Ground covers are an excellent alternative to traditional turfgrass in West Texas. With extreme heat, low rainfall, and challenging soils, selecting the right plants can reduce water use, suppress weeds, and create a low-maintenance, attractive landscape.
According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, ground covers can function as a “living mulch,” helping conserve moisture, reduce soil erosion, and add visual interest where grass struggles to grow.
Why Use Ground Covers in West Texas?
- Water Efficiency – Many adapted species require significantly less irrigation than turfgrass
- Low Maintenance – Minimal mowing, fertilizing, and upkeep
- Weed Suppression – Dense growth shades out weeds
- Soil Protection – Helps retain moisture and reduce erosion
- Wildlife Benefits – Some varieties attract pollinators
Ground covers are especially useful in full sun, slopes, poor soils, and areas where grass fails.
Best Ground Covers for West Texas (Extension-Recommended & Adapted)
Full Sun & Drought-Tolerant Options
- Lantana (spreading varieties)
- Extremely heat-tolerant and thrives in full sun
- Can spread several feet in one season
- Attracts butterflies and pollinators
- Prostrate Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’)
- Evergreen, drought-tolerant, and aromatic
- Excellent for slopes or cascading over walls
- Silver Ponyfoot (Dichondra argentea)
- Native to West Texas
- Handles extreme heat and dry conditions well
- Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora)
- Native ground cover that spreads quickly
- Can tolerate light foot traffic and low water once established
Shade to Partial Shade Options
- Liriope / Monkey Grass
- Grass-like appearance with little maintenance
- Works well in shaded beds and borders
- Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
- Spreads quickly and forms dense mats
- Best in shade or filtered sunlight
- Pigeonberry (Rivina humilis)
- Native plant with berries for wildlife
- Performs well in partial shade
- Creeping Germander (Teucrium spp.)
- Versatile and adaptable
- Can be used in beds, borders, or between stones
Color & Seasonal Interest Ground Covers
- Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)
- Fast-growing with bold purple foliage
- Dies back in winter but returns each year
- Winecup (Callirhoe involucrata)
- Native trailing plant with bright magenta flowers
- Excellent for hot, dry areas
- Dwarf Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides)
- Blue flowers with attractive fall color
- Works well in beds and borders
- Angelonia (annual option)
- Heat-tolerant and performs well across Texas
- Can be used as a seasonal ground cover
Planting Tips for Success
- Soil Prep Matters – Improve drainage and add organic matter before planting
- Spacing is Key – Plant close enough to allow coverage but avoid overcrowding
- Water to Establish – Even drought-tolerant plants need regular watering at first
- Mulch Early – Helps retain moisture until plants fill in
- Right Plant, Right Place – Match sun/shade conditions carefully
Extension guidance emphasizes that proper establishment is critical, even for drought-tolerant plants.
Final Thoughts
In West Texas, the best ground covers are those that are heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and adapted to local soils. Replacing or reducing turfgrass with these plants can lead to a more sustainable, attractive, and low-maintenance landscape.