Have you been struggling to find the right groundcover for your full sun garden?
Are you looking for a way to reduce your water usage while keeping your garden beautiful all year round?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we will be exploring the top water-wise groundcovers for full sun areas, providing you with a range of great options to choose from.
Not only will these groundcovers help you save water, but they also provide other benefits such as preventing soil erosion and attracting beneficial insects.
Let’s get started!
Groundcovers are plants that grow low to the ground and spread horizontally, forming a dense mat of foliage. They are typically used in landscaping to cover large areas of ground and add visual interest to a garden. Groundcovers can be found in a variety of colors, textures, and growth habits.
There are several types of groundcovers, including evergreen groundcovers, flowering groundcovers, and foliage groundcovers. Each type offers unique characteristics that can be used to enhance the beauty and functionality of a garden.
Evergreen groundcovers, as the name suggests, provide year-round foliage cover and are perfect for creating a low-maintenance garden. Flowering groundcovers, on the other hand, offer a burst of color to the garden and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Foliage groundcovers are grown for their attractive foliage and low-growing habit, making them perfect for filling in gaps and creating texture in a garden.
In the next section, I will discuss the characteristics of water-wise groundcovers and what makes them a great option for full sun gardens.
Water-wise groundcovers are the best choice for full sun gardens as they can sustain themselves in drier and warmer climates, saving you time and effort. They thrive with minimal watering, which makes them the perfect choice for homeowners who want to save on water bills and help conserve the environment.
When choosing a water-wise groundcover, make sure that they have the following characteristics:
Water-wise groundcovers have a low to moderate watering requirement but can still thrive under dry conditions. They have adapted to store water internally, allowing them to withstand drought and hot climates.
Water-wise groundcovers grow well in well-draining soil types and can establish themselves in a short period. They can tolerate high temperatures and can survive during harsh winter conditions.
Water-wise groundcovers can spread quickly and densely, covering a large area in a short time. They require minimal maintenance, but some trimming may be necessary to keep them neat and tidy. Some groundcovers might need regular deadheading throughout the blooming period to keep them flowering throughout the season.
Choosing water-wise groundcovers offers a low-maintenance garden option that can significantly save you time and resources. In the next section, I will provide a list of the top ten water-wise groundcovers that you can choose to complement your full sun garden.
If you live in a hot and dry area, choosing water-wise groundcovers can make all the difference in your garden. Here are some of the top water-wise groundcovers for full sun.
This low-growing groundcover is a great choice for full sun areas because it can tolerate dry conditions. Blue star creeper produces small blue flowers that bloom profusely in the summer, adding a pop of color to your garden.
Creeping thyme is a versatile groundcover that is perfect for full sun areas. It can tolerate dry conditions and produces fragrant leaves that smell great when crushed. Creeping thyme produces tiny, pink or purple flowers that add a bit of color to your garden.
This drought-tolerant groundcover has thick, succulent leaves that can store water, making it ideal for sunny areas with low rainfall. Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’ produces clusters of pinkish-red flowers that bloom in late summer.
Ice plant is a great choice for full sun areas because it can tolerate hot and dry conditions. This groundcover produces fleshy, succulent leaves that store moisture, making it drought-tolerant. Ice plant produces bright pink, daisy-like flowers that bloom in late spring and summer.
This California native plant is a great choice for hot and dry areas because it doesn’t require much water once established. Dwarf coyote brush has small, evergreen leaves and produces small, white flowers in the fall.
Calibrachoa ‘Million Bells’ is a low-growing, trailing plant that is perfect for full sun areas. This water-wise groundcover produces small bell-shaped flowers in a variety of colors and can tolerate dry conditions.
Ajuga reptans, also known as bugleweed, is a low-growing groundcover that produces spikes of blue flowers in the spring. This plant can tolerate full sun but prefers some shade in hot climates.
Portulaca grandiflora, also known as moss rose, is a low-growing groundcover that thrives in hot and dry conditions. This water-wise plant produces colorful, papery flowers in a variety of hues, including pink, red, orange, and yellow.
Dymondia margaretae is a tough, low-growing groundcover that can withstand hot and dry conditions. This water-wise plant has gray-green leaves and produces small yellow flowers in the spring.
This South African native plant is a great choice for full sun areas because it can tolerate hot and dry conditions. Gazania rigens produces large, daisy-like flowers in a variety of colors, including orange, pink, and yellow.
Lantana montevidensis, also known as trailing lantana, is a fast-growing groundcover that is perfect for full sun areas. This water-wise plant produces clusters of purple or white flowers that bloom throughout the summer and fall.
Planting water-wise groundcovers is a straightforward process that requires very little maintenance. Here are some steps to follow for planting your groundcovers:
First, it is essential to prepare your soil to give your plants the best possible start. Start by removing all weeds, rocks, and debris from the area. Loosen the soil with a rake, making sure to remove any large clumps.
Next, dig individual holes the same size as the groundcover containers. Dig the holes at least 10 inches apart, following the instructions given with the plant.
When planting, carefully remove the groundcovers from their containers and place them in the holes. Gently backfill the holes with soil, making sure the plant is upright and at the same level with the soil surface.
Finally, water the newly planted groundcovers thoroughly to help them settle into the soil.
Remember that groundcovers grow together and spread over time; if you plant them too close together, they will compete with each other, which can result in poor growth and health.
Mulching the groundcovers is highly recommended to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and prevent soil erosion. Use a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your plants, making sure not to cover the plant stem.
By planting your water-wise groundcovers correctly and paying attention to the needs of your plants, you can ensure a beautiful and thriving garden with little effort.
Caring for water-wise groundcovers is relatively simple, and with proper maintenance, they can continue to look beautiful for years to come. Here are some tips to help you properly maintain your groundcovers:
Watering techniques
When it comes to watering groundcovers, it’s important to pay attention to the individual needs of each type of plant. In general, water-wise groundcovers require less water than traditional lawns or garden beds, but you should still water them deeply once or twice a week, especially during the hot summer months. To prevent overwatering, make sure to let the soil dry out slightly in between waterings.
Pruning and deadheading
Many groundcovers benefit from occasional pruning or deadheading to keep them looking neat and tidy. Pruning can also help to promote new growth and prevent the plants from becoming too woody. Make sure to use clean and sharp pruning shears to prevent damaging the plants. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can help to encourage the plant to produce new blooms.
Fertilizing
Most water-wise groundcovers don’t require regular fertilizing, but you can give them a boost once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and timing.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to keep your water-wise groundcovers looking healthy and vibrant. Regular maintenance will also help to prevent pest and disease problems, saving you time and effort in the long run.
In conclusion, the use of water-wise groundcovers is an important strategy when designing a full sun garden.
Not only do they reduce water usage and soil erosion, but they also provide visual interest and help to attract beneficial insects.
I hope that this list of top water-wise groundcovers and planting techniques has inspired you to make changes in your own garden.
Which groundcover from this list are you most excited to try in your garden?
Let me know by sending me a message.
If you found this post helpful, please share it on social media so others can benefit from it as well.
Thank you for reading!
Author: Scott Sanders
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