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.
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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Wednesday - July 06, 2011
From: Plano, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Ground cover for Plano, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Looking for perennial seeds, maximum height 6 inches. Basically, a ground cover. Flowering would be nice but not #1 on list. Medium to maximum sun. Don't have the best soil, but fertilizer, sprinkler system. Want to start indoors and plant when tough enough. Thanks in advance!ANSWER:
Here are some native plants suitable for ground cover in Collin County:
Calyptocarpus vialis (Straggler daisy) grows 6 to 12 inches, but can be mowed to 2 to 4 inches.
Phyla nodiflora (Texas frogfruit) grows 3 to 6 inches.
Dichondra carolinensis (Carolina ponysfoot) grows up to 5 inches.
Sedum nuttallianum (Yellow stonecrop) grows 2 to 4 inches.
Portulaca pilosa (Chisme) grows less than 6 inches.
Glandularia canadensis (Rose vervain) grows 5 to 10 inches.
Phlox drummondii (Annual phlox) grows 6 to 12 inches.
Glandularia bipinnatifida var. bipinnatifida (Prairie verbena) grows 6 to 12 inches.
Geum canadense (White avens) grows to 18 inches but can be mowed to 4 inches.
Packera obovata (Golden groundsel) is evergreen, grows to 18 inches but can be mowed to 3 inches.
You can search our National Suppliers Directory for nurseries and seed companies in your area that specialize in native plants.
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