Groundcovers for XeriscapingSearch Drought Smart Plants here: Groundcovers for your xeriscaping are an important part of the overall design. Lots of other plants besides Sedum, Sempervivum and thyme make great groundcovers for xeriscaping. Here are some that are particularly well suited for the tough conditions they’ll find in your xeric garden.Many of these groundcovers do double duty in fire smart gardens too, such as Arctostaphylos uva-ursi and Cerastium tomentosum. If you garden in a potential fire risk zone, this is something to think about when planning your xeric garden. Some of these drought smart ground covers have the advantage of weed suppressing foliage, many with bright flowers in season. Others have texture and colour in the foliage. Moss and lichen can be used as a drought tolerant ground cover too. All of the plants on this list of ground covers are hardy to Zone 5b. Best Xeric Groundcover TipsUse them in multiples of the same plant throughout your garden to surround trees, cover banks or cascade down cliffs, or in island beds to reduce your water sucking lawn.Don't use the 'polka dot' method of planting, with one of every different kind of plant dotted around the landscape - always plant in groups or wide swaths to give more emphasis. Always prepare the ground well with the addition of compost before planting. Mulch to increase the moisture retention in the soil.
Glossy green foliage on long prostrate stems twine along the ground. In the spring it has little pink urn shaped blooms which ripen to red berries in the fall. Grouse love these berries!
The succulent looking green leaves turn burgundy red in fall. Pretty hanging bells in a cluster last for over a month starting in May, attracting bees to some of the first blooms.
It's covered in small white rose shaped blooms in spring, then the clean grey blue foliage always stays in good shape, even into the fall. Watch for this plant, as it can try and take over, but luckily, it's easy to weed out sections if it gets too assertive.
This plant has the survival technique of going dormant and disappearing when the weather gets really hot in late July in another drought smart strategy, to emerge in spring after the snow melts.
Planted under pine trees or other evergreens in sandy soil, these stay fresh and pretty all summer. The white blooms are loved by wild bees, and then the tiny strawberries form.
You can cut and dry this for pot-pourri or to stuff pillows for a fresh hay scent. In medieval times it was spread on the stone floors to alleviate smells. 
Many Heuchera varieties are unparalleled for the beauty of the veined or crinkled foliage in metallic purple, mahogany, fluorescent lime green or caramel coloured. The tall minarets of blooms are irresistible to bees.
This is one of those plants that you remember from childhood as it's a classic.Iberis or candytuft has great texture as a non-steppable groundcover, and will be covered for weeks in white, pink or purple flowers. It's perfect as a weed smothering cascade down a rock wall or bank. The evergreen foliage is attractive even in winter, and when the billowing form is almost hidden in blooms it's exquisite. Added attraction – solitary bees and wasps love it.
Fresh green finely cut leaves cascade down rock walls and fill in between boulders. Contrary to it's appearance as a dainty delicate thing, it's hardy and tough in challenging conditions.
Covered in blue, white or pink flowers on shiny green or variegated leaves make this vining groundcover valuable for areas that won’t be walked on, but where you want to totally squelch weeds. I’ve seen this listed as a bit invasive, so please don’t let it escape captivity in your area!
They also grow in full sun, but not happily. Give them some shade and watch them thrive. They have two types of flowers - the showy upper ones that open in early spring, then a later crop of underground pale green flowers which they can self pollinate without the need for insects. This way they're sure to be able to set some seed for future generations. Caveat;Here are a few to stay away from, even if you think they’re nice: Lamium species - Dead nettle, Hedera helix - ivy, creeping Charlie..Still looking for something? Search the Web here:
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