Ground Covers
Ground covers make an excellent alternative to lawn grass and are used to cover large areas of the yard. There are lots of types of ground cover plants for Tucson, AZ. These low-growing plants require less watering, fertilizing, and mowing than lawn grass. The following ground cover plants are recommended for Tucson and southern Arizona.
| Small Photo |
 |
Plant Name |
 |
Short Description |
 |
|
 |
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. |
 |
|
 |
Dalea greggii |
 |
Trailing Indigo Bush forms low, wide mounds to 2 feet tall by 8 feet wide. The small silvery-gray leaves are persistent throughout the winter. Rose-purple flowes in summer. |
 |
|
 |
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 2 feet tall by 6 feet wide. |
 |
|
 |
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. |
 |
|
 |
Myoporum parvifolium |
 |
Prostrate Myoporum is grass green and spreads out in an even mat, gracefully flowing over contuors. Small, white star-like flowers appear in the spring. Fast growing to 1' tall. |
 |
|
 |
Drosanthemum species |
 |
The Ice plant is makes a great ground cover and can also be used as a filler in containers. Tolerant of both heat and cold, Drosanthemum blooms from late fall to early spring. |
 |
|
 |
Rosmarinus officinalis |
 |
Trailing Rosemary is one of the best plants for arid zones. The prostrate form is used as a ground cover for banks, edgings, or cascading from planters. Spreads to 6 feet or wider. |
 |
|
 |
Verbena rigida |
 |
Sandpaper Verbena has large, rough leaves and stiff, upright branches. One of the largest verbenas, growing to 2' tall by 4' wide. Purple flowers in spring. |
 |
|
|
 |
 |