succulents that can tolerate full sun and make excellent ground covers include Sedum, Sempervivum, and Echeveria. These plants are hardy and can withstand direct sunlight for extended periods.

What succulents grow low and spread like grass?

Succulents that grow low and spread like grass include Sedum spurium, Sedum acre, and Delosperma cooperi. These plants are perfect for ground covers as they can quickly spread and create a lush carpet-like effect.

What are some succulent ground covers with flowers?

Some succulent ground covers with flowers include Delosperma cooperi, Sedum spurium, and Portulaca grandiflora. These plants produce colorful blooms that can add a pop of color to your garden.

What are some easy-to-grow succulents for outdoor ground cover?

Succulents that are easy to grow and make excellent ground covers include Sedum, Sempervivum, and Delosperma. These plants are low maintenance and can thrive in various growing conditions.

What are the best succulents for adding to flower beds?

Succulents that can add texture and variety to flower beds include Echeveria, Sedum, and Sempervivum. These plants can be used to create stunning combinations with other flowering plants and add interest to your garden.

Related Readings:

Top 8 Best Succulent Ground Covers for a Low-Maintenance Landscape