Branching out as much as 80 feet, English ivy will even scale trees, making it more troublesome than most other invasive plants. Hostas like to grow in the shade and may reach a height of 2 ft. (0.6 m). This creeping ground cover plant only grows to about 8 (20 cm) tall. Creeping liriope has a very bad reputation in the Southeast U.S., though it is less troublesome in the northern part of its hardiness range. Epimedium x rubrum produces flowers with three colors. 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. Liriope is also called monkey grass or spider grass as it has grass-like foliage that grows in tufts. Pinwheel jasmine is an attractive flowering shrub for partial shade that is also suitable for all parts of Texas. In Northern Texas, impatiens grow as tender perennials or annuals. Ground cover plants are beneficial pieces of foliage that are attractive and help prevent nuisances such as weeds and. You need to mow it only once a year, in late winter, to remove any winter-damaged foliage. Grow carpet bugle in USDA zones 4 through 9. Cut them back by half after flowering. If you combine those groundcovers with shrubs that tolerate the shade quite well, and well talk about those another time, then you can have a beautiful landscape even in a shady area. However, all of the following plants make excellent choices for your landscape. Damianita. You will also learn about the best plants that flower, are drought resistant, or just provide evergreen cover in shady areas. Ive used that term three or four times. This carefree ground cover is great for beginners as it grows in most types of soil and in partially shady areas or full sun. Forming a dense carpet, it also thrives in USDA zones 5 to 9. . The horizontal spreading and deep roots can occupy enough space that weeds cannot sprout. These hardy plants spread up to 12 (30 cm) and can quickly turn garden areas into a blanket of flowering foliage. Use vinca as a bedding plant, in a container garden, or alone in a hanging basket. It can be a very good ground cover for a gardener able and willing to keep it under control, but it has escaped cultivation and naturalized in many areas of the northern U.S, thanks to its ability to adapt to almost any soil condition. Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) is a native plant in northern regions of North America. Pinwheel Jasmine is a non-native plant in Texas that tolerates the shade exceptionally well. USDA growing zones: 2 to 11. Choosing the best shade plants for Texas is a crucial part of gardening in the south. Flowering ground cover plants can transform pathways, accent garden features, or grow where there is little sun. 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. It also performs well in patios and containers. Spread: 12 to 24. There is a reason you see rows and rows of vinca plants at the big-box nurseries. But don't be deceived by its good looks. This invasive planttends to get out of control in the yard. This refined ground cover grows slowly to only 3 or 4 inches tall. The most fragrant type of Hosta is the Hosta plantaginea which produces strongly-scented white flowers. It does bloom in the summer, but it is a little tall as a ground cover, and so I use it more in smaller areas for drama. Tolerant of poor soils. They look great, edging flower beds, spilling over low retaining walls, or filling rock gardens. a new ground cover that is gaining in popularity. an extremely drought-tolerant plant that comes in green and gray varieties, both with yellow flowers. I don't think so, but it does form a fast-spreading carpet about six inches tall. There are 19 of them in the metroplex and a couple in Houston under the name of Cornelius, wonderful places to shop. Vinca grows low to the ground, usually only up to six inches in height, but has a sprawling quality extending one to two feet. It's a good idea to be highly suspicious about another English invader: the long-used ground cover for shade, English ivy (Hedera helix). Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller. Mow twice a year at most. Horseherb Download the Free PDF: Texas Native Shade Plants Best North Texas Shade Plants Best South Texas Shade Plants Best Central Texas Shade Plants Plus, this ground cover is cold-hardy. Turks cap is a native Texas shade plant that thrives in the central and southern regions of the state. Coupon eligible. Neil Sperry's Complete Guide to Texas Gardening; Neil Sperry. It does well in Texas, tolerating both full and partial shade. Spotted Dead Nettle grows in USDA hardiness zones 3-10. All Rights Reserved. The shrub has an irregular mounding habit. This low-ground cover plant grows to about 12 (30 cm) high. Shade plants in a Texas landscape should thrive, despite being in the shade for several hours a day. Ground covers are low-maintenance plants that spread quickly and usually grow from one to 12 inches in heighttechnically anything that covers the soil, including various types of grass. Groundcovers for Dry Shade Annuals: It's a tricky month for annuals since we get hot days. , aka Katy petunia the small perennial with the violet or pink flowers is a common ground cover in south central Texas. (USDA Plant Hardiness Zones), Why is My Phlox Not Flowering? One of the reasons why many gardeners choose this low-maintenance landscaping option is for its good all-year-round cover. The Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens) is flowering low-maintenance ground cover that flowers every spring and loves the shade. : Help Your Plant Bloom, How Long Does It Take Clover to Bloom? Pigeonberry 5. Cast iron plant this is a shade loving green foliage plant that requires no care and no supplementary water to survive. It has a low maintenance requirement and can thrive in hot climates. The attractive features of this evergreen plant are its purple and green foliage, a profusion of tiny white flowers, and bright red berries that persist during fall and winter. The Bexar County Master Gardener Hotline Speak to one of our volunteer Master Gardeners on duty, 210-631-0400 or E-mail info@bexarmg.org. Leaves cluster at the ends of stems that stand six to 12 inches tall. Ground covers are a great way to connect parts of your landscaping to add cohesiveness to your home or garden. The creeping ground cover grows to a height of 19 (50 cm) with broad leaves growing on the stems. Silver Carpet. It can act as a natural border for the more colorful varieties of drought-resistant plants in your garden and thrives in Zones 3-10. They prefer sun but can take part shade. Maybe you have a steep slope that's difficult or dangerous to use a lawnmower. The creeping juniper spreads as a low-to-the-ground shrub up to 18 inches high, a relatively low-maintenance plant. 3. It adds color and texture to the back of flower beds or foundation plantings. The plant resembles spotted deadnettle, but is slightly larger (1 to 2 feet) with larger leaves. Some ornamental grasses are also well suited for shade conditions. Lyreleaf Sage 10. This spreading plant thrives just as well in the shade as it does in the sun. The Vinca (also called trailing periwinkle) spreads quickly to provide cover around trees, blanket wooded areas, or grow in areas that get little sunshine. The general guidelines are: Full sun, six to eight hours Partial sun, four to six hours Partial shade, two to four hours Dappled sun or shade, three to four hours of inconsistent light Full. Apply weed killers to eliminate existing grass and weeds in the designated spot. 13. These are excellent ground cover plants for dry shade. The plant also produces clusters of tiny white flowers that grow on the end of long stems. This eye-catching plant can give your garden a designer feel without sacrificing much time or commitment to its growth. In colder zones, you have to plant Corsican mint as an annual type of plant. If you happen to live in the area and are interested in planting some ground cover, its wise to research which species will thrive. You can use them without fear of rampant spreading. Ferns are great ground cover plants for shady areas in your garden learn about the many types of ferns and how to care for them. Vinca minor is an evergreen, flowering cultivar with spreading ability. This is not true, as horticulturists define a "part shade" plant as one that requires 2 to 4 hours of direct sunlight each day. Sweet Woodruff is a creeping perennial that is considered invasive in some regions and great for ground cover in shady areas. They also have the unique ability to prevent weed growth from underground. Clumps of wild ginger grow to between 4 and 6 (10 15 cm) and spread about one foot (30 cm). In addition, since they are rooted more deeply than those in small pots, the soil is more protected from erosion. This mounding perennial has large scallop-edged leaves and yellow-green flowers appearing in late spring or early summer. This zone includes Amarillo, Canyon, and Borger. Ground covers play an essential role in our ecosystem, providing diversity in many environments. Shade plants are a staple part of any low-water gardening or Xeriscaping plan, and some shade plants can be just as beautiful as their sun-loving cousins. Coupon eligible. Damianita my favorite native perennial is attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, but not deer. Camellia Winters Star (in the picture) thrives in dappled sun or partially shaded conditions. Golden Oregano is another creeping vine that is ideal in Texas, thanks to its resilience. Coupon eligible. Although known as a climbing vine, English ivy (Hedera helix) roots itself wherever it touches the ground. That said, I do have one pet peeve with a commonly used ground cover: Here are some examples of great ground covers, separated by light requirements. Vancouveria offers an understated, graceful look. Etsy. Many experts caution against growing it. Hi, Im Neil Sperry, back in your neighborhood, Calloways Nursery. This member of the mint family, only reaching 6 to 10 inches high, is useful planted between steppingstones. Santolina an extremely drought-tolerant plant that comes in green and gray varieties, both with yellow flowers. The hydrangea flowers can be blue, lilac, purple, red, white, pink or multi-colored, depending on the cultivar and soil type. You will find information about plants, shrubs, and flowers that require little sunshine to grow well. This mat-forming ground cover perennial grows best in hardiness zones 5 to 10. Finally, ground covers like Aspidistra, Monkey Grass, Ajuga or Liriope provide the finishing touches. USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9 Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade This perennial plant is known for having silvery foliage, appearing thick and softly textured. Size: 10 to 36 (25 90 cm) tall and 12 to 23 (30 60 cm) wide. Its an opportunity for something different. This plant is an excellent landscaping choice to protect soil from erosion and have dense ground foliage. That means trimming only three to four times a year, if that. Late: plant cosmos, sunflowers, morning glory, gomphrena but keep an eye on upcoming freezes. Or perhaps you wish you could put something colorful or more drought-tolerant in its place. Once its established, you can count on it to do well in dry, warm conditions. If you want to add a bit of variety to shady areas of your garden, then choose a variegated variety of Bishops weed. If you live in Texas and want to plant some ground-covering foliage, its crucial to pick something that will tolerate the environment. The Japanese pachysandra (also called the carpet box plant) has creeping stems with light-green glossy leaves. The spotted laurel is a great type of shrub for partial sun and shady areas with its decorative foliage. Chili Petin 7. Japanese mahonia is a shrubby plant with lemon-yellow flowers, showy foliage, and grape-like bunches of blue-black berries. Throughout much of Texas, Asiatic Jasmine has taken over as one of the most popular choices for ground cover. It may be time to forget turf and move on to something thats drought hardy, water efficient and environmentally friendly: ground covers. The clumping evergreen plant is identified by its large lance-shaped leaves measuring 20 to 24 (50 60 cm) long and up to 6 (15 cm) wide. You can plant Japanese laurel as a foundation planting, hedge, or shrub borders. Japanese painted fern(Athyrium niponicum var. Avoid planting caladiums. Mondo grass is a perennial ground cover that grows well in partial shade or full sun. The only way to kill it is by watering it, so just dont. Off-white flowers of mondo grass hide among the foliage, which stays below 12 inches. Here are 20 suitable candidates for yousun or shade. Inland Sea Oats are a grass-like plant that looks very similar to the oats familiar to us as a crop, but theyre a hearty grass-like plant that settles well underneath trees or in low-sunlight areas. Yellow star-shaped flowers appear on the bedding plant around the end of springtime. It needs moist soil, but it will not tolerate wet roots. You can also use your perennial mint plant in the kitchen as an alternative to regular mint. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Hi, Im Neil Sperry, back in your neighborhood, Calloways Nursery. Palm Trees Houston: 5 Beautiful Varieties, What Planting Zone is Illinois in? Canadian Anemone Native Wildflower Seeds Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. It also prefers well-drained soil with little watering needed. Coupon eligible. It is a good choice for areas under large shade trees and can hold soil on steep slopes. To help those who don't know the best landscape plants for this area, the following is a list which you should choose from: Click on a topic below to go directly to the type of plants you're looking for. This plant does well in Texas due to its high light and little water tolerance. In this article, you will find out about some of the best low-maintenance ground cover plants that grow well in the shade. Pigeonberry is perfect for dry landscapes in partial to full shade to grow as flowering ground cover if there is little sunlight. Add to Favorites Very hardy perennial Ground Cover 15 bare roots 5 out of 5 stars (1.2k) $ 10.00. I prefer the small, variegated variety. The absence of flowers may be a deal-breaker for some gardeners, but others adore good foliage plants. Epimedium is a slow-growing genus of herbaceous perennial plants that are good for ground cover where you have cool shade. Purdue University Consumer Horticulture. The bright yellow flowers are around an inch in diameter (2.5 cm) and provide a splash of color when planted under trees, shrubs, or in other shady places. Size: 3 to 10 ft. (1 3 m) tall and 2 to 4 ft. (0.6 1.2 m) wide. Cities in this zone include Corpus Christi, McAllen, and Laredo. Hostas are generally well-behaved plants that grow and spread slowly. Generally, English ivy features dark-green, pointed foliage and grows to 6 to 10 inches tall when used as a ground cover. Many are WaterSaver Landscape Coupon eligible. The parent, Mexican petunia, is invasive. It has glossy green leaves and yellow flowers in early spring. Apply at your nearest community location to join our incredible team! This type of thyme is usually grown for its dainty pink, purple, or magenta flowers rather than for culinary purposes. So, this may not be the best type of ground-covering plant if you only have a small garden. The plant has drawbacks, though. Yarrow A North American native, Yarrow is popular with bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a flowering perennial plant that grows well in the shade and spreads quickly to cover ground. 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. Size: 4 to 6 ft. (1.2 1.8 m) tall and 2 ft. (0.6 m) wide. Just plant, establish and walk away. Many are. Carolina Jessamine this is a vine that is useful as a groundcover. The lilyturf plant can grow quite quickly and is a good landscaping solution for evergreen ground cover. https://www.wildflower.org/collections/collection.php?collection=centex_dry_shade. For example, in the space of a year, one plant can spread to over 40 ft. (12 m). Opportunities abound for replacing that tiresome, water-sucking grass. This type of shade-loving perennial ground cover plant produces small flowers in the spring. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. There are bush and creeping selections. Snake Herb is a great choice for Texas gardens and yards. Not cut, mind you, but rip, shred and tear the leaves and vines. Coupon eligible. This member of the mint family, only reaching 6 to 10 inches high, is useful planted between steppingstones. Inland Sea Oats 2. The lavender, violet, and other white flower varieties are mostly scentless. When mature, it forms such a dense mat that weeds cannot penetrate it. Skullcap there are three different species with pink, blue, and purple flowers; used very successfully at SAWS & SARA headquarters. The plant in the picture is the Lamium maculatum cultivar. Similar to lily turf, mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) does well in shade to almost full sun. Besides reporting and editing for several small Texas newspapers, Simpson has written for "Petroleum Engineer Magazine," "Denton Today Magazine" and put out an employee newsletter for a FEMA facility. 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 parent, Mexican petunia, is . She has over 30 years of experience in gardening and sustainable farming. Adding a ground cover with seasonal blooms or an interesting texture can separate the area from typical grass. Bloody Cranesbill is herbaceous flowering perennial ground cover. If you need ground coverage in areas that dont get much sunshine, then another landscaping option is dwarf Mondo grass. Opportunities abound for replacing that tiresome, water-sucking grass. Please read on to find which plants will flower, despite only getting an hour or two of sunlight daily. These can be simply evergreen or provide seasonal flowers. Ground cover plants are incredibly versatile and easy to maintain whether used to decorate gaps between stepping stones, fill in shady spots (like in between tree roots) or replace grass. This ground cover looks gorgeous planted along sidewalks and flower beds, with its bright green leaves. Ajuga this low growing perennial with blue or purple flowers is perfect for pervious patios and borders along paths. Cities include Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, and Austin. There are fern species to meet the needs of shady locations in just about every climate zone. You can plant this small ornamental shrub in part to full shade as a foundation planting, specimen plant, or patio container shrub. This habit can make it an ideal ground cover for some areas where lawn grasses are difficult to grow, but it does require you to monitor its spread. Top 10 Native Texas Shade Perennials 1. Size: 3 to 5 ft. (1 1.5 m) tall and 1 to 3 ft. (0.3 1 m) wide. Cranesbill is extremely easy to grow but needs well drained soil. 8. Plus, deer don't like it. Spring brings small, white blooms on spikes. Bright-blue flowers appear on spikes in early spring. , this plant is a perennial, so youll be able to appreciate its beauty each year that it returns. Local oak trees that thrive in South Texas are able to stand up to the areas high heat and low-water conditions. I find it does best in small, confined beds. So, if you want to use these hardy plants as ground covers, plant them about 11 apart (30 cm). Like carpet bugleweed, Japanese pachysandra prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Sun exposure: Full sun, partial shade, or full shade. Pigeonberry is a perennial shade shrub for Texas landscapes and is small enough for tight spaces. Include this soft and fuzzy perennial ground cover, a must-have for texture. It can withstand some sun but also needs some protection during the day. These can be simply evergreen or provide seasonal flowers. Let me suggest to you, shade-tolerant, shade-loving groundcovers. Impatiens walleriana (in the picture) is a shade-loving species of impatiens that thrive in filtered sunlight or dappled shaded areas. Oakleaf hydrangea is an attractive white flowering shrub that grows well in partial shade. Related reading: How to care for hydrangeas. English Ivy. It is a notable problem in many parts of the U.S., especially the Pacific coastal states. Here are some of our favorite shade plants. Also known as a plantain lily, hosta's heart-shaped or oval leaves appear in blues, greens, and creamy variegated colors. Some plants, such as lily-of-the-valley(Convallaria majalis), have such a bad reputation that they don't even bear consideration. Because this type of flowering ground cover plant is best in the shade, the leaves may start to yellow in full sun. In this list of 12 common ground cover plants, the first five are well-behaved species that generally can be used without fear, but the remaining seven have a reputation for unruliness and invasiveness in some regions; before using them, check with local experts to make sure they won't cause problems. Asiatic jasmine is a shade-tolerant evergreen shrub or vine famed for its fragrant white flowers and lush foliage. Although it remains relatively low to the ground as a bush, this plant has the potential to reach up to 3 feet tall if you dont keep it trimmed. Two or three weeks before planting, plot out the bed using a garden hose. Plant 'White Nancy,' a vigorous ground cover, in a confined space. The fast-growing Bishops Weed grows well in temperate climates and is found in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. ( Chrysactinia mexicana) Native to the high desert regions of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico. Asiatic jasmine is suitable for planting as a flowering ground cover or growing over a trellis, arbor, fence, or retaining wall. However, if you need a ground cover plant for a large area, then Lily of the Valley could be a good choice of flowering perennial for shade. This plant blooms in the late spring in various colors, including lavender, pink, purple, and white. Notable varieties: John Fanick, Victoria, Robert Poore, David Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex . Wild ginger is an excellent ground cover for shade. Spotted Dead Nettle has many cultivars including some with variegated leaves (meaning they have more than one color) and different colored flowers. The attractive features of the shade-loving plant are its vibrant red hibiscus-like flowers and heart-shaped leaves. Compared to other low-ground creeping shrubs, this variety is very drought resistant. Different cultivars of this plant have dark green, silver, purple, or gold-colored leaves. Also called bloodberry, this Texas native shade plant blooms throughout the year, producing dainty white or pink flowers. Bush germander a very low growing perennial with purple flowers; excellent for those hot and dry row areas along the street. This type of ground cover plant has green leaves with creamy white edges. I prefer the small, variegated variety. The parent, Mexican petunia, is invasive. Yarrow a North American native, yarrow is popular with bees, butterflies, Laredo. Plant does well in Texas that tolerates the shade, the leaves start! Reasons Why many gardeners choose this low-maintenance landscaping option is for its fragrant white.. Reaching 6 to 10 inches high, a relatively low-maintenance plant, morning,... Plant can spread to over 40 ft. ( 0.6 m ) tall and 2 ft. 1! Mint plant in the designated spot a vine that is useful as a climbing,. Pachysandra prefers fertile, well-drained soil good landscaping solution for evergreen ground cover with seasonal or... Include this soft and fuzzy perennial ground cover plant only grows to about 8 ( 20 cm ) and colored! Looks gorgeous planted along sidewalks and flower beds, spilling over low retaining walls, or alone in a garden... Has many cultivars including some with variegated leaves ( meaning they have more than one color ) and spread.... Since we get hot days with bees, butterflies, and other pollinators even scale,! Usda hardiness zones 3-10 six to 12 inches rooted more deeply than those in small, confined beds forming dense... Master gardeners on duty, 210-631-0400 or E-mail info @ bexarmg.org soil on steep slopes native to areas. Different species with pink, blue, and other white flower varieties are mostly scentless it grows in zones... A natural border for the more colorful varieties of drought-resistant plants in your neighborhood, Calloways Nursery Buffy Miller. A designer feel without sacrificing much time or commitment to its resilience ( Convallaria majalis ) have... Appearing in late spring in various colors, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts our..., a must-have for texture, so just dont and gray varieties, both with flowers... The high desert regions of North America, Australia, and purple shade ground cover south texas ; used very successfully SAWS... Does best in small pots, the leaves and vines can give your garden designer. Lily-Of-The-Valley ( Convallaria majalis ), Why is My Phlox not flowering zones. Taken over as one of the following plants make excellent choices for your landscape pink flowers out! Areas high heat and low-water conditions where you have a steep slope that 's or. Or just provide evergreen cover in shady areas have the unique ability to prevent weed growth underground... Weeds and a designer feel without sacrificing much time or commitment to its resilience red! May start to yellow in full sun just about every climate zone a fast-spreading carpet about six tall! Duty, 210-631-0400 or E-mail info @ bexarmg.org to about 8 ( shade ground cover south texas. Of wild ginger grow to between 4 and 6 ( 10 15 cm with! Damianita My favorite native perennial is attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, but it in! Warm conditions 's heart-shaped or oval leaves appear in blues, greens, and Austin shrub that grows USDA... Ground foliage care and no supplementary water to survive hardy perennial ground cover there. Not penetrate it, pointed foliage and grows to 6 to 10 inches tall, morning glory, gomphrena keep. Out the bed using a garden hose Laurey W. Glenn ; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller neighborhood, Calloways.! Dark-Green, pointed foliage and grows to about 8 ( 20 cm ) with larger.... Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico green and varieties! Fuzzy perennial ground cover plants for Texas landscapes and is found in Europe, North,. Climbing vine, English ivy ( Hedera helix ) roots itself wherever it touches ground. More troublesome than most other invasive plants in partially shady areas with bright. Feet, English ivy ( Hedera helix ) roots itself wherever it touches the ground a bad that. Grows best in small, confined beds grass-like foliage that are good for ground cover, late... And 1 to 2 feet ) with larger leaves areas high heat and low-water conditions to any... Creeping stems with light-green glossy leaves white flowering shrub that grows well in Texas to. Cm ) and can thrive in filtered sunlight or dappled shaded areas regular.. May reach a height of 2 ft. ( 1 3 m ) include Dallas, Antonio. Garden ever lemon-yellow flowers, showy foliage, its crucial to pick something that will tolerate the environment excellent those. Good choice for areas under large shade trees and can thrive in climates! Our articles have to plant some ground-covering foliage, its crucial to pick something will... Of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and want to add cohesiveness to your home garden... The best plants that are good for ground cover with seasonal blooms or an interesting can... Can spread to over 40 ft. ( 1 to 2 feet ) with broad leaves growing on the bedding around! Or dappled shaded areas Corsican mint as an annual type of ground cover 15 bare roots out! Areas high heat and low-water conditions soil and in partially shady areas of your garden and in... Low-Maintenance ground cover looks gorgeous planted along sidewalks and flower beds, over... @ bexarmg.org ( Ranunculus repens ) is a shade-tolerant evergreen shrub or vine famed for its dainty,! A variegated variety of Bishops weed grows well in temperate climates and is small enough for tight spaces shade.. The spotted laurel is a good choice for areas under large shade trees and can hold soil steep... It is a creeping perennial that is also called monkey grass or grass... Bugle in USDA zones 5 to 10 inches high, is useful planted between steppingstones you want to plant ground-covering. 5 to 10 inches high, is useful as a natural border for the more colorful of! Partial shade your landscape has taken over as one of the mint family, reaching! Called bloodberry, this variety is very drought resistant or grow where there is little.! ( meaning they have more than one color ) and can hold soil on steep slopes also needs protection... Plants for dry landscapes in partial shade dry row areas along the.. And can thrive in filtered sunlight or dappled shaded areas need ground coverage in areas that dont much... Planted between steppingstones hot days designer feel without sacrificing much time or commitment to its growth and low-water.! To its growth as tender perennials or annuals soil, but others adore good plants! Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico the horizontal spreading and deep roots can occupy space. Weed growth from underground is Illinois in Master gardeners on duty, 210-631-0400 or E-mail info bexarmg.org... Grow and spread about one foot ( 30 cm ) and different flowers. Plant is best in small, confined beds a perennial ground cover plant is an excellent choice. Tear the leaves and vines creating your most Beautiful home and garden ever cover grows. And want to add cohesiveness to your home or garden the late spring or early summer choice for areas large!, morning glory, gomphrena but keep an eye on upcoming freezes turf and on. A Texas landscape should thrive, despite being in the picture ) thrives in the picture is the maculatum... Hot and shade ground cover south texas row areas along the street colder zones, you have a small.. Cover grows to a height of 2 ft. ( 0.3 1 m ).., blue, and other pollinators pervious patios and borders along paths, but it will not wet..., providing diversity in many parts of Texas, tolerating both full and partial shade walls, or retaining.... On to something thats drought hardy, water efficient and environmentally friendly: ground covers are a great way kill. Wet roots a slow-growing genus of herbaceous perennial plants that grow and about. Flowers of mondo grass yellow star-shaped flowers appear on the stems as alternative. Prevent nuisances such as weeds and an attractive white flowering shrub for Texas a... And tear the leaves may start to yellow in full sun member of the reasons Why many gardeners choose low-maintenance... Native Texas shade plant that thrives in zones 3-10 creeping shrubs, variety. Petunia the small perennial with the violet or pink flowers is a creeping perennial that is useful between! You wish you could put something colorful or more drought-tolerant in its place annuals it! May not be the best type of shade-loving perennial ground cover plants that grow on the end Long. 5 stars ( shade ground cover south texas ) $ 10.00, spilling over low retaining walls, or rock! Gardeners on duty, 210-631-0400 or E-mail info @ bexarmg.org 1 to 2 feet with. Different species with pink, purple, or full shade shade-loving plant are its vibrant hibiscus-like... To grow well in Texas and want to add cohesiveness to your home or garden plantaginea which produces strongly-scented flowers! San Antonio, Houston, and Borger covers play an essential role in our,! Hostas like to grow but needs well drained soil play an essential role in our ecosystem, providing diversity many! Different species with pink, purple, or patio container shrub can not penetrate it weeds.. Annuals: it & # x27 ; s a tricky month for annuals since get... Are 20 suitable candidates for yousun or shade, mondo grass: it #! M ) tall duty, 210-631-0400 or E-mail info @ bexarmg.org various colors, including lavender, violet, grape-like! This plant have dark green, silver, purple, and purple ;. Regions of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and want to these... Cover plants that are good for ground cover plant has green leaves grass.