Top Groundcover Plants That Survive and Thrive in Arizona Heat

Living in Phoenix means learning quickly that not every plant is built for the desert. Between the intense summer sun, dry air, and long stretches without rain, many traditional landscape plants struggle to stay green and healthy. That’s why groundcover plants are such a smart choice for Arizona homeowners. The right groundcovers don’t just add color and texture—they also help reduce weeds, shade the soil, and create a finished, polished look without the high water demands of a traditional lawn. At Unwind Landscapes, we often recommend heat-tough groundcovers for homeowners who want beauty and durability, even during the hottest months of the year.

One of the most popular groundcover options for Arizona landscapes is trailing lantana. This plant thrives in full sun, holds up extremely well in high heat, and produces vibrant blooms that can brighten up almost any outdoor space. It’s especially useful for slopes, borders, and areas where you want color that “spills” naturally over the edge of a landscape bed. Once established, lantana can handle Phoenix conditions with minimal care, making it a great choice for homeowners who want impressive results without constant maintenance.

Another excellent addition to desert landscaping is red yucca. While it doesn’t grow like a traditional carpet-style groundcover, it covers space beautifully with its clean, architectural shape and its ability to thrive with very little water. Red yucca also produces tall flower spikes during the warmer seasons, adding movement and seasonal interest to your yard. It works especially well in landscapes that incorporate decorative rock, where plants are spaced out but still create strong visual impact.

For homeowners who love bold color contrast, Purple Heart is a standout option. Its deep purple foliage adds a rich, modern look that pairs perfectly with light-colored rock groundcover and hardscape features like pavers and walkways. Purple Heart spreads quickly, fills in open spaces nicely, and can be a great choice for adding variety to the typical green-and-tan desert palette. In the hottest parts of Phoenix, it may perform best in areas that receive morning sun and a bit of afternoon shade, helping it keep that vibrant color without scorching.

Creeping rosemary is another favorite groundcover plant for Arizona, especially when homeowners want something that looks clean and intentional year-round. This variety stays low to the ground, spreads outward beautifully, and creates a soft, cascading effect along raised beds or retaining walls. It’s also drought-tolerant once established, and the added bonus is the fresh herbal scent it gives off—especially after a watering or rainfall. Creeping rosemary works wonderfully in landscapes that are designed to feel both functional and elegant.

If you want a groundcover that brings cheerful color without requiring much upkeep, Angelita daisy is an excellent choice. It thrives in full sun and produces bright yellow blooms that look incredible in Phoenix landscapes. When planted in groups, it creates a lively, warm appearance that feels perfectly suited to desert living. Angelita Daisy is also a great option for homeowners who want a low-water yard but still want pops of color along pathways or in open planting areas.

Ice plant is another groundcover that does extremely well in Arizona heat, particularly for homeowners who want vibrant flowers with strong drought resistance. Ice plant grows low and spreads nicely over time, creating colorful coverage across areas that might otherwise look bare or dry. It performs best in well-draining soil, making it a natural fit for many desert yards—especially those designed with gravel, rock, and minimal turf.

Choosing the right groundcover for your Phoenix home often comes down to your sun exposure, soil conditions, and how you use the space. Some groundcovers prefer full sun all day, while others do better with partial shade. Irrigation layout, foot traffic, and even nearby trees can affect long-term success. That’s why it’s always worth building a plan that matches your property and your goals, rather than choosing plants based only on appearance.

At Unwind Landscapes, we help Phoenix homeowners create outdoor spaces that thrive in Arizona’s extreme climate while still looking beautiful and inviting. If you’re ready to replace bare dirt, reduce weeds, and build a landscape that stays strong through the summer, our team can help you choose the right groundcover plants and install a design that fits your yard perfectly.

At Unwind Landscapes, we're here to help every step of the way. As your professional Landscaping Phoenix, we take your vision from an initial Landscape Designers Phoenix to a completed project. Let's make your outdoor space unforgettable together with a Free Landscaping Design Estimate.

This content is for general reading purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or content.