Best Ground Covers to Grow in California

Zone 9 gardeners hit the ground cover jackpot with nearly 10 months of growing season and mild winters that rarely dip below 20°F. This extended growing period means you can establish ground covers faster and enjoy longer periods of active growth, but it also brings unique challenges like intense summer heat and humidity that can stress plants not adapted to these conditions. The key to success lies in choosing varieties that can handle both the scorching July afternoons and the occasional winter freeze.

When selecting ground covers for Zone 9, prioritize heat tolerance and drought resistance over cold hardiness. Look for plants that can thrive in temperatures reaching 100°F+ while still providing the coverage and aesthetic appeal you want. Many traditional cool-climate ground covers like Sweet Woodruff and Wild Ginger will struggle in Zone 9's summer intensity, while heat-lovers like Sedum 'Dragon's Blood' and Creeping Thyme will absolutely flourish. The ideal Zone 9 ground cover combines rapid establishment, excellent heat tolerance, and enough cold hardiness to handle those occasional hard freezes in December and January.