Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Friday - March 23, 2007
From: Mansfield, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Phyla nodiflora as a ground cover
Answered by: Damon Waitt
QUESTION:
I'm considering using frogfruit in my lawn and between stepping stones. However, I'm concerned about it being invasive. The tree is in the front lawn and don't want it to take over the Bermuda lawn,and the stones are between flower beds. Is it easy to control or will I be battling it like Bermuda?ANSWER:
Phyla nodiflora (Texas frogfruit) can be used as an excellent ground cover and is evergreen in warm years and would be a good choice between your stepping stones. It is also evergreen in areas protected from frost. Frogfruit generally is a good nectar plant for butterflies and is the larval food plant for Phaon Crescentspot, Buckeye, and White Peacock butterflies. It is an attractive plant rambling over boulders or the edges of hanging baskets.
That said, frogfruit spreads vigorously and you will have to do some maintenance to keep it out of the Bermuda grass. Did I mention Bermuda grass is considered to be an exotic pest in Arkansas, California and Utah. See USDA Plants.
More Groundcovers Questions
Alternatives to invasive, non-native Vinca minor as ground cover
April 05, 2007 - I live in Central Austin. I want to plant a large area of Vinca minor since it is fast growing and offers attractive ground cover. I assume it requires little care with the rain being sufficient for i...
view the full question and answer
Groundcovers for area under blue spruce in Colorado
August 10, 2012 - I have a 40 ft blue spruce limbed up 6 ft in my yard on the west in Greeley, CO (50 mi N Denver, zone 4 or 5). It gets some sun underneath in the later afternoon and evening. Can you suggest 4 to 5 ...
view the full question and answer
Wildflowers for Murphy NC Clay
August 24, 2012 - I live on a ridge in Murphy NC. The property has trees so most of the land is in partial shade. The soil is good 'ole mountain red clay. I have some steep bankings in front of the house that I wou...
view the full question and answer
Groundcover for rocky slope
February 27, 2012 - My house has a very steep and very rocky slope.
We have no problems with erosion, its just very unnattractive.
There is no way to mow it whatsoever, and we live in a planned community so we can't h...
view the full question and answer
Ground covering around cypresses in pool area
July 25, 2008 - We have multiple cypress trees planted along our pool area..they shed way too much..but I'm looking for something to put under and around them over the dirt..do you suggest wood chips or a ground cov...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
