Ground Cover Plants
Ground Cover Florida
Since the cost of maintaining a lawn has risen and time or effort needed to keep it in good shape, some homeowners are reducing size by replacing some areas with ground cover. Ground cover plants can sometimes be more practical to cover an area in a landscape than turf grass. Enviroscaping has become a new trend today since ground cover for Florida landscaping can provide a surprising amount of energy savings, during summer months of high temperatures.
Adaptability Of Ground Cover Plants
Ground cover is more adaptable to a wider range of environmental conditions. For example, turf such as ST. Augustine grass does not grow well in extreme shade. It is also difficult to establish turf in areas that are consistently wet or dry. There are several types of ground cover plants that can handle different problem situations. There is ground cover for sun, shade ground covers, drought tolerant ground cover, flowering ground cover, you can find a type to meet any location.
Selecting Landscape Ground Covers
Proper selection can help minimize the need for lawn irrigation, fertilization, and mowing after ground covers are established. Excelent choices for low maintenance shade ground covers are, “Liriope” and “Mondo grass”. For areas with wet soil, ground cover plant “Lippia” also known as “Matchweed” has outstanding tolerance for this situation. Juniper such as “Compacta” and “Blue Pacific” are drought tolerant ground cover, great for dry areas from lack of irrigation or rainfall. Woody ground cover species will offer a variety flowering ground cover that have colors and textures that will surpass any turf. Ground cover plants can complete any landscape and will compliment trees and shrubs.
Establishment Of Ground Covering Plants
Ground covers are generally fully mature in two years. Some can require a little more or less time to become mature. During the establishment period to insure strong and quicker growth a regular program of fertilization, watering, and weed control is needed. The usage of mulch will aid in water retention for new plantings. Mulch will also help the root system so they can spread faster, especially ground cover that root along their stems. Once established many types of ground cover plants need only minimal trimming to keep them in shape and within the selected area.
Selection and types of ground cover plants where you live will depend on your location in Florida, north, central, or south. Some plants can be used in all areas while some are suited for a specific region. Check your local garden centers and nurseries for what is available to be planted in your area.
Here is a list with names of ground cover Florida for the regions Northern, Central, and Southern Florida, ( With Light Requirements ).
Best Ground Cover For North Florida
Beach Morning Glory, Full Sun
Carlonia Jasmine, Full Sun, Part Shade
Chinese Juniper (Parsoni, Varigata), Full Sun
Creeping Juniper (Bar Harbor, Blue Rug ) Full Sun, Part Shade
Daylilly, Full Sun, Part Shade
Dichondra, Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Dwarf Yaupon Holly, Full Sun
English Ivy, Shade
Heather, Full Sun, Part Shade
Holly Fern, Shade
Japanese Holly, Full Sun, Part Shade
Liriope, Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade, ( Depending On Species )
Mondo Grass, Full Sun, Shade
Minema Jasmine, Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade
Lippia (Match Weed), Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade
Shore Juniper (Compacta, Blue Pacific) Full Sun, Part Shade
Society Garlic, Full Sun
Ground Covering Plants For Central Florida
Asparagus Fern, Full Sun, Part Shade
Asiatic Jasmine, Full Sun, Part Shade
Beach Morning Glory, Full Sun
Begonia, Full Sun, Part Shade, ( Depending On Species )
Blue Daze, Full Sun, Part Shade
Boston fern, Shade
Bromeliad, Shade, Part Shade, ( Depending On Species )
Carolina Jasmine, Full Sun, Part Shade
Chinese Juniper (Parsoni, Varigata) Full Sun
Creeping Juniper (Bar Harbor, Blue Rug) Full Sun, Part Shade
Dichondra, Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Daylilly, Full Sun, Part Shade
Dwarf Lantana, Full Sun
Dwarf Lilly, Shade
Dwarf Yaupon Holly, Full Sun
English Ivy, Shade
Heather, Full Sun, Part Shade
Holly Fern, Shade
Japanese Holly, Full Sun, Part Shade
Liriope, Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade, ( Depending On Species )
Lippia (Match Weed) Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Mondo Grass, Full Sun, Shade
Mimosa, Full Sun, Part Shade
Minema Jasmine, Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Periwinkle (Vinca) Full Sun
Society Garlic, Full Sun
Shore Juniper (Compacta,Blue Pacific) Full Sun, Part Shade
Trailing Lantana. Full Sun
Ground Cover Plants For Southern Florida
Asparagus Fern, Full Sun, Part Shade
Aloe Plant, Full Sun, Part Shade
Asiatic Jasmine, Full Sun, Part Shade
Begonia, Full Sun, Part Shade, ( Depending On Species )
Beach Morning Glory, Full Sun
Blue Daze, Full Sun, Part Shade
Bromeliad, Shade, Part Sun, ( Depending On Species )
Boston Fern, Shade
Carolina Jasmine, Full Sun, Part Shade
Chinese Juniper (Parsoni,Varigata) Full Sun
Creeping Juniper (Bar Harbor, Blue Rug) Full Sun, Part Shade
Daylilly, Full Sun, Part Shade
Dichondra, Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Dwarf Lantana, Full Sun
Dwarf Lilly, Shade
Dwarf Yaupon Holly, Full Sun
English Ivy, Shade
Heather, Full Sun, Part Shade
Heartleaf Philodrendrom, Part Shade, Shade
Holly Fern, Shade
Japanese Holly, Full Sun, Part Shade
Liriope, Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade, ( Depending On Species )
Leather Leaf Fern, Shade
Lippia (Match Weed) Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Mondo Grass, Full Sun, Shade
Mimosa, Full Sun, Part Shade
Minema Jasmine, Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Oyster Plant, Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Pothos, Part Shade, Shade
Periwinkle (Vinca) Full Sun
Perrennial Peanut, Full Sun
Snake Plant, Part Shade, Shade
Society Garlic, Full Sun
Spider Plant, Part Shade, Shade
Shore Juniper (Compacta, Blue Pacific) Full Sun, Part Shade
Swedish Ivy, Shade
Trailing Lantana, Full Sun
Velvet Plant, Part Shade, Shade
Wandering Jew. Shade
Areas in a landscape that are not suited for turf, using ground cover plants is is the best way to go. Many types of ground covers are available to handle just about any situation. Since ground covering plants are easier to maintain than turf, they are sometimes more practical to use in landscaping. Homeowners having problems with certain locations in their landscape can use ground cover as the solution.
Kurt Kmetz
Bromeliads, Tropical Plants
There are over fifty species of Bromeliads plants and most of them are native to the Americas. They are tolerant of many different climatic conditions, found in rainforest’s, deserts, flood plains, on rock cliffs and mountainsides.
There are types of Bromeliads, tropical plants that can be placed in any area and location around your home. They are amazing tropical plants with attractive foliage, and a variety of colors from long lasting blooms. Many blooming for months with their showcase of colorful flower spikes.
There are choices of Bromeliads plants from large plants to low-growing ground covers, that will grow in extreme shade. Bromeliads are drought tolerant making them easy to maintain with little irrigation required. Some species are salt tolerant making them perfect for beachside coastal conditions. Most Bromeliads can be grown in pots or containers, great for patios or decks.
The Bromeliad is very valuable to the environment by playing an ecological role. They provide shelter, nectar, nutrients, and water for birds and other creatures. During the dry season in the wild they often provide the only source of water. In a garden these plants are crucial in maintaining the natural balance of nature.
Many Bromeliad species are considered to be true “Epiphytes”, which must grow attached to some kind of support. Their roots are used mainly for anchoring, not for taking up water and nutrients. All other species are “Semi-Epiphytic”, which are able to adapt to growing in soil on the ground with extensive roots. For the most part Bromeliads, tropical plants are easy to grow, still the proper location is needed for good growth and health.
Bromeliads,Tropical Plants Varieties and Species
The varieties of Shade-Loving Bromeliads have softer and more pliable leaves. The burgundy colered foilage allows the plant to adapt to low light situations, by acting as a reflector. Bromeliad species that are Shade-Tolerant are named “Neoregelia”, “Nidularium”, “Canistropsis”, “Aechmea”, Vriesea” and “Pitcairnea”. These types will mix in great around trees, complimenting them.
Some Bromeliad species are adaptable to Full Sun, the thicker the leaves on Bromeliads the more sun they can take. Sun-Loving types are members of the family,”Billbergia”, “Bromelia”, “Hohenbergia”, “Portea”, “Quesnelia”, “Neoregelia”, “Aechmea”, and “Vriesea”. The species “Portea” is salt tolerant and is great for placing along seawalls.
Many Bromeliad species can grow in Partial-Sun or considered Part-Shade. These types do prefer some direct or filtered sun for a short time during the day, either morning, mid or late afternoon. This is required for them to achieve their best coloring. Although if these species get too much sun, they can suffer from leave scorch.
With Bromeliads, tropical plants each plant will die back after blooming and flowering. This purpose is for them to produce new growth called “Pups”. Removing “Pups” can be done when they reach to be one-third the size of an adult, by cutting or twisting them off. If they are removed “Pups” will take longer to grow, but the plant will produce more of them. The plant will die back faster if if the “Pups”are left on and fewer will be produced, but will mature and flower quicker. The choice is left up to you on what you prefer to do.
Mosquito Control For Bromeliads
If you are concerned that standing water in Bromeliads, tropical plants will attract Mosquitoes to lay their eggs, here are some tips to deter this from happening.
You can use a hose to flush out the water when the reservoir becomes filled. Sprinkle some coffee grounds in the vase of the plant, the caffeine will kill off the larvae.
Mix one teaspoon of liquid dish detergent, with one teaspoon of salad oil, in one quart water. Spray Bromelaids including inside the vase using a clean spray bottle, making sure no chemical residue is in it.
You can purchase new empty spray bottles at many stores. Do not spray Bromeliads plants in full sun or when it is windy. I do not recommend using insecticides for they will kill off many beneficial insects such as spiders, which trap adult mosquitoes in their webs.
Conclusion:
Bromeliads, tropical plants love the climate we have in Florida. As you can see there are types for just about every location in a landscape. These tropical plants offer wonderful color, and are practical plus beneficial to nature. The Bromeliad is a versitle plant whether placed in the ground or containers.
Author Kurt Kmetz
