A ground cover plant is what it sounds like. It grows low to the ground so that it will cover the ground. Whether you’re looking for an alternative to grass or something you can add to your turf to make things more interesting, there are plenty of ground cover plants to choose from in Florida.
Below we’ll explore some of the most popular ground cover plants that grow well in Florida. Let’s get started!
Ground Cover Plants That Grow Well in Florida
If you’re looking for a ground cover plant, you need one that grows well and stays healthy in your region. If you’re in Florida, you’ll be pleased to learn that there are many ground cover plants that thrive in that state.
Ruellia (Dwarf Mexican Petunia)
Florida is known for its sunny weather, so whatever ground cover you choose will need to do well with those kinds of conditions. One of the many groundcover plants that stand up to direct intense sunlight is Ruellia (also known as the Dwarf Mexican Petunia).
Be aware this plant is prone to root rot, but it still needs moist soil. That is why you should keep the soil moist yet well-drained. The Ruellia is a perennial, so it’s convenient to have in your garden.
Do you want to attract hummingbirds to your property? Ruellia can do that for you. This ground cover plant is also great for attracting butterflies.
Railroad Vine
Do you live near the beach? Think about planting the Railroad Vine as ground cover. This plant is a flowering vine with an excellent salt tolerance. You’ll sometimes hear gardeners call the Railroad Vine other names such as the bay hops, goat’s foot creeper, and beach morning-glory.
The Railroad Vine has evergreen leaves, and it flowers throughout the year. You get the most dramatic bloom between May and November, though.
This lovely green ground cover includes cheerful pink blooming flowers. But you’ll only see these each morning. They hide away in the afternoon.
While this plant is great as ground cover, be aware that it can grow quite high. If your soil is sandy, the Railroad Vine will do well. Does your property get full sun? Railroad Vine is an appropriate choice.
Purple Queen
Is purple your favorite color? Think about choosing the Purple Queen for your ground cover. Every component of this plant is purple, including the blooms, leaves, and even the stems. This ground cover will take a bit more maintenance than some others, though.
Set aside extra time for trimming this plant. It grows quickly and will end up out of control if you don’t keep on top of it.
Perennial Peanut
The Perennial Peanut is a charming addition to any Florida garden. It’s the perfect ground cover, with green clover-like leaves. It’s perfect for a grass alternative, and it’s low-maintenance.
You should plant Perennial Peanut in an area with full sun. It will thrive best in those conditions. While it will probably survive with some shade, it won’t do as well.
Ice Plant
The Ice Plant has a distinctly tropical look. It’s something a bit more unique than most kinds of ground cover, but if you’re not afraid to stand out, give this a try.
This is a ground cover option you’ll never have to worry about during extreme heat, and it stands up to drought. If you live near the beach, the Ice Plant is a great choice. That is because of how well it stands up to drought.
The Ice Plant’s foliage is dark green. This ground cover plant grows violet or red flowers.
Dwarf Oyster Plant
The Dwarf Oyster Plant features purple and green leaves. You’ll have to be patient if you plant this species as ground cover, though, as it spreads slowly.
If you need ground cover for an area with partial shade, the Dwarf Oyster Plant is an excellent choice. You probably don’t want to plant a Dwarf Oyster Plant if you have kids or pets. That is because it has poisonous sap.
Dwarf Chenille
For ground cover with an ethereal and Old World look, check out Dwarf Chenille. This lovely plant includes green foliage and an abundance of red flowers with a unique fuzzy texture. If your Dwarf Chenille gets full sun, you’ll enjoy vividly red flowers.
Asiatic Jasmine (Jasmine Minima)
If you’re looking for an exceptionally low-maintenance plant to use as ground cover, choose Asiatic Jasmine (also known as Jasmine Minima). It can grow quite high, however, even reaching 18 inches tall. This means you might want to trim it back.
Asiatic Jasmine withstands drought well. It needs well-drained soil. If you want it to thrive, you should give it full sun.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve seen here, Florida homeowners are spoiled for choice when it comes to ground cover options. Choose the ground cover plant that best fits your needs and preferences.