7 Ground Cover Plants for Texas

Texas has a variety of creeping plants that create a rich carpet of leaves and vines. Many homeowners take advantage of these foliage types when choosing an attractive ground alternative to grass. Let’s explore some popular ground cover plants for Texas.

1. Lantana montevidensis

Lantana is a perennial flowering plant with robust, deep green foliage. Its small flower clusters can be found in a rainbow of colors, yet some varieties produce elegant white blossoms. Once planted, lantana will propagate quickly and easily on its own, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardening. 

This plant is a native of Texas, which means it is tolerant of the climate here. Read about other drought-tolerant plants that will grow well in Texas.

2. Trailing Juniper

True to its name, a single branch of trailing juniper can grow up to 6 feet along the ground, making it an effective ground cover. As a low-lying evergreen shrub, this cold-hardy plant offers dense coverage that can reach up to 2 feet of height when left unpruned. Due to this, it should not be planted in areas of occasional foot traffic.

Its sprawling, needle-like foliage creates a rugged, textural carpet that thrives in poor soil and full sun. It is ideal for stabilizing slopes or filling rocky, hard-to-landscape spaces. While it’s not suited for walking paths, its year-round blue-green or silvery-gray hues add visual interest to borders, rock gardens, or erosion-prone zones. 

For high-traffic areas, pair it with stepping stones or combine it with tougher groundcovers like creeping thyme to balance beauty and practicality. Minimal upkeep—just occasional pruning to control spread—makes it a favorite for low-maintenance landscapes.

3. Scarlet Sage

This plant produces a vibrant red flower that creates an eye-catching red/green contrast in your garden. The tower of blossoms makes for a dense ground cover, giving your yard colorful depth and dimension. Scarlet sage spreads easily, but it needs full sunlight to thrive.

Its tubular blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies, turning your garden into a lively pollinator hub throughout the growing season. While it’s drought-tolerant once established, occasional watering during dry spells will keep its foliage lush. For a striking design, pair it with silver-leaved plants like lamb’s ear or ornamental grasses, which highlight its fiery hues while softening its bold texture. 

Just be sure to give it space—scattered in clusters or cascading over walls, scarlet sage adds drama without overpowering neighboring plants. Though low-maintenance, a light trim after flowering can encourage bushier growth and prevent self-seeding in areas where you’d prefer to limit its spread.

4. Snake Herb

Snake herb is another evergreen option that you can enjoy year-round. This low-lying ground cover offers flowers that range from white to purple and long. Its dense growth pattern makes it a great weed deterrent. 

A favorite for shaded or partially sunny areas, snake herb thrives in moist, well-drained soil, making it ideal for woodland gardens or under trees where other plants struggle. In spring and summer, its delicate blooms attract pollinators like bees and hoverflies, while its foliage adds subtle texture to winter landscapes. 

For a dynamic look, pair it with bold-leaved plants like hostas or ferns, which contrast beautifully with its slender leaves. Though it spreads steadily, it’s easy to control by trimming back runners in early spring. Hardy and adaptable, snake herb is a fuss-free choice for gardeners seeking year-round coverage with a touch of understated charm.

5. Pachysandra

Pachysandra is a hardy, shade-loving ground cover that thrives even in poor soil conditions. It offers bushy green foliage with fragrant white flowers. This fast creeper is a great choice for those who wish to rapidly propagate an otherwise barren patch of dirt.

Its glossy, serrated leaves form a dense carpet that chokes out weeds and stays vibrant even in deep shade, making it ideal for under trees or along north-facing foundations. While it tolerates neglect, occasional pruning keeps its spread in check and encourages fuller growth. 

Pair it with shade-tolerant companions like hostas or coral bells for layered texture, or let it solo as a minimalist evergreen backdrop. Though deer-resistant and low-maintenance, avoid planting near lawns—its aggressive roots can encroach on turfgrass. For erosion control or filling tricky, dimly lit spaces, pachysandra is a resilient, year-round problem-solver.

6. English Ivy

Ivy is a classic when it comes to ground covers, with its deep green leaves and creeping braids of vines. This is one of the few options that allows for occasional foot passage, as its growth pattern allows for the placement of stepping stones as long as you prune it properly. As such, you can grow it beneath window boxes containing flowers that need occasional watering.

English ivy is also a beautiful option for surrounding large trees, as it is tolerant to both sun and shade. However, it is somewhat susceptible to weeds and spider mites, so proper care must be taken to keep it healthy and free of pests.

7. Red Creeping Thyme

Red creeping thyme is rapidly gaining popularity as a sustainable, visually striking alternative to traditional grass lawns. This hardy, low-growing perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

It forms a dense, weed-suppressing mat that requires far less maintenance than turfgrass. Homeowners are drawn to its drought-resistant nature, which slashes water usage and bills.

Unlike grass, it eliminates the need for mowing, fertilizing, or frequent watering, making it ideal for eco-conscious gardeners. Its durability also withstands light foot traffic, perfect for pathways or patio edges.