8 Ground Covers That Actually Work in High Heat

When the summer sun starts baking your yard, a lot of ground covers give up fast. They shrivel, brown out, or flat-out die, leaving your beds looking patchy and neglected. The trick is choosing ground covers that don’t just tolerate heat—but thrive in it. These are the ones that hold their color, stay low maintenance, and keep weeds from sneaking in, even in the hottest part of the season.

Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme holds up when the heat hits hard. It spreads low and tight, doesn’t need much water once it’s established, and actually gives off a pleasant smell when you walk on it.

It’s great for filling in spaces between stepping stones or covering dry patches where grass won’t grow. Plus, it doesn’t mind full sun, and it’s not picky about soil. Once it gets going, it handles foot traffic better than you’d think.

Lantana

Lantana grows fast, handles heat like a champ, and attracts pollinators while it’s at it. It’s not your traditional ground cover, but in warm zones, it’ll sprawl and stay low enough to get the job done.

You’ll get colorful blooms through the heat of summer, and it keeps weeds out once established. Just know that it spreads, so don’t plant it too close to things you want to keep tidy. It’s ideal for slopes and hot, dry spots.

Sedum

Sedum is one of those ground covers that barely needs attention. It thrives in full sun, doesn’t flinch at drought, and still manages to look alive and full through the worst heat.

There are a lot of varieties, but most have thick, fleshy leaves that store water. That makes them a smart pick for spots that dry out fast. Once it’s in, it pretty much takes care of itself—and the weeds don’t stand a chance.

Dymondia

Dymondia is low-growing, tight, and tough. It’s made for full sun and dry soil, and it won’t burn up under high temps. It’s a great alternative to grass if you want something soft and low-profile that still holds its ground.

This one doesn’t need much mowing or trimming, and once it fills in, it holds together well. It can even handle a little foot traffic, which makes it perfect for pathways or open borders.

Woolly Thyme

Woolly thyme has a fuzzy texture and spreads in a dense mat that weeds can’t easily push through. It’s another heat-loving option that stays looking good even when everything else starts to droop.

It’s ideal for rock gardens, sunny borders, or any dry patch where grass won’t cooperate. It doesn’t need much water, and once it’s rooted, it basically takes care of itself. It’s also great if you’re going for a low-maintenance, natural look.

Asiatic Jasmine

Asiatic jasmine doesn’t bloom much, but it’s a powerhouse when it comes to ground coverage. It spreads steadily, forms a thick carpet, and shrugs off heat and drought like it’s no big deal.

It needs a little help getting started, but once it takes hold, it won’t quit. It’s perfect for large areas where you want coverage without constant upkeep. And once it’s filled in, you won’t see many weeds trying to come through.

Ice Plant

Ice plant thrives in full sun and poor soil, which makes it perfect for hot, dry yards. It spreads fast, stays low, and gives off bright blooms through the summer.

Its fleshy leaves hold water, so it stays green longer when everything else starts drying out. Just make sure the soil drains well—too much moisture will cause it to rot. For rock beds and hot slopes, it’s a smart, tough choice.

Blue Star Creeper

Blue star creeper is low, fast-growing, and can handle both heat and light foot traffic. It’s often used between pavers, but it also works as a full-sun ground cover in open beds.

It’ll bloom small blue flowers in the warmer months, but its real strength is how well it holds up when temps rise. If you want something soft that hugs the ground and doesn’t demand constant care, this one’s worth considering.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.