by Susan Klatz Beal

Created on: May 16, 2009   Last Updated: June 03, 2009

In hot, sunny areas, the ground tends to dry out quickly, and no matter how often one waters the plants, the inevitable is that the ground will dry out quickly. One of the most effective ways by which to protect the soil and keep some moisture in is the use of ground covers. They can protect the soil by helping to keep moisture in, and by slowing erosion in the process. They can also help to keep the weeds down or away altogether. Ground covers offer an alternative to grass, and provide texture, variation, and in some cases, even some color.

Here are some suggestions for ground covers that are ideal for sunny conditions.

SEMPERVIVUM TECTORUM (HENS AND CHICKS) -

Hens and chicks are ideal to use as a ground cover in hot, sunny and dry areas. The leaves form rosettes, with smaller rosettes growing off the large one. The smaller rosettes are the chicks and the larger ones are the hens. The thick leaves hold water, and as with most succulents, it provides the plant with its own personal reservoir. Hens and chicks are especially attractive in bare areas where nothing else is planted because they can be seen better.

CREEPING JUNIPER (JUNIPER HORIZONTALIS) -

Creeping juniper grows vigorously and spreads fast, so it is an ideal choice for large areas. It is a low grower, growing only 1 to 2 inches in height. There are several varieties of Creeping Juniper, and blue rug is among the most famous. It is a completely flat grower, so it's aptly referred to as a rug. It is naturally dense plant that grows fairly quickly.

It isn't well suited to suppressing weeds, and it cannot be walked on, but it is good for covering areas where other things might not grow. It tolerates a variety of soil types, but won't tolerate overly wet conditions. It is also well suited to dry climates.

CROWN VETCH -

Crown vetch is really a perennial legume, but it is used as a ground cover in steep and rocky areas that typically tend to be dry. It is frequently planted along the slopes of highways because it is ideal for preventing soil erosion. It typically grows to a height of 1 or 2 feet, and because it can be invasive, it may not be well suited to residential landscapes, unless it is planted in an area where it can be well contained.

Between July and September, the plants are covered with small pink colored flowers. The method by which this plant spreads is by sending underground stems out. With this method of expansion, a single plant can potentially cover an area of up to 6 feet in diameter.

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