Utah’s unique climate presents challenges for maintaining traditional lawns and landscapes, making ground covers an ideal alternative for conserving water and enhancing aesthetic appeal.

With its arid to semi-arid conditions.Utah requires hardy, drought-resistant plants that can thrive in extreme temperatures and poor soil conditions.

Choosing the right ground cover can reduce maintenance, control soil erosion, and create a visually stunning outdoor space.

The following are the ten best ground covers for Utah, each offering unique benefits and resilience in this region’s demanding environment.

Related: Best Weed Killer For Xeriscape

What Is The Best Ground Cover For Utah? Find Top 10

1. Creeping Thyme

Creeping Thyme is a popular, low-growing ground cover that thrives in Utah’s dry climate. This hardy perennial produces small, fragrant leaves and vibrant purple flowers, adding color and texture to landscapes. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations common in Utah.

Creeping Thyme is ideal for rock gardens, pathways, and slopes due to its excellent spreading capability. It requires minimal maintenance, making it a perfect choice for homeowners looking for a hassle-free ground cover. Once established, it forms a dense mat that helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

This ground cover attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, benefiting the local ecosystem. Its aromatic foliage releases a pleasant scent when stepped on, enhancing garden experiences. With its ability to thrive in poor soil, Creeping Thyme is an excellent option for Utah’s challenging landscapes.

Pros:

• Drought-resistant
• Low maintenance
• Attracts pollinators
• Fragrant foliage
• Prevents soil erosion
• Spreads quickly
• Thrives in poor soil

Cons:

• Slow to establish
• Not ideal for heavy foot traffic
• Requires well-drained soil

2. Ice Plant

Ice Plant is a vibrant, low-growing succulent that flourishes in Utah’s dry, sandy soils. Its fleshy leaves store water, allowing it to survive long periods of drought. The plant produces stunning pink, red, yellow, and purple flowers, making it an eye-catching addition to any landscape.

This ground cover spreads rapidly, creating a thick, carpet-like effect that prevents soil erosion. Ice Plant is well-suited for rock gardens, retaining walls, and slopes, where it provides stability while adding color. It requires little maintenance, making it a perfect choice for xeriscaping.

Its heat tolerance makes it ideal for Utah’s hot summers, while its ability to thrive in rocky soils ensures longevity. Ice Plant’s flowers bloom profusely during warm months, creating a striking visual impact. With minimal watering needs, this ground cover supports sustainable landscaping practices.

Pros:

• Drought-resistant
• Vibrant flowers
• Fast-growing
• Prevents soil erosion
• Requires minimal care
• Ideal for rocky soils
• Thrives in full sun

Cons:

• Sensitive to frost
• Not ideal for shaded areas
• Can spread aggressively

3. Blue Star Creeper

Blue Star Creeper is a delicate yet hardy ground cover that forms a dense, green carpet. Its small blue flowers bloom in late spring, adding charm and elegance to landscapes. This plant thrives in well-drained soils and adapts well to Utah’s varying temperatures.

This ground cover is ideal for pathways, garden borders, and between stepping stones. It is resilient to foot traffic, making it a functional choice for walkable areas. Once established, it requires minimal care and helps reduce weed growth by outcompeting invasive species.

Blue Star Creeper is an excellent option for homeowners seeking a soft, lush appearance without excessive watering. It performs well in partial shade or full sun, offering versatility in different landscape designs. With its ability to withstand heat and drought, it remains a reliable choice for Utah gardens.

Pros:

• Tolerates foot traffic
• Beautiful blue flowers
• Forms a dense mat
• Drought-resistant
• Suppresses weeds
• Low maintenance
• Adapts to various conditions

Cons:

• Requires occasional trimming
• Can be invasive
• Prefers well-drained soil

5. Woolly Thyme

Woolly Thyme is a soft, low-growing perennial that thrives in Utah’s arid climate. Its tiny, silver-green leaves form a dense, fragrant carpet, making it an excellent choice for pathways, rock gardens, and between stepping stones. When stepped on, Woolly Thyme releases a pleasant herbal scent, enhancing the sensory experience of a garden. It produces delicate pink flowers in summer, adding a subtle pop of color while attracting pollinators.

This drought-tolerant ground cover spreads quickly, naturally suppressing weeds and reducing the need for frequent maintenance. Once established, Woolly Thyme requires minimal watering, making it a perfect option for xeriscaping. Its resilience against dry conditions makes it a great choice for Utah homeowners looking for a hardy yet ornamental plant.

Despite its many benefits, Woolly Thyme has a few drawbacks. It does not tolerate heavy foot traffic well, as its delicate stems can be damaged with excessive pressure. The plant requires well-drained soil and struggles in areas with poor drainage or excessive moisture. Occasional trimming may also be necessary to maintain its neat, compact form.

Pros:

• Drought-tolerant
• Fragrant foliage
• Soft underfoot
• Suppresses weeds
• Low maintenance
• Thrives in well-drained soil
• Ideal for pathways

Cons:

• Not suited for heavy foot traffic
• Requires occasional trimming
• Sensitive to excessive moisture

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6. Creeping Phlox

Creeping Phlox is a vibrant, low-growing ground cover that bursts into color each spring with star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and red. This perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for Utah’s dry climate. Its dense, spreading habit allows it to form a lush, carpet-like effect, which helps control erosion on slopes and embankments.

Once established, Creeping Phlox requires minimal watering and is highly resistant to drought. It provides year-round interest, as its evergreen foliage remains attractive even after the blooming season. The plant attracts bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in the garden. It is commonly used in rock gardens, borders, and along walkways to add color and texture to the landscape.

However, Creeping Phlox has some limitations. It requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape and prevent overgrowth. Although it spreads quickly, it can become invasive if not properly managed. Additionally, this plant prefers well-drained soil and may struggle in areas with poor drainage or excessive moisture.

Pros:

• Beautiful spring blooms
• Drought-resistant
• Evergreen foliage
• Spreads quickly
• Attracts pollinators
• Helps prevent soil erosion
• Low maintenance once established

Cons:

• Can become invasive
• Requires occasional pruning
• Prefers well-drained soil

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7. Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum, commonly known as Stonecrop, is a tough and drought-resistant succulent that thrives in Utah’s dry and rocky soils. It comes in various species, ranging from low-growing ground covers to taller, upright varieties. Sedum produces clusters of star-shaped flowers in late summer and early fall, adding a burst of color when most other plants have stopped blooming.

This low-maintenance plant is well-suited for rock gardens, slopes, and xeriscaping. Its fleshy leaves store water, allowing it to survive extended periods of drought without requiring frequent irrigation. Sedum also prevents soil erosion, making it an excellent choice for stabilizing banks and hillsides. It attracts bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.

Despite its resilience, Sedum has a few downsides. Some varieties spread aggressively, requiring occasional control to prevent overgrowth. It is also susceptible to rot in poorly drained or overly moist soil. Additionally, certain species may not tolerate heavy foot traffic, making them less suitable for high-use areas.

Pros:

• Extremely drought-tolerant
• Low maintenance
• Attracts pollinators
• Prevents soil erosion
• Thrives in rocky soil
• Provides late-season blooms
• Works well in xeriscaping

Cons:

• Can spread aggressively
• Susceptible to rot in wet soil
• Not ideal for heavy foot traffic

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8. Snow-in-Summer

Snow-in-Summer is a fast-spreading, silver-leaved ground cover that thrives in Utah’s arid conditions. Named for its profusion of white flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer, this plant creates a striking contrast against its silvery foliage. It is ideal for rock gardens, borders, and slopes, where it adds visual interest while preventing soil erosion.

This hardy perennial prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for drought-prone areas. Snow-in-Summer requires little maintenance once established, needing only occasional watering and trimming to keep it looking tidy. Its ability to withstand high temperatures makes it a great option for Utah’s hot summers.

Despite its beauty, Snow-in-Summer has some drawbacks. It spreads rapidly, which can lead to it becoming invasive if not managed properly. The plant also dislikes humid conditions and may struggle in areas with excessive moisture. Additionally, its flowering period is relatively short, meaning it provides visual appeal for only part of the growing season.

Pros:

• Drought-tolerant
• Silver foliage adds contrast
• Prevents soil erosion
• Requires minimal care
• Thrives in full sun
• Spreads quickly
• Handles high temperatures well

Cons:

• Can become invasive
• Dislikes humidity
• Short bloom period

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9. Irish Moss

Irish Moss is a low-growing, cushion-like ground cover that forms a dense, bright green carpet. It thrives in well-drained soil and partial to full sun, making it an excellent choice for Utah’s varied landscapes. In spring and summer, it produces tiny white flowers that add a delicate beauty to gardens, pathways, and rock gardens.

This plant is soft underfoot, making it ideal for filling gaps between stepping stones and along garden borders. Irish Moss helps retain moisture in the soil while suppressing weeds, creating a lush and tidy appearance. It is particularly well-suited for shaded areas, where it provides a refreshing burst of greenery.

However, Irish Moss has some limitations. It struggles in overly dry conditions and requires occasional watering to stay vibrant, especially during peak summer months. Poor drainage can lead to root rot, making well-aerated soil essential. Additionally, this plant does not tolerate heavy foot traffic well, as frequent stepping can damage its delicate structure.

Pros:

• Forms a lush green carpet
• Soft underfoot
• Produces delicate flowers
• Suppresses weeds
• Ideal for shaded areas
• Retains soil moisture
• Works well between stepping stones

Cons:

• Needs occasional watering
• Susceptible to root rot in wet soil
• Not suitable for heavy foot traffic

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10. Hens and Chicks

Hens and Chicks is a hardy succulent that thrives in Utah’s dry and rocky landscapes. This low-maintenance ground cover consists of a central “hen” surrounded by smaller “chick” offsets, which spread gradually over time. Its rosette-shaped foliage comes in various colors, including green, red, and purple, adding visual appeal to any garden.

This plant is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives in well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil. It requires minimal care, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. Hens and Chicks can be planted in crevices, containers, or directly in the ground, where it provides year-round interest with its evergreen leaves.

Despite its resilience, Hens and Chicks has some downsides. It prefers dry conditions and can suffer in overly wet environments. The plant’s slow spread means it takes time to fill in large areas. Additionally, while it can tolerate light foot traffic, excessive pressure may damage its delicate rosettes.

Pros:

• Extremely drought-tolerant
• Low maintenance
• Thrives in rocky soil
• Evergreen foliage
• Works well in xeriscaping
• Adds unique texture
• Can grow in containers

Cons:

• Does not tolerate excess moisture
• Slow to spread
• Sensitive to heavy foot traffic

Best Ground Cover For Utah FAQs

1. What is the best ground cover for Utah’s dry climate?
Creeping Thyme, Ice Plant, and Blue Star Creeper are excellent choices due to their drought resistance and adaptability to Utah’s soil conditions.

2. Do ground covers help with soil erosion?
Yes, ground covers like Ice Plant and Creeping Thyme help prevent soil erosion by creating a dense root system that stabilizes the soil.

3. Are ground covers easy to maintain?
Most ground covers require minimal maintenance once established, reducing the need for mowing and frequent watering.

4. Can ground covers survive Utah’s cold winters?
Some, like Creeping Thyme, are winter-hardy, while others, like Ice Plant, may need protection from frost.

5. Which ground cover is best for high foot traffic areas?
Blue Star Creeper is a great option as it can tolerate foot traffic and still maintain its lush appearance.

6. How do I choose the right ground cover for my yard?
Consider factors like sun exposure, soil type, water availability, and the level of maintenance you prefer before selecting a ground cover.

7. Are ground covers better than traditional lawns?
Yes, they require less water, reduce maintenance, and support sustainable landscaping practices, making them ideal for Utah’s climate.

Conclusion

Choosing the best ground cover for Utah depends on factors such as drought tolerance, maintenance needs, and aesthetic appeal. Creeping Thyme, Ice Plant, and Blue Star Creeper are among the best options, offering resilience in extreme weather conditions.

These ground covers provide practical solutions for reducing water usage, preventing soil erosion, and enhancing landscapes.By incorporating drought-tolerant ground covers, homeowners can create sustainable, low-maintenance outdoor spaces that thrive in Utah’s challenging climate.

Whether for pathways, slopes, or rock gardens, the right ground cover can transform any yard into a vibrant and eco-friendly environment. Explore these options today to achieve a beautiful and water-efficient landscape