Ground Covers

Ground cover plants make an excellent alternative to turf grass and are used to cover large areas of the yard. They cover barren ground and add texture and color to open spaces. Most ground cover plants only grow to a couple feet in height. The following ground covers are ideal for Tucson, AZ and low desert regions of Southern Arizona.

Photo	Name	Description
Click on photos or the name of the plant to view more information
	Trailing Acacia Acacia redolens	The leathery leaves are dark olive-green and remain on Trailing Acacia through cold or drought. In the spring this plant is adorned with small, yellow rod-like flower spikes.
	Trailing Dalea Dalea greggii	Trailing Dalea forms low, wide mounds to 2 ft. tall by 8 ft. wide. The small silvery-gray leaves are persistent throughout the winter. Rose-purple flowers in summer.
	Trailing Lantana Lantana montevidensis	Lavender flowers accent the trailing growth habit of this lantana. It is excellent for spilling over walls or down banks. Eventually, it will reach about 1 foot tall by 4 feet wide.
	Damianita Chrysactinia mexicana	Damianita is easy to take care of. This hardy plant has a long bloom period. Golden yellow, daisy-like flowers are most profuse in the spring and fall. Foliage is fragrant.
	Prostrate Myoporum Myoporum parvifolium	Prostrate Myoporum is grass green and spreads out in an even mat, gracefully flowing over contours. Small, white flowers appear in the spring. Grows to 8 inches tall.
	Ice Plant Drosanthemum speciosum 'rosea'	The Ice plant is makes a great ground cover and can also be used in containers. Tolerant of both heat and cold, Drosanthemum blooms from mid-spring to summer.
	Trailing Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis	Trailing Rosemary is one of the best plants for arid zones. The trailing form is used as a ground cover for banks, edgings, or cascading from planters. Spreads 5 feet or wider.
	Sandpaper Verbena Verbena rigida	Sandpaper Verbena has large, rough leaves and stiff, upright branches. One of the largest of the verbenas, it grows to 2 feet tall by 4 feet wide. Purple flowers in spring.