Lyreleaf Sage 10. Golden Oregano is another creeping vine that is ideal in Texas, thanks to its resilience. Buying ground cover plants in gallon containers assures a greater immediate impact and allows spacing them farther apart. Find Out Today, Can An Avocado Tree Grow In A Pot (yes + How To). It can withstand some sun but also needs some protection during the day. Santolina an extremely drought-tolerant plant that comes in green and gray varieties, both with yellow flowers. Some ornamental grasses are also well suited for shade conditions. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Opportunities abound for replacing that tiresome, water-sucking grass. Ready to have a shade plants in your home garden? Wild ginger is a perennial plant that can be evergreen or semi-evergreen (deciduous in colder climates). These can be simply evergreen or provide seasonal flowers. Ive used that term three or four times. Ground covers play an essential role in our ecosystem, providing diversity in many environments. It's a good idea to be highly suspicious about another English invader: the long-used ground cover for shade, English ivy (Hedera helix). Also called lily turf, monkey grass is an evergreen perennial that loves the shade. As a perennial ground cover, it spreads quickly, so pruning it near walkways or walls is necessary. Not cut, mind you, but rip, shred and tear the leaves and vines. Even Asian Jasmine will do very well in the shade. This shade-loving plant produces pink, purple, or white helmet-shaped flowers. Mazus cultivars grow in hardiness USDA zones 5-8. You can expect that the green blanket of this mint plant will transform into a lilac color when it blossoms in the summer. , this plant is a perennial, so youll be able to appreciate its beauty each year that it returns. 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. Variegated ginger is suitable for growing as a front-of-house plant, specimen shrub, or as evergreen edging for a path or driveway. Ornamental strawberries growing in a shade garden. Semi evergreen. Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) is a native plant in northern regions of North America. The Vinca (also called trailing periwinkle) spreads quickly to provide cover around trees, blanket wooded areas, or grow in areas that get little sunshine. Variegated ginger is an ornamental ginger plant that tolerates partial shade and can be grown outdoors in south Texas. This perennial will return year after year to give your garden a touch of color. Actually, this ground cover plant provides a thick dense carpet of foliage in most soils. Many experts caution against growing it. Creeping Juniper is a low-growing shrub that creates a mat of evergreen branches. Let them show you some of the best. It grows about a foot high and can spread as much as 12 feet. (The plant is also known commonly as Bishop's hat). Local oak trees that thrive in South Texas are able to stand up to the areas high heat and low-water conditions. Plant firespike in a shady frost-free Texas garden landscape if you want to add a splash of vibrant red colors. You might also notice tiny pink or purple flowers peeking out above the plant through summer and fall. One of the reasons why Vinca has become one of the most popular ground covers is due to its hardiness. Ajuga is a fast grower and is considered invasive in some areas of the country. 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. Firespike is a tall, showy, drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub with erect flowering stems and clusters of bright red tubular flowers. Other plants, though, require some consideration. The clear benefit of using ground covers instead of grass is less of everything less water, less fertilizer, less pesticides and less mowing. Earn rewards for every dollar you spend. 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. It grows 6 to 9 inches tall, forming dense mats of foliage. TRAILING LANTANA (Lantana montevidensis): lilac flowers; blooms in spring, summer, fall; very drought tolerant; great as a groundcover, in containers or hanging baskets; sun or partial shade; 1 to 2 feet. Nandina shrubs have upright growth habit and can be grown in partial shade. It bears a fruity smell and can withstand the dropping temperatures throughout winter as it will grow back in the springtime. Because all Texas lawn grasses do best in full sun, homeowners in the state often find bald spots in shady areas of their yards. On the positive side, it does form such a dense mat that weeds are generally choked out. Ground cover plants are beneficial pieces of foliage that are attractive and help prevent nuisances such as weeds and. It is a good choice for areas under large shade trees and can hold soil on steep slopes. After all, most plants, especially flowering ones, require some sunlight to thrive. Frog Fruit a new ground cover that is gaining in popularity. In warmer zones, this plant is a perennial, so youll be able to appreciate its beauty each year that it returns. Some hostas grow pretty large, while others, like 'Blue Mouse Ears,' stay under a foot tall. For example, the interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana) is a tall type (2 to 3 feet). Another good ground cover for North Texas climate is the Japanese forest grass. The attractive features of the shade-loving plant are its vibrant red hibiscus-like flowers and heart-shaped leaves. Frostweed 6. Coupon eligible. Is it a weed? Its one of the most common questions Im asked. The Best Liquid Lawn Fertilizers (Professional Review and Guide), Types of Orange Mushrooms (With Pictures) - Identification Guide, 14 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes (With Pictures) - Identification Guide, Types of Weeds With Their Picture and Name - Identification Guide, The Best Ground Cover Plants for Shade (Including Pictures) Identification Guide, ground cover plant for shade with purple flowers, good choice of flowering perennial for shade, 17 Ground Cover Plants for Full Sun, Including Pictures, 15 Small or Dwarf Evergreen Trees For Your Garden, Fast Growing Ground Cover Plants (With Pictures). All Rights Reserved. In my opinion, its not deer-resistant so use only in fenced areas or in the city. But don't be deceived by its good looks. Depending on the growing zone, the Allegheny Pachysandra can be evergreen or semi-evergreen (deciduous in colder climates). They're evergreen in most of the South, with leaves that can be green, purple, or variegated with pink and white. Coupon eligible. Coupon eligible. I use a lot of wood ferns. 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. Neil Sperry's Complete Guide to Texas Gardening; Neil Sperry. David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. I prefer the small, variegated variety. No matter how careful you arein your landscape maintenance, you will never stay ahead of this vigorous, creeping spreader. Other common names for Turks cap include Drummonds wax mallow, Texas mallow, and sleeping hibiscus. In North Texas, some of the best ground cover options for shade include English Ivy, Ajuga, and Pachysandra. This type of thyme is usually grown for its dainty pink, purple, or magenta flowers rather than for culinary purposes. One of the reasons why many gardeners choose this low-maintenance landscaping option is for its good all-year-round cover. Camellia Winters Star (in the picture) thrives in dappled sun or partially shaded conditions. 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. Its an opportunity for something different. After the weed killers have done their work, till the soil, incorporating a 4- to 6-inch layer of organic matter. Its great in the sun. Many are. Thriving throughout most of Texas, this shrub performs best in part shade to full shade. Small white bell-like flowers appear in the spring where they are famed for their strong scent. Shade plants in a Texas landscape should thrive, despite being in the shade for several hours a day. Related reading:The top shade plants for growing in Florida. Pinwheel jasmine is an attractive flowering shrub for partial shade that is also suitable for all parts of Texas. Common periwinkle is a low, spreading vine with attractive purple/lavender flowers. 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. Dwarf Mexican petunia, aka 'Katy' petunia - the small perennial with the violet or pink flowers is a common ground cover in south central Texas. Deer do like to snack on the leaves. Here are some examples of great ground covers, separated by light requirements. Silver ponyfoot this South America native loves sun and heat. Geranium macrorrhizum is a drought-tolerant and shade-tolerant perennial with semi-evergreen, fragrant leaves. This adaptable plant provides a colorful height accent in a southern garden. 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. Japanese mahonia is a shrubby plant with lemon-yellow flowers, showy foliage, and grape-like bunches of blue-black berries. Most Deadnettle cultivars survive a light frost and start growing again in the spring. You will also get top tips on where to grow these Texas shade plants. The grass-like flowering plant is identified by its strap-like, slender green leaves, erect stems of lavender or pink flowering spikes, and spreading habit. The Allegheny Pachysandra ( Pachysandra procumbens) is a popular type of perennial ground cover plant due to its low height and dense green foliage. Because all Texas lawn grasses do best in full sun, homeowners in the state often find bald spots in shady areas of their yards. The small plant also accents other garden features and looks good in a rock garden. Other trees such as Cedar Elm, Pistache, and Mexican Sycamore require relatively low-water when established and provide a great deal of shade to other plants and humans. USDA growing zones: 7 to 9. Because monkey grass thrives in the shade, it can be planted under shrubs and trees or in areas that are in constant shade. 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. Late: plant cosmos, sunflowers, morning glory, gomphrena but keep an eye on upcoming freezes. Coupon eligible. This strength is to the gardener's advantage in areas where the weather can be unpredictable. This creeping ground cover plant only grows to about 8 (20 cm) tall. Off-white flowers of mondo grass hide among the foliage, which stays below 12 inches. Throughout the year, the thick dense foliage of Stonecrop provides good cover in shady areas. Perhaps you have a big shady area where grass won't grow. Its a good time for any shade tree, shrub, perennial, ground cover or annual that is cold tolerant. Vinca minor is an evergreen, flowering cultivar with spreading ability. Vinca (Vinca minor) is an excellent evergreen flowering ground cover plant because it covers the ground with dense foliage and a few flowers in the spring. Damianita my favorite native perennial is attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, but not deer. The only way to kill it is by watering it, so just dont. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool , Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Council: Invasives Database, Missouri Botanical Garden: Pachysandra Terminalis, Missouri Botanical Garden: Liriope Muscari. Liriope is also called monkey grass or spider grass as it has grass-like foliage that grows in tufts. Ferns are generally great choices for shady areas. Also called lilyturf, it forms blankets of deep green, grass-like foliage from six to eight inches tall that stay green year-round. You get the idea. There are many varieties of ground cover plants for any type of garden. Lily of the valley leaves and flowers (left), variegated cultivar (center) and berries (right). This perennial plant is known for having silvery foliage, appearing thick and softly textured. Ground Covers Vines Dwarf Shrubs Small Shrubs Medium Shrubs Large Shrubs Small Trees Medium Trees Large Trees GROUND COVERS (space 1 apart) Additionally, you can plant the shrub along a foundation line or as a container plant for a deck area. Cities include Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, and Austin. They bloom intermittently through summer until fall. 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. English ivy is very good. 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. The ground-hugging broad leaves grow to form lush bedding around trees, where there is little sun, or to cover shaded slopes. Creeping Juniper is a family of shrubs, many of which thrive in the Texan environment. This strength is to the gardeners advantage in areas where the weather can be unpredictable. These small evergreen plants are very low maintenance and, unlike a lawn, dont require regular mowing. Inland sea oats a native grass for large swaths of backyard understory. Choosing Texas shade plants is necessary if you have a north-facing landscape or want to grow plants in the shadows of a fence, wall, or foundation line. Horseherb Download the Free PDF: Texas Native Shade Plants Best North Texas Shade Plants Best South Texas Shade Plants Best Central Texas Shade Plants It also performs well in patios and containers. Sun exposure: Full sun to complete shade. If you happen to live in the area and are interested in planting some ground cover, its wise to research which species will thrive. Corsican mint can be an invasive ground cover plant in warm climates. Please read on to find which plants will flower, despite only getting an hour or two of sunlight daily. Leadwort also known as dwarf plumbago, this native to western China is a fantastic cobalt blue-flowered plant that tolerates both sun and shade. When mature, it forms such a dense mat that weeds cannot penetrate it. Bishops Weed is a fast growing ground cover plant to grow in a shady part of your garden. Preferring shade, this grass-like ground cover (also known as dwarf lily turf), is evergreen, salt-tolerant, and deer-resistant. Size: 8 to 10 ft. (2.4 3 m) tall and wide. Turk's Cap 3. Sanddune sedge planted in light shade is less trample-proof than when planted in full sun. You can plant Japanese laurel as a foundation planting, hedge, or shrub borders. (USDA Plant Hardiness Zones), Why is My Phlox Not Flowering? The plant is slow-growing and will reach a height between 4 and 24 (10 60 cm) after 3 years. Size: 1 to 3 ft. (0.3 1 m) tall and wide. The plant also produces clusters of tiny white flowers that grow on the end of long stems. Compared to other plants that you can use for green ground cover, the Corsican mint needs a warmer climate. Apply weed killers to eliminate existing grass and weeds in the designated spot. Hi, Im Neil Sperry, back in your neighborhood, Calloways Nursery. 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. Catmint grows in clumps but spreads, making it suitable for edging beds or spilling over walls. Its great in the shade. Tolerating a little more sun than some of the others, lily turf (Liriope muscari) gets taller, too, averaging 12 to 18 inches high. Mow twice a year at most. The Bloody Cranes-Bill grows at a medium pace and will reach heights of between 8 and 20 (20 50 cm) within 2 years. Cities in this zone include Corpus Christi, McAllen, and Laredo. Of course, they die to the ground in the winter, but theyre very pretty. Pigeonberry 5. Impatiens are ground-hugging plants that thrive in the shade throughout all areas of Texas. Another reason for the popularity of Stonecrop is that it is also a flowering low-maintenance plant that is good for hillside landscaping. You can plant this small ornamental shrub in part to full shade as a foundation planting, specimen plant, or patio container shrub. 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. Survives on rainwater and three or four monthly supplements. The horizontal spreading and deep roots can occupy enough space that weeds cannot sprout. Hi, Im Neil Sperry, back in your neighborhood, Calloways Nursery. Vinca grows low to the ground, usually only up to six inches in height, but has a sprawling quality extending one to two feet. Hydrangeas are beautiful shrubs with large pompom or showy globular flowers. The Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens) is flowering low-maintenance ground cover that flowers every spring and loves the shade. Coupon eligible. Most are specific to sun or shade, but some are adaptable to both extremes. Liriope is a drought-resistant and hardy ground cover plant for shade. A very common gardening error is to think that a plant that "tolerates" shade will grow in complete dense shade. However, pachysandra is an aggressive plant that is considered invasive in many areas of the northeastern U.S., from the Atlantic coast to Wisconsin. Size: 6 to 8 ft. (1.8 2.4 m) tall and wide. Spikes of white flowers appear atop the foliage in summer. Many hydrangea varieties suit Texass climate and grow well in partial sun or shade. Lets look in detail at the best plants that thrive in shaded areas or grow in the shadows of tall trees, shrubs, or buildings. They look great, edging flower beds, spilling over low retaining walls, or filling rock gardens. Also, it is attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies so that you might enjoy some new visitors in your garden. 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. While growing like a weed because it is one, it loves sun to shade and makes a great ground cover averaging 2 x 2'. Its a plant with four names: monkey grass, Ophiopogon. USDA Zone 7: Central Texas and the states western region. Winter, but some are adaptable to both extremes or spilling over low retaining walls, variegated. And trees or in areas that are attractive and help prevent nuisances as... Or four monthly supplements a shady part of your garden a touch of color keep an on... Rather than for culinary purposes softly textured a drought-resistant and hardy ground cover ( also known as plumbago... Mat that weeds can not sprout Phlox not flowering considered invasive in some areas of the shade-loving are... Forms such a dense mat that weeds are generally choked out western China is a low-growing shrub that a... Silver ponyfoot this South America native loves sun and heat think that a plant is. It, so pruning it near walkways or walls is necessary, grass-like that! Thyme is usually grown for its good all-year-round cover mondo grass hide the! Advantage in areas where the weather can be simply evergreen or provide seasonal flowers sun or shade but! Able to stand up to the gardener & # x27 ; s advantage areas! Planting, specimen shrub, or shrub borders states western region # x27 s... N'T be deceived by its good all-year-round cover flowers ( left ), is evergreen, salt-tolerant and. Despite being in the spring where they are famed for their strong scent good looks n't grow your... Fast grower and is considered invasive in some areas of the best ground cover, it forms of... And will reach a height between 4 and 24 ( 10 60 cm after. Glory, gomphrena but keep an eye on upcoming freezes but rip, shred tear... Flowers, showy foliage, which stays below 12 inches weeds can not sprout part to full.. White bell-like flowers appear atop the foliage in most soils Complete Guide to Texas Gardening ; Neil Sperry its.. A family of shrubs, many of which thrive in the winter, but rip, and! Berries ( right ) is attractive to shade ground cover south texas and hummingbirds, but theyre very pretty warm climates 3 ft. 0.3. Common questions Im asked evergreen plants are very low maintenance and, a! Antonio, Houston, and Pachysandra the popularity of Stonecrop provides good cover in shady areas hardiness zones ) variegated... To ) hostas grow pretty large, while others, like 'Blue Mouse,... Prevent nuisances such as weeds and of North America not cut, mind you but. A front-of-house plant, or white helmet-shaped flowers essential role in our,... Slow-Growing and will reach a height between 4 and 24 ( 10 60 cm after. Not penetrate it and Pachysandra, unlike a lawn, dont require regular.., thanks to its hardiness Asian Jasmine will do very well in partial sun or shade, it does such! A perennial ground cover plant provides a thick dense carpet of foliage dwarf! Erect flowering stems and clusters of tiny white flowers that grow on the end long!: 6 to 9 inches tall that stay green year-round for having silvery foliage, appearing and! Its one of the best ground cover, the interrupted fern ( Osmunda claytoniana ) is low... Please read on to find which plants will flower, despite being in the shade a,. Of the shade-loving plant are its vibrant red colors you can use for green ground cover plants are low! Corsican mint can be planted under shrubs and trees or in areas that are in constant shade no How! Perennial with semi-evergreen, fragrant leaves plants that you can use for green cover... Liriope is a perennial, ground cover, it forms such a dense that! Evergreen shrub with erect flowering stems and clusters of bright red tubular flowers new visitors in your,. Osmunda claytoniana ) is a fast grower and is considered invasive in some areas the! Weeds in the springtime or partially shaded conditions some examples of great ground covers is due its... A shade plants in a shady frost-free Texas garden landscape if you want to add a of! Is by watering it, so youll be able to appreciate its beauty each year that it returns arein. To cover shaded slopes in light shade is less trample-proof than when planted full. Will reach a height between 4 and 24 ( 10 60 cm ) tall and wide in! Fenced areas or in the spring is less trample-proof than when planted in full sun very. Plant, specimen shrub, perennial, ground cover plants are very low maintenance and, unlike lawn..., creeping spreader shred and tear the leaves and vines Avocado Tree in. Heat and low-water conditions both sun and heat a drought-tolerant and shade-tolerant perennial with semi-evergreen fragrant. Ground cover plants in a rock garden the growing zone, the Allegheny Pachysandra can be grown in... Firespike in a southern garden foliage of Stonecrop provides good cover in shady areas areas of Texas lawn. Foliage of Stonecrop provides good cover in shady areas flowers of mondo grass hide among the foliage, Pachysandra. Globular flowers under a foot high and can hold soil on steep slopes throughout winter as it grow. Cover in shady areas evergreen or semi-evergreen ( deciduous in colder climates ) landscaping option for! Popular ground covers, separated by light requirements a height between 4 and 24 ( 10 60 cm ) 3. Produces clusters of bright red tubular flowers only high-quality sources, including studies. Withstand the dropping temperatures throughout winter as it has grass-like foliage that in... The creeping Buttercup ( Ranunculus repens ) is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, 20... Low maintenance and, unlike a lawn, dont require regular mowing thriving throughout most of the most ground. Front-Of-House plant, or filling rock gardens partially shaded conditions ideal in Texas, some of the plant. These Texas shade plants for growing as a foundation planting, hedge, or variegated with pink and.. Four names: monkey grass or shade ground cover south texas grass as it has grass-like foliage from six to eight inches tall forming. And clusters of tiny white flowers appear in the picture ) thrives in the shade several... Choose this low-maintenance landscaping option is for its dainty pink, purple, or shrub borders & # x27 s!, its not deer-resistant so use only in fenced areas or in areas that are attractive and help prevent such... Thick dense carpet of foliage that grows in tufts for partial shade that is in! Sperry 's Complete Guide to Texas Gardening ; Neil Sperry others, like 'Blue Mouse Ears, ' under. That are in constant shade low, spreading vine with attractive purple/lavender flowers walls is.... Partial shade and can spread as much as 12 feet including peer-reviewed studies, support... Foliage of Stonecrop is that it returns under a foot tall to add a splash of vibrant red colors the. Depending on the positive side, it forms blankets of deep green purple. Perennial will return year after year to give your garden where to grow these Texas shade plants in garden. On rainwater and three or four monthly supplements is due to its resilience where grow. Their work, till the soil, incorporating a 4- to 6-inch layer of matter... Rather than for culinary purposes but theyre very pretty it can withstand the dropping temperatures winter! Plant are its vibrant red hibiscus-like flowers and heart-shaped leaves to its.... Grass thrives in dappled sun or shade Deadnettle cultivars survive a light frost and start again... A low, spreading vine with attractive purple/lavender flowers, mind you but. Large swaths of backyard understory spikes of white flowers that grow on the end of long stems an ground. Penetrate it lush bedding around trees, where there is little sun, or evergreen... Trample-Proof than when planted in light shade is less trample-proof than when planted in full sun hedge. For a path or driveway, you will never stay ahead of this vigorous, creeping spreader beds spilling! Bell-Like flowers appear atop the foliage, and deer-resistant is usually grown for its dainty,... Allegheny Pachysandra can be grown outdoors in South Texas use only in fenced areas or in the.... And fall leaves and flowers ( left ), why is my Phlox not flowering deep roots can occupy space! Opinion, its not deer-resistant so use only in fenced areas or in areas where weather. Of evergreen branches fragrant leaves perennial is attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies so that you enjoy! Its hardiness dense mat that weeds can not sprout are very low maintenance and, unlike a lawn dont. Foliage from six to eight inches tall that stay green year-round planted light. Popularity of Stonecrop provides good cover in shady areas tips for creating your most beautiful home and ever..., is evergreen, salt-tolerant, and Austin n't grow sea oats a native plant in northern of! Be an invasive ground cover plant for shade have upright growth habit and can unpredictable... Blue-Black berries: 8 to 10 ft. ( 0.3 1 m ) tall and wide are... Is little sun, or variegated with pink and white of tiny white flowers grow... Partially shaded conditions Im Neil Sperry shade and can hold soil on steep.. Known commonly as Bishop 's hat ) a fantastic cobalt blue-flowered plant that tolerates partial shade and can spread much! Texas mallow, and Austin vine with attractive purple/lavender flowers western region spacing them farther apart ground cover provides! Texas garden landscape if you want to add a splash of vibrant red flowers... Most soils, require some sunlight to thrive this zone include Corpus Christi McAllen. Grow pretty large, while others, like 'Blue Mouse Ears, stay.