Best Succulents for Ground Cover

Succulents are popular worldwide for their captivating shapes and a variety of colors. Frequently, spotted in container and rock gardens, they add a spark to any place. Succulents can also be grown as ground covers. The interesting thing about succulents is that they are drought tolerant and very forgiving. However, almost all succulents are sensitive to water and require well-drained soil. The water needs of succulents vary with seasons, in summer and spring seasons they need more frequent watering because they are actively growing and need very little water during winter. 

Here I have made a list of some spectacular succulents that can be grown as ground cover. 

1. Caucasian stonecrop (Sedum spurium) 

Caucasian stonecrop originated from Eastern Europe is a creeping succulent that is grown as ground cover in hardiness zones 3 to 8. This succulent has whorled leaves often tinged with a red hue that makes it look beautiful. It produces pink star-shaped blooms during the spring and summer seasons. Typically these succulents grow 3-6 inches tall and 1-2 ft wide. Water requirements are very low and they thrive best under full sun in well-drained soil. 

2. Rock Purslane (Calandrinia spectabilis) 

Rock purslane is originated in Chile. It is an amazing succulent that thrives best in Mediterranean climates. It is suitable for container gardens and is treated as an annual plant in cold regions. It bears gray-green leaves that create a dense mound and blooms merrily spring through fall by producing magenta flowers. These succulents reach a height of 1 ft and 3 ft width. Rock purslane grows well in full sun or partial shade and needs very low water.  

3. Parry’s Agave (Agave parryi) 

Some small-sized Agave varieties are a good choice as ground covers. Agave species for ground covers are growing in popularity. Parry’s Agave is originated from American Southwest and Mexico. It is an example of ground cover succulents that looks spectacular due to its attractive rosette. It grows to a height and width of 1 to 3 ft. Parry’s Agave thrives well in arid regions because it can grow under full sun and tolerate intense temperatures of summer. They need very low water and well-drained soil for their good growth. 

4. Blue chalksticks (Senecio serpens) 

Senecio Blue Chalksticks is originated from South Africa. The attractive blue-gray leaves grow upright and create a wonderful display as ground cover in frost-free regions. Mature blue chalk sticks grow 1 ft tall and 2-3 ft wide. They produce white to chartreuse flowers during the summer season. Blue chalk sticks is a great choice for growing in Mediterranean regions. It can thrive under full sun or partial shade with moderate watering. 

5. Resin Spurge (Euphorbia resinifera) 

Resin spurge is another great succulent that is perfect as ground cover. It is originated in Morocco. The succulent has light green square-shaped stems that are arranged in clumps. Stems bear brown spines on the sides. It grows 2-3 ft tall and 3-5 ft wide. Resin spurge is a drought-tolerant perennial succulent that can thrive without water for a considerable period. They should be grown under full sun in well-drained soil.  

6. Candelilla (Euphorbia antisyphilitica) 

Candelilla is originated from New Mexico, Southwestern Texas, and Mexico. It has an upright growth habit with waxy stems adding another dimension to the succulent gardens. The mature succulents are 1-2 ft tall and 2-3 ft wide. It produces pink blooms during the spring season. The leaves are tiny that appear occasionally and shed soon. Candelila planted in staggered rows gives an attractive appearance. Being desert succulents they need very low water and full sun for their good growth. 

7. Upright Myrtle Spurge (Euphorbia rigida) 

Upright myrtle spurge is a good choice for a drought-tolerant landscape. It is originated from the Mediterranean region and grows best in full sun to partial shade with moderate watering. It produces chartreuse flowers that later turn green to tan from late winter to spring. Mature upright myrtle spurge succulent is 2 ft tall and 3 ft wide. The leaves are blue-gray arranged in spirals which look appealing displayed in the succulent gardens or landscape designing.  

8. Royal Dewflower (Drosanthemum speciosum) 

Royal Dewflower is a lovely succulent that can be used as ground cover. The succulent is originated from South Africa. Royal Dewflower produces spectacular blooms in a variety of colors such as pink, red, and purple that completely cover the foliage. The beautiful flowers bloom merrily and create a lovely colorful carpet during the late spring and summer seasons. Royal Dewflower with gray-green narrow leaves adds a cooling effect to any succulent garden. The succulent starts rooting when it comes in contact with the open soil and can spread up to 3 feet. Mature Royal Dewflower can attain a height of 6-12 inches. It is a desert succulent that handles drought very well. When it comes to watering it is highly forgiving so you don’t need to be worried about watering daily. These succulents should be grown in full sun to partial shade. 

• Senecio serpens ‘Blue Chalksticks’
• Crassula perforata ‘String of Buttons’
• Agave deserti ‘Desert Agave’ or ‘Desert Century Plant’
• Agave attenuata ‘Fox Tail’
• Sansevieria trifasciata