Reference
Drought-Tolerant Groundcovers for Sunny Sites
The short answer
For hot, sunny spots with well-drained soil, drought-tolerant groundcovers reduce watering and mowing. Extension sources recommend creeping thymes and stonecrops (Sedum species) as low, spreading, sun-loving groundcovers, along with xeric options like snow-in-summer for dry, well-drained ground.
These plants need good drainage and full sun; they generally dislike wet, heavy soil. Once established they tolerate drought well, which makes them useful lawn alternatives in dry, sunny areas.
Sun-loving, low-water groundcovers
- Creeping thyme (Thymus spp.): low mat for full to part sun, well-drained soil
- Stonecrop / sedum (Sedum spp.): succulent groundcovers for dry, sunny sites
- Snow-in-summer and other xeric groundcovers for well-drained soil
Site needs
Give these groundcovers full sun and well-drained soil; they perform poorly in wet or heavy ground. After establishment they need little supplemental water.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- Iowa State University Extension — Groundcovers for Sun — Creeping thymes and stonecrops are groundcovers for full to part sun and dry, well-drained soil.
- Colorado State University Extension — Xeriscaping: Ground Cover Plants — Lists xeric (drought-tolerant) groundcovers for full sun.
- SDSU Extension — Perennial Ground Covers for Sunny Gardens — Drought- and heat-tolerant groundcovers for sunny, well-drained sites.
Keep going
How to Overseed a Thin or Patchy Lawn
How-to Guide
Lawn Mowing Height and Watering (Cool-Season Grass)
How-to Guide
Lawn Alternatives: No-Mow, Clover, and Groundcover Lawns
Creeping Sedum (Stonecrop) as a Groundcover
Guide
Creeping Thyme as a Groundcover
Guide
Creeping Jenny (Moneywort) as a Groundcover
Guide
Groundcovers for Shade and Dry Shade Under Trees
Reference
How to Grow Bahiagrass
How-to Guide