If you’re dealing with dry, rocky soil but still want a lush garden, I’ve got you covered! Here are 20 stunning ground covers that thrive in tough conditions, adding beauty and texture to your garden without requiring constant care.
From tough succulents to vibrant creeping plants, these picks will survive and thrive in the most challenging spots. Plus, I’ve got even more gorgeous suggestions to help you create a resilient, low-maintenance garden that’s both beautiful and sustainable.
Let’s turn that dry soil into a garden paradise!
1. Creeping Thyme
Nothing spruces up a rocky garden like the aromatic embrace of creeping thyme. This delightful ground cover spills over the rocks with tiny, vibrant purple flowers that will make your garden smell like a Mediterranean getaway.
Plant it in full sun and watch how it dances underfoot, requiring minimal water and maintenance. This drought-resistant wonder is perfect for those who prefer to sip lemonade rather than spend hours watering!
2. Sedum ‘Dragon’s Blood’
Imagine a dragon breathing life into your garden, and you’ll have an idea of what Sedum ‘Dragon’s Blood’ can do. Its red-tinged, fleshy leaves and star-shaped pink flowers create a fiery spectacle across your rocky plot.
Known for its resilience, this sedum thrives in poor soil and full sun, basking in neglect like a vacation-loving gardener. Just plant and let it be your garden’s mythical guardian.
3. Ice Plant
Why settle for ordinary when you can have the dazzling neon brilliance of the ice plant? With succulent leaves and shockingly pink flowers, it’s like having a permanent summer festival in your backyard.
A sun worshipper at heart, this plant loves to bask under rays and requires little hydration. It’s the perfect companion for those who prefer a low-maintenance, high-reward garden.
4. Blue Star Creeper
Make your garden pathway feel like a stroll through the sky with the delicate blue star creeper. Tiny blue flowers gently blanket your rock garden, turning it into a celestial masterpiece.
Thriving in both sun and partial shade, this beauty is as versatile as it is charming. Light on water and heavy on aesthetics, it’s a gardener’s dream come true!
5. Silver Carpet
Ever dreamt of walking on silver? The silver carpet plant will make those dreams a reality with its shimmering gray foliage and sunny yellow flowers.
It’s not just a feast for the eyes; this plant thrives with minimal care in full sunlight. An ideal choice for those who want a touch of luxury without the effort.
6. Creeping Jenny
Let the vibrant chartreuse of Creeping Jenny spill over your rocks like liquid sunshine. This plant is the epitome of cheerfulness, brightening up any dry, rocky patch with minimal effort.
Growing best in full to partial sun, it’s like a splash of joy in your garden landscape. Perfect for gardeners who want to keep it light and lively!
7. Rock Cress
Transform your garden into a floral art display with the eye-catching rock cress. Its clusters of purple flowers create a living painting amidst the rocks, making your garden a work of art.
This plant loves to bask in full sun and craves well-drained soil. A creative spirit’s delight, it’s as low-maintenance as it is stunning.
8. Snow-in-Summer
Turn your garden into an eternal winter wonderland with the enchanting snow-in-summer. Its white flowers and silvery foliage create a frosty illusion, even in the height of summer.
A fan of full sun, this plant thrives with little water, making it perfect for those who dream of snow without the cold. It’s the chill pill your garden needs.
9. Hens and Chicks
If you fancy a garden full of surprises, then hens and chicks will be your best friends. These charming succulents pop up in rosettes, like nature’s adorable little families hiding in rocky crevices.
Loving the sun and requiring minimal water, they’re perfect for forgetful gardeners. Let them be the quirky residents of your garden!
10. Corsican Mint
Let your garden breathe fresh with the aromatic presence of Corsican mint. This tiny-leaved marvel blankets rocks and pathways, leaving a minty scent that tickles the senses.
Thriving in both sun and partial shade, it’s a refreshing addition to any garden. Perfect for those who enjoy a multi-sensory experience without the fuss.
11. Mazus Reptans
Bring a touch of elegance to your rocky paths with the graceful mazus reptans. Its delicate purple flowers weave through the rocks like nature’s tapestry, adding sophistication to your landscape.
Enjoys partial shade and moist soil, making it a lovely contrast to drier areas. Ideal for the gardener who loves a bit of elegance with minimal effort.
12. Woolly Yarrow
Who knew fuzziness could be so attractive? Woolly yarrow, with its fuzzy leaves and cheerful yellow flowers, adds texture and charm to rocky gardens.
A sun lover, it thrives on minimal water, making it a gem for those who prefer their gardens on the wild side. The perfect choice for adding a touch of whimsy to your landscape.
13. Creeping Phlox
Turn your rocky garden into a floral masterpiece with the vibrant blooms of creeping phlox. Its dense mat of pink flowers is a feast for the eyes, as if nature decided to paint your garden in its favorite hues.
Preferring full sun, it’s perfect for those who love a burst of color with little upkeep. Let it be the artist’s brush in your garden canvas!
14. Ajuga
Add a dash of drama with the striking ajuga, whose dark purple leaves and blue flower spikes create a visual spectacle. This bold ground cover is as tough as it is beautiful, flourishing in full sun or partial shade.
Low-maintenance and eye-catching, it’s perfect for gardeners who want to make a statement without the effort. Let ajuga be the diva in your garden ensemble.
15. Sea Thrift
Bring the essence of the seaside to your garden with the delightful sea thrift. Its pink tufts and slender green leaves evoke images of coastal tranquility, even if you’re miles from the shore.
Thriving in full sun, it’s a resilient companion for rocky soils. Perfect for those who dream of beachside bliss without leaving home.
16. Prickly Pear Cactus
Embrace the wild west spirit with the hardy prickly pear cactus. Its flat green pads and bright yellow flowers are a striking presence amidst rocky terrains.
A lover of the sun, this cactus requires minimal water, making it ideal for those who prefer gardening to be a prickly-free zone. Let it be your garden’s desert star.
17. Lamb’s Ear
Who can resist the soft touch of lamb’s ear? Its velvety leaves and purple flower spikes are a tactile delight, turning your garden into a sensory haven. Thriving in full sun with low water needs, it’s perfect for those who love a garden that feels as good as it looks. Let it be the touchable treasure in your rocky retreat.
18. Bearberry
Add a touch of the wild with the evergreen charm of bearberry. Its glossy leaves and red berries create a vibrant backdrop for any rocky garden.
Loving the sun and requiring well-drained soil, this plant is a hardy addition to your landscape. Perfect for those who want a garden that looks good year-round.
19. Golden Sedum
Let your garden bask in the golden glow of golden sedum. Its bright yellow-green leaves shimmer in the sunlight, adding warmth to your rocky garden.
Thriving on neglect, this succulent is a favorite for those who love low-maintenance beauty. Plant it and watch your garden shine like the sun.
20. Stonecrop
Turn your rocky garden into a scene from a fairytale with the enchanting stonecrop. Its fleshy leaves and star-shaped yellow flowers create a magical landscape that thrives on neglect.
Loving full sun and poor soil, it’s a gardener’s dream come true. Let stonecrop be the charming storyteller in your garden tale.
21. Purple Heart
Add a regal touch with the striking purple heart, whose deep purple leaves and pink flowers are a visual delight. This ground cover thrives in full sun, adding drama to any rocky terrain.
Perfect for those who want a garden with a touch of royalty and minimal care. Let purple heart reign over your landscape.
22. Red Creeping Thyme
Liven up your garden with the fiery blooms of red creeping thyme. Its tiny red flowers and aromatic leaves fill your garden with color and fragrance.
Thriving in full sun and needing minimal water, it’s the ideal choice for those who love a vibrant, easy-care garden. Let it add a dash of spice to your landscape.
23. Wild Ginger
Add a touch of the exotic with the lush wild ginger, whose heart-shaped leaves and brown flowers create a tropical vibe. Thriving in dappled shade, it’s perfect for adding depth to your rocky garden.
Requiring minimal care, it’s a favorite for those who love a garden that feels like a hidden paradise. Let wild ginger be the secret charm in your garden.
24. Blue Fescue
Add a cool touch with the stylish blue fescue, whose spiky blue-green foliage brings a modern vibe to your rocky garden.
Preferring full sun, it’s as low-maintenance as it is striking. Perfect for those who love a garden with a contemporary flair and minimal fuss. Let blue fescue be the chic element in your landscape.
25. Candytuft
Transform your garden into a sugary dream with the sweet blooms of candytuft. Its clusters of white flowers create a candy-like appearance that stands out against rocky terrain.
Thriving in full sun, it’s perfect for those who want a garden that’s as delightful as it is easy to maintain. Let candytuft add a sprinkle of sweetness to your landscape.
26. Irish Moss
Add an emerald touch with the lush Irish moss, whose vibrant green foliage creates a soft carpet over rocky surfaces. Thriving in shade, it’s perfect for adding color to less sunny spots.
Requiring minimal care, it’s ideal for those who want a garden that feels like a verdant retreat. Let Irish moss be the gem in your garden’s crown.
27. Dwarf Periwinkle
Add a splash of color with the charming dwarf periwinkle, whose glossy leaves and blue flowers create a vibrant tapestry. Thriving in partial shade, it’s perfect for bringing life to rocky areas.
Requiring little care, it’s a favorite for those who want a garden that’s as easy as it is beautiful. Let dwarf periwinkle be the colorful dance in your landscape.
28. Saponaria
Bring a touch of romance with the lovely saponaria, whose pink flower clusters add a soft, dreamy look to any garden. Thriving in full sun, it’s the perfect choice for those who want a garden that feels like a love story.
With minimal water needs, it’s ideal for the low-maintenance romantic. Let saponaria be the poetry in your garden’s story.