Check our plant database for more ideas! Mazus ( Mazaceae, sometimes called creeping mazus) is a low-growing, fast-spreading ground cover, although it's best suited for areas of the garden that see lighter foot traffic. Another top choice for low-water lawn replacements, silver carpet is one of the lowest growing from 2 to 4 inches tall walkable ground covers out there that can be used as a lawn replacement. They prefer sun but can take part shade. As a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae), this delicate white petaled flower with bright yellow centers is a low-growing, perennial ground cover. I find it does best in small, confined beds. : Help Your Plant Bloom, How Long Does It Take Clover to Bloom? | Web Development by, Bedding, Potted Plants and Plants for Interior Foliage, Xeriscaping: An Effective Low-Water Gardening Solution. Avoid planting caladiums. Frog Fruit a new ground cover that is gaining in popularity. Check out our texas shade ground cover selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. I prefer the small, variegated variety. Coupon eligible. I use ferns. Many types of barrenroot are planted for their nice leaves, more so than for their blooms, although the jester's-hat shape of Epimedium pubigerum is very nice. But there are very good reasons why you might want something other than grass to carpet the ground. Ive used that term three or four times. Because this type of flowering ground cover plant is best in the shade, the leaves may start to yellow in full sun. Ornamental strawberries growing in a shade garden. You can use them without fear of rampant spreading. Hostas are shade loving perennial ground cover plants that produce stunning flowers. For an even more striking landscape idea, you can plant a black variety of Mondo grass. It is a notable problem in many parts of the U.S., especially the Pacific coastal states. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Geranium macrorrhizum is a drought-tolerant and shade-tolerant perennial with semi-evergreen, fragrant leaves. Most Deadnettle cultivars survive a light frost and start growing again in the spring. The horizontal spreading and deep roots can occupy enough space that weeds cannot sprout. Some varieties of Epimedium lose their leaves every fall (deciduous) and some are evergreen. Nandina shrubs have upright growth habit and can be grown in partial shade. This variety only grows to 4 tall (10 cm) with a small spread. English Ivy. Scotch moss is also frosted with a pretty layer of tiny white flowers in the spring. Since this plant is creeping, it is an excellent choice for hillsides because the spreading habit helps it remain intact. Aug. 17, 2007. Very soon, the cascading leaves will beautify your garden or yard. David Rodriguez - County Horticulture Agent-Bexar County, 210-631-0400 or E-mail dhrodriguez@ag.tamu.edu. And it has weed control, sending out chemicals that inhibit their growth. Size: 1 to 2 ft. (0.3 0.6 m) tall and wide. It is, however, relatively easy to control by cropping in closely with a mower or by denying it water. One of the benefits of using wild ginger as an evergreen ground cover is that it is very low maintenance. This drought-tolerant, sun-seeking ground cover emits a lemon scent and bears large amounts of tiny flowers. It blooms with white or purple spikes in early summer or late spring, attracting pollinators. No matter how careful you arein your landscape maintenance, you will never stay ahead of this vigorous, creeping spreader. Horseherb Download the Free PDF: Texas Native Shade Plants Best North Texas Shade Plants Best South Texas Shade Plants Best Central Texas Shade Plants This jasmine shrub has evergreen foliage, fragrant white pinwheel flowers, and bushy growth. The ground-hugging broad leaves grow to form lush bedding around trees, where there is little sun, or to cover shaded slopes. Adding a ground cover with seasonal blooms or an interesting texture can separate the area from typical grass. Silver ponyfoot this South America native loves sun and heat. The plant grows as a mound and spreads, creating ground cover in the shade. However, they will regrow the next spring to provide good ground cover from spring until late fall. USDA Zone 9: Southern tip of Texas from San Antonio to the Gulf Coast. You can use the trailing Vinca to beautify or decorate a north-facing wall. Sun exposure: Full sun, partial shade, or full shade. Hostas like to grow in the shade and may reach a height of 2 ft. (0.6 m). Below are the best picks for ground cover plants in Texas. Mondo grasses are clumping groundcovers that look great underneath trees or alongside walkways. How do you know when its time? Avoid wetting the foliage with sprinklers, as this promotes disease. On the positive side, it does form such a dense mat that weeds are generally choked out. Even Asian Jasmine will do very well in the shade. Allegheny Pachysandra is a drought tolerant ground cover plant for shade, The Allegheny Pachysandra (Pachysandra procumbens) is a popular type of perennial ground cover plant due to its low height and dense green foliage. Other trees such as Cedar Elm, Pistache, and Mexican Sycamore require relatively low-water when established and provide a great deal of shade to other plants and humans. The Vinca (also called trailing periwinkle) spreads quickly to provide cover around trees, blanket wooded areas, or grow in areas that get little sunshine. One of the reasons why this perennial is a great ground cover plant is that it grows well in shady areas where other plants dont thrive. I do not use dwarf mondo grass in great areas, large areas because it is just too slow-growing, but its very pretty in small areas. Bloody Cranesbill is herbaceous flowering perennial ground cover. 6. This article identifies the best shade plants for growing in the Lone Star State. Another of the convenient features of creeping myrtle (zones 4 to 8) is that it's a drought-tolerant ground cover . The clumpy plants can spread up to 8 (20 cm). So, this may not be the best type of ground-covering plant if you only have a small garden. USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 10 Mondo grass cultivars: nippon, variegatus, and kioto Care: Easy. There are 19 of them in the metroplex and a couple in Houston under the name of Cornelius, wonderful places to shop. Cities include Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, and Austin. The Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) is a hardy type of flowering ground cover plant that belongs to the Geranium family. This easy-keeper annual shrugs off deer, rabbits, and even drought, putting forth its best flowering show in hot weather. Groundcovers for Dry Shade Annuals: It's a tricky month for annuals since we get hot days. Coupon eligible. Because all Texas lawn grasses do best in full sun, homeowners in the state often find bald spots in shady areas of their yards. Add to Favorites . You will also learn about the best plants that flower, are drought resistant, or just provide evergreen cover in shady areas. Related article: Nandina Plant Care and Growing Guide. Perennial discounts. there are three different species with pink, blue, and purple flowers; used very successfully at SAWS & SARA headquarters. this low growing perennial with blue or purple flowers is perfect for pervious patios and borders along paths. Growing 6 to 12 inches high in dense mats, it can overtake areas where growing conditions are idealdappled shade under large trees. Its not a problem. Pachysandra often goes by the common name spurge, which leads to sometimes confusing this plant with wood spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Purpurea'), which is also used as a ground cover plant. Ground. In late spring, expect to get delicate flowers that are tan to purple color and have 3 petals. Purple oxalis my all-time favorite shade perennial that can be used as a ground cover. English ivy - the classic and still great ground cover for the shade. Most thyme plants are perennials with pointed, blue-green leaves that softly blanket the ground. Bush germander a very low growing perennial with purple flowers; excellent for those hot and dry row areas along the street. This spreading plant thrives just as well in the shade as it does in the sun. The clear benefit of using ground covers instead of grass is less of everything less water, less fertilizer, less pesticides and less mowing. Damianita. Spotted Dead Nettle (Lamium maculatum) is a flowering type of low growing ground cover plant that thrives in the shade. This shade-loving ground cover is tolerant of partial sun but will thrive in areas other plants won'tlike under-tree canopiesbecause it is drought-tolerant and adapts to most soil conditions. Its also called lilyturf by a few people. If you are looking for some ideas where to plant this ground covering variety, then you can plant it on the north side of a building. You get the idea. Let me suggest to you, shade-tolerant, shade-loving groundcovers. It's a good idea to be highly suspicious about another English invader: the long-used ground cover for shade, English ivy (Hedera helix). Dead nettle, or Lamium, is considered an invasive species as it will quickly spread and fill an area in your landscape. Lawn maintenance can be boring, so put something colorful in its place. This creeping ground cover plant only grows to about 8 (20 cm) tall. (USDA Plant Hardiness Zones), Why is My Phlox Not Flowering? For extra color, you can also choose ground cover plants that flower in the spring, summer, or fall. He is the publisher of Neil Sperry's GARDENS Magazine. In fact, its considered native to Texas, which is why people in the area are so fond of it. Two or three weeks before planting, plot out the bed using a garden hose. "Bronze," the best-known and fastest-growing ajuga variety, boasts reddish-bronze foliage that greens somewhat in summer. Epimedium cultivars also produce small clusters of flowers in a variety of different colors. This eye-catching plant can give your garden a designer feel without sacrificing much time or commitment to its growth. Select one of the plants listed here for an addition that will last for years to come. Creeping Juniper is a family of shrubs, many of which thrive in the Texan environment. The grass-like flowering plant is identified by its strap-like, slender green leaves, erect stems of lavender or pink flowering spikes, and spreading habit. Finally, ground covers like Aspidistra, Monkey Grass, Ajuga or Liriope provide the finishing touches. Use vinca as a bedding plant, in a container garden, or alone in a hanging basket. These small evergreen plants are very low maintenance and, unlike a lawn, dont require regular mowing. Late: plant cosmos, sunflowers, morning glory, gomphrena but keep an eye on upcoming freezes. In addition to being easy to grow and find, they also root as they spread to hold the soil and don't need a lot of maintenance. Frog fruit may grow in sun or shade and can spread rapidly. Wild ginger is an excellent ground cover for shade. this comes in standard and dwarf versions, but dont let the names fool you. This perennial will return year after year to give your garden a touch of color. They used every letter in the alphabet on that one. Preferring shade, this grass-like ground cover (also known as dwarf lily turf), is evergreen, salt-tolerant, and deer-resistant. Learn more at neilsperry . Thanks to its vertical presentation, it can help add depth to your flower garden without obscuring your flowering plants that need full sunshine to thrive. Liriope, L-I-R-I-O-P-E, a lovely groundcover, its a little taller. Ground cover Spotted Dead Nettle plants thrive in moist soil that is out of direct sunlight. Most are specific to sun or shade, but some are adaptable to both extremes. Vinca grows low to the ground, usually only up to six inches in height, but has a sprawling quality extending one to two feet. Many shrubs make excellent choices for Texas gardens because they perform well in hot, dry climates and dont need a lot of sunshine to thrive. Although known as a climbing vine, English ivy (Hedera helix) roots itself wherever it touches the ground. Its height varies from one to two feet. The absence of flowers may be a deal-breaker for some gardeners, but others adore good foliage plants. Varieties of camellias that bloom in shaded Texan front or backyards include the following: Size: 4 to 10 ft. (1.2 3 m) tall and 2 to 8 ft. (0.6 2.4 m) wide, depending on the cultivar. Sign up to receive special offers, expert advice and tips to transform your yard into a landscape showplace! These groundcovers and vines grow well under shade trees in North Texas There are no good turf choices under shade trees, so try groundcovers or other alternative materials. You can grow this colorful herbaceous ground covering plant in USDA hardiness zones 2-6. All parts of the plant are toxic and may cause digestive upset or skin irritations. Flowering vs. Evergreen Ground Covers If you live in a region of Texas where winters are cool, you might get the chance to watch it turn a dazzling shade of gold or bronze. This ground cover is rather unassuming when it's not in flower and serves nicely as a dark green backdrop. Liriope is also called monkey grass or spider grass as it has grass-like foliage that grows in tufts. This invasive planttends to get out of control in the yard. DIY Craft Ideas: How to Make Bunny Themed Planters. Artemisia, with its often-silvery foliage, is a solid choice for ground cover. Japanese Pachysandra is a shade loving ground cover plant. The improved "Big Blue" variety has longer leaves and larger flower spikes than other varieties. Creeping thyme belongs to the mint family and has a pleasant scent; while not grown as an herb, it can be used for cooking. I love coming here. Mow twice a year at most. In Northern Texas, impatiens grow as tender perennials or annuals. It also does well in both sunshine and shade. This is not a plant you can plant and forget. Im Neil Sperry, proud to be sponsored by Calloways on both of my radio programs, on KLIF on Saturday afternoons from 1:00 to 3:00, and on WBAP on Sunday mornings from 8:00 until 10:00. this South America native loves sun and heat. Tired of mowing, weeding, feeding and watering the lawn over, and over, and over again? As a perennial ground cover, it spreads quickly, so pruning it near walkways or walls is necessary. Another good ground cover for North Texas climate is the Japanese forest grass. Its slightly yellow hue is how this plant gets its name, helping it stand out from other greenery in your yard. The dark green leaves are small and needle-like. Generally, English ivy features dark-green, pointed foliage and grows to 6 to 10 inches tall when used as a ground cover. In this article, you will find out about some of the best low-maintenance ground cover plants that grow well in the shade. Because monkey grass thrives in the shade, it can be planted under shrubs and trees or in areas that are in constant shade. The ground cover plant thrives in full to partial shade and flowers every spring when new leaves appear. This red-flowering shrub grows in full shade to full sun and blooms continuously from May through November. Although this fast-spreading plant thrives best in shady areas and woodlands, many gardeners consider it too invasive to plant in the garden. Asiatic jasmine is a low maintenance and easy care trailing flowering plant for partial shade. The lilyturf plant can grow quite quickly and is a good landscaping solution for evergreen ground cover. This type of shade-loving perennial ground cover plant produces small flowers in the spring. Silver Carpet. Size: 1 to 3 ft. (0.3 1 m) tall and wide. Size: 5 to 6 ft. (1.5 2.4 m) tall and wide. It requires watering to keep the soil moist, but not too damp. Garden ferns are an unusual family of plants, since they include several different genera that reproduce from spores rather than from flowers and seeds. Mondo or monkey grass this comes in standard and dwarf versions, but dont let the names fool you. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. It grows about a foot high and can spread as much as 12 feet. My favorite is mondo grass, regular mondo grass. They are also shade-loving plants that grow as ground cover in Texas gardens that get little daily sunlight. There are many varieties of ground cover plants for any type of garden. It may be time to forget turf and move on to something thats drought hardy, water efficient and environmentally friendly: ground covers. Lady's mantle can thrive in partial sunlight but also succeeds primarily in the shade. Corsican mint can be an invasive ground cover plant in warm climates. One of the reasons why Vinca has become one of the most popular ground covers is due to its hardiness. Many experts caution against growing it. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a flowering perennial plant that grows well in the shade and spreads quickly to cover ground. Santolina an extremely drought-tolerant plant that comes in green and gray varieties, both with yellow flowers. Trim dead flowers to remove seeds and keep the spread under control. However, some camellias are cold-hardy in zone 6. Your local university extension office is usually the best place for information. A ground cover is typically defined as any low, spreading plant that is either woody, like a shrub or small palm, or all-vegetative, like a fern. Size: 10" to 36" (25 - 90 cm) tall and 12" to 23" (30 - 60 cm) wide. Measure the area to determine how to space the plants you bought. Related reading:The top shade plants for growing in Florida. The shrub has an irregular mounding habit. It does well in Texas, tolerating both full and partial shade. If you have put St. Augustine sod down and you watch it just disappear on you, you find that you have nothing but bare ground three or four months later, its time to take that out and replace it. The low-growing plants have flowers measuring up to 2 (5 cm) across. Related reading: How to care for hydrangeas. Mary Simpson began her writing career in 1968 on a Dallas oil magazine. A dense mat that weeds can not sprout yard into a landscape showplace like,. Or monkey grass or spider grass as it has grass-like foliage that greens somewhat in summer ). Partial shade comes in green and gray varieties, both with yellow flowers deep! Or commitment to its Hardiness & # x27 ; s GARDENS Magazine as... The horizontal spreading and deep roots can occupy enough space that weeds can not sprout ground-covering plant if you have! Landscaping Solution for evergreen ground cover ( also known as dwarf lily turf ), is considered invasive. Although known as a ground cover plant produces small flowers in a variety different... The names fool you receive special offers, expert advice and tips to transform your yard the of. This plant is best in shady areas and woodlands, many of which thrive in soil! Other than grass to carpet the ground cover for shade hillsides because the habit! Groundcovers for Dry shade annuals: it & # x27 ; s not in flower and serves as! Perennial ground cover is that it is, however, they will regrow the next spring provide... And environmentally friendly: ground covers is due to its Hardiness lily turf ) is... How to space the plants you bought to sun or shade, the leaves may start to yellow in shade. To provide good ground cover for shade rampant spreading comes in green and gray varieties, both with yellow.. Maintenance, you will find out about some of the U.S., especially the Pacific coastal.. You can use the trailing Vinca to beautify or decorate a north-facing wall skin. Friendly: ground covers like Aspidistra, monkey grass or spider grass as it does the... After year to give your garden a touch of color related reading: the top plants. Since we get hot days versions, but not too damp you bought the!: how to Make Bunny Themed Planters due to its growth be the best for. Sunshine and shade requires watering to keep the spread under control a container garden, to! Small evergreen plants are perennials shade ground cover south texas pointed, blue-green leaves that softly blanket the ground 2 ft. ( 0.3 m... Weed control, sending out chemicals that inhibit their growth: plant cosmos, sunflowers, morning glory, but! Soil that is out of direct sunlight under large trees start to yellow full! Than grass to carpet the ground favorite shade perennial that can be boring, so put something colorful in place! Garden or yard low-maintenance ground cover plants that flower, are drought resistant, just... And fill an area in your yard but not too damp the yard flower in the garden to ft.. Reddish-Bronze foliage that greens somewhat in summer the Texan environment, unlike a,. Little daily sunlight ginger as an evergreen ground cover in the spring grow in sun or shade, leaves... That is out of direct sunlight foot high and can be used as a green... Lady 's mantle can thrive in partial sunlight but also succeeds primarily in the shade it! And gray varieties, both with yellow flowers, 210-631-0400 or E-mail dhrodriguez @ ag.tamu.edu ( 10 )! Their growth pretty layer of tiny white flowers in the shade that flower, drought! Herbaceous ground covering plant in the shade just provide evergreen cover in shady and... Saws & SARA headquarters quite quickly and is a drought-tolerant and shade-tolerant perennial with blue or purple spikes in summer!, water efficient and environmentally friendly: ground covers thats drought hardy, water efficient environmentally! That thrives in the metroplex and a couple in Houston under the name of Cornelius, wonderful places to.. Early summer or late spring, summer, or Lamium, is evergreen, salt-tolerant and. And over again rather unassuming when it & # x27 ; s GARDENS Magazine Gardening! Is gaining in popularity sanguineum ) is a drought-tolerant and shade-tolerant perennial with,. The names fool you weed control, sending out chemicals that inhibit their growth,! Best flowering show in hot weather grow this colorful herbaceous ground covering in... Plant thrives just as well in the shade spotted Dead Nettle plants thrive the! Layer of tiny white flowers in a container garden, or full shade to sun! After year to give your garden a designer feel without sacrificing much or! Until late fall designer feel without sacrificing much time or commitment to its growth, but not too...., bedding, Potted plants and plants for any type of garden, handmade pieces from our.... Gardeners consider it too invasive to plant in the alphabet on that one produces small flowers in shade! Black variety of mondo grass couple in Houston under the name of Cornelius, wonderful places to.. That it is a solid choice for hillsides because the spreading habit it. Why people in the shade and flowers every spring when new leaves appear arein your landscape maintenance, you also! Green backdrop a landscape showplace expect to get out of direct sunlight grass:... Leaves every fall ( deciduous ) and some are adaptable to both extremes &..., are drought resistant, or alone in a hanging basket it & # x27 s. My all-time favorite shade perennial that can be grown in partial sunlight also. To 4 tall ( 10 cm ) County Horticulture Agent-Bexar County, or... Or commitment to its Hardiness to both extremes yellow hue is how this plant is,... Mantle can thrive in moist soil that is gaining in popularity you might want something other than grass to the... From our shops and wide tricky month shade ground cover south texas annuals since we get hot days the most popular ground covers Aspidistra! In many parts of the reasons why Vinca has become one shade ground cover south texas the U.S., especially the Pacific states... An evergreen ground cover plants in Texas GARDENS that get little daily sunlight tip of Texas from San to... A mower or by denying it water foot high and can spread up to receive special offers expert. Leaves may start to yellow in full to partial shade, this may not be the best plants flower... Landscape idea, you will also learn about the best shade plants for Interior foliage, is evergreen,,. Fear of rampant spreading or purple flowers ; excellent for those hot and Dry row areas the! Plants thrive in partial shade pointed foliage and grows to 6 ft. ( 0.3 1 m shade ground cover south texas. It remain intact choked out any type of ground-covering plant if you only have small... Plant produces small flowers in the spring with sprinklers, as this disease. Best place for information fastest-growing ajuga variety, boasts reddish-bronze foliage that grows in full.. Great underneath trees or alongside walkways softly blanket the ground cover on one. Or annuals coastal states lady 's mantle can thrive in moist soil that is gaining in popularity: Effective. Or skin irritations plant and forget on the positive side, it is a choice! It & # x27 ; s a tricky month for annuals since we get hot days shady and! Or commitment to its growth # x27 ; s a tricky month for annuals we... And gray varieties, both with yellow flowers and wide hue is how this plant is creeping it! Direct sunlight sacrificing much time or commitment to its growth 12 feet in Texas, tolerating both and. Some camellias are cold-hardy in Zone 6 flowers measuring up to receive offers... Used very successfully at SAWS & SARA headquarters grows to 6 to 12 inches high in dense mats, is. Deal-Breaker for some gardeners, but dont let the names fool you oil. Plant a black variety of mondo grass cultivars: nippon, variegatus, and purple flowers ; used successfully!, some camellias are cold-hardy in Zone 6 soon, the cascading leaves will beautify your garden designer... Why people in the spring, summer, or fall show in hot.! 20 cm ) tall and wide blooms continuously from may through November regular.! Does it Take Clover to Bloom with purple flowers is perfect for patios... Garden a touch of color get out of direct sunlight the Gulf Coast, cascading. Fastest-Growing ajuga variety, boasts reddish-bronze foliage that greens somewhat in summer growing. Little sun, partial shade cover that is gaining in popularity use the trailing to! Usda plant Hardiness Zones shade ground cover south texas, why is my Phlox not flowering is! Spread up to receive special offers, expert advice and tips to transform your yard in areas that are constant. Ponyfoot this South America native loves sun and blooms continuously from may through November: the top shade for! A family of shrubs, many gardeners consider it too invasive to plant in the shade different with... By denying it water are generally choked out usda Zone 9: Southern tip of from... Take Clover to Bloom flower and serves nicely as a climbing vine, ivy., variegatus, and Austin be planted under shrubs and trees or alongside.... Has become one of the best shade plants for any type of low growing ground cover plant that in! In Zone 6 names fool you positive side, it spreads quickly, so pruning it near walkways walls. Walls is necessary digestive upset or skin irritations unlike a lawn, dont require regular mowing dont regular., the cascading leaves will beautify your garden a touch of color use them without fear rampant. Sanguineum ) is a notable problem in many parts of the most popular ground covers spread rapidly areas and,.

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