Arizona landscapes span hot desert lowlands, high-elevation pines, and numerous microclimates in between. Choosing the right drought-tolerant groundcover transforms outdoor living areas from dusty bare dirt into usable, attractive, low-water spaces. This guide profiles proven groundcovers for Arizona, explains where and how to use them, and gives concrete maintenance and planting tips so your groundcover succeeds in the Sonoran and adjacent deserts.
Drought-tolerant groundcovers reduce water use, suppress weeds, stabilize soil, and cool surrounding surfaces. They are practical around patios, along slopes, beneath trees, and between pavers. Good choices will reduce maintenance while improving curb appeal and habitat value. But Arizona’s climate diversity matters: a species that thrives in Phoenix may fail at 5,000 feet in Prescott or Flagstaff. Consider sun exposure, elevation, winter lows, soil type, and how much foot traffic the area receives.
Start by assessing the planting site. Important variables include full sun versus shade, soil drainage, frost risk, and anticipated irrigation regime. Group plants with similar needs (hydrozoning). Choose native or well-adapted species to minimize supplemental water and pest problems. Select low-growing shrubs, mat-forming succulents, or tight grasses depending on desired texture and function.
Below are reliable options grouped by form: mat-forming succulents and semi-succulents, flowering mats and herbs, native grass and grass-like alternatives, and shrubs or woody groundcovers that act like lawns. For each plant, I include key traits, ideal conditions, and practical notes.
Dymondia margaretae
Dymondia, often called “silver carpet,” is a favorite in Phoenix and Tucson for warm-season performance, low water needs once established, and a tight carpet habit that tolerates light foot traffic. It prefers very good drainage, full sun to part shade, and infrequent deep water. It can withstand some mowing or trimming, and fills in well when planted in 12- to 18-inch spacing.
Delosperma spp. (Ice plant)
Ice plants offer vivid summer blooms and excellent drought tolerance. They are best in full sun, hot dry soils, and rock or gravel beds. They spread by stems and root easily where they touch soil. Watch for species that are too tender in cold winters if you are at higher elevations.
Sedum spp.
Low Sedum varieties (groundcover stonecrops) do well in rock gardens, between pavers, and in shallow soils. They need excellent drainage and full sun. Sedums tolerate extreme heat and reflect solar radiation, helping reduce surface temperatures.
Aptenia cordifolia (Baby sun rose)
Aptenia is a succulent groundcover with small glossy leaves and bright magenta flowers. It needs moderate water compared with other succulents but is very heat tolerant and forms a dense mat. It can be invasive in some situations; plant where you want a spreading carpet.
Thymus (Creeping thyme)
Creeping thymes provide fragrant foliage, tiny flowers that attract pollinators, and tolerate light foot traffic. They prefer full sun, lean soils, and well-drained conditions. They are ideal between stepping stones or along pathways.
Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican daisy)
Mexican daisy creates airy mats of small daisy flowers and handles heat well if given good drainage. It reseeds lightly and suits informal borders, slopes, and mass plantings.
Lantana montevidensis (Trailing lantana)
Trailing lantana is fast-spreading and blooms profusely. It tolerates heat and drought but can be invasive in some regions; check local regulations and avoid planting where it can escape into wildlands. It is excellent on slopes and as a filler near hardscape.
Gazania rigens
Gazania has large, low rosettes and bold daisy-like flowers that open in sunlight. Very drought-tolerant and ideal for sunny beds and mass plantings with minimal water.
Bouteloua gracilis (Blue grama) and Bouteloua dactyloides (Buffalo grass)
These native warm-season grasses are effective lawn alternatives. They require far less water than turfgrass, tolerate heat, and provide a grassy aesthetic that can be mowed or left unmown depending on the look you want. They perform best in full sun and in soils with good drainage.
Phyla nodiflora (Lippia, frogfruit)
Phyla nodiflora forms a dense, low mat of tiny leaves with occasional flower clusters. It tolerates light foot traffic, mows easily for a low lawn substitute, and recovers from drought. It is often used in streetscapes and as a lawn alternative in Phoenix.
Prostrate rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus ‘Prostratus’)
Prostrate rosemary creates a fragrant, evergreen, low-growing mat that tolerates drought, attracts pollinators, and provides texture. It is tougher and woodier than herbaceous groundcovers and can be shaped with pruning.
Practical note on invasive tendencies
Some attractive groundcovers (examples: certain lantanas, aggressive ice plant species) can invade natural areas or neighboring yards. Always check with local extension offices or nurseries for cultivars that are non-invasive in your county.
Good installation determines long-term success. Follow these practical steps to establish drought-tolerant groundcover in Arizona.
Even drought-tolerant plants need irrigation to establish. A simple schedule: water every 2-4 days for the first two weeks (depending on heat), then every 7-10 days for the following month, then transition to deep watering every 2-4 weeks in summer if rainfall is absent. Observe plants and soil moisture rather than strict schedules; cooler elevations will require less frequent watering.
Spacing depends on growth habit and desired timeline to full cover. For fast fill-in, plant 6-12 inches on center for many mat-formers. For slower species like sedum, 12-24 inches may be appropriate. Remember that prostrate shrubs and grasses may be planted farther apart because they spread more over time.
Drought-tolerant groundcovers are low-maintenance but not no-maintenance.
Phoenix and Tucson (Lower Sonoran): Most succulents, ice plant, dymondia, lantana, gazania, and lippia thrive. Heat-resilient and sun-loving species perform best.
Prescott, Flagstaff, and higher elevations: Soils are cooler and winters are colder. Favor cold-hardy groundcovers like native grasses (blue grama, buffalo grass) and choose cultivars rated for local winter lows. Avoid tender subtropicals unless planted in protected microclimates.
Urban canyon or shaded patios: Use part-shade tolerant groundcovers such as certain thymes, prostrate rosemary in filtered light, and some sedges or mondo grass variants that tolerate less sun and lower irrigation.
Select plants adapted to your specific Arizona climate zone and microclimate. Favor natives and regionally proven cultivars for long-term success. Invest time in proper planting and establishment irrigation; this small effort pays dividends in decades of low-water performance. Use mulch and hydrozoning, and keep an eye on weeds during the first season. With a thoughtful plant palette–ranging from succulent carpets and flowering mats to native grasses–you can create durable, beautiful outdoor living surfaces that conserve water and enhance outdoor comfort across Arizona.