When it comes to landscaping, few elements are as versatile and hardworking as ground cover plants.
Whether you’re trying to fill in bare spots, reduce lawn maintenance, or prevent soil erosion, the right ground cover can transform your yard into a lush, low-maintenance oasis. But if your outdoor space gets full sun all day, you’ll need plants that can handle the heat.
Here are 15 ground cover plants that thrive in full sun, offering everything from vibrant flowers to evergreen foliage, and even some drought-tolerant plants.
Creeping Thyme (thymus serpyllum)
Creeping thyme is a fragrant, low-growing herb that forms a dense mat of greenery and tiny purple flowers. It’s drought tolerant, attracts pollinators, and can even be walked on, making it perfect for pathways or between stepping stones.
- Height: 2-3 inches
- Bonus: Edible and aromatic
Stonecrop (Sedum spp.)
Sedum comes in many varieties, all of which thrive in hot, dry conditions. The low-growing types are perfect for sunny slopes and rocky soil, offering juicy, succulent leaves and cheerful star-shaped blooms.
- Height: 3-6 inches
- Bonus: Extremely drought-tolerant
Lilyturf (Liriope muscari)
Although often used as a border plant, liriope can also serve as a durable ground cover. It forms grass-like clumps with spikes of purple flowers in late summer and does well in both full sun and partial shade.
- Height: 12-18 inches
- Bonus: Evergreen in warmer climates
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny offers a splash of bright chartreuse or golden foliage that spreads quickly. While it can handle the sun, it does best with consistent moisture, making it ideal for sunny spots near water features.
- Height: 2-4 inches
- Bonus: Adds bold color contrast
Ice Plant (Delosperma)
This drought-tolerant succulent ground cover blooms with neon-colored daisy-like flowers in summer. It loves heat and sun and is perfect for poor, sandy soils.
- Height: 3-6 inches
- Bonus: Bright, long-lasting blooms
Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)
This charming plant forms a dense carpet of tiny green leaves and starry blue flowers from spring through fall. It tolerates foot traffic and is great for filling in small spaces.
- Height: 2-4 inches
- Bonus: Long bloom time
Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga is a fast-spreading ground cover with shiny leaves and spikes of blue or purple flowers in spring. Some varieties have bronze or variegated foliage for extra interest.
- Height: 4-8 inches
- Bonus: Great for erosion control
Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Known for its glossy leaves and blue-purple flowers, periwinkle spreads quickly and tolerates a wide range of conditions, including sun and drought. It’s evergreen in mild climates.
- Height: 3-6 inches
- Bonus: Suppresses weeds effectively
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is a tough, sun-loving perennial that’s often used in wildflower mixes. It has fern-like foliage and clusters of flat-topped blooms in shades of yellow, pink, or white.
- Height: 12-24 inches
- Bonus: Attracts beneficial insects
Woolly Thyme (thymus pseudolanuginosus)
If you want a soft, touchable ground cover, woolly thyme is a winner. It’s gray-green, fuzzy, and perfect for dry, sunny spots. Though it doesn’t flower heavily, its texture adds visual interest.
- Height: 1-2 inches
- Bonus: Excellent between pavers
Chamomile (Matricaria spp.)
Low-growing chamomile varieties work beautifully as a fragrant, flowering ground cover in full sun. Plus, they’re edible and can be used for tea!
- Height: 6-12 inches
- Bonus: Fragrant and functional
Prostrate Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘prostratus’)
Sweet alyssum is a low-growing annual that self-seeds easily, creating a sea of tiny white, pink, or purple blooms. It loves the sun and keeps blooming with regular deadheading.
- Height: 4-6 inches
- Bonus: Attracts pollinators
Sun Rose (Helianthemum spp.)
Sun rose, also called rock rose, is a low, mounding evergreen shrub that produces bright, poppy-like flowers in the heat of summer. It thrives in dry, sunny areas with well-drained soil.
- Height: 6-12 inches
- Bonus: Low maintenance and long-blooming
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Ideal for colder climates, bearberry is a hardy evergreen ground cover with shiny leaves, pink flowers, and red berries. It’s perfect for sunny, sandy spots.
- Height: 6-12 inches
- Bonus: Native and wildlife-friendly
Tips for Planting Ground Covers in Full Sun
Amend Your Soil: Many ground covers for full sun prefer well-draining soil. Mix in sand or compost as needed.
Water During Establishment: Even drought-tolerant plants need regular watering until roots are well established.
Mulch Around New Plants: This helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds while your ground cover fills in.
Consider Spacing: Ground covers can spread quickly—check the plant tag or research spacing needs before planting.
Ready to Cover Some Ground?
Whether you’re covering a sunny slope, replacing lawn, or filling in a tough spot in your yard, these 15 ground cover plants offer beauty, resilience, and practicality. With the right plant choice and a bit of care, your full-sun space can be transformed into a vibrant, low-maintenance landscape.
