Groundcovers for South Florida
Groundcovers for South Florida
South Florida has a climate which is the most tropical of any found in the continental United States. Landscape architects need to understand the climate and the types of plants that succeed in this special place. Many plants commonly grown in more northern climates fail to grow here. If you are a landscape architect candidate who is preparing to take the Florida Landscape Architect Registration Exam, you should be familiar with the plant material of South Florida.
If you are looking for groundcover options for other parts of the state, please refer to the following lists:
Groundcovers
Anthericum saundersiae (St. Bernard’s lily)
This plant’s foot-tall clumps produce white lily-like flowers on thin, arching stems. It blooms from late spring into fall; blooms are followed by attractive brown capsular fruits. Its foliage is narrow, linear, and dark-green. It is used best in a mixed garden or in a small mass, but it will work as a specimen, in a large container, or in mixed beds. Grow in wet soil if in full sun, or average soil if in the shade. Needs well-drained soil. Prefers pH 5.8 to 6.2 and moderate feed. Requires consistent amounts of moisture for best performance. For more information, please see this article from Fine Gardening.
Arachis glabrata (perennial peanut)
Perennial peanut has recently shown promise as an ornamental groundcover due to its high resistance to drought, nematodes, and pathogens and its minimal fertilizer needs. This translates into savings in water, energy, dollars, and reduced impacts to the environment. It is not only beneficial to the environment since it requires no supplemental nitrogen or phosphorus fertilization or pest control, but it also is aesthetically pleasing, can be walked on, and has edible, peanut flavored flowers.
Due to rapid urbanization, water has become a precious commodity in Florida. Water management districts are encouraging the implementation of year-round water restrictions and the use of drought tolerant plants, of which perennial peanut is a good candidate. Perennial peanut has potential landscape uses as a groundcover in home landscapes, road medians, driveways and parking lot islands, golf courses, along berms, septic tank mounds, and canal banks. Perennial peanut can also be used as a buffer to waterways prone to runoff high in nitrogen and phosphorus.
Rhizome perennial peanut has several potential advantages in the managed landscape. Perennial peanut is best suited to south Florida conditions where winter frosts are infrequent. Perennial peanut has been successful in north and central Florida conditions where annual frosts occur, damaging above-ground foliage. Peanut is adapted to the droughty, infertile sands of Florida. The peanut legume, in association with Rhizobium, fixes atmospheric N. This means that it requires no applied external nitrogen source. Phosphorus applications may be unnecessary in Florida sands rich in the mineral. Read more about perennial peanut here.
Aspidistra elatior (cast iron plant, barroom plant)
Growing in large, leafy clumps, cast iron plant is unsurpassable for dependable, dark green foliage in very lowlight conditions. The glossy, coarse-textured leaves provide an excellent background for low flowering annuals or make effective mass plantings when allowed to spread by underground stems into a groundcover. It also makes a nice facer plant in front of a shrub border.
Cast iron plant is tolerant of a wide range of soils, from very rich to very poor. The variegated version of this plant needs fairly poor soil to retain its coloration. While tolerant of low moisture conditions, cast iron plant should be watered during periods of drought. Plant on 12 to 18-inch centers for quick ground cover effect.
Growing as far north as Raleigh, North Carolina, cast iron plant should be sheltered from winter winds. In exposed locations, the leaves are very susceptible to winter burn, perhaps from the inadequate moisture conditions during the colder months. If desired, all the old foliage may be removed in spring to provide fresh growth each year.
The cultivar ‘Variegata’ has leaves alternately striped green and white in varied widths. Plants will tend to lose these stripes if planted in rich soil. Read more about cast iron plant.
Caladium x hortulanum (caladium)
The distinctive arrow-shaped foliage of caladium is available in a large array of color combinations and heights, allowing a profusion of landscape applications. Most effective when massed together, caladium displays a neat growth habit and a multitude of beautiful leaves emanating from a single tuber. This plant draws attention when mass planted as a groundcover or edging. It also looks great planted in a container in a shady spot.
Growing best in partial shade, caladium is tolerant of full sun conditions when provided with rich soil and sufficient moisture. Tubers should be set 3- to 5-inches-deep in loose soil. Plant on 8- to 12-inch-centers for a thick ground cover effect. Mass plant in the front of a shrub border to accent an area. It grows nicely in the shade of existing trees.
Except in USDA hardiness zones 8b through 11, caladium tubers need to be dug and stored each year before frost. Even in locations where caladiums may be left in the ground, the tubers seem to perform better when dug and protected from wet winter soils. Water should be gradually withheld as the leaves naturally start to yellow in fall, then the tubers dug, cleaned of soil, and left to dry in semishade for about 10 days. The tubers should be dusted with an insecticide-fungicide prior to being stored in dry peat moss or vermiculite at temperatures between 50°F to 60°F. This helps prevent rot.
A few of the many popular caladium cultivars available include: ‘Frieda Hemple’, lush solid red leaves with a green border, 18 inches tall; ‘Carolyn Wharton’, large bright pink leaves with rose veins flecked with green, 24 inches tall; ‘White Christmas’, white leaves with green veins, 24 inches tall; and ‘Little Miss Muffet’, compact growth, lime green leaves dotted red, 8 inches tall. Refer to this article for more information.
Carissa macrocarpa (natal plum)
Dwarf natal plum is an evergreen ground cover that is known for its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruits. This dense, spreading plant will reach a height of only 12 to 18 inches. The natal plum has small, leathery, ovoid leaves that are dark green in color accompanied by sharp, bifurcate (forked) spines about 1 ½ inches long. White, star-shaped flowers that are 2 inches wide appear throughout the plant in the spring. The fragrant flowers are solitary and have overlapping petals. Bright red fruits are about 2 inches long and ripen throughout the year. They are plum-shaped berries occasionally used for jellies and preserves. Twigs bleed a milky sap when they are injured.
The natal plum is very effective as a hedge or foundation plant, but this species is small, hugging the ground. This habit makes it well suited for planting as a ground cover where an established stand with its dense canopy will prevent weed growth. This natal plum is very effective beneath or in front of tall shrubs or small trees to help set them off in the landscape. Dwarf natal plum is superb for coastal landscapes and will grow up to the first dune.
Grow this plant in full sun to light shade on a well-drained sandy soil. Roots can rot if soil is poorly drained. It is highly drought and salt tolerant, requiring no irrigation once established. Read more about natal plum here.
Catharanthus roseus (periwinkle, Madagascar periwinkle, vinca)
Madagascar periwinkle grows 7- to 24-inches-high and wide, forming a mound of colorful flowers in white, pink, or rosy-purple on brittle stems. Cultivars are available with carpet-like or upright habits. Flowering is prolific throughout the warm months, although plants may establish poorly in very hot weather. The plant tolerates heat and flowers in the hottest weather, probably better than most other flowering ground covers. Spaced 12- to 20-inches-apart, plants will form a solid mass of mounded foliage and flowers 6- to 8-weeks after sowing seed, provided they are fertilized, watered lightly (or not at all), and planted in full sun.
Periwinkle will cascade over a wall or container and makes a nice hanging basket. Derivatives from periwinkle are used in a variety of medicines and treatments for human ailments including leukemia and hodgkins disease. Plants seed themselves into the landscape.
The plant requires full sun and has a long growing period. Periwinkle likes to be kept on the dry side and the roots will rot if irrigated too frequently. It is best not to irrigate periwinkle more than two or three times after it is planted. Once summer rains begin, plants often succumb to root rot diseases from too much water. A bed of periwinkle looks great until this time, but it should usually be considered a short lived annual. A three month period of color without disease is considered very good. Once plants are removed, plant with another annual to finish the season. Some horticulturists have success growing periwinkle on a raised bed comprised of sand or other very well-drained soil. Find out more about Madagascar periwinkle in this article.
Cyrtomium falcatum (holly fern)
Holly fern has spreading, glossy, dark green fronds grow from 8 to 24 inches long. This fern has holly-like pinnae and sori scattered over the underside of the pinnae. in the wild, it is usually found in moist, rocky areas or woodland in central and eastern Asia. Although holly fern is usually evergreen fern, it will go deciduous in the coldest of winters in the northern part of the state. Its distinctive fronds liven up a shady border or a rock garden. Holly fern should be grown in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Supplemental irrigation may be required during dry spells. Read more at Fine Gardening.
Dyschoriste oblongifolia (twin flower)
Dyschoriste oblongifolia is a rounded plant that attains a height of 6 to 12 inches. It is commonly used in the landscape as a ground cover and has pretty flowers that are quite striking when closely observed. Twinflower, as the name implies, has paired lavender flowers that occur throughout the year; the heaviest bloom is in May. These plants have a relatively open habit and should be closely spaced in order to cover an area effectively. The twinflower will grow well on acidic, well-drained, sandy soils and prefers a sunny or partially shaded location in the landscape. This ground cover is native to pineland areas in the southeastern United States and will tolerate considerable drought. Read more about twin flower here.
Evolvulus glomeratus spp. grandiflorus (blue daze)
Evolvulus, or blue daze, is an evergreen subshrub that grows in a low, spreading mound, up to 2-3 ft in diameter, but no more than 1 ft tall. The stems become woody as they age. Leaves and stems are densely downy, covered with a light gray fuzz. Use your tongue to feel the felt-like texture. The egg shaped leaves are about a 0.5 in wide and 1 in long. The funnel shaped flowers are born individually in leaf axils near the stem tips. They are about 1 in across, with five pale lavender or powder blue petals and white throats. Evolvulus blooms profusely and almost continuously, but each flower lasts only a day, opening in the morning and closing by afternoon. The cultivar, ‘Blue Daze’ is widely available.
Evolvulus does best in full sun, but can tolerate a little shade, especially at midday. This species needs a well drained soil, but also frequent watering. It cannot tolerate wet soils which cause fungal problems and lead to an early death. Evolvulus needs very little water in winter. Hardy in USDA Zones 8 – 11. This is one plant that likes it hot! In areas that get frost, grow blue daze as an annual or in a container that can be brought inside. Some specimens of blue daze may survive light frosts, especially if they have been mulched.
Outdoors, grow blue daze in a sandy, well drained soil. Mulch to prevent competition from weeds. The feltlike gray-green foliage and pale blue flowers make blue daze a standout in beds and borders or as a ground cover. It’s especially attractive grown in masses along with yellow or pink flowering plants. It is highly tolerant of salt, and makes a fine ornamental for the coastal garden. Read more about this plant here.
Hedera canariensis (Algerian ivy, Canary ivy)
Algerian ivy (also known as Canary Island ivy and North African ivy) is a clinging vine closely related to English ivy (Hedera helix) , Algerian ivy has distinctive red leaf stems and large, luxuriant, alternate leaves with 5 to 7 lobes. Its beautiful thick, leathery foliage seems a little shinier than English ivy, and growth is faster.
Algerian ivy is most commonly used as a ground cover in warm climates, where the lush leaves steal the show underneath trees or growing up their trunks. Old vines can become quite woody. When making a choice between Algerian and English ivy in zones 9 or 10, bear in mind the Algerian type grows more rapidly and becomes established a good bit faster. Algerian ivy can be used to good effect as a house plant, too.
Algerian ivy is quite salt tolerant and like other ivies, adaptable to most soil types. It flourishes best in rich, moist soil, and is not fussy about pH. Plant Algerian ivy in part sun to shade. It likes an average to moist soil and thrives in USDA Zones 6 – 10. Algerian ivy is subject to damage at temperatures much below 15°F. The variegated forms are generally less hardy than the solid green cultivars. New ivy plants are best started in mid to late spring after active growth has begun. Like English ivy, Algerian ivy is available in many different cultivars with variegated foliage and different leaf shapes. Read more about Algerian ivy here.
Lantana montevidensis (trailing lantana)
Lantana montevidensis is native to tropical South America. It is becoming a popular groundcover and landscape item in frostfree area and as a warm season annual elsewhere.
Not as well know as its more popular (and more notorious) common lantana (Lantana camara), the weeping lantana is a low woody shrub growing to only 18-24 inches high. Its vinelike stems can sprawl to 5 feet or longer to form wide-ranging clumps. This tender tropical evergreen has dark green leaves with a rough hairy texture. They are about 1 inch long and have an unpleasant odor when crushed. Weeping lantana is a continuous bloomer in frostfree areas producing quantities of small lilac flowers that are arranged in flowerhead clusters that are 1 inch across.
Weeping lantana is perfect to use for colorful low maintenance groundcover. In frostfree areas it blooms continually. In areas where it is root hardy the weeping lantana begins blooming in mid to late summer up until heavy frost puts an end to the display. This is an excellent plant for containers and planters where its stems will cascade gracefully to indeterminate lengths. Both lantanas tolerate salty conditions and can be used in seaside plantings.
Weeping lantana is fast growing and easy to propagate, establish and maintain. The flowers are very attractive to butterflies and it is tolerant of hot and droughty conditions. The weeping lantana does not seem to naturalize as readily and isn’t as invasive as its cousin, common lantana. Read more about trailing lantana here.
Ophiopogon japonicus and cvs. (mondo grass, dwarf lilyturf, dwarf liriope)
Mondo grass is an evergreen perennial that is actually a member of the lily family despite its appearance and common name. Depending on variety, the slender leaves grow from 2-12 inches long. They are rigid and curve back toward the ground (“recurve”) and resemble blades of turf grass. Leaves emerge in clumps from a network of rhizomes that grow just below the soil surface. With age the clumps will merge to form a soft dense carpet of foliage. In summer small light purple flowers are produced but are of little interest as they are hidden in the dense foliage as are the small blue-black berries that follow. Mondo grass resembles another “grassy” member of the lily family called liriope (Liriope muscari) which is also used for groundcover and borders. However, its flower stalks mondo grass are hidden within the mass of foliage, rather than above as in liriope. Blades are discernibly thinner than liriope, only about 1/8 inches wide.
There are several dwarf cultivars of mondo grass available. With shorter leaves and more compact mounds and mats they are somewhat more formal than the casual species with its wind tossed foliage. ‘Compactus’ is the most compact with leaves that grow only to about 2 inches long to form very low dense mats that I think resemble a fuzzy moss. ‘Kyoto Dwarf’ grows 2-4 inches. There is also a variegated cultivar sometimes offered in the trade.
Mondo grass likes fertile, well drained soil, but adapts well to most sites. The standard size spreads fast, and may need active measures to control invasiveness. The dwarf varieties tend to be much slower growing.
Plant in shade to partial sun; the foliage bleaches in full sun. Water when soil is dry; it is considered to be somewhat drought tolerant but may need some supplemental irrigation in high visibility areas. Mondo grass is adapted to USDA Zones 7 – 11.
Mondo grass is very useful as a ground cover for shady areas, and the dense mat of roots holds the ground exceedingly well where runoff is a problem. It is widely used as a border around beds, but can make a nuisance of itself by growing into the bed and out into the lawn as well where the ground is soft so use of a hard edging material is recommended. Good for edging walkways and defining beds; tall varieties may be used as foundation plantings. Mondo grass is quite pleasing to the senses as it ripples in the wind. Dwarf varieties are excellent as a groundcover around shady pools or garden statues, where height will not compete with the feature, and dark green will contrast better than a bright green grass, and will require no mowing. May also be used as an evergreen in planters, either alone or mixed with seasonal annuals for color.
Mondo grass’s rich dark green, finely textured evergreen foliage provides a handsome backdrop for more colorful plants. It is virtually pest and care free making it a great choice for low maintenance plantings. There are a couple other species of Ophiopogon that are also of interest to gardeners. Ophiopogon planiscapus is similar in form but is available in varieties with almost black foliage. Ophiopogon jaburan has wider leaves and is available in several varieties as well, the most popular being a variegated form. Read more about mondo grass here.
Rumohra adiantiformis (leatherleaf fern)
This evergreen fern has triangular-shaped, dark glossy green, medium-textured leaflets arising from a central clump. The bold, heavy, leathery fronds, sometimes three feet high, are of unsurpassed keeping quality when cut and are much prized for use in floral arrangements. Plants spread by means of a rusty-red, aboveground stolon and eventually form dense mats of lacy foliage, making Leatherleaf Fern ideal for groundcover use in shaded locations. Hardy to about 25-degrees F., Leatherleaf Fern grows well in shifting to deep shade. Plant on 18 to 24-inch centers. Preferring leafy mold, though tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, Leatherleaf Fern requires only a moderate amount of water but plants should be irrigated during periods of drought. Leatherleaf Fern can be fertilized during the growing season to maintain its dark green appearance. Read more about leatherleaf fern in this pamphlet.
Scaevola plumieri (inkberry)
Inkberry is a 2- to 3-foot-tall shrub with succulent stems that spread to form dense clumps (Fig. 1). Stems root as they touch the ground. The foliage is clustered toward the tips of the branches and is thick, fleshy, and a glossy, medium green color. The flowers are 3/4 to 1 inch in length, five- to six-lobed, and found in small clusters among the foliage. They are barely noticeable. The lobes of the flowers are split vertically and spread out like a fan to suggest a half flower instead of a whole flower. The fruits are black, glossy, smooth, and fairly prominent among the foliage. They are bitter to taste but are harmless if only one is eaten.
Inkberry can be used as a seaside ornamental, specimen, or ground cover. They grow nearly to the high tide mark on the ocean side of the dunes among the sea oats and other highly salt tolerant plants. They are most effective when massed together as a low ground cover or low shrub. They catch sand and help stabilize the dunes.
Inkberry is not harmed by salt spray and is found on sand dunes in southern Florida and the Florida Keys. It is drought tolerant and requires full sun. Plantings inland should be located in a well-drained landscape setting. Read more about this plant here.
Trachelospermum asiaticum (small-leaf confederate jasmine, dwarf jasmine, Asiatic jasmine)
Asiatic jasmine’s slender stems form dense tangled mats when grown as ground cover. The smooth stems are reddish brown and exude a milky liquid when broken. The small leathery leaves are glossy deep green and arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. Leaves are about 1-2 inches long and about 0.5 inches in width. The small pinwheel-shaped flowers are white aging to light yellow with with golden yellow star at the center. The plant’s common name is inspired by the beautiful fragrance produced by the flowers that is similar to that of the true jasmine. This species prefers rich, well-drained soil but will succeed in most soils except those that are soggy. It displays good salt tolerance and can be grown near, but not directly on, the beach.
While Asiatic jasmine tolerates deep shade, but prefers moderately shade in Florida. With additional water, it cn grow in full sun. It prefers moist, well drained soil but will tolerate less than ideal situations and can handle short periods of drought once established. This species is adapted to USDA Zones 8 – 10. This vine doesn’t like extended freezes and cold winter winds will desiccate and kill it.
Yellow star jasmine is at its best as a groundcover. It is beloved by commercial landscapers for it’s ability to form dense mats of attractive foliage that suppress weed growth. Often selected for use in difficult to maintain places with harsh environments such as traffic islands and urban plantings where they are often closely sheared (which looks great but prevents the vines from flowering). This vine also does well in containers and is very attractive in hanging baskets. You can find out more about Asiatic jasmine in this article.
Trachelospermum jasminoides (confederate jasmine, star jasmine)
Confederate jasmine is pest-free, easy to maintain, drought resistant and heavenly fragrant, this is probably the south’s favorite flowering vine. During April and May the plant goes two-tone as it flushes light green with new growth. Shortly thereafter the scene transforms again when the delicate 1 inches white pinwheel flowers delicately breathe enchanting fragrances into the spring air.
Confederate jasmine grows as a neat tangle of slender wiry stems that exude white latex when cut. These are covered with thick glossy evergreen leaves that are 2 inches long, oval shaped, and pointed at both ends. The stems will twine and clamber over supports and cling to walls and hard surfaces with great ease and abandon. The common name of Trachelospermum jasminoides honors the wonderful jasmine-like perfume produced by this vine. There is a variegated selection ‘Variegatum’ that has cream-splashed leaves and is a less vigorous grower than the species.
Confederate jasmine is not particular as to soil but prefers well drained situations with some organic matter. Plant in bright sun to part shade. This plant needs average water and can tolerate drought once established. It is adapted to USDA Zones 8 – 10.
Use Confederate jasmine to cover fences and pergolas or to clamber up tree trunks. Use to soften concrete and brick walls and absorb heat in urban landscapes. Works well in containers and urns and the variegated variety is especially nice in hanging baskets. It makes a great indoor or greenhouse specimen. Confederate jasmine make a good groundcover for large areas where it will scramble all over itself and may be sheared to maintain a height of about 2 feet. Read more about this vine here.
Vinca major (periwinkle)
Periwinkle is a fast growing herbaceous perennial groundcover with evergreen foliage and pretty blue flowers. The arching stems of big periwinkle can reach about 12 inches in height, but they soon fall over and spread indefinitely, rooting at the nodes as they cover the ground with shiny dark green foliage. The leaves are in pairs opposite each other along the stems; they are 2-3 inches long and oval or heart shaped. The flowers are borne singly in the leaf axils on ascending stems. They are blue-violet, funnel shaped with five petals and about 2 inches across. Big periwinkle flowers profusely all spring and sporadically throughout the summer. Periwinkle thrives in almost any soil, quickly forming a medium textured evergreen groundcover. Spaced on 18″ centers, big periwinkle should provide completed coverage in one year unless the site is very dry.
Plant in full sun to partial shade. Sunnier positions result in more flowers and shadier positions result in more ground covering foliage. Use the related Vinca minor for mostly shady positions. This species somewhat tolerates dry soils but grows best in rich, moist soils. In full sun or in very loose soils it will need more frequent watering. It is adapted to USDA Zones 7 – 9. Periwinkle is a excellent groundcover which fills in rapidly and vigorously if provided with moist soil. Use periwinkle for erosion control on slopes or as a groundcover in large areas—it grows too fast for small spaces. Periwinkle does great in the dappled shade under a specimen tree. It has a somewhat loose and open habit and is not quite as competitive against weeds as some groundcovers such as liriope or creeping juniper.
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