Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - January 04, 2010
From: Pasadena, CA
Region: California
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Groundcover for parking strip in Pasadena, California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Can you suggest a low growing, low maintenance plant which will spread to cover parking strip in Pasadena, California? Thank you.ANSWER:
Here are some groundcovers that are native to the Pasadena area. Since I don't know whether the strip is shaded or in full sun, I have included plants for either situation. You should read the other characteristics and growing conditions as well to determine if they match your site.
Clinopodium douglasii [syn. Satureja douglasii, Satureja chamissonis](yerba buena), part shade. Here are photos.
Symphoricarpos mollis (creeping snowberry) grows best in part shade or shade. Here is more information.
Encelia farinosa (brittlebush) full sun. Here is more information.
Eriogonum fasciculatum (Eastern Mojave buckwheat) full sun.
Oenothera californica (California primrose) full sun. Here are more photos.
Corethrogyne filaginifolia (California aster) full sun. Here are more photos.
Artemisia californica (coastal sagebrush) full sun.
Heuchera maxima (Jill of the rocks) shade.
Mahonia repens (creeping barberry) part shade.
Epilobium canum ssp. canum (hummingbird trumpet) sun, part shade. Here is more information.
Here are photos of some of the plants above from our Image Gallery:
More Groundcovers Questions
Groundcovers for Shade Under a Sweetgum
March 25, 2015 - I have 3 large sweetgum trees that produce so much shade each summer, and grass, even grass meant for shade, won't grow here. It's become a barren desert! I have English ivy but it only seems to gro...
view the full question and answer
Winter groundcover for shaded backyard in Austin
January 10, 2013 - I live in south Austin and have a shaded backyard. During the summer, the lawn died and the ground is now bare. I'd like to plant some kind of winter grass or ground cover that will hold the soil i...
view the full question and answer
Groundcovers for hillside in Northern California
November 19, 2012 - I have read numerous posts on here, but I have not found my exact situation. I live in Northern California. I am looking for some type of ground cover to grow on a hillside. Directly above the hillsid...
view the full question and answer
Native moss to fill in between flagstones
April 21, 2008 - I live in Houston and have a long, narrow flagstone path that runs along the east side of the house. I am looking for a native moss that can fill in between the flagstones and will tolerate morning su...
view the full question and answer
Low maintenance, shade tolerant groundcover for Pacific Northwest
August 09, 2012 - What's a good low maintenance, shade tolerant ground cover for the Pacific Northwest? It needs to have good erosion control, too.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |