The Hearty And Drought-Tolerant Ground Cover That Yields Gorgeous Blooms

Finding ground cover plants that can bloom and thrive in the driest parts of summer while also providing winter interest can be a challenge, but it certainly isn't an impossible one. There are actually several drought-tolerant ground covers you can consider. One of the most beautiful and hearty options is the stunning Turkish speedwell (Veronica liwanensis).

You may already be familiar with some common types of speedwell and have worked to eradicate them from your lawn. Despite its toughness, Turkish speedwell is not known to be invasive and is actually relatively slow-growing. With stunning bluish-purple flowers and a height of around one to two inches tall, it's a perfect ground cover option for everything from full sun to full shade gardens. It is also evergreen, providing your garden with lush greenery even during the winter. Since each plant can eventually spread to around 18 inches wide, it is ideal for covering bare soil and suppressing weed growth.

Perennial in USDA hardiness zones three through eight, Turkish speedwell is an impressively low-maintenance plant. In addition to being drought-tolerant, it can also handle a wide range of lighting conditions and is adaptable to most soil types. It is deer-resistant and salt-tolerant as well, making it a great option for coastal gardens and unfenced sections of yards.  

Thanks to its low height, you don't have to worry about Turkish speedwell obstructing your view of other plants in the garden. This makes it the perfect choice for interplanting with spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils. While Turkish speedwell blooms most profusely in spring, it should continue to flower occasionally throughout the summer, adding pops of blue to your garden all season long. It can even handle a bit of foot traffic, making it a good option to consider if you want a ground cover that will grow as a grass alternative.