If you're looking for a way to enhance the look of your garden and protect it from weeds, then a ground cover might be the perfect solution for you. In Florida, the heat and humidity can make it challenging to maintain a healthy and weed-free garden. However, with the right ground cover, you can not only solve these issues but also bring a vibrant and eye-catching look to your outdoor space.
Before buying any ground cover products, there are some important factors that you need to consider. Firstly, you need to determine the right type of ground cover that suits your garden's needs. Depending on whether you have sandy or acidic soil, you may need to choose a ground cover that is specifically designed for that type of soil. You also need to consider the amount of sunlight that your garden receives and choose a ground cover that can thrive in those conditions.
Are you tired of constantly battling with weeds and want to invest in a long-term solution? Do you want a ground cover that is low maintenance and requires minimal watering? Or perhaps you want to make your garden more appealing and eye-catching with a range of colors and textures? Whatever your reasons may be, a ground cover can help you achieve the garden you've always wanted. So, why not take the first step and start exploring your options today?
10 Best Ground Cover For Florida
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This plant is ideal for use as Asian ground cover, fully rooted with soil, adding beautiful foliage to your outdoor space.
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This ground cover plant is ideal for areas with drought and cold conditions, providing evergreen coverage.
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Ideal for use as a shade-loving evergreen ground cover.
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Ideal for covering shaded areas with dense, low-growing evergreen ground cover.
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Ground coverage plant for shaded areas.
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Ideal as a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant groundcover.
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Ideal for providing drought-tolerant ground cover with cold hardy evergreen foliage in large quantities.
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This ground cover is ideal for areas with drought and cold weather conditions, as it is evergreen and tolerant to both.
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Ideal for ground cover with low maintenance needs, remaining evergreen throughout the year.
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Ideal for ground cover, drought tolerance and cold hardiness.
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1. Asiatic Jasmine Minima – 60 Live Plants – Asian Ground Cover Fully Rooted With Soil
Trachelospermum asiaticum, commonly known as Asiatic Jasmine, is an evergreen, vine-like woody plant that is grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage. Originally native to Japan and Korea, this low-maintenance groundcover is widely used in landscapes due to its hardiness and drought tolerance. It is perfect for those who want an attractive garden without much effort. In shady areas, it adds texture and variation to the garden.
Asiatic Jasmine is an ideal plant for mass plantings and turfgrass alternatives. Once established, it requires very little maintenance to keep it looking nice. It suppresses weed growth and can tolerate many growing conditions. It requires little mowing, but occasional trimming of its edges is recommended. The plant should be used in low traffic areas as it does not withstand foot traffic well. It is salt-tolerant and can be grown in coastal areas.
This versatile plant can even be grown in containers and hanging baskets. However, it should be noted that too much water, sun, or fertilizer can make it aggressive and unruly. It is easier to control when neglected.
- Hardy and drought-tolerant
- Low maintenance plant
- Ideal for mass plantings and turfgrass alternatives
- Suppresses weed growth
- Salt-tolerant
- Can be grown in containers and hanging baskets
- – Does not withstand foot traffic well
- – Can become aggressive and unruly with too much water, sun, or fertilizer
2. Cold Hardy Jasmine Minima – 60 Ground Covers
Trachelospermum asiaticum, commonly known as Asiatic jasmine, is a woody plant that is native to Korea and Japan. This evergreen groundcover is a favorite among gardeners due to its hardiness and drought tolerance. It is grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage.
Asiatic jasmine is an ideal plant for people who want an attractive garden without putting in too much hard work. It is a low-maintenance groundcover that is great for mass plantings and turfgrass alternatives. It provides needed texture and variation in shady areas. Once established, it requires very little maintenance to keep it looking nice.
Asiatic jasmine is a versatile plant that can tolerate many growing conditions and suppresses weed growth. It is salt tolerant and can be grown in coastal areas. This sturdy groundcover has few pest or disease problems and rarely requires pesticides. It is somewhat drought tolerant, and once established, it does not require irrigation as long as there is normal rainfall.
Asiatic jasmine should be used in low traffic areas as it does not withstand foot traffic well. It requires little mowing, but edges should be trimmed occasionally. This plant is easier to control when neglected. Too much water, sun, or fertilizer can make it aggressive and unruly.
Asiatic Jasmine Minima is often selected for use in difficult to maintain places with harsh environments such as traffic islands and urban plantings. It is also a great option for container and hanging basket gardening.
- Hardy and drought-tolerant
- Ideal for mass plantings and turfgrass alternatives
- Provides texture and variation in shady areas
- Requires very little maintenance once established
- Tolerates many growing conditions and suppresses weed growth
- Salt tolerant and can be grown in coastal areas
- Has few pest or disease problems and rarely requires pesticides
- Somewhat drought tolerant and does not require irrigation once established
- Great for difficult to maintain places with harsh environments such as traffic islands and urban plantings
- Can be grown in containers and hanging baskets
- – Does not withstand foot traffic well
- – Can become aggressive and unruly with too much water, sun, or fertilizer
3. Dwarf Mondo Grass Qty 80 Live Plants Shade Loving Evergreen Ground Cover Ophiopogon Japonicus Nanus
The Dwarf Mondo Grass is a slow-growing evergreen that is only half the size of other varieties, reaching a height of 4-6 inches and a width of 4-6 inches. Its lush, dark green grass-like clumps make it an excellent choice as an edging plant or for use in rock gardens and groundcovers. It is also striking when planted en masse in the landscape.
This ornamental grass is low-maintenance and requires a regular watering schedule to establish a mature root system. Once established, it only needs occasional watering, except during droughts when regular watering is necessary. To maintain a well-groomed appearance, it is recommended to prune old foliage.
While similar in appearance to Lilyturf (Liriope muscari), the Dwarf Mondo Grass has thinner leaves and a finer texture. This evergreen is widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and groundcovers. For an impressive collection of plants, check out Florida Foliage.
- Slow-growing and easy to maintain.
- Excellent as an edging plant or for use in rock gardens and groundcovers.
- Lush and dense with dark green foliage.
- Striking in mass plantings in the landscape.
- Widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and groundcovers.
- A great choice for those who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- – May require more frequent watering during droughts.
4. Dwarf Mondo Grass – 40 Live Plants – Shade Loving Evergreen Ground Cover Ophiopogon Japonicus Nanus
The Dwarf Mondo Grass is a slow-growing evergreen grass with dark green foliage that forms dense and lush groundcover, making it an excellent choice for edging plants or for creating a striking contrast when tucked into rocks. This ornamental grass has a clumping growth habit and reaches only 4-6 inches tall and 4-6 inches wide. It is widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and groundcovers.
This low-maintenance evergreen needs a regular watering schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. Once the mature root system is established, watering is only required occasionally, except during a drought, where watering is needed regularly. To maintain a well-groomed appearance, pruning old foliage is recommended.
Dwarf Mondo Grass is visually similar to a ground cover called Lilyturf (Liriope muscari), but it has thinner leaves and a finer texture. This evergreen grass is exclusively grown, packaged, and shipped by Florida Foliage.
- Slow-growing and clumping habit that reaches only 4-6 inches tall and 4-6 inches wide
- Excellent as an edging plant or for creating a striking contrast when tucked into rocks
- Low-maintenance evergreen that needs regular watering only until the mature root system is established
- Widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and groundcovers
- Visually similar to Lilyturf (Liriope muscari) but has a finer texture and thinner leaves
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5. Dwarf Mondo Grass – 40 Live Plants – Shade Loving Evergreen Ground Cover Ophiopogon Japonicus Nanus
Florida Foliage presents a stunning dwarf variety of Mondo Grass, which is half the size of regular species, but creates a lush groundcover of dense, dark green grass-like clumps. This evergreen perennial grass has a slow and clumping growth habit, reaching only 4-6 inches tall and 4-6 inches wide. It is an excellent choice for an edging plant or for adding contrast to rock gardens. It can also be used to create striking mass plantings in the landscape.
Dwarf Mondo Grass, with its dark green foliage, is a popular choice for rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders and groundcovers. It requires low maintenance and needs a regular water schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. Once established, it needs occasional watering, except during drought periods when regular watering is necessary. Pruning old foliage is recommended to maintain a well-groomed appearance. Although it looks similar to Lilyturf, it has thinner leaves and a finer texture.
Overall, Florida Foliage's Dwarf Mondo Grass is an excellent choice for homeowners looking to add a unique, evergreen groundcover to their landscape. Its dwarf size and dense, dark green foliage make it an attractive option for edging and contrast, and its low maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for busy homeowners.
- Dense, dark green grass-like clumps
- Evergreen perennial grass
- Slow and clumping growth habit
- Low maintenance
- Creates a lush groundcover
- Excellent for edging and contrast
- Suitable for rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders and groundcovers
- – Needs regular water schedule to establish mature root system
- – Requires occasional watering after root system is established
6. Full Roots: Peanut Grass Groundcover
Florida Foliage presents Peanut Grass, an ornamental groundcover that offers high resistance to drought and pathogens, making it an eco-friendly option. It requires minimal fertilization, saving water, energy, and money. This groundcover is not only beneficial to the environment but also visually appealing and can be walked on. The package includes 60 fully rooted plants that can be used as forage legume for grazing, high-value hay crop, or cover crop in citrus. There are several cultivars available for use in home landscapes. Once established, the rhizome perennial peanut does not require replanting and may suppress weed growth, reduce nutrient leaching, and add nitrogen and organic matter to the soil. However, as with all cover crops, it has the potential to compete with trees for water and nitrogen. Ornamental Peanut is a low-maintenance groundcover that features bright yellow flowers from spring to first frost. It is drought-tolerant and requires no supplemental water after establishment. As it belongs to the peanut family, it makes its own nitrogen, eliminating the need for nitrogen fertilizers. Additionally, it has no known pests or diseases, making it an excellent choice for ground cover.
- Drought-resistant and pathogen-resistant ornamental groundcover
- Minimal fertilizer needs saving water, energy, and money
- Visually appealing and can be walked on
- Several cultivars available for home landscapes
- Once established, it does not require replanting
- May suppress weed growth, reduce nutrient leaching, and add nitrogen and organic matter to the soil
- Bright yellow flowers from spring to first frost
- Drought-tolerant and requires no supplemental water after establishment
- Makes its own nitrogen, eliminating the need for nitrogen fertilizers
- No known pests or diseases
- – May compete with trees for water and nitrogen
7. Blue Rug Juniper – 60 Live Plants – Drought Tolerant Cold Hardy Evergreen Ground Cover
The Silver Blue Juniper is a premium trailing juniper with a uniform and full centered growth habit. It boasts intense silver-blue evergreen foliage that adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. This evergreen has a heavy texture with good color retention year-round, and in extremely cold climates, it may exhibit a slight purple cast during winter. However, this quickly changes back to its normal color with the onset of warmer temperatures in spring.
This low-maintenance evergreen is easy to grow and maintain. It requires a regular watering schedule initially to ensure the growth of a mature root system. Once established, it only needs occasional watering, except during drought conditions when regular watering is essential. Pruning is recommended only during the early stages of growth to encourage branching. Pruning older branches may not encourage new growth.
Its versatility makes it an excellent choice as a sprawling ground cover, rock gardens, foundations, retaining wall edges, mass on slopes for erosion control, and rocky ground. This plant is grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage, ensuring the highest quality and best value for your money.
- Uniform and full centered growth habit
- Intense silver-blue evergreen foliage
- Heavy texture with good color retention year-round
- Versatile and low-maintenance
- Grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage
- – May exhibit a slight purple cast in extremely cold climates during winter
8. Juniper Procumbens Nana – 30 Live Plants – Drought Tolerant Cold Hardy Evergreen Ground Cover
The Blue Rug Juniper is a dense, mat-like shrub that spreads from the center with branches that hug the ground. Its new growth is bright green, which turns to bluish-green as it matures. In winter, the shrub's foliage takes on a purple tint, adding a pop of color to any landscape. The foliage and form of this plant are superb when left unpruned, making it an excellent evergreen for group planting on rocky slopes or trained into an upright staked specimen. The dwarf form, known as 'Nana,' features spiny-pointed blue-green needles and grows to a height of 8-12 inches and a spread of 6 feet. It may turn purplish in winter.
This versatile, sprawling ground cover is ideal for rock gardens, foundations, slopes, mass plantings, and cascading over retaining walls. It can tolerate hot, dry locations in full sun and a wide range of soils, although it prefers well-drained, sandy soil. It can even adapt to poor soils and many city air pollutants.
Florida Foliage is proud to grow, package, and ship the Blue Rug Juniper exclusively.
- Dense, mat-like shrub with ground-hugging branches
- Versatile and sprawling ground cover
- Adapts well to a wide range of soils and growing conditions
- Excellent evergreen for group planting on rocky slopes or trained into an upright staked specimen
- Foliage and form are superb when left unpruned
- Dwarf form known as 'Nana' is available
- – May not grow tall enough to provide adequate screening or privacy
9. Blue Rug Juniper – 30 Live Plants – 4" Container Low Maintenance Evergreen Ground Cover
Looking for a hardy and versatile plant to add to your garden? Look no further than the larger 4" container size plants offered exclusively by Florida Foliage. These plants are ideal for mass plantings and offer great coverage for any garden. With their drought, cold, and deer tolerance, they are sure to thrive in any environment.
These plants are grown, packaged, and shipped with care to ensure that they arrive at your doorstep in perfect condition. In addition, they are fantastic for erosion control and can help to stabilize and beautify any area.
Invest in the quality and hardiness of Florida Foliage's plants and enjoy a beautiful and low-maintenance garden that will thrive in any environment.
- Drought, cold, and deer tolerant for versatile growth
- Larger 4" container size for maximum coverage
- Great for mass plantings and erosion control
10. Juniper Blue Pacific – 30 Live Plants – Drought Tolerant Cold Hardy Evergreen Ground Cover
The Low-Spreading Blue Rug Juniper is a wonderful groundcover, perfect for group planting or as a single specimen. This fast-growing evergreen maintains its dense, ocean blue-green foliage all year round, with dense, short needles and a low-trailing growth habit spreading 2-3 feet and growing up to 6 inches tall. It is notably heat tolerant and hardy, making it a popular choice for landscapes across the country.
This easy-to-grow evergreen requires regular watering until a mature root system is established. After that, watering is only needed occasionally, except during droughts, where regular watering is necessary. Pruning is recommended once or twice a year to maintain the plant's shape.
As a groundcover, seashore planting, planter box, or draped over walls, the Blue Rug Juniper is a versatile and attractive plant that is best left in its natural form, without pruning. Grown, packaged and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage, this popular plant is a must-have for any landscape or garden.
- Fast-growing and easy to grow
- Maintains its dense, blue-green foliage all year round
- Notably heat tolerant and hardy
- Versatile and attractive for a variety of landscaping uses
- – Requires regular watering until mature root system is established
Best Ground Cover For Florida FAQs
Are there any ground covers that can handle Florida's frequent rain and flooding?
Yes, there are several ground covers that can withstand Florida's frequent rain and flooding. One such option is the Asiatic Jasmine, which is a tough, low-maintenance ground cover that can tolerate both wet and dry conditions. Another option is the Mondo Grass, which is a hardy and drought-tolerant ground cover that can thrive in both sun and shade. Additionally, the Purple Queen is a resilient ground cover that can handle both heavy rain and drought conditions. The Dwarf Ruellia is another option that can handle wet conditions and is also resistant to pests and diseases. It is important to note that proper drainage and soil preparation are crucial for the success of any ground cover in Florida's climate. Overall, with the right care and maintenance, there are several ground cover options that can thrive in Florida's frequent rain and flooding.
Can ground covers help prevent erosion and improve soil health in Florida's sandy soils?
Ground covers are an effective way to prevent erosion and improve soil health in Florida's sandy soils. Sandy soils are highly susceptible to erosion due to their loose structure and low organic matter content. Ground covers like grasses, legumes, and clovers create a protective layer on the soil surface that reduces the impact of raindrops and wind, preventing soil erosion.
Moreover, ground covers also help to improve soil health by adding organic matter to the soil, increasing soil fertility, and improving nutrient cycling. The roots of ground covers penetrate deep into the soil, breaking up compacted layers and improving soil structure. Furthermore, ground covers also help to reduce soil moisture loss by providing shade and reducing evaporation rates.
In Florida, where sandy soils are prevalent, ground covers are an essential tool for preventing soil erosion and improving soil health. They are cost-effective, easy to establish, and require minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for homeowners and farmers alike. Overall, ground covers are an excellent way to protect Florida's soils and preserve its natural resources for future generations.
How can I choose the right ground cover for my Florida landscape, taking into account factors like shade, soil type, and foot traffic?
Choosing the right ground cover for your Florida landscape can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. There are a few factors that you need to consider before making a decision: shade, soil type, and foot traffic.
Firstly, you need to consider the amount of shade that your landscape receives. If your landscape is mostly shaded, then you should choose a ground cover that thrives in shade, such as ferns or mosses. On the other hand, if your landscape receives a lot of sunlight, then you should choose a ground cover that can handle the heat, such as succulents or a type of grass like Zoysia.
Secondly, you need to consider the soil type. If your soil is sandy and drains quickly, then you should choose a ground cover that is drought-tolerant, such as beach sunflower or railroad vine. If your soil is clay-like and retains water, then you should choose a ground cover that can handle wet soil, such as dwarf mondo grass or liriope.
Lastly, consider the amount of foot traffic your landscape receives. If your landscape is heavily trafficked, then you should choose a ground cover that can handle the wear and tear, such as creeping thyme or clover. If your landscape is not heavily trafficked, then you can choose a ground cover that is more delicate, such as ajuga or dichondra.
In summary, choosing the right ground cover for your Florida landscape requires careful consideration of the amount of shade, soil type, and foot traffic. By taking these factors into account, you'll be able to choose a ground cover that thrives in your landscape and adds beauty to your outdoor space.
What are some drought-tolerant ground cover options for Florida homeowners?
Florida homeowners who are looking for drought-tolerant ground cover options have several choices available to them. One popular option is the succulent ground cover, which is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal watering. Some examples of succulent ground covers that are suitable for Florida's climate include Sedum, Portulaca, and Ice Plant.
Another option is the use of native plants such as Beach Sunflower, Railroad Vine, and Coontie. These plants are adapted to the region's climate and can survive the hot and dry conditions that come with droughts. They also require minimal maintenance and are a great option for homeowners who want to reduce their water usage.
Lastly, homeowners can consider using ground covers that are known for their drought resistance, such as Lantana, Verbena, and Thyme. These plants have deep roots that allow them to store water efficiently, making them ideal for areas with limited water availability.
In conclusion, there are several drought-tolerant ground cover options available for Florida homeowners. By choosing the right plants and incorporating them into their landscaping, homeowners can conserve water and create a beautiful landscape that is both functional and sustainable.
What are the best ground cover options for Florida's hot and humid climate?
Florida's hot and humid climate requires ground cover options that can withstand the weather conditions and provide a beautiful landscape. Some of the best ground cover options for this climate include:
1. Asiatic Jasmine: This evergreen plant is a popular choice for its ability to tolerate heat and drought conditions while providing a dense ground cover.
2. Lantana: This colorful plant is not only heat tolerant but also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
3. Beach Sunflower: This native Florida plant is known for its bright yellow flowers and ability to thrive in sandy soils.
4. Mondo Grass: This low-maintenance grass-like plant can grow in both sun and shade and requires little water.
5. Seashore Paspalum: This grass is a great option for areas that receive a lot of foot traffic as it can withstand heavy use.
6. Blue Daze: This low-growing ground cover produces vibrant blue flowers and is drought-tolerant.
When choosing a ground cover for Florida's hot and humid climate, it's important to select plants that can handle the conditions and require minimal maintenance. With these options, you can create a beautiful landscape that can withstand the Florida weather.