enviroscaping to conserve energy: ground covers for...
TRANSCRIPT
EES39
Enviroscaping to Conserve Energy: Ground Covers for South Florida1
A.W. Meerow and R.J. Black2
1. This document is Circular EES-39, formerly "Landscaping to Conserve Energy: Ground Covers for South Florida," Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: July 1993. Revised: September 2003. Please visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. Alan W. Meerow, former associate professor, REC-Ft. Lauderdale, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences; Robert J. Black, professor emeritus, Consumer Horticultural Specialist, Environmental Horticulture Department, University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32611.
The Florida Energy Extension Service receives funding from the Florida Energy Office, Department of Community Affairs and is operated by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences through the Cooperative Extension Service. The information contained herein is the product of the Florida Energy Extension Service and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Florida Energy Office.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. For information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office. Florida Cooperative Extension Service/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences/University of Florida/Christine Taylor Waddill, Dean.
Introduction
A ground cover is any low-growing plant that can be used to cover an area in the landscape. Many woody and herbaceous plants fulfill this role. And as part of passive, energy-saving landscaping (enviroscaping), ground covers can provide a surprising amount of residential energy savings during Florida's 5 to 7 months of high temperatures.
Plants release water through pores in their leaves by transpiration. As warm air passes over leaf surfaces, heat is absorbed by the water, which then evaporates and lowers the temperature of the air. Called evaporative cooling, this interaction lowers air temperature immediately surrounding vegetation by as much as 9°F (5°C). The greater the leaf-surface area in the landscape, the greater the cooling effects.
Paved surfaces around the home contribute substantially to summer heat loads. These surfaces absorb the sun's heat or reflect it back into the
immediate environment, increasing the amount of discomfort experienced by people during the day. Paved areas also store heat during the day, keeping temperatures high around the home even after sunset. Temperatures over ground covers can be 15 to 25°F (8.3 to 14°C) lower than over asphalt or concrete.
Turfgrass
Turfgrass qualifies as a ground cover. Many people find great aesthetic appeal in sweeping, well-manicured green lawn. On the practical side, no other plant can withstand as much foot traffic as turf. Maintaining a lawn in prime condition, however, requires energy-intensive mowing, regular fertilization, irrigation, and, at times, expensive pest and disease control. A quarter-acre lawn requires four times the total energy costs of a landscape of the same size that has a one-sixteenth-acre lawn with the remaining area planted in low-maintenance vegetation (Parker, 1982).
As fossil-fuel prices rise, so do the costs of fertilizing, watering and mowing a lawn. Some
Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu or your local extension office.
Enviroscaping to Conserve Energy: Ground Covers for South Florida 2
turfgrasses, like bermudagrass, do best with 218 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year, a 7.2 million Btu investment. A medium fertilization level of 174 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year (5.8 million Btu) is recommended for St. Augustine lawns. At the lowest fertilizer level, centipede lawns need 87 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year (2.9 million Btu). Choosing centipede instead of St. Augustine can save 29 million Btu of energy (equal to the energy in 232 gallons of gasoline) per acre over 10 years (Whiffen, 1993).
On average it takes a quarter of a gallon of gasoline (31,250 Btu) [combustion engine] or 1.4 kwh (15,000 Btu) [electric motor] to mow a quarter-acre lawn. Depending on location and fertilizer frequency, the lawn probably gets mowed 10 to 20 times a year. To minimize energy and time inputs, only cut one-third of the grass blade at a time and don't over fertilize (Whiffen, 1993).
Water quality and availability have become important issues in Florida. Depending on location, Florida lawns need 20 to 35 inches of water from irrigation per year. Over 8 million Btu of energy are required to supply water to a one-half-acre lawn in Orlando. If a one-half-acre yard is landscaped so one-fourth is lawn and the rest is planted with ground covers, shrubs and trees in mulched areas, over 4 million Btu of energy can be saved annually along with 224,000 gallons of water (Whiffen, 1993).
Alternatives to Turfgrass
There are ground covers besides turf that require a fraction of the upkeep and are frequently more adaptable to a wider range of environmental conditions. For instance, turf does not grow well in dense shade and is difficult to establish in extremely wet or dry areas. There are several other ground covers adaptable to such problem situations. Lily turf (Liriope muscari, L. spicata) and mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) are excellent, low-maintenance performers in dense shade. Lippia (Lippia nodiflora) has an outstanding tolerance of wet soils. Golden creeper (Ernodea littoralis), a native seacoast species, is highly tolerant of both salt and drought. Proper selection can minimize irrigation, fertilization and mowing after ground covers are established.
Herbaceous and woody ground covers offer a variety of colors and textures in contrast to the uniformity of turf grass. They can unify the home landscape and complement trees and shrubs.
Establishment of Ground Covers
Generally, ground covers are established in two years, although some species require slightly more or less time. During this period, a regular program of irrigation, fertilization and weed control ensures strong, rapid growth. Mulch aids water retention in new plantings and helps the spread of ground covers that root along their stems. Once established, many ground covers need only an occasional trimming to keep them tidy and within their designated area.
Selecting a Ground Cover
The accompanying table will help home gardeners and landscape professionals select ground covers appropriate for south Florida site conditions. Each species has the expected height of the mature plant, along with the color of both leaves and flowers. The drought-tolerance ratings refer to Florida conditions only and should be interpreted as follows - High: survives without supplemental irrigation after establishment; Moderate: requires supplemental irrigation during very dry periods to maintain satisfactory appearance and health; and Low: little or no drought tolerance. Drought tolerance also varies with soil and other environmental conditions. 'X' indicates whether a particular ground cover can be used in each of five landscape situations. Finally, the "Comments" section has special notes about each species.
Turf grass is still the best ground-cover choice for outdoor areas that have heavy recreational use. For situations where turf serves no practical purpose, alternative ground covers perform equally well or better at a fraction of the energy input required by a lawn.
References
Parker, J.H. 1982. An energy and ecological analysis of alternate residential landscapes. J. Environ. Syst. 11: 271-288.
Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu or your local extension office.
Enviroscaping to Conserve Energy: Ground Covers for South Florida 3
Whiffen, H.J.H. 1993. E2& E energy efficiency & environmental news. UF/IFAS Energy Extension Service, Feb., Gainesville, FL.
Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu or your local extension office.
Env
irosc
apin
g to
Con
serv
e E
nerg
y: G
roun
d C
over
s fo
r S
outh
Flo
rida
4
Tab
le 1
. Gro
undc
over
sel
ectio
n fo
r so
uth
Flo
rida.
Sci
enti
fic
Nam
eC
om
mo
n N
ame
* =
Nat
ive
Hei
gh
tL
igh
t1D
rou
gh
t T
ole
ran
ceS
alt
To
lera
nce
Un
der
tr
ees
Ban
ks &
sl
op
esE
dg
ing
Sea
sid
eO
pen
ar
eas
Alo
e sp
p.A
loe
12 in
ches
S, P
SH
igh
Hig
hX
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: S
uccu
lent
. O
ften
has
bi-c
olor
ed le
aves
. Red
, ora
nge
or y
ello
w fl
ower
s in
sum
mer
.
C
omm
ents
: A
num
ber
of lo
w-g
row
ing
spec
ies
are
avai
labl
e.
Asp
idis
tra
elat
ior
Cas
t iro
n pl
ant
20-3
0 in
ches
Sh
Low
Mod
erat
eX
D
escr
iptio
n: G
reen
folia
ge (
varie
gate
d fo
rm is
ava
ilabl
e).
C
omm
ents
: S
low
gro
win
g.
Beg
onia
spp
. B
egon
ia6-
18 in
ches
PS
, Sh
Low
Non
eX
X
D
escr
iptio
n: W
ide
rang
e of
folia
ge c
olor
. Flo
wer
s ar
e us
ually
red
, whi
te, o
r pi
nk.
C
omm
ents
: H
undr
eds
of s
peci
es a
nd h
ybrid
s ar
e av
aila
ble,
man
y su
itabl
e fo
r gr
ound
cov
er u
se (
the
rhiz
omat
ous
type
is b
est f
or th
is p
urpo
se).
Pre
fers
fert
ile, m
oist
but
wel
l-dra
ined
soi
ls.
Bill
berg
ia s
pp.
Bro
mel
iad
12-1
8 in
ches
PS
, Sh
Mod
erat
eLo
wX
D
escr
iptio
n: L
eave
s ar
e va
rious
sha
des
of g
reen
, ofte
n st
riped
whi
te o
r si
lver
. T
here
are
man
y va
riega
ted
form
s an
d hy
brid
s. F
low
ers
are
pink
a
nd b
lue.
C
omm
ents
: V
igor
ous.
Som
e pl
ants
form
larg
e cl
umps
. B. n
utan
s an
d B
. pyr
amid
alis
are
com
mon
; B. '
Fan
tasi
a' is
a v
arie
gate
d hy
brid
.
Car
pobr
otus
edu
lis
Hot
tent
ot fi
g, ic
epla
nt6
inch
esS
Hig
hH
igh
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: G
rayi
sh-g
reen
leav
es.
Yel
low
to r
ose-
purp
le fl
ower
s in
sum
mer
.
C
omm
ents
: E
xcel
lent
sea
side
gro
und
cove
r an
d sa
nd b
inde
r.
Car
issa
mac
roca
rpa
Dw
arf c
aris
sa12
-15
inch
esS
, PS
Hig
hH
igh
XX
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: D
ark
gree
n le
aves
. W
hite
flow
ers
C
omm
ents
: S
elec
t dw
arf c
ultiv
ars
only
.
Cat
hara
nthu
s ro
seus
M
adag
asca
r pe
riwin
kle
10-1
8 in
ches
SH
igh
Hig
hX
XX
X
D
escr
iptio
n: P
ink
or w
hite
flow
ers.
C
omm
ents
: P
lant
s pe
rsis
t for
2 to
3 y
ears
, but
nat
ural
ize
read
ily fr
om s
eed.
Avo
id p
lant
ing
in w
et a
reas
. *L
ican
ia m
icha
uxii
Gop
her
appl
e3-
12 in
ches
SH
igh
Hig
hX
X
Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu or your local extension office.
Env
irosc
apin
g to
Con
serv
e E
nerg
y: G
roun
d C
over
s fo
r S
outh
Flo
rida
5
Tab
le 1
. Gro
undc
over
sel
ectio
n fo
r so
uth
Flo
rida.
Sci
enti
fic
Nam
eC
om
mo
n N
ame
* =
Nat
ive
Hei
gh
tL
igh
t1D
rou
gh
t T
ole
ran
ceS
alt
To
lera
nce
Un
der
tr
ees
Ban
ks &
sl
op
esE
dg
ing
Sea
sid
eO
pen
ar
eas
D
escr
iptio
n: L
eave
s ar
e da
rk g
reen
abo
ve a
nd d
owny
whi
te b
elow
. R
ed fr
uit i
n su
mm
er
C
omm
ents
: T
oler
ates
poo
r so
ils.
Chl
orop
hytu
m c
omos
um
Spi
der
plan
t12
inch
esS
, PS
, Sh
Mod
erat
eLo
wX
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: G
reen
, or
gree
n an
d w
hite
var
iega
ted
leav
es.
C
omm
ents
: Sol
id g
reen
form
mor
e vi
goro
us; s
prea
ds b
y ru
nner
s.
Cup
hea
hyss
opifo
lia
Cup
hea,
fals
e he
athe
r12
-15
inch
esS
, PS
Non
eN
one
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: P
urpl
e to
whi
te fl
ower
s m
ost o
f the
yea
r
C
omm
ents
: Lo
w, s
hrub
by h
eath
er-li
ke h
abit.
Req
uire
s m
oist
soi
l.
Cry
ptan
thus
spp
. C
rypt
anth
us E
arth
sta
r 2-
10 in
ches
Sh
Mod
erat
eLo
wX
X
D
escr
iptio
n: L
eave
s ar
e di
ffere
nt s
hade
s of
gre
en to
red
, ofte
n st
riped
.
C
omm
ents
: P
refe
rs s
hady
, moi
st lo
catio
ns.
Cyr
tom
ium
falc
atum
H
olly
fern
24 in
ches
Sh
Low
Mod
erat
eX
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: G
loss
y, g
reen
folia
ge.
C
omm
ents
: S
hade
tole
rant
.
*Dic
hond
ra c
arol
inen
sis
Dic
hond
ra1-
2 in
ches
S, S
hM
oder
ate
Low
XX
X
D
escr
iptio
n: B
right
gre
en fo
liage
.
C
omm
ents
: P
refe
rs m
oist
soi
l. W
ithst
ands
som
e fo
ot tr
affic
. S
usce
ptib
le to
Alte
rnar
ia fu
ngus
.D
ycki
a br
evifo
lia
Min
iatu
re a
gave
6 in
ches
S, P
SH
igh
Mod
erat
eX
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: G
loss
y gr
een
leav
es w
ith w
hite
mid
rib o
n un
ders
ide.
C
omm
ents
: W
ell-d
rain
ed s
oil i
s es
sent
ial.
Dis
sotis
rot
undi
folia
S
pani
sh s
haw
l6
inch
esP
S, S
hLo
wLo
wX
D
escr
iptio
n: P
ink
flow
ers.
C
omm
ents
: D
eman
ds m
oist
con
ditio
ns.
Evo
lvul
us s
pp.
Blu
e da
ze12
inch
esS
Mod
erat
eH
igh
XX
X
Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu or your local extension office.
Env
irosc
apin
g to
Con
serv
e E
nerg
y: G
roun
d C
over
s fo
r S
outh
Flo
rida
6
Tab
le 1
. Gro
undc
over
sel
ectio
n fo
r so
uth
Flo
rida.
Sci
enti
fic
Nam
eC
om
mo
n N
ame
* =
Nat
ive
Hei
gh
tL
igh
t1D
rou
gh
t T
ole
ran
ceS
alt
To
lera
nce
Un
der
tr
ees
Ban
ks &
sl
op
esE
dg
ing
Sea
sid
eO
pen
ar
eas
D
escr
iptio
n: S
ilver
y le
aves
and
blu
e flo
wer
s.
C
omm
ents
: F
ails
in w
et s
oils
.
Epi
scia
spp
. F
lam
e vi
olet
6 in
ches
PS
, Sh
Low
Non
eX
D
escr
iptio
n: L
eave
s ca
n be
var
ious
ly g
reen
, bro
nze
or c
oppe
ry, a
nd a
re s
omet
imes
var
iega
ted.
Flo
wer
s ar
e re
d, o
rang
e or
yel
low
thro
ugho
ut
w
arm
mon
ths.
C
omm
ents
: M
any
culti
vars
, mos
tly o
f E. c
upre
ata
are
avai
labl
e. D
eman
ds m
oist
, fer
tile
soil.
Tem
pera
ture
s be
low
40°
F w
ill d
amag
e pl
ant.
*Ern
odea
litto
ralis
G
olde
n cr
eepe
r12
-36
inch
esS
Hig
hH
igh
XX
X
D
escr
iptio
n: Y
ello
wis
h-gr
een
folia
ge.
C
omm
ents
: T
oler
ates
poo
r co
nditi
ons
and
negl
ect.
Var
. ang
usta
is a
pin
elan
d fo
rm w
ith v
ery
narr
ow le
aves
.
Eup
horb
ia m
illii
Dw
arf c
row
n of
thor
ns9
inch
esS
Hig
hH
igh
XX
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: R
ed b
ract
s su
rrou
nd fl
ower
s m
ost o
f the
yea
r.
C
omm
ents
: C
ultiv
ar 'F
ireba
ll' is
bes
t. F
icus
mon
tana
O
akle
af fi
g6-
9 in
ches
PS
, Sh
Hig
hLo
wX
D
escr
iptio
n: B
right
gre
en le
aves
.
C
omm
ents
: In
tere
stin
g oa
k-lik
e le
aves
. C
oars
e te
xtur
e.
Fic
us p
umila
C
reep
ing
fig12
inch
esS
, PS
Hig
hM
oder
ate
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: F
ine-
text
ured
gre
en le
aves
.
Com
men
ts:
Occ
asio
nal s
hear
ing
is r
equi
red.
Pla
nt w
ill c
limb
up w
alls
and
tree
s. S
tem
s gr
ow th
ick
and
woo
dy w
ith a
ge.
Fic
us s
agitt
ata
(F. r
adic
ans)
Tra
iling
fig
12 in
ches
S, P
SH
igh
Mod
erat
eX
X
D
escr
iptio
n: G
ray-
gree
n fo
liage
.
C
omm
ents
: P
refe
rs m
oist
, hea
vy s
oils
. B
ette
r gr
ound
cov
er th
an F
. pum
ila.
Fitt
onia
ver
scha
ffelti
i N
erve
pla
nt6
inch
esP
S, S
hLo
wN
one
X
D
escr
iptio
n: D
ark
gree
n le
aves
with
red
or
whi
te v
eins
.
Com
men
ts:
Whi
te-v
eine
d fo
rm te
nds
to b
e ea
sier
to g
row
. P
lant
s ar
e da
mag
ed b
elow
45°
F.
Req
uire
s m
oist
, fer
tile
soil.
Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu or your local extension office.
Env
irosc
apin
g to
Con
serv
e E
nerg
y: G
roun
d C
over
s fo
r S
outh
Flo
rida
7
Tab
le 1
. Gro
undc
over
sel
ectio
n fo
r so
uth
Flo
rida.
Sci
enti
fic
Nam
eC
om
mo
n N
ame
* =
Nat
ive
Hei
gh
tL
igh
t1D
rou
gh
t T
ole
ran
ceS
alt
To
lera
nce
Un
der
tr
ees
Ban
ks &
sl
op
esE
dg
ing
Sea
sid
eO
pen
ar
eas
Gar
deni
a ja
smin
oide
s ''P
rost
rate
' (G
. ra
dica
ns)
Dw
arf g
arde
nia
6 in
ches
S, P
SM
oder
ate
Non
eX
D
escr
iptio
n: S
mal
l, gl
ossy
, gre
en le
aves
. W
hite
flow
ers
in s
prin
g an
d su
mm
er.
C
omm
ents
: P
refe
rs m
oist
, aci
d so
ils.
Glo
ttiph
yllu
m d
epre
ssum
F
ig m
arig
old
6 in
ches
SH
igh
Hig
hX
XX
X
D
escr
iptio
n: Y
ello
w fl
ower
s in
spr
ing
and
early
sum
mer
.
Com
men
ts:
Exc
elle
nt fo
r dr
y, s
andy
slo
pes.
Gyn
ura
aura
ntia
ca 'P
urpl
e P
assi
on'
Vel
vet p
lant
9 in
ches
PS
Low
Non
eX
D
escr
iptio
n: D
eep
gree
n le
aves
are
pur
ple
belo
w, c
over
ed w
ith p
urpl
e ha
irs, a
nd h
ave
purp
le v
eins
.
C
omm
ents
: R
equi
res
moi
st, f
ertil
e so
il. C
an b
e sh
eare
d if
it be
com
es r
angy
.
Hed
era
cana
riens
is
Alg
eria
n iv
y6
inch
esS
hM
oder
ate
Hig
hX
XX
Des
crip
tion:
Dar
k gr
een
folia
ge.
Com
men
ts:
Pre
fers
moi
st, s
hady
site
s. H
. can
arie
nsis
has
larg
er le
aves
but
is le
ss a
ggre
ssiv
e th
an H
. hel
ix. V
arie
gate
d fo
rm is
ava
ilabl
e. H
ighl
y sa
lt to
lera
nt.
Hed
era
helix
E
nglis
h iv
y6
inch
esS
hM
oder
ate
Hig
hX
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: D
ark
gree
n fo
liage
.
C
omm
ents
: P
refe
rs m
oist
, sha
dy s
ites.
Man
y cu
ltiva
rs w
ith v
aryi
ng le
af s
hape
are
ava
ilabl
e. H
. hel
ix is
coa
rse-
text
ured
with
sm
alle
r le
aves
than
H. c
anar
iens
is.
Will
clim
b up
tree
s an
d w
alls
. *H
elia
nthu
s de
bilis
B
each
sun
flow
er12
-24
inch
esS
Hig
hH
igh
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: G
loss
y, g
reen
leav
es.
Yel
low
flow
ers
all y
ear.
C
omm
ents
: G
ood
sand
bin
der
for
dry,
coa
stal
are
as.
Hem
eroc
allis
spp
. D
aylil
y6-
12 in
ches
,12
-36
inch
es
whe
n in
flow
er
S, P
SH
igh
Hig
hX
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: L
ight
gre
en le
aves
. S
umm
er fl
ower
s in
yel
low
, pin
k, a
nd o
rang
e.
C
omm
ents
: R
elat
ivel
y pe
st fr
ee.
Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu or your local extension office.
Env
irosc
apin
g to
Con
serv
e E
nerg
y: G
roun
d C
over
s fo
r S
outh
Flo
rida
8
Tab
le 1
. Gro
undc
over
sel
ectio
n fo
r so
uth
Flo
rida.
Sci
enti
fic
Nam
eC
om
mo
n N
ame
* =
Nat
ive
Hei
gh
tL
igh
t1D
rou
gh
t T
ole
ran
ceS
alt
To
lera
nce
Un
der
tr
ees
Ban
ks &
sl
op
esE
dg
ing
Sea
sid
eO
pen
ar
eas
*Ile
x vo
mito
ria 'S
chill
ings
Dw
arf'
Dw
arf y
aupo
n ho
lly1-
3 fe
etS
Hig
hH
igh
XX
X
D
escr
iptio
n: S
mal
l, gl
ossy
, gre
en le
aves
.
C
omm
ents
: E
xtre
mel
y co
mpa
ct fo
rm o
f thi
s na
tive
spec
ies.
Fas
t gro
win
g.
*Ipo
moe
a pe
scap
rae
Bea
ch m
orni
ng g
lory
, rai
lroad
vin
e4-
6 in
ches
SH
igh
Hig
hX
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: L
ight
gre
en fo
liage
. P
ink-
lave
nder
flow
ers
in s
umm
er.
C
omm
ents
: P
refe
rs s
andy
soi
ls.
Gro
ws
best
alo
ng th
e se
asho
re.
*Iva
imbr
icat
a B
each
eld
er1-
3 fe
etS
Hig
hH
igh
X
D
escr
iptio
n: S
mal
l, gl
ossy
, gre
en le
aves
.
C
omm
ents
: E
xcel
lent
dun
e st
abili
zer.
Spr
eads
hor
izon
tally
, roo
ting
alon
g st
ems.
Juni
peru
s ch
inen
sis
Chi
nese
juni
per
1-3
feet
SH
igh
Mod
erat
eX
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: F
olia
ge r
ange
s fr
om b
lue-
gray
to g
reen
.
Com
men
ts:
Cul
tivar
s 'P
arso
nii,'
'Par
soni
i Var
ietg
ata,
' var
. pro
cum
bens
'Nan
a,' a
nd v
ar. p
rocu
mbe
ns 'A
ureo
varie
gata
' are
bes
t sui
ted
as g
roun
d
cov
ers.
Juni
peru
s co
nfer
ta
Sho
re ju
nipe
r1-
2 fe
etS
, PS
Hig
hH
igh
XX
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: G
reen
to b
lue-
gree
n fo
liage
.
C
omm
ents
: F
ast g
row
er.
Dro
ught
and
sal
t tol
eran
t. C
ultiv
ars
'Com
pact
a' a
nd 'B
lue
Pac
ific'
are
par
ticul
arly
dw
arfe
d.
*Lan
tana
dep
ress
a D
war
f lan
tana
8 in
ches
SH
igh
Mod
erat
eX
X
D
escr
iptio
n: L
ight
gre
en le
aves
. Y
ello
w fl
ower
s al
l yea
r.
C
omm
ents
: E
ndem
ic to
sou
ther
n F
lorid
a pi
ne r
ockl
ands
.
Lant
ana
mon
tevi
dens
is
Tra
iling
lant
ana
18-2
4 in
ches
SLo
wM
oder
ate
XX
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: G
reen
leav
es.
Lave
nder
flow
ers
all y
ear.
C
omm
ents
: F
ruit
is p
oiso
nous
.
*Lip
pia
(Phy
la)
nodi
flora
Li
ppia
, mat
ch w
eed
3 in
ches
S, S
hH
igh
Hig
hX
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: L
eave
s ar
e gr
eeni
sh to
pur
plis
h. R
ed, p
urpl
e an
d w
hite
flow
ers
mos
t of t
he y
ear.
C
omm
ents
: D
roug
ht, w
etne
ss, a
nd s
alt t
oler
ant.
Tak
es s
ome
foot
traf
fic.
Eas
ily e
stab
lishe
d.
Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu or your local extension office.
Env
irosc
apin
g to
Con
serv
e E
nerg
y: G
roun
d C
over
s fo
r S
outh
Flo
rida
9
Tab
le 1
. Gro
undc
over
sel
ectio
n fo
r so
uth
Flo
rida.
Sci
enti
fic
Nam
eC
om
mo
n N
ame
* =
Nat
ive
Hei
gh
tL
igh
t1D
rou
gh
t T
ole
ran
ceS
alt
To
lera
nce
Un
der
tr
ees
Ban
ks &
sl
op
esE
dg
ing
Sea
sid
eO
pen
ar
eas
Lirio
pe m
usca
ri Li
ly tu
rf, l
iriop
e, b
ig b
lue
lily
turf
12 in
ches
Sh
Hig
hM
oder
ate
XX
X
D
escr
iptio
n: D
ark
gree
n le
aves
. P
urpl
e flo
wer
s in
spr
ing
are
follo
wed
by
blac
k fr
uit.
C
omm
ents
: R
esem
bles
turf
gra
ss.
For
ms
a de
nse
mat
and
is e
xcel
lent
for
edgi
ng.
Doe
s no
t tol
erat
e he
avy
foot
traf
fic.
Var
iega
ted
form
s
tol
erat
e fu
ll su
n.
Lirio
pe s
pica
ta
Cre
epin
g lil
y tu
rf, c
reep
ing
lirio
pe6-
18 in
ches
Sh
Hig
hM
oder
ate
XX
X
D
escr
iptio
n: D
ark
gree
n fo
liage
. P
urpl
e to
whi
te fl
ower
s in
sum
mer
.
Com
men
ts:
Fas
ter
grow
ing
than
L. m
usca
ri.
Mal
pigh
ia c
occi
gera
M
inia
ture
hol
ly1-
3 fe
etP
SM
oder
ate
Low
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: S
mal
l, ho
lly-li
ke, d
ark
gree
n le
aves
. P
ink
flow
ers
and
red
frui
ts.
C
omm
ents
: S
usce
ptab
le to
nem
atod
es.
Use
dw
arf c
ultiv
ars
for
grou
nd c
over
. P
lant
s ar
e sl
ow g
row
ing.
Mar
anta
leuc
oneu
ra
Pra
yer
plan
t6-
18 in
ches
PS
, Sh
Low
Non
eX
D
escr
iptio
n: L
ight
gre
en to
dar
k gr
een
leav
es, w
ith d
ark
gree
n or
bro
wn
mar
ks.
Vei
ns a
re g
ray
or r
ed in
som
e va
rietie
s. L
ower
leaf
sur
face
is
pur
ple
in v
ar. e
ryth
rone
ura.
C
omm
ents
: B
est i
n fe
rtile
, org
anic
, moi
st s
oils
. S
usce
ptib
le to
nem
atod
es.
Fol
iage
will
ble
ach
in h
igh
light
.
Neo
rege
lia c
arol
inae
'Tric
olor
' N
eore
gelia
12 in
ches
PS
, Sh
Mod
erat
eM
oder
ate
X
D
escr
iptio
n: L
eave
s ar
e gr
een
varie
gate
d w
ith y
ello
w.
Inne
r ha
lf of
leav
es tu
rn b
right
red
whe
n pl
ant f
low
ers.
C
omm
ents
: R
equi
res
wel
l-dra
ined
soi
l. K
eep
leaf
vas
e fil
led
with
wat
er.
Afte
r flo
wer
ing,
the
mot
her
plan
t slo
wly
die
s, b
ut o
ffset
s gr
ow fr
om le
af
axi
ls.
Neo
rege
lia s
pect
abili
s P
aint
ed fi
nger
nail
12 in
ches
S, P
S, S
hM
oder
ate
Mod
erat
eX
D
escr
iptio
n: O
live
gree
n le
aves
are
gra
y-ba
nded
bel
ow, w
ith ti
ps th
at a
re s
potte
d w
ith m
aroo
n. L
eave
s tu
rn b
ronz
e in
full
sun.
Blu
e flo
wer
s.
C
omm
ents
: R
equi
res
wel
l-dra
ined
soi
l. K
eep
leaf
vas
e fil
led
with
wat
er.
Afte
r flo
wer
ing,
the
mot
her
plan
t slo
wly
die
s, b
ut o
ffset
s gr
ow fr
om le
af
axi
ls.
Nep
hrol
epsi
s ex
alta
ta
Bos
ton
fern
12-3
6 in
ches
Sh
Low
Low
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: B
right
gre
en fr
onds
.
C
omm
ents
: P
refe
rs m
oist
sha
de.
Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu or your local extension office.
Env
irosc
apin
g to
Con
serv
e E
nerg
y: G
roun
d C
over
s fo
r S
outh
Flo
rida
10
Tab
le 1
. Gro
undc
over
sel
ectio
n fo
r so
uth
Flo
rida.
Sci
enti
fic
Nam
eC
om
mo
n N
ame
* =
Nat
ive
Hei
gh
tL
igh
t1D
rou
gh
t T
ole
ran
ceS
alt
To
lera
nce
Un
der
tr
ees
Ban
ks &
sl
op
esE
dg
ing
Sea
sid
eO
pen
ar
eas
Oph
iopo
gon
japo
nicu
s D
war
f lily
turf
, mon
do g
rass
6-12
inch
esS
hH
igh
Mod
erat
eX
XX
X
D
escr
iptio
n: D
ark,
glo
ssy,
gre
en le
aves
.
C
omm
ents
: T
oler
ates
poo
r so
ils.
Goo
d fo
r ed
ging
. D
oes
not t
oler
ate
heav
y fo
ot tr
affic
. F
low
ers
are
usua
lly h
idde
n by
leav
es.
*Pep
erom
ia o
btus
ifolia
P
eper
omia
, dw
arf r
ubbe
r tr
ee18
-20
inch
esP
S, S
hH
igh
Low
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: D
ark
gree
n le
aves
.
C
omm
ents
: M
oist
, wel
l-dra
ined
soi
ls a
re b
est.
Phi
lode
ndro
n sc
ande
ns (
P.
oxyc
ardi
um, P
. cor
datu
m)
Hea
rt le
af p
hilo
dend
ron
6 in
ches
PS
, Sh
Mod
erat
eLo
wX
D
escr
iptio
n: G
loss
y, g
reen
leav
es.
C
omm
ents
: F
ast g
row
ing.
Will
clim
b un
less
con
trol
led.
Pre
fers
moi
st, f
ertil
e so
ils.
Pile
a m
icro
phyl
la
Art
iller
y pl
ant
12 in
ches
S, P
SM
oder
ate
Low
XX
X
D
escr
iptio
n: L
ight
gre
en, s
uccu
lent
leav
es.
C
omm
ents
: D
oes
not t
oler
ate
foot
traf
fic.
Gro
ws
best
in m
oist
are
as, b
ut to
lera
tes
poor
con
ditio
ns.
Cul
tivar
'Sto
plig
ht' i
s m
ore
colo
rful
than
the
t
ypic
al fo
rm.
Ple
ctra
nthu
s au
stra
lis
Sw
edis
h iv
y12
inch
esP
S, S
hM
oder
ate
Non
eX
D
escr
iptio
n: B
right
gre
en, w
axy
leav
es.
Pur
plis
h ve
ins
in s
tron
g lig
ht.
Flo
wer
s ar
e pa
le p
urpl
e or
whi
te.
C
omm
ents
: W
ill b
urn
in fu
ll su
n. F
ast g
row
ing.
Will
roo
t alo
ng s
tem
in m
oist
soi
l. R
uelli
a m
akoy
ana
Vel
vet p
lant
12 in
ches
S, P
SLo
wLo
wX
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: D
ark
gree
n le
aves
are
silv
er s
trip
ed a
bove
and
pur
ple
belo
w.
C
omm
ents
: M
oist
, wel
l-dra
ined
soi
l is
best
.
Rum
ohra
adi
antif
orm
isLe
athe
rleaf
fern
12-3
6 in
ches
Sh
Low
Low
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: D
eep
gree
n, le
athe
ry le
aves
.
C
omm
ents
: B
est i
n m
oist
, sha
dy lo
catio
ns.
San
sevi
eria
trifa
scia
ta 'H
ahni
i' S
nake
pla
nt8
inch
esP
S, S
hH
igh
Mod
erat
eX
X
Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu or your local extension office.
Env
irosc
apin
g to
Con
serv
e E
nerg
y: G
roun
d C
over
s fo
r S
outh
Flo
rida
11
Tab
le 1
. Gro
undc
over
sel
ectio
n fo
r so
uth
Flo
rida.
Sci
enti
fic
Nam
eC
om
mo
n N
ame
* =
Nat
ive
Hei
gh
tL
igh
t1D
rou
gh
t T
ole
ran
ceS
alt
To
lera
nce
Un
der
tr
ees
Ban
ks &
sl
op
esE
dg
ing
Sea
sid
eO
pen
ar
eas
D
escr
iptio
n: V
arie
gate
d da
rk a
nd li
ght g
reen
leav
es.
C
omm
ents
: V
ery
drou
ght a
nd s
hade
tole
rant
.
Sci
ndap
sus
pict
us 'A
rgyr
aeus
' S
ilver
pot
hos
6 in
ches
Sh
Mod
erat
eLo
wX
D
escr
iptio
n: D
ark
gree
n le
aves
var
iega
ted
silv
er.
C
omm
ents
: W
ill c
limb
unle
ss c
ontr
olle
d. R
equi
res
wel
l-dra
ined
soi
l.
Sel
agin
ella
invo
lven
s E
rect
sel
agin
ella
12 in
ches
Sh
Low
Low
XX
X
D
escr
iptio
n: L
ight
gre
en, f
ernl
ike
folia
ge.
C
omm
ents
: R
equi
res
moi
st s
oil.
Sel
agin
ella
unc
inat
a B
lue
sela
gine
lla8
inch
esP
S, S
hLo
wN
one
X
D
escr
iptio
n: P
ale
blue
-gre
en, f
ernl
ike
folia
ge.
C
omm
ents
: V
igor
ous
in m
oist
site
s.
Set
crea
sea
palli
da 'P
urpl
e H
eart
' P
urpl
e he
art
14 in
ches
S, P
SH
igh
Mod
erat
eX
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: P
urpl
e fo
liage
. P
ink
flow
ers
in th
e su
mm
er.
C
omm
ents
: P
erfo
rms
wel
l und
er tr
ees.
Pru
ne fo
r m
ore
com
pact
gro
wth
.
Spa
thip
hyllu
m 'C
leve
land
ii'
Pea
ce li
ly3
feet
Sh
Low
Non
eX
D
escr
iptio
n: G
loss
y, d
ark
gree
n le
aves
. W
hite
flow
ers.
C
omm
ents
: R
equi
res
moi
st, o
rgan
ic s
oil.
Oth
er d
war
f cul
tivar
s ar
e av
aila
ble.
S
tape
lia n
obili
s C
arrio
n flo
wer
8 in
ches
PS
Hig
hM
oder
ate
X
D
escr
iptio
n: G
reen
ste
ms
that
turn
bro
nze
in fu
ll su
n. F
low
ers
are
a lu
rid p
urpl
e, b
arre
d w
ith b
row
n.
C
omm
ents
: D
roug
ht-t
oler
ant s
uccu
lent
. O
dor
of fl
ower
s m
ay b
e ob
ject
iona
ble.
Req
uire
s w
ell-d
rain
ed s
oils
. A
num
ber
of o
ther
spe
cies
hav
e a
s
imila
r gr
owth
hab
it.
Syn
goni
um p
odop
hyllu
mN
epht
hytis
12 in
ches
Sh
Mod
erat
eN
one
X
D
escr
iptio
n: G
reen
leav
es a
re o
ften
varie
gate
d.
C
omm
ents
: R
apid
gro
win
g. W
ill c
limb
unle
ss c
ontr
olle
d.
Tra
chel
ospe
rmum
asi
atic
umS
mal
l lea
f con
fede
rate
jasm
ine
8-12
inch
esS
, Sh
Mod
erat
eM
oder
ate
XX
X
Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu or your local extension office.
Env
irosc
apin
g to
Con
serv
e E
nerg
y: G
roun
d C
over
s fo
r S
outh
Flo
rida
12
Tab
le 1
. Gro
undc
over
sel
ectio
n fo
r so
uth
Flo
rida.
Sci
enti
fic
Nam
eC
om
mo
n N
ame
* =
Nat
ive
Hei
gh
tL
igh
t1D
rou
gh
t T
ole
ran
ceS
alt
To
lera
nce
Un
der
tr
ees
Ban
ks &
sl
op
esE
dg
ing
Sea
sid
eO
pen
ar
eas
D
escr
iptio
n: G
loss
y, d
ark
gree
n fo
liage
.
C
omm
ents
: F
orm
s th
ick
mat
that
sup
pres
ses
wee
ds.
Tra
chel
ospe
rmum
jasm
inoi
des
Con
fede
rate
jasm
ine,
sta
r ja
smin
e8-
12 in
ches
S, S
hM
oder
ate
Mod
erat
eX
X
D
escr
iptio
n: D
ark
gree
n fo
liage
with
new
gro
wth
con
tras
ting
light
gre
en.
Hig
hly
frag
rant
whi
te fl
ower
s in
mid
- to
late
spr
ing.
C
omm
ents
: P
erfo
rms
best
as
a vi
ne d
ue to
long
, tw
inin
g st
ems.
Res
ists
tram
plin
g.
Tul
bagh
ia v
iola
cea
Soc
iety
gar
lic30
inch
esS
Mod
erat
eM
oder
ate
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: L
ilac-
colo
red
flow
ers
in th
e sp
ring.
C
omm
ents
: D
oes
not f
low
er w
ell i
n sh
ade.
Alte
rnat
ing
perio
ds o
f wet
and
dry
wea
ther
indu
ce fr
eque
nt fl
ower
ing.
*Uni
ola
pani
cula
ta
Sea
oat
s3-
6 fe
etS
Hig
hH
igh
X
D
escr
iptio
n: P
ale
gree
n fo
liage
with
attr
activ
e se
ed h
eads
.
C
omm
ents
: E
xcel
lent
san
d-du
ne s
tabi
lizer
.
*Zam
ia p
umia
(Z
. flo
ridan
a)
Coo
ntie
, Flo
rida
arro
wro
ot12
-36
inch
esS
, Sh
Hig
hH
igh
XX
XX
D
escr
iptio
n: G
loss
y, d
ark
gree
n, fe
rnlik
e fo
liage
.
C
omm
ents
: W
ill n
ot to
lera
te s
hear
ing
or m
owin
g.
Zeb
rina
pend
ula
- W
ande
ring
Jew
4-10
inch
esS
hM
oder
ate
Low
X
D
escr
iptio
n: L
eave
s ar
e st
riped
pur
ple,
silv
er a
nd g
reen
.
C
omm
ents
: P
refe
rs w
ell-d
rain
ed, m
oist
soi
l. E
xcel
lent
und
er tr
ees.
Doe
s no
t tol
erat
e fo
ot tr
affic
. 1Li
ght:
S =
full
sun,
PS
= p
artia
l sha
de, S
h =
sha
de
Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu or your local extension office.