Acacia redolens 'Prostrata'
Trailing Acacia
Dense and wide-spreading, Trailing Acacia makes an excellent large area groundcover and to protect banks. A tough and forgiving plant. 'Desert Carpet' is an improved selection. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
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Arctotis hybrids
African Daisy
This is a good example of seeking out plants by their botanical rather than common name. Many plants native to South Africa are known as African Daisy. A perennial, but may be best grown as an annual, depending on your location. Wide range of flower colors; useful for color displays or as a short-lived groundcover. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers'
Foxtail Fern
The foliage of Foxtail Fern consists of interesting plumes of foxtail-shaped, needlelike leaves. Great container plant. Prefers afternoon shade in hot-summer regions. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri'
Asparagus Fern
Asparagus Fern is often used as a hanging, draping plant. Bright red berries are attractive against the bright green needlelike leaves. 'Myers' is a related selection with long, fluffy, foxtail stems. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Bougainvillea varieties
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a workhorse flowering vine or even groundcover, and one of best choices for subtropical landscapes. Many improved selections available in a range of colors. Plants produce a fair amount of litter so locate away from pools. Shrub forms are also available. Locate in a warm microclimate to help avoid frost damage. Canopy coverage: 707 square feet.
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Calylophus hartwegii var. fendleri
Calylophus, Sundrops
Calylophus produces masses of large yellow flowers, blooming for a long period in spring. Excellent in rock gardens. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Centaurea cineraria
Dusty Miller
Dusty Miller is grown for its silvery white, velvety leaves with roundish lobes rather than its flowers. Compact growth habit; it is in perfect contrast next to green-foliaged plants. In hot summer regions locate plants where they will receive afternoon shade. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Cephalophyllum 'Red Spike'
Red Spike Iceplant
This succulent grows to about 6 inches high and spreads to 1-1/2 feet wide. Excellent for small space coverage. Locate where plants will receive some afternoon shade in hot summer regions. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Chamaemelum nobile
Roman Chamomile
Use Roman Chamomile as a small area groundcover, edging or between stepping stones. Foliage is fragrant when crushed. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Chrysactinia mexicana
Damianita
The tiny, daisylike, golden yellow flowers of Damianita are fragrant. Use close-up by entrances and traffic areas. Mounding growth habit. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Convolvulus cneorum
Silver Bush Morning Glory
The mounding form of Bush Morning Glory works well as a groundcover. Attractive trailing from a container. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Convolvulus mauritanicus
Ground Morning Glory
Ground Morning Glory has a trailing growth habit that allows plants to spread to fill space. Plant in full sun only. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Cotoneaster dammeri
Bearberry Cotoneaster
Bearberry Cotoneaster is a reliable groundcover, remaining low to the ground while spreading wide. Best with some protection from the sun in hot summer regions. Orange-red berries adorn plants in late summer. Reddish bronze fall color. Popular selections are 'Coral Beauty' and 'Lowfast'. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
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Dalea capitata
Sierra Gold Dalea
This Dalea is at home in a rock garden or planted among boulders. 'Sierra Gold' is an improved selection. Needs well drained soil; do not overwater. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Dalea greggii
Prostrate Indigo Bush
Prostrate Indigo Bush is a workhorse groundcover that requires a lot of space for its mature spread. Fine-textured foliage is resistant to rabbits. Needs well drained soil; do not overwater. Canopy coverage: 177 square feet.
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Drosanthemum floribundum
Rosea Iceplant
Iceplant is a vibrant, colorful succulent that serves a dependable role as a groundcover or bank cover. Flowering is quite dramatic as solid sheets of blooms dominate the landscape in late spring. The flowering season lasts just a few weeks, but plant foliage is attractive on its own. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet, but eventual plant spread is considerable, adding to their coverage.
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Epilobium canum garrettii
Hummingbird Trumpet
Hummingbird Trumpet is a colorful, low-growing subshrub (small shrub) that can also serve as a groundcover. Ideal for a naturalistic garden. Strong blooming period comes on late in the season when color is not as common so it is more appreciated. It may be sold as Zauschneria. 'Orange Carpet' is an improved selection. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Epilobium latifolia johnstonii
Bush California Fuchsia
Bush California Fuchsia is one of those plants who's name (genus and species) has been in a constant state of change. May be sold as Zauschneria. Extremely profuse flowering produces a red-orange carpet of color. Strong blooming period comes on late in the season when color is not as common. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Erigeron karvinskianus
Mexican Daisy, Santa Barbara Daisy
This little perennial accepts full sun exposure along the coast; provide with afternoon shade and additional water in hot inland areas. Tiny, daisylike flowers about 3/4 inch wide and have yellow centers. They are white then age to pink and magenta. They can be invasive so be ready to control planting beds. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Euonymus fortunei
Wintercreeper
Wintercreeper is a broadleaf evergreen vine or groundcover. Many selections are available. Canopy coverage: 177 square feet.
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Gazania linearis
Treasure Flower, Gazania
Long bloom period where adapted with large flowers that hug the ground. Not always long-lived. Avoid overwatering. 'Colorado Gold' is an improved selection that is more tolerant to cold. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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