Ground Cover for Zone 10

Ceanothus

• Several species of ceanothus produce colorful flowers amid dark green foliage. Popcorn California lilac (Canothus maritimus "Popcorn") produces white, popcorn-like bursts of flowers during spring. This variety grows up to 3 feet tall, but has a spread of 6 feet. If you're looking for a more vivid color, consider the drought-tolerant Centennial hybrid wild lilac (Ceanothus "Centennial"), which produces sapphire- to cobalt-blue blooms. This variety reaches between 1 and 2 feet tall and can grow to 10 feet wide. Both of these varieties grow in USDA zones 8 through 10 and perform well in full sun or partial shade.

Ice Plant

• Ice plants (Delosperma spp.) typically grow to a maximum height of between 2 and 6 inches. These plants have large spreads, effectively making a carpet out of the succulent-like, evergreen foliage and showy flowers. While ice plants in the genus Carpobrotus can become invasive, Delosperma species are non-invasive. Fire Spinner ice plant (Delosperma "P001S") grows in USDA zones 5 through 10 and produces orange, reddish and purple tricolored flowers in spring and early summer. Fire Spinner grows to about 2 inches tall. Mesa Verde ice plant (Delosperma "Kelaidis") grows in USDA zones 4 through 10, with light pink flowers that last from spring until frost. Mesa Verde can grow up to 6 inches tall.

Lily Turf

• Lily turf (Liriope spp.) is sometimes simply called by its scientific name, liriope. Most species shoot up spikelike flowers in varying shades of blue and violet. The foliage resembles thick blades of grass and varies in height up to 1 1/2 feet tall. One of liriope's most advantageous features is that it does well in shade or sun; one of its downfalls is that it won't tolerate any foot traffic. Lily turf grows in USDA zones 4 through 10 and can reach heights of 16 inches. Creeping lily turf (Liriope spicata) grows in USDA zones 5 through 11 and has a somewhat mounding growth habit, reaching up to 12 inches tall. Several cultivars and hybrids of lily turf exist, providing different heights, spreads and flower colors.

Star Creeper

• Star creepers (Pratia spp.) have delicate-looking flowers ranging from white to blue, and most are well-suited to boggy areas that don't drain well. "Little Star" star creeper (Pratia pedunculata "Little Star") grows 1 to 3 feet tall and has a spread of almost 1 1/2 feet. Blue flowers show up in spring and stay throughout summer. This variety is tolerant of heavy foot traffic and is ideal as a pathway plant. Fragrant carpet (Pratia angulata) grows to 1 foot tall with an equal spread. This dense, low-growing plant is covered in fragrant pinkish-white flowers from spring to summer. Both varieties grow in USDA zones 6 through 10.

Stonecrop

• Stonecrop (Sedum spp.) is an ideal groundcover for areas where it will be hard to water or where other plants won't grow. Beloved by many gardeners for its laid-back habits, stonecrop ranges in height and color and has succulent leaves that add texture and interest. Stonecrop will grow in rock gardens or sandy soil. Blue spruce (Sedum reflexum "Blue Spruce") grows in USDA zones 3 through 11 and has a brilliant blue foliage highlighted by yellow flowers in early summer. Miniature stonecrop (Sedum requieni) grows in USDA zones 3 through 10. Truly a miniature, this stonecrop grows about 1 inch tall and is often used between stepping stones or in pathways.