1. Sedum
If you have a large area to cover, we recommend sedum. It belongs to the succulent family and thrives in hot and dry conditions.
It is ideally suited to hardiness zones 3-10.
It adds lots of color to a garden; Rich green of the thick leaves and pink shades from the tiny flowers.
Too much moisture collecting at the roots of sedum plants results in their death; this makes them ideal for sand and sandy soil conditions.
2. Lamb's ears – Stachys byzantina
Lamb's ears might look, and feel, soft and delicate, but they are very hardy and capable of growing in desert and high heat conditions.
They are fast growers and form compact mounds up to 8" tall; when flowering, they might reach 18".
Their silver-green leaves might scorch if they don't receive some water, so sand is a good growing medium. Water drains through quickly, allowing the plant just enough time to get the small amount it needs.
3. Lance Leaf Coreopsis – Coreopsis lanceolata
It flourishes whether planted in heavy clay or pure sand and enjoys full sun.
Lance leaf is one species of coreopsis that grows in virtually any conditions and mediums.
It is an evergreen perennial to cover large areas; it might become invasive if left unmanaged.
The flowers are stunning, a single, bright yellow daisy-like head on stalks that grow 2-3-feet tall.
4. Purple coneflower – Echinacea purpurea
Another attractive plant that adds color and interest to a flower bed, the purple coneflower thrives in full sun.
It spreads well and flowers in spring, each head containing a central gathering of small orange, yellow, or brown florets. Long lavender petals droop around each mound, just bright enough to attract bees and butterflies.
They are a native of mid-western and southeastern United States and grow best in hardiness range 7-10 where the sand is well-drained.
5. Euphorbia Obesa
There are more than 2000 species of euphorbia, each one different from the last. The obesa, so-called due to its rounded, plump appearance, is just one of the types that thrive in the sand or poor quality soil.
Often seen planted among the rocks in sandy gardens, the obesa survives in USDA hardiness zones 10a through 11b.
The ball-shaped plant is greyish-green and has numerous reddish hoops around its perimeter. It flowers during summer; small yellow heads appear on short stalks at the top of the plant. As it matures, it grows into an 8" cylinder.
The obesa adores hot sunshine and survives drought; it is an ideal plant for sandy planting.
6. Lavender
Lavender is native to the dry, rocky hills of the Mediterranean, meaning it enjoys warm, sandy positioning.
The stunning array of purple flowers make attractive borders when planted in long rows, inviting bees and butterflies.
Lavender needs irrigation until the roots establish, then it thrives on neglect. It suits raised beds as the air circulates well and moisture simply drains.
7. Rosemary
Similar to lavender, rosemary is a herb that doesn't need water once the roots have been established. Unlike many other plants, it doesn't fully bloom until late winter, providing your garden with year-round color and aroma.
Lockwood de Forest and Irene are two rosemary species' that provide large scale ground cover in sandy planting conditions.
8. Giant Alium
These plants are a member of the onion family and, as such, prosper well in sandy conditions with very little care.
Each tall stalk reaches 3-4' high, topped by a bright purple pom-pom style flower.
Their long roots anchor into the sand, allowing them to bloom year after year.
9. Cacti
Most of us picture cacti when we think of plants that grow in sand. They require excellent drainage and plenty of aeration, so sand is the ideal medium for growing cactus.
There are hundreds of types of cactus plants that vary in size, shape, and color.
Cacti are one of the lowest maintenance plants available. They love full sun but survive low temperatures.
