10 Best Full Sun Ground Covers You Need in Your Garden

Are you looking to add some vibrant flowers, interesting foliage, and pleasing aromas to your garden? Do you want to fill those sunny spots in your landscape with beautiful ground covers? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 ground covers that thrive in full sun. These plants are not only easy to grow but also add a touch of beauty to any outdoor space.

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When it comes to choosing the right ground cover for your garden, there are a few factors to consider. From soil preferences to sun exposure, each plant has its own unique requirements. While some ground covers can handle drought conditions, others prefer moist soil. Understanding the needs of these plants will help you create a thriving garden full of lush greenery and colorful blooms.

Dry Soil: Tips for Success

Before we dive into the best ground covers for full sun, it’s essential to address the misconception that all sun-loving plants thrive in dry soil. While these plants can tolerate a lot of sunlight, it doesn’t mean they enjoy dry conditions. Make sure to follow the care tips specific to each species to keep your ground covers healthy and thriving.

Now, let’s explore the 10 best ground covers for full sun that will transform your outdoor space:

1. Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis)

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Cotoneaster is a shrub with a unique horizontal growth habit that makes it an excellent ground cover. Its bright red berries add ornamental value to any landscape, making it a popular choice for sunny areas.

2. ‘Six Hills Giant’ Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii)

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Catmint is a sun-loving and drought-tolerant ground cover with mounding growth and small flowers. Cutting it back after the first bloom will encourage more flowers throughout the growing season.

3. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)

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Known for its silvery, fuzzy leaves, Lamb’s Ear is a unique ground cover that adds texture to your garden. Consider cutting back the flower spikes to maintain a ground cover level.

4. Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)

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Creeping Juniper, such as ‘Blue Rug’, is excellent for controlling soil erosion on sunny hillsides. With its low-maintenance nature, it’s a great option for sunny spots in your garden.

5. Yellow Alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis)

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Yellow Alyssum is a perennial with bright yellow flowers and blue-gray leaves that add visual interest to your garden. Make sure to cut it back after blooming to promote more flowers.

6. Silver Mound Artemisia (Artemisia schmidtiana)

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Silver Mound Artemisia is a foliage plant that loves full sun. With its fine texture, it adds a unique touch to your garden. Remember to prune it slightly in summer to maintain its shape.

7. Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum)

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Snow-in-Summer ground cover blooms profusely in early summer with white flowers. Its tolerance for drought and shallow soil makes it an excellent choice for sunny areas.

8. Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi)

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Ice Plant is a succulent ground cover that thrives in full sun. Ensure proper drainage to enjoy its dazzling display of flowers in your garden.

9. Angelina Sedum (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’)

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Angelina Sedum is a succulent ground cover known for its golden foliage. While it does bloom, many gardeners prefer it for its stunning foliage rather than its flowers.

10. Creeping Thyme (Thymus sp.)

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Creeping Thyme is a fragrant ground cover that enjoys full sun and can handle foot traffic. Prune it back if it becomes woody to promote healthy growth.

Whether you’re looking for vibrant flowers, unique foliage, or aromatic scents, these 10 ground covers are perfect for sunny spots in your garden. With the right care and attention, these plants will transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and thriving oasis.

By incorporating a variety of ground covers into your landscape, you can create a diverse and visually appealing garden that will impress your guests and provide a habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and start planting these fantastic ground covers in your garden today! Your sunny spots will thank you for it!