Home >  Top Five Drought-Resistant Ground Covers     

In this edition we’ll cover popular ground covers. Any plant that grows low to the ground and can be used to fill in areas where turf grass will not grow or is not wanted is considered a ground cover. Ideally, most ground covers should be evergreen and provide a permanent covering. Many times we struggle with plants that are not in the right place. Replacing problem plants with appropriate ground covers in areas such as hot, dry strips next to sidewalks or driveways is a perfect solution. Ground covers are sometimes used as a natural barrier to prevent foot traffic or reduce soil erosion on sloped areas. Many ground covers will also do well in deep shade, as opposed to even the most shade-tolerant turf grass. The following are some particularly tough, colorful, and drought-resistant ground covers for Central Florida landscapes.

The Beach Sunflower

The Beach Sunflower is a native spreading perennial that has attractive, small sunflower-like blooms year round. It spreads to form a dense ground cover in hot sunny locations, even with-out irrigation. It is very attractive to butterflies and often reseeds. Plant in any sunny spot with well drained soil and watch the flowers turn their faces to follow the sun from sunrise to sunset. Plant two feet apart and apply mulch to keep the weeds down and hold moisture in the sandy soils.

Lantana

Lantana is one of the most popular flowering perennials in Florida. Once established, this spreading ground cover blooms continuously and requires little care. Butterflies frequent these nectar rich flowers which come in a variety of colors. Well-drained soils are required. Lantanas are salt tolerant and usually re-grow after a frost. Lantana camara, a non-native variety, is considered invasive in South Florida.

Mimosa

Mimosa, also known as Powderpuff, this native ground cover has purple, brush-like flow-ers. Stems often root along their length and can penetrate deep into soil, one of the likely reasons that this plant is drought resistant. Mimosa can spread quickly– as few as four or five pots planted in a landscape can cover 200-300 ft in less than a full growing season. Its rapid spread, dense, mat-like habit, and deep root system also make it a good species for erosion control.

Perennial Peanut

Perennial Peanut is a great ground cover due to its high resistance to drought, nematodes, and pathogens and its minimal fertilizer needs. It requires no fertilization or pest control, can be walked on, and has edible, peanut flavored flowers. Flowers bloom from April through September. Top growth dies back after a frost, but the plant will come back as long as the rhizomes don't freeze. Maintain at 1.5" tall by mowing every 2-4 weeks. Mowing stimulates flowering.

Dwarf Asiatic Jasmine

The Dwarf Asiatic Jasmine vine's slender stems form dense tangled mats when grown as ground cover. It prefers rich, well-drained soil but will succeed in most soils except those that are soggy. It is slow growing the first 2-3 years. It has good salt tolerance and can be grown near the beach. Jasmine tolerates deep shade, but prefers moderately shady situa-tions in hot summer climates. A weed whacker can be used to maintain a neat shape and appearance.

This fact sheet was produced using information originally published by Marina D’Abreau, Ed.D., Environmental Horticulture Agent II. Happy Gardening!