Oenothera caespitosa
Tufted Evening Primrose
This Primrose blooms in the late afternoon and evening hours, so locate it near outdoor living areas or entries where it can be enjoyed. Flowers are fragrant, and can reach up to 4 inches across. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
[Read More]
Oenothera macrocarpa
Missouri Evening Primrose
Missouri Evening Primrose produces large, 4-inch flowers that are pure yellow. Flowers last only one day, but because flowering is so profuse it is hard to notice. Accepting of tough conditions. Better with afternoon shade in hottest climates. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
[Read More]
Oenothera stubbei
Saltillo Primrose
This is a colorful, fast-growing groundcover with a clumping growth habit. The fragrant yellow flowers open in late afternoon until the following morning. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
[Read More]
Origanum vulgare
Common Oregano
Common Oregano, also known as Wild Marjoram, is variable regarding leaf scent and culinary flavor. Color comes from flowers as well as bracts, which are modified leaves that surround flowers. Spreads and reseeds on its own. May die down with winter cold but comes back from the roots. Useful in cooking. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
[Read More]
Osteospermum 'Avalanche'
African Daisy, Sun Daisy
Large, 3-inch, pure white, daisy flowers are profuse on this perennial groundcover for months beginning in spring. Accepts a range of soils, even clay soil. A Plant Select plant. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
[Read More]
Physostegia virginiana
Obedient Plant, False Dragonhead
"Vigorous" is a word often used to describe Obedient Plant. It spreads by rhizomes—underground or soil surface stems—and can be highly invasive. Flowers resemble those of Snapdragon and are excellent for cutting to enjoy indoors. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
[Read More]
Plumbago scandens
White Desert Plumbago
White Desert Plumbago is a sprawling shrub or groundcover that prefers some afternoon shade in hot-summer regions. Flowers are white and profuse in summer, lending a cooling effect. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet. Photo courtesy Mountain States Wholesale Nursery.
[Read More]
Psilostrophe cooperi
Paperflower
Paperflower has a rounded growth habit. It works well planted among boulders or rock gardens. Plant where it will receive afternoon shade in hottest regions. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
[Read More]
Pyracantha crenatoserrata
Pyracantha
Pyracantha is a triple-threat shrub, with attractive evergreen leaves, clusters of white spring flowers, and long-lasting orange-red berries in fall and winter. Be aware of its large thorns, which can serve nicely as a security barrier; avoid locating near traffic areas. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
[Read More]
Pyracantha koidzumii 'Santa Cruz'
Pyracantha, Firethorn
This Pyracantha grows as a shrubby groundcover form that can be pruned to control height as needed. Red berries are profuse and attract birds. Sturdy thorns make it a good barrier plant; handle and prune with caution. Canopy coverage 13 square feet.
[Read More]
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'
Prostrate Rosemary
The aromatic, needlelike leaves of Rosemary deter rabbits. Tough growing groundcover for slopes or allow to drape over ledges. Look for selections 'Huntington Carpet' and 'Collingwood Ingram'. Canopy coverage: 50 square feet.
[Read More]
Ruellia brittoniana 'Katie'
Dwarf Ruellia, Desert Petunia
Katie' is a robust bloomer during the warm season. It works well as a small-area groundcover, growing to 12 inches high. Canopy coverage: 1 square foot.
[Read More]
Salvia officinalis
Garden Sage, Common Sage
Garden Sage is often grown in the herb garden for its ornamental as well as its culinary attributes. 'Aurea' and 'Tricolor' are popular selections. It is common to replace plantings after a few years due to their woody growth. Must have well drained soil. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
[Read More]
Santolina chamaecyparis
Lavender Cotton
Lavender Cotton is a reliable small shrub or groundcover that lends its silvery gray leaves as bright contrast to green-foliaged plants. Its leaves are aromatic. Plantings are easy to control; keep neat by trimming away spent flower stems. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
[Read More]
Santolina virens
Green Santolina
Presents a refined form with clusters of bright yellow button-shaped flowers. Also makes an excellent groundcover. Often combined with Lavender Cotton. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.
[Read More]
Saponaria ocymoides
Rock Soapwort
Rock Soapwort is a candidate for the rock garden, spreading groundcover or spiller over the edge of a container or ledge. Masses of small pink flowers bloom late spring into summer. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
[Read More]
Sedum x rubrotinctum
Pork and Beans
Interesting little plant, with teardrop-shaped, succulent leaves about 3/4 inch long described as looking like pork and beans or jellybeans. Grows to about 8 inches high. Use in containers or for a small-scale groundcover. Easy to propagate. Plants in sun turn more bronze color but avoid locations in full sun in desert regions. Provide well-draining soil and reduce water in summer. Canopy coverage: 1 square foot.
[Read More]
Sempervivum species
Hens and Chicks
Sempervivum is a collection of succulents that work well as small-space groundcovers, in containers or tucked between rocks and boulders. Many species and selections are available in a range of sizes and leaf colors. It is important to plant in soil with good drainage and don't overwater. Canopy coverage: 1 square foot.
[Read More]
Senecio mandraliscae
Kleinia, Blue Finger
The common name Blue Finger is a great hint as to this plant's appearance. Long, fingerlike stems are slightly curved. Useful as a groundcover or accent planting. Provide afternoon shade in hot summer areas. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
[Read More]Stachys byzantina
Lamb's Ears
The fuzzy, silvery gray leaves of Lamb's Ears makes it a great choice to contrast with dark foliage plants. Better with afternoon shade in hot-summer climates. Spreads by runners. Selection 'Silver Carpet' does not produce flowers. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
[Read More]
Stachys coccinea
Scarlet Betony, Texas Betony
Leaves of Scarlet Betony grow to 3 inches long and have a wrinkled appearance. Clumping growth habit. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
[Read More]