Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_43.gif)
Thursday - February 11, 2016
From: Salado, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Vinca as a groundcover
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Someone told me that Vinca would be a great ground cover for my very large mostly shaded area. How can I establish it and where can I get it? Thanks in advance.ANSWER:
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center would not recommend either Vinca major or Vinca minor since both are native to Europe and Asia and are considered invasive because they grow and take over areas where our native plants grow. There are several native groundcover plants that we can recommend that will do well in your mostly shady areas.
- Carex texensis (Texas sedge) forms a turf-like cover.
- Carex planostachys (Cedar sedge) grows in clumps but can be combined with other low-growing species.
- Phyla nodiflora (Texas frogfruit) remains evergreen when protected from frost.
- Salvia lyrata (Lyreleaf sage) is evergreen and has lavender-colored flowers.
- Calyptocarpus vialis (Horseherb) tolerates moderate foot traffic.
- Ruellia nudiflora (Violet ruellia) works well as a groundcover and tolerates mowing.
- Rivina humilis (Pigeonberry) works well as a groundcover in shade and part shade.
You can check our National Suppliers Directory for nurseries and seed companies near you that specialize in native plants. Native American Seed in Junction, Texas has a few of these available. The Wildflower Center Spring Plant Sale occurs in April 2016—April 9 for members only, April 10-11 for the general public. Check the Spring Plant Sale page closer to the time of the sale for lists of plants available at the sale.
From the Image Gallery
More Groundcovers Questions
Ground covers for play area in Plano, TX
April 14, 2007 - Is there a ground cover that would work under and around a swing in our front yard in Plano, Texas. It would get morning sun and dappled shade from a trimmed live oak in the afternoon. It would need t...
view the full question and answer
Erosion controlling Groundcover for Phenix AL
March 30, 2014 - Hi I am trying to find a grass or ground cover to control erosion on firing range berms which are 1:1 grade on a firing range outside of Phenix City AL. Sandy clay soil, direct sunlight almost all day...
view the full question and answer
Plants to grow between flagstones in the Hudson River Valley of New York
May 08, 2012 - I live in newburgh, ny & have aquired some bluestone. I want to do a walkway but will need a low mowable ground cover to go between the stones (not enough bluestone to cover the area. I know I have ...
view the full question and answer
Narrow strip of groundcover from Sonora TX
April 29, 2013 - I have an area that is right under my patio about 12 feet by 1 ft. I'm looking for something to plant in there. It has afternoon sun, morning shade. I live in SW Texas so it is hot. but would like so...
view the full question and answer
Groundcover and Butterfly attractants for LaRue Texas
May 02, 2012 - LaRue, TX - Would like a native low growing plant as a groundcover. I would like it for six+ hours of sun, drought tolerant, and ones that butterflies might enjoy, while deer won't. Some winter int...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |