Ground cover plants are beneficial pieces of foliage that are attractive and help prevent nuisances such as weeds and erosion. If you live in Texas and want to plant some ground-covering foliage, it’s crucial to pick something that will tolerate the environment.
Texas is a large state, but most of it is warm and often susceptible to drought. If you happen to live in the area and are interested in planting some ground cover, it’s wise to research which species will thrive.
Below are the best picks for ground cover plants in Texas.
Asiatic Jasmine
Throughout much of Texas, Asiatic Jasmine has taken over as one of the most popular choices for ground cover. It’s attractive and hard-wearing, making it the perfect choice if you want a plant that isn’t too fussy.
Its tightly woven vines produce green leaves and small white or yellow flowers in the spring. If you enjoy a bit of color across your yard, this might be the perfect choice without taking on the responsibility of a flower bed.
Once the roots of these plants are established, it’s very hardy and drought tolerant. It also does well in both sunshine and shade. Plant Asiatic Jasmine in your yard for an easy-going, attractive perennial.
Golden Oregano
Golden Oregano is another creeping vine that is ideal in Texas, thanks to its resilience. This strength is to the gardener’s advantage in areas where the weather can be unpredictable.
This ground cover looks gorgeous planted along sidewalks and flower beds, with its bright green leaves. Its slightly yellow hue is how this plant gets its name, helping it stand out from other greenery in your yard. You might also notice tiny pink or purple flowers peeking out above the plant through summer and fall.
For the brightest color, this plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It’s also best to keep it moderately watered since it tolerates dry conditions quite well. Try out this hardy plant if you’re new to gardening or don’t have much time to dedicate to the practice.
Snake Herb
Snake Herb is a great choice for Texas gardens and yards. Thanks to its vertical presentation, it can help add depth to your flower garden without obscuring your flowering plants that need full sunshine to thrive.
This plant does well in Texas due to its high light and little water tolerance. In fact, it’s considered native to Texas, which is why people in the area are so fond of it.
Its stiff, leafy branches grow about 6-12 inches, and purple flowers sprout directly from the stems over the summer. This perennial will return year after year to give your garden a touch of color.
Veronica Georgia Blue
Veronica Georgia Blue is a dense, creeping ground cover. Its dark green leaves and bright blue to purple flowers make it a favorite among gardeners. It does well in Texas, tolerating both full and partial shade.
In warmer zones, this plant is a perennial, so you’ll be able to appreciate its beauty each year that it returns. Coming in at about 3-6 inches tall, it’s true to its nature and will remain a low-growing plant during its lifetime.
This eye-catching plant can give your garden a designer feel without sacrificing much time or commitment to its growth. Once it’s established, you can count on it to do well in dry, warm conditions.
Creeping Juniper
Creeping Juniper is a low-growing shrub that creates a mat of evergreen branches. Although it remains relatively low to the ground as a bush, this plant has the potential to reach up to 3 feet tall if you don’t keep it trimmed.
Creeping Juniper is a family of shrubs, many of which thrive in the Texan environment. It does best in full sun for vibrant color. It also prefers well-drained soil with little watering needed.
Use Creeping Juniper to fill in gaps throughout your garden or provide ground cover in sparse areas. If you live in a region of Texas where winters are cool, you might get the chance to watch it turn a dazzling shade of gold or bronze.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a gardener in Texas searching for some ground cover for your garden, you’ll be pleased to find plenty of varieties to choose from. Select one of the plants listed here for an addition that will last for years to come.