Hi Carol,

We are in the process of putting new plants in the perimeter of our new pool screen cage (thanks to the hurricanes). We had Lirope but my wife doesn't like that so we're looking for new ideas.

Any suggestions???? Looking for perennials, color, doesn't grow over 2-3 ft or can be trimmed to that height, or possibly even a ground cover that has color............

Hope you have an idea or two we could pursue.........

Thanks

Ed Gavin

Hello Ed,

You do not give me much information to go on, it is always a good idea to be aware of the conditions before you plant. Consider these questions: Is the location sunny or shady? moist or dry? hot due to a western exposure? irrigation available?

Here are a few of my favorite ground covers with the best conditions for each plant, choose one or two that match your site conditions.

Confederate jasmine or Trachelospermum jasminoides. Grows in sun or shade, well-drained soil, has good salt tolerance. A vine that climbs by twining, therefore makes a great ground cover usually 6 - 12 inches tall. Will not climb a wall but will twine up a tree, fence or shrub.

Coontie or Zamia floridana. Native cycad, palm-like, though not a palm or fern. Grow 18- 24 inches tall. Very heat & drought tolerant, prefers partial to full shade particularly in the afternoon. Host to the Florida Atilla Butterfly.

Ferns (various species) For shady, moist, well-drained locations, ferns cannot be beat. Holly, Boston, leatherleaf, and sword ferns are recommended for ground covers. For best results thin plantings regularly.

Lantana. Native species or sterile cultivars only, others are very invasive. Typically grows 24 - 36 inches high. Full sun and well-drained soil. Drought and heat tolerant. Could be injured by freezing temperatures. Note - the berries are poisonous, use with care if young children or horses are present.

African iris or Dietes iridioides. Grows 24- 36 inches tall in full sun. Drought tolerant perennial, extra water needed when in bloom if conditions are dry. Easy to grow. Attractive white flowers with blue in the spring. Forms spreading clumps. Also known as D. vegeta; D. bicolor has yellow flowers.

Indian blanket or Gaillardia pulchella. Native plant to 24 inches, requires full sun and well-drained soil, very drought and salt tolerant. A perennial though it can be short-lived, re-seeds readily. Flowers dasiy-like and typically red and yellow. Plant in open site with good drainage. Good for beach-front plantings.

Ed, these are just a few of the wonderful ground covers available, visit your local nursery or garden center, make a list of what you like, then come back to your computer and search by scientific name for more information and growing conditions. This will save you a great deal of stress and heartbreak by planting what will grow well on your site.

Anyone with a suggestion of what has worked for you?

Good Luck,
Carol