Drought-tolerant ground covers are a great option for landscaping in Los Angeles, as they can add beauty and texture to your yard while requiring minimal water. Here are some excellent choices for drought-tolerant ground covers in the Los Angeles area:
1. Ice Plant (Delosperma): Ice plants are low-growing succulents that produce vibrant flowers in various colors, such as pink, purple, orange, and yellow. They are extremely drought-resistant and can thrive in full sun. Ice plants spread quickly and provide excellent ground cover.
2. California Lilac (Ceanothus): California Lilac is a native evergreen shrub that works well as a ground cover. It has beautiful blue flowers and can tolerate drought conditions once established. There are several varieties available, so you can choose the one that fits your aesthetic preferences.
3. Red Apple (Aptenia cordifolia): Red Apple, also known as Heartleaf Ice Plant, is a low-growing succulent ground cover with heart-shaped leaves and bright pink flowers. It can tolerate full sun and requires minimal water once established. Red Apple is an excellent choice for adding color to your landscape.
4. Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus): Woolly Thyme is a drought-tolerant ground cover that forms a dense mat of tiny, gray-green leaves. It can withstand foot traffic and is perfect for filling in between pavers or as a lawn alternative. Woolly Thyme also releases a pleasant aroma when stepped on.
5. Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca): Blue Fescue is a low-maintenance grass-like ground cover that forms tufts of narrow, blue-green leaves. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate drought conditions. Blue Fescue adds a unique texture to your landscape and complements other plants well.
6. Silver Carpet (Dymondia margaretae): Silver Carpet is a low-growing ground cover with silver-gray leaves that form a dense mat. It is drought-tolerant and can handle foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for pathways or areas with high traffic. Silver Carpet is also known for its ability to resist pests and diseases.
7. Santa Barbara Daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus): Santa Barbara Daisy is a charming ground cover with delicate white and pink daisy-like flowers. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in full sun or partial shade. Santa Barbara Daisy self-seeds easily, creating a beautiful carpet of flowers over time.
When planting drought-tolerant ground covers in Los Angeles, it is essential to prepare the soil properly and provide adequate drainage. Adding organic matter, such as compost, can improve soil structure and water retention. Applying a layer of mulch around the plants can help conserve moisture and reduce weed growth.
Remember to water newly planted ground covers regularly until they become established. Once established, most drought-tolerant ground covers will only require occasional watering during extended dry periods.
In my personal experience, I have found that incorporating a mix of these drought-tolerant ground covers can create a visually appealing and low-maintenance landscape. They not only withstand the hot and dry conditions of Los Angeles but also add color, texture, and interest to the yard. Plus, their ability to thrive with minimal water makes them an environmentally-friendly choice.
