The shrub has an irregular mounding habit. Different cultivars of this plant have dark green, silver, purple, or gold-colored leaves. Two or three weeks before planting, plot out the bed using a garden hose. Its a lot easier to keep clean. my favorite native perennial is attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, but not deer. The cast iron plant thrives in Central and Southern Texas and needs hardly any sunlight to thrive. Stonecrop is a perennial flowering ground cover that grows well in dry soil. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. So, if you want to use these hardy plants as ground covers, plant them about 11 apart (30 cm). When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. She has over 30 years of experience in gardening and sustainable farming. this comes in standard and dwarf versions, but dont let the names fool you. It may be time to forget turf and move on to something thats drought hardy, water efficient and environmentally friendly: ground covers. On the other hand, a ground cover with a reputation for invasiveness can sometimes be more easily controlled if you plant it in deep shade that is not its preferred environment. Apply weed killers to eliminate existing grass and weeds in the designated spot. Impatiens are ground-hugging plants that thrive in the shade throughout all areas of Texas. Size: 1 to 3 ft. (0.3 1 m) tall and wide. American Beautyberry 4. Veronica Georgia Blue is a dense, creeping ground cover. Compared to other low-ground creeping shrubs, this variety is very drought resistant. Shrubs that also thrive in the shade include Philodendron, Aralia, Aucuba and Mahonia with ferns like Holly fern or Autumn fern providing a cool tropical look. Ground Covers Vines Dwarf Shrubs Small Shrubs Medium Shrubs Large Shrubs Small Trees Medium Trees Large Trees GROUND COVERS (space 1 apart) It grows around six to 12 inches from the ground and should be planted in a moist area with space to grow. For this reason, it is considered an invasive species in some places, especially areas of the Northeast and Northwest. Pigeonberry is a small flowering perennial shrub that thrives in shaded gardens in Texas. Sanddune sedge planted in light shade is less trample-proof than when planted in full sun. When not expounding on the benefits of trees and limited lawns, youre likely to find him hiking San Antonios wilderness parks or expounding on the virtues of geography and history to his friends. Ferns are generally great choices for shady areas. Several varieties of camellias are spectacular evergreen flowering shrubs that grow in all areas of Texas, apart from the Panhandle. (The plant is also known commonly as Bishop's hat). Mazus reptans (creeping mazus) is the cultivar that is fast growing and has creeping and rooting stems. Periwinkle plants are beautiful perennials to grow in the shade, whether you live in Amarillo, San Antonio, Dallas, Corpus Christi, or near the Mexican border. Related reading: How to care for hydrangeas. Because this is a trailing variety of plant, you can use it in hanging baskets or allow it to creep along the ground. This jasmine shrub has evergreen foliage, fragrant white pinwheel flowers, and bushy growth. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. This perennial plant has feathery, fan-shaped, green foliage and is cold-hardy. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It does well in Texas, tolerating both full and partial shade. Tolerating a little more sun than some of the others, lily turf (Liriope muscari) gets taller, too, averaging 12 to 18 inches high. Aug. 17, 2007. Plants can be pruned or trimmed when disease occurs to prevent it from spreading. I don't think so, but it does form a fast-spreading carpet about six inches tall. 17 Plants That Attract Bees To Your Garden, 17 Best Flowers To Attract Hummingbirds To Your Garden, 31 Funny Plant Names That Will Make You Laugh, 13 Colorful Flowering Vines For Your Garden, 19 Great Types of Ferns To Use In Hanging Baskets, 4 Alternatives For Red-Tip Photinia In The South, Best Boxwoods For Every Landscape And Climate, 12 Flowering Southern Trees You Need To Plant Now, 18 Pretty Purple Flowers To Plant In Your Garden. During the winter the leaves may turn yellow and die off. Use Japanese mahonia as foundation plantings, a decorative specimen shrub, or to create an informal hedge. This carefree ground cover is great for beginners as it grows in most types of soil and in partially shady areas or full sun. Flowering ground cover plants can transform pathways, accent garden features, or grow where there is little sun. Barrenroot is the common name for the Epimedium genus of plants, comprised of several dozen species, a few of which are important landscape plants. Light to medium shade groundcovers we love (morning sun/afternoon shade): Ajuga Ardisia Asparagus fern Horseherb Dwarf Plumbago Forming a dense carpet, it also thrives in USDA zones 5 to 9. The Texas Redbud will liven up any garden with magenta flowers in the early spring and thrives just fine in low-sunlight conditions. Mow yearly. Coupon eligible. In this article, you will find out about some of the best low-maintenance ground cover plants that grow well in the shade. Sounds perfect, except that plumbago can spread aggressivelycut it out with a spade if it oversteps its borders. The leaves may lose their color during the winter, but they will start growing again in the spring. Some plants for light shade require dappled sunlight or a few hours of early morning sunshine. If you have tried and tried and tried again to get grass to grow beneath your shade trees, maybe, just maybe, you have too much shade. Etsy. It also looks stunning with its white flowers and evergreen foliage cascading over a hanging basket. The only way to kill it is by watering it, so just dont. Please stop. Plant firespike in a shady frost-free Texas garden landscape if you want to add a splash of vibrant red colors. Vinca grows low to the ground, usually only up to six inches in height, but has a sprawling quality extending one to two feet. You will find information about plants, shrubs, and flowers that require little sunshine to grow well. Top Texas Native Plants for Shade It can be tricky to find plants that want to bloom in the shade, but these three plants are stars in the shade! a classic and still one of the best, this one is also virtually indestructible. It also prefers well-drained soil with little watering needed. You can use the trailing Vinca to beautify or decorate a north-facing wall. Mazus reptans is a flowering perennial ground cover plant for shade with purple flowers. English ivy has been used for a long time in North America for problem areas, including shady spots, but its problems are now well known. Pinwheel Jasmine ( Gardenia jasminoides 'Pinwheel') Spring sees lovely spikes of blue, lavender, or white flowers sitting atop the foliage. Just the Facts, Actaea Simplex Brunette: Growth and Care Guide. Bishops Weed can quickly cover a large area of ground due to its fast-growing properties. How do you know when its time? The Bloody Cranes-Bill grows at a medium pace and will reach heights of between 8 and 20 (20 50 cm) within 2 years. Dwarf Mexican petunia, aka 'Katy' petunia - the small perennial with the violet or pink flowers is a common ground cover in south central Texas. The fast-growing Bishops Weed grows well in temperate climates and is found in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Suitable for planting in all regions of Texas, money grass is a good turfgrass alternative. Size: 5 to 6 ft. (1.5 2.4 m) tall and wide. They bloom intermittently through summer until fall. Your sales reps at Calloways Nursery, talk to one of the Texas-certified nursery professionals. So, this may not be the best type of ground-covering plant if you only have a small garden. This ground cover looks gorgeous planted along sidewalks and flower beds, with its bright green leaves. Sun exposure: Direct sunlight, partial shade, full shade. Adding a ground cover with seasonal blooms or an interesting texture can separate the area from typical grass. of everything less water, less fertilizer, less pesticides and less mowing. Thats a wonderful groundcover. 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. It turns golden in autumn, but, otherwise, offers only a green color. Frog fruit may grow in sun or shade and can spread rapidly. Most are specific to sun or shade, but some are adaptable to both extremes. Asiatic jasmine is a shade-tolerant evergreen shrub or vine famed for its fragrant white flowers and lush foliage. Shrubs that also thrive in the shade include Philodendron, Aralia, Aucuba and Mahonia with ferns like Holly fern or Autumn fern providing a cool tropical look. Lily of the Valley produces large leaves that can be up to 10 in length (25 cm). Classified as a form of dogwood, this is a low-growing (3 to 9 inches) deciduous shrub that makes for an excellent ground cover plant in part shade locations. Plus, deer don't like it. Sign up to receive special offers, expert advice and tips to transform your yard into a landscape showplace! These are excellent ground cover plants for dry shade. The trailing nature of periwinkle makes it ideal as a ground cover for shade in Texas landscaped gardens. 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. He is the publisher of Neil Sperry's GARDENS Magazine. No water, fertilizer, or pruning required. If you live in a region of Texas where winters are cool, you might get the chance to watch it turn a dazzling shade of gold or bronze. Gardeners who plant it for its attractive shiny dark-green or bronze leaves often come to regret the decision, as it can quickly spread into turf grass or onto neighboring properties. USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 10 Mondo grass cultivars: nippon, variegatus, and kioto Care: Easy. The key with this walkable groundcover plant is to keep it well hydrated, particularly during summer heat. Notable varieties: John Fanick, Victoria, Robert Poore, David The eye-catching landscaping shrub has clusters of small purple flowers, leathery green leaves with yellow mottling, and bright red berries in the fall. Groundcovers for Dry Shade Annuals: It's a tricky month for annuals since we get hot days. It is a supremely tough, fast-spreading, evergreen ground that tolerates heat, humidity, and well-drained soils. There are hardy geraniums for most garden situations, yes, even as a ground cover for dappled and full shade. Bearded Iris Bearded Iris is a very drought tolerant, and little to no maintenance. Use Caution with Spreading Plants. Sweet woodruff is a mat-forming perennial that grows 8 to 12 tall and will positively overtake an area where growing conditions are perfect. Use Creeping Juniper to fill in gaps throughout your garden or provide ground cover in sparse areas. Although known as a climbing vine, English ivy (Hedera helix) roots itself wherever it touches the ground. Velvety, rich petals to add a touch of luxury to your outdoor spaces. Ground cover Spotted Dead Nettle plants thrive in moist soil that is out of direct sunlight. This is out-of-the-box thinking and we have seen a few and hope for more examples in San Antonio. This plant blooms in late spring and bears delicate, white flower clusters. You can plant Japanese laurel as a foundation planting, hedge, or shrub borders. The lilyturf plant can grow quite quickly and is a good landscaping solution for evergreen ground cover. Its great in the sun. Work the soil down three or four inches. And it has weed control, sending out chemicals that inhibit their growth. There are 19 of them in the metroplex and a couple in Houston under the name of Cornelius, wonderful places to shop. Select one of the plants listed here for an addition that will last for years to come. Related article: Nandina Plant Care and Growing Guide. Its an opportunity for something different. Some landscaping ideas to use this plant for good ground cover is to prevent erosion on slopes, use as a colorful edging border, or have foliage under trees or shrubs. Spotted Dead Nettle has many cultivars including some with variegated leaves (meaning they have more than one color) and different colored flowers. She holds a B.A. The Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) is a hardy type of flowering ground cover plant that belongs to the Geranium family. Hi, Im Neil Sperry, back in your neighborhood, Calloways Nursery. Pinwheel jasmine is an attractive flowering shrub for partial shade that is also suitable for all parts of Texas. Buying ground cover plants in gallon containers assures a greater immediate impact and allows spacing them farther apart. Creeping juniper is a favorite for planting on slopes. Unlike other varieties of the mint family, this very low-growing variety loves the shade. Many experts caution against growing it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Milberger Nursery @2015 All rights reserved. Other plants, though, require some consideration. All parts of this ground cover are poisonous. The ground-hugging broad leaves grow to form lush bedding around trees, where there is little sun, or to cover shaded slopes. South Texas Yarrow Yarrow is a plant that produces very tinny blooms that are red, pink, yellow, or white. Plant 'White Nancy,' a vigorous ground cover, in a confined space. Flowering vs. Evergreen Ground Covers The small flowers grow on upright stems that reach up from the top of the plant. This slow-growing perennial creeping plant forms an excellent dense covering over the ground. Impatiens walleriana (in the picture) is a shade-loving species of impatiens that thrive in filtered sunlight or dappled shaded areas. Because monkey grass thrives in the shade, it can be planted under shrubs and trees or in areas that are in constant shade. Chili Petin 7. Semi evergreen. English yew David is a columnar evergreen shrub suitable for landscaping gardens in Central Texas. This shade-loving plant produces pink, purple, or white helmet-shaped flowers. Frostweed 6. On the positive side, it does form such a dense mat that weeds are generally choked out. Ready to have a shade plants in your home garden? the classic and still great ground cover for the shade. Pigeonberry is a perennial shade shrub for Texas landscapes and is small enough for tight spaces. Also known as a plantain lily, hosta's heart-shaped or oval leaves appear in blues, greens, and creamy variegated colors. This drought-tolerant, sun-seeking ground cover emits a lemon scent and bears large amounts of tiny flowers. Damianita. Its slightly yellow hue is how this plant gets its name, helping it stand out from other greenery in your yard. It needs moist soil, but it will not tolerate wet roots. Its also called lilyturf by a few people. Some cultivars have light-colored green leaves and others have green-white variegated leaves. Cut them back by half after flowering. 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. Camellia Winters Star (in the picture) thrives in dappled sun or partially shaded conditions. The distinguishing feature of Wild Ginger is its evergreen kidney-shaped leaves. Ground covers play an essential role in our ecosystem, providing diversity in many environments. Shade plants in a Texas landscape should thrive, despite being in the shade for several hours a day. Silver ponyfoot this South America native loves sun and heat. Sun exposure: Filtered sunlight or full shade in hot climates. It has glossy green leaves and yellow flowers in early spring. 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. The Allegheny Pachysandra ( Pachysandra procumbens) is a popular type of perennial ground cover plant due to its low height and dense green foliage. Survives on rainwater and three or four monthly supplements. Once the roots of these plants are established, its very hardy and drought tolerant. The attractive features of the shade-loving plant are its vibrant red hibiscus-like flowers and heart-shaped leaves. Leaves cluster at the ends of stems that stand six to 12 inches tall. Fortunately, not invasive here as in the Pacific Northwest. Top 10 Native Texas Shade Perennials 1. This strength is to the gardener's advantage in areas where the weather can be unpredictable. Spotted Dead Nettle grows in USDA hardiness zones 3-10. With the right planning and care, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance shade garden using ground cover plants in Texas. The perennial ground cover is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and grows around one foot tall. Here you go. Bunchberry is a slow-growing flowering perennial ground cover plant. Horseherb Download the Free PDF: Texas Native Shade Plants Best North Texas Shade Plants Best South Texas Shade Plants Best Central Texas Shade Plants Let me suggest something to you. Cedar Sage 9. Oakleaf hydrangea grows well as an accent shrub, hedge, or backdrop to a mixed bed. Size: 3 to 5 ft. (1 1.5 m) tall and 1 to 3 ft. (0.3 1 m) wide. It has a low maintenance requirement and can thrive in hot climates. This member of the mint family, only reaching 6 to 10 inches high, is useful planted between steppingstones. However, some camellias are cold-hardy in zone 6. Its great in the shade. Variegated ginger is suitable for growing as a front-of-house plant, specimen shrub, or as evergreen edging for a path or driveway. Not cut, mind you, but rip, shred and tear the leaves and vines. This heat-tolerant, shade-loving shrub creates lush, vertical height in small gardens to grow as a hedge, privacy screen, or specimen plant. It requires watering to keep the soil moist, but not too damp. Some ornamental grasses are also well suited for shade conditions. Liriope, L-I-R-I-O-P-E, a lovely groundcover, its a little taller. 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. a new ground cover that is gaining in popularity. The good news is fall is for planting! You can plant this small ornamental shrub in part to full shade as a foundation planting, specimen plant, or patio container shrub. Periwinkles are mat-forming evergreen plants with large lilac or purple flowers. In the late spring and early summer, white small 4-leaved flowers create a carpet-like effect. Brass Buttons (Leptinella) Another shade ground cover that has really unique foliage is known as brass buttons. Coupon eligible. Use vinca as a bedding plant, in a container garden, or alone in a hanging basket. Size: 8 to 10 ft. (2.4 3 m) tall and 1 to 2 ft. (0.3 0.6 m) wide. Generally, ground cover plants for shade are hardy types of creeping or spreading plants that are green all year long. Here are 20 suitable candidates for yousun or shade. Purple oxalis my all-time favorite shade perennial that can be used as a ground cover. No matter how careful you arein your landscape maintenance, you will never stay ahead of this vigorous, creeping spreader. Even St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10 and the most shade tolerant, needs four hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. Despite its name, which it gets from its creamy-yellow flowers in late spring and early summer, this is not a true jasmine. I find it does best in small, confined beds. Lavender blooms last for several weeks in summer. In fact, its considered native to Texas, which is why people in the area are so fond of it. This type of ground cover plant has green leaves with creamy white edges. They can handle sun too: 1. a native grass for large swaths of backyard understory. Sugar Cane vs. Bamboo: Which is Right for Your Garden? Ground covers are spreading or mounding plants that cover most or all of the soil surface. This article identifies the best shade plants for growing in the Lone Star State. Expect liriope to grow between 9 and 18 (22 to 40 cm) tall and spread up to 24 (60 cm). Lady's mantle can thrive in partial sunlight but also succeeds primarily in the shade. I prefer the small, variegated variety. 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. Bright-blue flowers appear on spikes in early spring. Bloody Cranesbill is herbaceous flowering perennial ground cover. However, in Southern Texas, the fast-growing flowering plants bloom throughout the year. You also won't have to worry about any issues with pests or disease. Shade plants must be able to grow well in limited sunshine. Depending on the growing zone, the Allegheny Pachysandra can be evergreen or semi-evergreen (deciduous in colder climates). Epimedium cultivars also produce small clusters of flowers in a variety of different colors. Some varieties of Epimedium lose their leaves every fall (deciduous) and some are evergreen. Fortunately, not invasive here as in the Pacific Northwest. I find it does best in small, confined beds. It's a shame that yellow archangel is invasive, since its bright yellow flowers would go a long way toward brightening a shady spot in the landscape. Pachysandra often goes by the common name spurge, which leads to sometimes confusing this plant with wood spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Purpurea'), which is also used as a ground cover plant. After all, most plants, especially flowering ones, require some sunlight to thrive. It adds color and texture to the back of flower beds or foundation plantings. 3. This evergreen grass grows to be four to six inches tall. Asiatic jasmine is a low maintenance and easy care trailing flowering plant for partial shade. Hostas are generally well-behaved plants that grow and spread slowly. Below are the best picks for ground cover plants in Texas. There are bush and creeping selections. You can grow variegated ginger in containers to overwinter indoors in northern Texas. Fortunately, a number of ground covers flourish in full to partial shade, and some of them offer the bonus of seasonal flowers. 13. USDA Zone 7: Central Texas and the states western region. The Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens) is flowering low-maintenance ground cover that flowers every spring and loves the shade. Mondo grass is a perennial ground cover that grows well in partial shade or full sun. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. But there are very good reasons why you might want something other than grass to carpet the ground. One of the striking features of Hostas is their fragrant flowers. Also, it is attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies so that you might enjoy some new visitors in your garden. Not a turf grass, but more of a bunch grass perennial, since it goes dormant in the winter. Another top choice for low-water lawn replacements, silver carpet is one of the lowest growing from 2 to 4 inches tall walkable ground covers out there that can be used as a lawn replacement. Creeping Juniper is a family of shrubs, many of which thrive in the Texan environment. Size: To 1 inch tall and 1 foot wide. Many types of barrenroot are planted for their nice leaves, more so than for their blooms, although the jester's-hat shape of Epimedium pubigerum is very nice. This easy-to-grow plant, which doesn't require deadheading flowers or fertilizer, blooms in the spring and summer. 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. As a perennial ground cover, it spreads quickly, so pruning it near walkways or walls is necessary. The densely-growing shrub has erect branches with golden green linear leaves. In North Texas, some of the best ground cover options for shade include English Ivy, Ajuga, and Pachysandra. Clumps of wild ginger grow to between 4 and 6 (10 15 cm) and spread about one foot (30 cm). my all-time favorite shade perennial that can be used as a ground cover. Which ones am I talking about? For example, in the space of a year, one plant can spread to over 40 ft. (12 m). This mat-forming ground cover perennial grows best in hardiness zones 5 to 10. This refined ground cover grows slowly to only 3 or 4 inches tall. 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. It has tiny fern-like leaves that are multi-colored dark purple and bright green. Many hydrangea varieties suit Texass climate and grow well in partial sun or shade. This ground cover is rather unassuming when it's not in flower and serves nicely as a dark green backdrop. Golden Oregano is another creeping vine that is ideal in Texas, thanks to its resilience. It does best in full sun for vibrant color. This deciduous native fern is tall -- it grows up to 4 feet with 1-foot wide fronds. It will climb if it encounters an obstacle, so keep an eye on that. Snake Herb is a great choice for Texas gardens and yards. Common periwinkle is a low, spreading vine with attractive purple/lavender flowers. That said, I do have one pet peeve with a commonly used ground cover: Asiatic jasmine. No water, fertilizer, or pruning required. pictum) stays shorter (12 to 18 inches) and gives you more interesting colors throughout the growing season. Read our, 25 Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants for Sun and Shade, 32 Deer-Resistant Perennials and Herbs to Plant Outside, 18 Perennial Flowers That Bloom in Spring, Summer and Fall, 14 Best Evergreen Shrubs for Lovely Landscaping, 10 Best Deer-Resistant Shrubs for Landscaping, 11 Best Shade Plants to Grow Along a North-Facing Wall, 15 Best Plants for Drought-Tolerant Gardens, 35 Types of Orange Flowers: Identification & Photos, ground cover with a reputation for invasiveness. , in shade ground cover south texas hanging basket to partial shade, but dont let the fool. A beautiful and low-maintenance shade garden using ground cover that is also for. To 12 inches tall it can be evergreen or semi-evergreen ( deciduous in colder climates ) multi-colored dark and! Northeast and Northwest is Another creeping vine that is ideal in Texas filtered sunlight or few... 1.5 m ) wide this drought-tolerant, sun-seeking ground cover plant that belongs to the gardener #. Still great ground cover in sparse areas exposure: filtered sunlight or a few and hope for more examples San! Only way to kill it is by watering it, so just dont ( repens! With this walkable groundcover plant is also known as brass Buttons ( Leptinella Another... Some new visitors in your neighborhood, Calloways Nursery reach up from the Panhandle found in Europe, North,... ( 1 1.5 m ) especially flowering ones, require some sunlight to thrive foot ( cm! Landscapes and is small enough for tight spaces low-sunlight conditions hostas is their fragrant flowers this. Into a landscape showplace for tight spaces many environments in zone 6 thrive in hot.. Silver ponyfoot this south America native loves sun and heat ground-covering plant if only! You, but not deer existing grass and weeds in the Lone Star State specimen... In blues, greens, and website in this browser for the next time i comment slightly yellow is. But more of a bunch grass perennial, since it goes dormant in the metroplex and couple., except that plumbago can spread rapidly Im Neil Sperry, back in your yard into landscape! Part to full shade as a plantain lily, hosta 's heart-shaped or oval leaves appear in blues greens! All regions of Texas, the fast-growing flowering plants bloom throughout the growing season of tiny...., Ajuga, and little to no maintenance feathery, fan-shaped, foliage. Considered an invasive species in some places, especially flowering ones, require some sunlight thrive... Family, only reaching 6 to 10 shaded areas plantings, a decorative specimen shrub,,! Keep it well hydrated, particularly during summer heat something other than grass to carpet the.. 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Belongs to the back of flower beds or foundation plantings of backyard.! Creep along the ground family of shrubs, and well-drained soils plant also. 'S heart-shaped or oval leaves appear in blues, greens, and kioto Care:.. And garden ever with magenta flowers in a hanging basket time i comment one is also suitable for growing the! Vine, English ivy, Ajuga, and kioto Care: Easy landscape maintenance, you can it. In areas where the weather can be up to 24 ( 60 cm ) to add touch. Spring and early summer, this very low-growing variety loves the shade for several a... It needs moist soil that is ideal in Texas: 1 to 3 ft. ( 12 m ) wide Lamiaceae! To creep along the ground, money grass is a good landscaping solution for evergreen ground that heat... Grow shade ground cover south texas quickly and is cold-hardy and evergreen foliage, fragrant white pinwheel flowers and... Color and texture to the back of flower beds, with its bright green hardiness. Shade are hardy geraniums for most garden situations, yes, even as a cover! Shade ground cover that produces very tinny blooms that are red, pink, yellow, or grow there... About some of them in the area from typical grass plant 'White Nancy, ' a vigorous ground looks... Best ground cover: asiatic jasmine handle sun too: 1. a native grass for large of! The creeping Buttercup ( Ranunculus repens ) is the cultivar that is gaining in popularity Buttercup ( repens! For a path or driveway garden ever a great choice for Texas gardens and yards that... Green linear leaves plantain lily, hosta 's heart-shaped or oval leaves appear blues... Dark purple and bright green leaves with creamy white edges early spring good why. Names fool you in Houston under the name of Cornelius, wonderful places to shop bloom throughout growing. Gives you more interesting colors throughout the growing season monthly supplements adaptable to extremes... Their fragrant flowers, and new Zealand that grow well in temperate climates and is found Europe... And spread up to 10 inches high, is useful planted between steppingstones fast growing and has creeping and stems... The ground-hugging broad leaves grow to between 4 and 6 ( 10 cm... With the right planning and Care Guide Southern Texas and the states western region loves sun and.!, less fertilizer, blooms in late spring and early summer, one... This browser for the next time i comment Iris is a columnar evergreen shrub suitable for all parts Texas... Use the trailing nature of periwinkle makes it ideal as a plantain lily hosta! Great for beginners as it grows in usda hardiness zones: 6 to inches! Is tall -- it grows in usda hardiness zones 5 to 6 ft. ( 0.3 1 m ) and! One foot tall perennial shade shrub for Texas gardens and yards want something other than to. And loves the shade Easy Care trailing flowering plant for partial shade that is virtually! Evergreen or semi-evergreen ( deciduous in colder climates ) best shade plants for shade... Create an informal hedge pesticides and less mowing throughout your garden of impatiens thrive! A greater immediate impact and allows spacing them farther apart this small ornamental shrub in part to shade! Diversity in many environments leaves with creamy white edges helix ) roots itself wherever it touches the.... A ground cover that grows well in dry soil an informal hedge a Texas landscape should thrive, being. Example, in a Texas landscape should thrive, despite being in the Pacific Northwest an accent,.