Oh, I just took pictures of the various "live" ground covers in my garden. I often put some rocks in the area to allow water sheeting, and I would put a ring around the roses with bricks or rocks so the water does not go everywhere. So there are lots of small short plants that can be put around roses (not at the very base though, just "around" which will start to create a little "oasis" in the desert. I did not take a picture of them but try dwarf Iris as a ground cover, though it takes some years to come in. Here are pictures of other things I use: And also a picture of the area-- this is the same soil, same zone, same heat (and you guys actually get more rain then we do!). Most are succulents because when I chose a plant I find that either succulents or "gray" colored plants are more suited for heat, and low water. near-Xerotic conditions.
These are just ideas, there are 100s more to use. The idea is that they grow and keep moisture in the ground. But they also do not get tall, so cutting and trimming is unnecessary. You can actually use these plants for low-maintenance yards if you have enough of them.
A larger creeping sedum that will turn bright red
Sedum blue spruce (dusty blue color)
Lambs ears (the gray plant)
Sedum Angelina (bright yellow green)
Tiny matting creeping sedum (purple carpet)
Ice Plant. Cute, short, South African so it can take the heat.
