Groundcovers

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of Ajuga reptans, commonly known as bugleweed. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its dark green to purple leaves, small blue flowers, and its growth habit as a ground cover. The document also details its planting requirements, such as preferred light conditions, soil tolerances, and USDA hardiness zones. Additionally, it highlights the plant’s uses in landscaping, potential invasive nature, and available cultivars. The document concludes with information on propagation, pest resistance, and aesthetic considerations for garden design. Original publication date October 1999.

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the ‘New Orleans’ crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘New Orleans’), highlighting its characteristics, planting requirements, and uses. It details the plant’s growth habits, including its height, spread, and leaf arrangement, as well as its seasonal attributes such as summer flowering and attractive fall foliage. The document also discusses the plant’s tolerance to various soil types and drought conditions, its susceptibility to pests and diseases, and recommended pruning practices. Additionally, it mentions several cultivars of crape myrtle, noting their specific features and resistance to common issues like powdery mildew. Original publication date October 1999.

Edward F. Gilman

This document provides an overview of the artillery plant (Pilea microphylla), detailing its characteristics, growth habits, and uses. The plant is described as a fine-textured, fern-like ground cover that grows 8 to 12 inches tall and spreads up to two feet wide. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10B through 11 and prefers well-drained, moist soils. The artillery plant is suitable for mass planting, container gardening, and indoor growth. It is noted for its moderate drought tolerance, potential invasiveness, and occasional pest issues. Propagation is typically done through cuttings, and the plant requires minimal maintenance, with occasional pinching to encourage bushiness. Original publication date October 1999.

Edward F. Gilman, Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, andRyan Klein

Beach bean is an evergreen groundcover native to Florida’s coastal ecosystems. It produces year-round pink-purple flowers and large, woody seedpods. It is well-suited for coastal landscaping or as a dense groundcover in sandy areas.

Edward F. Gilman, Terry Delvalle, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of Monarda punctata, commonly known as horsemint or bee balm. It describes the plant’s physical characteristics, including its height, leaf shape, and flower color. The text highlights its native habitat in Florida and its suitability for USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. It also covers the plant’s uses in landscaping, its growth requirements, and its moderate drought tolerance. Additionally, the document mentions propagation methods and the plant’s resistance to pests and diseases. Original publication date October 1999.

Edward F. Gilman, Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, andRyan Klein

Cast iron plant is an upright, spreading herbaceous perennial that is extremely hardy. It thrives in shaded conditions and is well-suited as a groundcover, in a container, as edging or a border, or grown as a houseplant.

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the Pilea cadierei, commonly known as the aluminum plant. It describes the plant’s distinctive variegated foliage, growth habits, and care requirements. The aluminum plant thrives in shaded areas and can be used as a ground cover, in hanging baskets, or cascading down walls2. It is sensitive to pests and requires regular irrigation and fertilization to maintain its appearance. The document also highlights the plant’s invasive potential and its suitability for USDA hardiness zones 10 through 11. Original publication date October 1999.

Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, Ryan Klein, andSydney Park-Brown

Brazilian buttonflower is an herbaceous perennial with a spreading growth form, coarsely toothed leaves, and fluffy button-like lavender flowers. It is well suited as a groundcover and cascades when planting near a wall.

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the daffodil (Narcissus spp.), detailing its various forms, colors, and uses in landscaping. It covers the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, growth rate, and leaf and flower features. The document also discusses the planting and care requirements for daffodils, such as soil preferences, watering needs, and pest management. Additionally, it highlights the potential diseases and pests that can affect daffodils and offers guidance on how to address these issues. Original publication date Sept. 1999.