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Groundcovers
for Arizona Landscapes
Cooperative
Extension, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, The University of
Arizona
Written by
Elizabeth Davison, Lecturer Department of Plant Sciences
Ground covers are usually creeping, sprawling or clumping plants whose
primary function is to cover the ground in man-made landscapes. They
can also include low growing shrubs and perennials, if they spread to
cover the area. Plants suitable for this use come in a wide range of
shapes, sizes, textures and colors. Many bear attractive flowers that
add seasonal beauty to their other good characteristics.
Why Use a Ground Cover?
Ground covers fill a number of important design needs. They can form
a low horizontal foliage mass that serves to organize or tie a planting
together into a unified composition. They can soften and add a touch
of greenery to the large rock-mulched areas so often seen in desert
landscapes. Large expanses of paving also seem cooler and more interesting
if beds of ground covers are occasionally substituted for sections of
pavement. They cut glare, suppress dust, and prevent evaporative water
loss. Ground covers are effective alone or in mixed plantings near one-story
houses, surrounding tall office buildings, defining open spaces, and
covering highway embankments.
From an engineering standpoint, ground covers that root along the ground
as they grow can control erosion on steep slopes. They can also reduce
the need for mowing turf on small or odd-shaped areas or on difficult
banks or mounds. Because ground covers differ in the amount of foot
traffic they tolerate without injury, they can direct pedestrian traffic
around an area rather than inviting it as turf often does.
Ground covers are rarely maintenance-free, however. Gardeners who are
unfamiliar with the general growth characteristics of ground covers
may expect these plants to provide a permanent foliage cover once the
planting has filled in. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Within
two to four years many ground cover beds will develop bare spots or
areas of sparse open foliage. This may be due to weather, cultural practices,
pests or the gradual change from vigorous young leafy plants to older
tougher less densely foliaged plants.
As a result, most ground cover plantings do require regular care and
refurbishing to keep them dense and vigorous. In addition to proper
irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, this may involve replanting
bare spots and pruning old stems to stimulate new growth. Nevertheless,
some experts feel that 5 years is the maximum life span of a groundcover
in the lower Sonoran Desert areas (Phoenix, Yuma, etc).
How to Select a Ground Cover
Three basic questions should be considered when selecting a ground
cover:
- Will this plant create the desired landscape effect? (Consider mature
height, growth habit and growth rate, texture, color, bloom period,
year-round appearance, etc.)
- Will this plant grow well on the site? (Consider soil type, topography,
soil and air drainage, light exposure, seasonal high and low temperatures.)
- Will this plant make an attractive ground cover with the maintenance
I can provide? (Consider irrigation and fertilization requirements,
pruning, cleaning, pest control, life span and replacement needs.)
The following tables list some of the most useful ground cover species
for southern Arizona as well as their landscape uses and cultural requirements.
Several precautions should be observed in selecting plants from this
list.
- Do not choose rampant growing types like Honeysuckle or Algerian
Ivy for small or narrow spaces.
- Do not choose a high-maintenance type where low maintenance is desired.
- Do not assume that edgers and weed eaters will keep a vigorous species
in bounds.
- Use types under trees that can absorb tree leaves without the need
for raking.
- For erosion control purposes, select ground covers that root as
they spread since these are more effective than mat-forming sorts.
Other important considerations include the following: Does the species
tends to attract trash or debris (by means of thorns or spines or shaggy
bark )? Will other plants on the site need care (pruning, etc) with
which the ground cover will interfere?
Many ground covers have an off-season for growth and appearance. Since
they are frequently used in a prominent position in the foreground,
it is best to select the toughest plant available that looks attractive
for the longest period. Whenever possible, select a ground cover that
is frost-hardy in your area or at least a species that recovers quickly
from cold injury. Note the discussion of the plant hardiness zones,
and see the attached Arizona map.
General planting instructions
The best planting times are mid-fall and early spring. Plants set
out in either season will develop a good root system before the stress
of hot summer weather.
Ground covers are often used in areas where growing conditions are less
than ideal. They may be planted on steep dry slopes in full sun or deep
shade. In addition, most types grow close to the ground where they are
exposed to a microclimate of exaggerated heat or cold. This makes good
soil preparation important to plant establishment and growth.
Soil preparation
Start bed preparation a week or so before you plan to plant. It is
not necessary to add soil amendments if you’ve chosen a species
that is adapted to alkaline soils and relatively low fertility. Do work
the soil to a depth of 12", removing caliche, rocks or debris.
Plan to mulch the area after planting with 3" of bark (which will
eventually break down and improve soil structure and nutrition) or 1-2"
of decomposed granite. Water the cleaned bed to a depth of 12"
several days before planting.
Space ground cover plants in a new bed so that they will cover the
site in one or two growing seasons, and yet have room to expand to full
size. Closer spacing can reduce weed control problems and usually results
in a smoother cover, but by the third year, the plants may be overcrowded.
Set the plants at the same depth as they were growing in the container
and firm backfill soil around the roots without crushing the rootball.
On banks and slopes, plant slightly higher than grade, leaving a shallow
basin on the downhill side of each plant to catch irrigation/rain
water.
In the mid to low desert parts of Arizona, bermudagrass is a prime
cause of failure in planting and maintaining ground cover beds. It is
not impossible to control if the bed can be kept clean until a solid
planting exists. Bermudagrass is less likely to invade once ground covers
fill in the bare spaces between plants. Chemical herbicides are available
for establishing a relatively weed-free planting site. (In most cases
however, two or more treatments must be made during summer to rid an
area of existing bermudagrass. This must be considered in deciding when
to set out a new bed in a bermudagrass area. More information under
Maintenance.)
Watering the new plants
Tender young ground cover nursery stock dies quickly if allowed to
dry out on the planting site. It is important that plants be watered
thoroughly a short time before being removed from growing containers
and placed in the ground. Irrigate the cultivated bed area several days
before planting so that the transplants will be set out in moist soil.
Since it may take several hours or longer to complete the planting operation,
the first plants set out may be dry before the job is finished, especially
on a warm, windy day. To prevent such losses, stop at regular intervals
to water transplants. A mulch of coarse bark, wood chips, or other mulch
materials over the finished bed will keep the ground cooler, conserve
moisture and discourage weeds.
Young ground cover plants are shallow rooted and may need watering
every 2 or 3 days for the first two to four weeks after planting. When
established, the same plants may require watering every 5 to 10 days
in hot dry weather, but only every 3 to 6 weeks in the winter if natural
precipitation has been less than normal.
Care of Established Plantings
Irrigation
Many gardeners attempt to establish dense ground cover plantings in
desert landscapes that receive little or no irrigation. This is nearly
impossible to accomplish, even with drought-tolerant species. The nature
of the desert is such that vegetation is scattered with areas of open
ground in between. Low water-use ground covers will assume a similar
growth pattern if they must survive and grow with natural precipitation
only. So supplemental irrigation is required for a solid foliage cover
even with arid plant types.
There are several irrigation systems that will work efficiently to
provide water to a ground cover bed that’s level or on a slight
incline. Soaker hoses, drip irrigation, or micro-sprays will keep the
water near the soil level - not on the foliage. Whatever the system
used, apply water only as rapidly as the soil will absorb it. It may
be necessary to irrigate for several brief periods with time between
each cycle to moisten the entire root zone without wasteful surface
run-off. The watering schedule should be separate from the turf schedule.
Watering ground covers on slopes often includes surface run-off and
poor infiltration of moisture to the depth of plant roots. A drip irrigation
system is perhaps the most efficient way to water ground covers on slopes.
Weeding
Bermudagrass often invades ground cover beds in summer when outdoor
gardening activity is reduced. Once well-established, this aggressive
grass is difficult to eradicate without also destroying part or all
of the ground cover. Removing even small infestations from tender brittle
ground cover species is impractical because of the difficulty in getting
out on the bed without damaging plants. This is why it is so important
to eliminate bermudagrass before planting a new bed. There are several
chemical means to control grasses in broadleaf groundcover beds. Mulch
at least 2" deep will help slow down grass invasion. Check established
plantings regularly for the appearance of bermudagrass and take immediate
steps to get rid of any that is found.
Fertilizing
Since ground cover plants grow in close competition for nutrients,
they should be fertilized regularly to maintain good leaf color, yet
moderate growth. Overfertilization results in excessive growth that
requires more work to maintain and keep presentable. Fertilize established
ground cover planting at least once each year in late winter or early
spring. A second application in early fall may be needed to maintain
good color and growth, though the resultant lush growth is more susceptible
to frost damage.
Nitrogen is usually the key element which must be supplied. The percent
by weight of nitrogen in a fertilizer is indicated by the first number
in the analysis, such as 20-10-5, 16-20-0, etc. This information is
printed somewhere on the fertilizer bag. A typical fertilizer recommendation
for mature ground covers is two pounds of ammonium sulfate (21-0-0)
or other garden fertilizer of similar nitrogen content per 100 square
feet. Apply the fertilizer uniformly when the foliage is dry. Then water
thoroughly to wash off any fertilizer particles lodged in the plant
foliage and to move the nutrients into the plant root zone.
Pruning and Deadheading
Ground covers are generally more attractive if pruned back each year
in late winter or early spring. Wait till danger of frost is over before
cutting back tender species. The appearance of the planting will usually
serve as a guide for scheduling pruning work. To encourage a ground
cover bed to recover quickly fertilize and irrigate after pruning is
done.
Rapid-growing types may need trimming two or three times during the
growing season. The need for artificially shearing a planting can be
an indication of the wrong plant in the wrong place! If a plant continues
to over-run a sidewalk area, remove it and allow more space for neighboring
plants, rather than repeatedly edging the offending plant.
Flowering species will continue to bloom if the spent flowers or seed
pods are removed. This procedure is called deadheading. In other cases,
the flowers or fruits could attract wildlife that may invade the bed.
Although this deadheading chore can be difficult and time-consuming,
ground cover growth and vigor will be improved.
Explanation of cultural requirements used in the ground cover tables:
Water
Heavyn- Plants
thrive in or adjoining lawn conditions which infers that upper root
zone is kept moderately moist at all times.
Mediumn- Plants thrive with deep
irrigations spaced 7-14 days apart depending on season and type. Surface
layer of soil may dry out but adequate moisture levels are always maintained
in deeper root zones.
Light- Plants tolerate long dry
periods but must be watered deeply on an occasional basis to grow or
develop. This group includes most of the true desert trees and shrubs.
Poor drainage often causes problems for these plants.
Exposure
Shade- Area receives no direct
sunlight such as under a roof or dense tree canopy. There is a range
between deep shade such as under a solid roof and open shade - for example
the situation found on the shadow side of a tall building where the
sun never penetrates and yet there is open sky above.
Partial shaden- Situation under
trees where there is a dappled sun and shade light pattern or a situation
where there are a few hours of sunlight early or late in the day. Late
afternoon sun is more intense and is usually accompanied by a heat build-up.
Plant requiring part shade often do not thrive in such a situation.
Full sun- Area receives direct
unobstructed sunlight for more than a half of a day. There is a range
between direct sun and reflected sun where planting areas close to walls
facing south or west are much hotter. These situations may limit the
use of certain plants which are sensitive to reflected heat.
Plant climate (hardiness) zones
In the following plant descriptions, three climate zones are used to
give some idea of species adaptation based on cold hardiness. Communities
in each zone might vary slightly from one another. Plants considered
marginal for the zone seldom survive in the cooler sites except in very
protected locations. Within the zone, those communities with milder
climates allow the marginal plants to be grown with reasonable success.
Remember too, that these climate zones grade into one another near their
boundaries, with a corresponding effect on plant-performance.
Experienced desert gardeners know that microclimate effects (elevation,
exposure, air drainage, heat radiation from buildings and paving, etc.)
can create a significantly cooler or warmer environment for plants.
The microclimates found within your own landscape may determine whether
or not you can grow a given tree or shrub in a particular location.
Zone 3
High Altitude Desertn (Elevation 3,500-5,000 feet) (typical minimums:
O to 10o F) Point-of-reference communities: Benson, Bisbee, Clifton,
Douglas, Globe, Kingman, Natural Bridge, Nogales, Sedona, Sierra Vista,
Tombstone.
Zone 4:
Mid-Altitude Desertn (Elevation 2,000-3,500 feet) (typical minimums:
10 to 20o F) Point-of-reference communities: Ajo, Safford, Tucson, Wickenberg.
Zone5:
Low Altitude Desertn (Elevation 1,000-2,000 feet) (typical minimums:
20 to 30o F) Point-of-reference communities: Buckeye, Casa Grande, Chandler,
Florence, Gila Bend, Parker, Phoenix, Yuma.
X = Hardy
M = Marginal but recovers quickly from frost injury
Plant name: Prostrate Acacia
Scientific name: Acacia redolens
Description: Low growing, prostrate arching shrub with
dull gray-green foliage. Yellow puff-ball flowers in spring.
Uses: Erosion control on slopes, level areas
Comments: Cultivars vary widely in height. Can collect trash
Height: 1-3’
Rate of growth: Fast
Planting distance: 5' - 8'
Hardiness zones: 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium to light
Plant name: Carpet bugle
Scientific name: Ajuga reptens
Description: Shiny green or copper foliage; erect spikes
of deep blue blossoms in spring.
Uses: Small spaces in partial sun or shady nooks, mini-oasis in Zone
4
Comments: Not a sun lover in the desert. Subject root knot nematodes,
fungus where drainage is poor. Shallow rooted, requires regular watering.
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Slow
Planting distance: 1'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X
Light Exposure: Shade to part shade
Water: Heavy to medium
Plant name: Sprenger Asparagus
Scientific name: Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’
Description: Arching trailing stems. Light green needle-like
foliage, red berries.
Uses: Level areas, low banks, planter boxes, hanging pots
Comments: Partial shade, chlorotic in full sun near lawns; for lush
green growth can be cut to ground in early spring or after freezing.
Height: 1' - 2'
Rate of growth: Medium
Planting distance: 2'
Hardiness zones: 3M, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Shade to part shade
Water: Heavy to medium
Plant name: Australian Saltbush
Scientific name: Atriplex semibaccata
Description: Dense, low-growing shrub with grey-green
foliage
Uses: Desert shrub and ground cover
Comments: Fire resistant, erosion control. Stands alkaline soil; reseeds
or naturalizes. Prone to fungus in dense mature plantings.
Height: 1' - 2'
Rate of growth: Slow
Planting distance: 3' - 4'
Hardiness zones: 4X, 5X,
Light Exposure: To full sun
Water: Light
Plant name: Ice Plant
Scientific name: Carpobrotus, Drosanthemum, Malephora, others
Description: Trailing succulent stems; fleshy green-grey
leaves; orange, yellow or red daisy- like flowers in spring and summer.
Uses: Sunny slopes, mounds and beds
Comments: Well drained soil; drought resistant but may freeze back
in very cold winter (Zone 3) or dry down in summer heat (Zone 5).
No traffic. Bermuda invasions can be a problem
Height: under 1'
Rate of growth: Medium to fast
Planting distance: 1'
Hardiness zones: 3M, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium to Light
Plant name: Desert Broom Hybrid
Scientific name: Baccharis x ‘Centennial’
Description: Dense, ground hugging green-grey foliage
Uses: Fairly dry areas; beds, slopes, desert land scapes
Comments: Prune once a year; subject to damp- ing off in late summer.
Allow to dry between summer irrigations.
Height: 2-3 ft
Rate of growth: Medium
Planting distance: 3-4’
Hardiness zones: 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Light
Plant name: Desert Marigold
Scientific name: Baileya multiradiata
Description: Soft, silvery grey foliage in a clump,
bright yellow blossoms in spring
Uses: Colorful desert annual. Use in naturalized areas.
Comments: Long bloom period. Reseeds itself but will not make a solid
cover
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Medium
Planting distance: scatter seeds
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X,
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium to Light
Plant name: Calylophus, sun drops
Scientific name: Calylophus hartwegii
Description: Many unbranched stems; low growing, yellow
flowers at sunset in spring , summer. Spreads by rhizomes.
Uses: Small beds w/ shrubs and cacti
Comments: Dormant in winter in colder areas. Good drainage a must.
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Medium
Planting distance: 3-4'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium to light
Plant name: Ground Morning Glory
Scientific name: Convolvulus mauritanicus
Description: Low mounded mass of soft green- grey foliage;
lavendar blue trumpet shaped flowers, spring to early fall.
Uses: Small beds, slopes
Comments: Tolerates dry, poor soil, needs good drainage. Do not overwater!
Cut back if it becomes too straggly. Blooms over a long season, though
is rarely long-lived.
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Fast
Planting distance: 3'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium to light
Plant name: Bush Morning Glory
Scientific name: Convolvulus cneorum
Description: Low mounding bush with silvery foliage,
white flowers w/ yellow centers bloom spring and fall.
Uses: Small beds, slopes
Comments: Tolerates dry, poor soil, needs good drainage.
Height: 2'
Rate of growth: Medium
Planting distance: 4'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium to light
Plant name: Bright Bead Cotoneaster
Scientific name: Cotoneaster glaucophyllus
Description: Erect, arching growth; oval, green- grey
foliage; flowers are pink followed by many red fruits.
Uses: Planter boxes and beds, where a low shrub mass is needed, low
borders and slopes
Comments: Tolerates heat and drought, but needs protection from worst
sun in Zone 5; Texas root rot a problem, particularly if planter is
small and heats up.
Height: 3'
Rate of growth: Medium
Planting distance: 3'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: medium
Plant name: Trailing indigo bush
Scientific name: Dalea greggii
Description: Mounding low shrub. Graceful arching stems,
soft gray foliage. Lavender flowers in spring.
Comments: Spreads rapidly where stems contact ground.
Height: 1.5'
Rate of growth: Fast
Planting distance: 4' - 5'
Hardiness zones: 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Light
Plant name: Gold Dalea
Scientific name: Dalea capitata
Description: Low mounding form, fine dark green leaves
w/ lemony scent, yellow flowers in fall.
Uses: Slopes, beds with shrubs
Comments: Needs good drainage. Not for deep shade. Takes reflected
heat.
Height: 1'-2'
Rate of growth: fast
Planting distance: 4'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium to light
Plant name:Purple Leaf Winter - creeper
Scientific name: Euonymus Fortunei ‘Colorata’
Description: Mounding vine, dark green foliage; foliage
turning reddish purple in winter
Uses: Large beds and slopes, good to naturalize among boulders; will
climb masonry walls
Comments: Foliage a little sparse in winter (Zone 3). Sensitive to
full sun in low desert sum mers. No foot traffic. Subject to Texas
Root Rot.
Height: 2’
Rate of growth: Fast
Planting distance: 4'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X
Light Exposure: Shade, Part shade, and full sun
Water: Heavy to medium
Plant name: Clumping Gazania
Scientific name: Gazania hybrids
Description: Herbaceous perennial, grey-green foliage
in rosettes or clumps. 2” daisy-like flowers in a variety of
colors, mostly spring and fall.
Uses: Sunny beds and borders, gentle slopes
Comments: May need some refurbishing replace ment every fall; Prone
to fungus.
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Fast
Planting distance: 1.5
Hardiness zones: 3M, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium
Plant name: Trailing Gazania
Scientific name: Gazania rigens leucolaena
Description: Gray creeping perennial; daisy-like flowers,
white, yellow, orange, and bronze blossoms spring and fall.
Uses: Level beds and banks
Comments: Needs good soil drainage; subject to damping off in late
summer. Mature plantings should be thinned annually.
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Fast
Planting distance: 2
Hardiness zones: 4M, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium to light
Plant name: Carolina Jessamine
Scientific name: Gelsemium sempervirens
Description: Twining woody vine; dark green
foliage; fragrant tubular yellow flowers spring through fall.
Uses: Good in large areas.
Comments: Long and sprawling stems, makes better cover if pegged down;
may crawl over shrubs, subject to chlorosis in wet places.
Height: 2' - 3'
Rate of growth: medium
Planting distance: 4’ - 6'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Shade, Part shade and full sun
Water: Heavy and medium
Plant name: Algerian Ivy
Scientific name: Hedera canariensis
Description: Long runners; large, rich green leaves,
variegated forms available
Uses: Grows well in large areas; will cover walls & fences
Comments: Not a great choice. Burns out in full sun. Needs fertile
well drained soils. Will damp off in heat.
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Medium to fast
Planting distance: 2'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Shade
Water: Medium
Plant name: Angelita daisy
Scientific name: Hymenoxys acaulis
Description: Small clumping gray-green pine-like foliage,
yellow flowers
Uses: Small areas, borders
Comments: Good for open spaces, transition zone in Xeriscapes. Blooms
nearly continuously. Needs deadheading
Height: 1'
Rate of Growth: Fast
Planting Distance: 2 - 3'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium to light
Plant name: Prostrate Juniper
Scientific name: Juniperus sp. (Many species and cultivars)
Description: Flat, prostrate or mounded growth habit
depending on variety; dark to light blue- green foliage
Uses: Banks, edging, beds, planter boxes
Comments: Low types more vulnerable to Ber muda invasion. Do not use
in small areas where edges must be excessively pruned – spoils
its natural form. Likes to be washed off regularly, helps eliminate
spider mite prob lems. Prone to sun damage in exposed loca tions Zone
5.
Height: 2' - 3'
Rate of growth: Medium
Planting distance: 3' - 5'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Heavy, medium and light
Plant name: Trailing Lantana
Scientific name: Lantana montevidensis
Description: Arching trailing branches; lavender flowers,
clusters over long period
Uses: Flat areas or slopes
Comments: Leaves die back 30 degrees F; stems hardier; may give color
all winter in a pro tected location. Cut back in early spring. Responds
well to iron.
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Medium to fast
Planting distance: 2'
Hardiness zones: 3M, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium
Plant name: Gold Lantana
Scientific name: Lantana camara (several yellow and white cultivars)
Description: Prostrate form of bush lantana; horizontal
stems, brilliant yellow flowers blooming intermittently spring through
fall.
Uses: Flat areas or slopes
Comments: Hardier than trailing lantana, but enjoys severe pruning
as growth starts in spring.
Height: 1' - 2'
Rate of growth: Medium to fast
Planting distance: 3' - 4'
Hardiness zones: 4X, 5X,
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium to light
Plant name: Creeping Lily Turf
Scientific name: Liriope spicata
Description: Dense, grass-like ground cover; pale lilac-white
flower; spikes barely taller than leaves.
Uses: Part shade or mini-oasis area.
Comments: Not a great choice since leaf tips often turn brown in salty
soil or with low relative humidity.
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Medium
Planting distance: 2'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Shade, part shade, and full sun
Water: Medium to Light
Plant name: Japanese Honeysuckle
Scientific name: Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’
Description: Evergreen vine; fragrant tubular flowers,
white changing to yellow in spring and summer
Uses: Loose billowy cover for banks and steep slopes; roots in as
it spreads—good cover on wire fences
Comments: Can climb nearby trees and shrubs creating a maintenance
problem.
Height: 1-3’
Rate of growth: Fast
Planting distance: 2-3’
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Shade, part shade, and full sun
Water: Heavy to medium
Plant name: Black Foot Daisy
Scientific name: Melampodium leucanthum
Description: Spreading, low growing clump. White daisy-like
flower bloom intermittently spring through fall.
Uses: Low-growing wildflower look in arid or transition zones.
Comments: Semi-perennial—needs replacing from time to time
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Medium
Planting distance: 2'- 3'
Hardiness zones: 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Light
Plant name: Myoporum
Scientific name: Myoporum parvifolium
Description: Spreading, low growing; rich green foliage
w/ small white flowers.
Uses: Slight slopes, large open areas.
Comments: No foot traffic. Do not crowd plants. Rarely roots on contact
w/ soil.
Height: 1'
Rate of Growth: Fast
Planting distance: 5' - 6'
Hardiness zones: 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Full sun
Water: Medium to light
Plant name: Mexican Evening Primrose
Scientific name: Oenothera speciosa
Description: During spring bloom bears a profu sion
of rose-pink 1.5” flowers, which close after dark.
Uses: Good for dry slopes; parking strips
Comments: Perennial which needs little care once established. Invasive
if not controlled; has underground runners; cut back to ground early
spring and cut back again after bloom. Needs good drainage. Flea beetles
can be problem.
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Fast
Planting distance: 2'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium to light
Plant name: White Evening Primrose
Scientific name: Oenothera caespitosa
Description: Dark green leaves in rosettes; excep tionally
large white flowers that bloom at dusk, spring through fall.
Uses: Good for dry slopes; parking strips, smaller beds under shrubs
Comments: May be short lived, but spreads by seed. Watch for flea
beetles.
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Fast
Planting distance: 1.5'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium then light (once established)
Plant name: Saltillo Evening Primrose
Scientific name: Oenothera stubbei
Description: Rosettes of bright green leaves; 2"
yellow flowers bloom spring through fall.
Uses: Good for dry slopes; parking strips, smaller beds under shrubs
Comments: Spreads by above ground runner. Needs afternoon shade. May
be cut back after winter.
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Fast
Planting distance: 3'
Hardiness zones: 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium
Plant name: Mondo Grass
Scientific name: Ophiopogan japonicus
Description: Clumps of dark green foliage in mounds;
lilac blossoms, blue fruit—concealed by foliage
Uses: Good in poorly lit atriums; good around boulders, in a shady
protected spot or mini- oasis.
Comments: Somewhat oriental in appearance, slow to fill in, leaf tips
often turn brown in salty soil.
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Slow
Planting distance: 1'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Shade to part shade
Water: Medium
Plant name: Trailing African Daisy
Scientific name: Osteospermum fruticosum
Description: Long runners, light green fleshy l eaves,
3” daisy-like blossoms
Uses: Sunny areas, sloping bank cover, also hanging baskets
Comments: Prune back in late winter if leggy; pinch to encourage branching;
purple form is hardier than white hybrid ‘African Queen’;
dies out in spots. Replant bare spots spring or fall.
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Fast
Planting distance: 2'-3'
Hardiness zones: 4X, 5X,
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sunX
Water: Heavy to medium
Plant name: Dwarf Rosemary
Scientific name: Rosmarinus prostratus
Description: Arching, creeping stems; dark green narrow
leaves; small blue flowers in winter and spring
Uses: Sunny banks, slopes and planters
Comments: Good transition from desert to culti vated plants; must
be pruned regularly to prevent woodiness. Prevent Bermuda inva sion.
Spittle bugs can be problem.
Height: 1-2’
Rate of growth: Fast
Planting distance: 2' - 3'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium light
Plant name: Santolina
Scientific name: Santolina chamaecyparissus
Description: Dense mat of fine textured green- grey
foliage; yellow button-like blossoms in summer
Uses: Low border or ground cover, small areas
Comments: Good desert transition. Prune to prevent woodiness; summer—prune
to pre vent seed heads
Height: 1' - 2'
Rate of growth: Medium
Planting distance: 2' - 3'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Full sun
Water:
Heavy: Medium light
Plant name: Green Santolina
Scientific name: Santolina virens
Description: Mounding, dense green foliage; flowers
in the summer
Uses: Low borders or ground cover; small areas
Comments: Striking texture and color; replace if woody
Height:1' - 2'
Rate of growth: Medium
Planting distance: 2'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Full sun
Water: Medium
Plant name: Sedum, Stonecrop
Scientific name: Sedum sp. (Many)
Description: Mostly creeping plants with thick succulent
leaves; small blossoms of various colors but mostly yellow
Uses: Small beds, low banks and mounds
Comments: Many kinds available. Bird and ro- dents a problem. Hard
to weed because plant is brittle and succulent leaves crush under
foot. Needs part shade in low desert (Zone 5)
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Medium to fast
Planting distance: 1'-2'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Shade, part shade and full sun
Water: Medium, light
Plant name: Prostrate Germander
Scientific name: Teucrium chamaedrys ‘Prostratum’
Description: Dense dark green foliage, spreads by stolons;
rose-purple flowers in summer
Uses: Compact edging or ground cover; good with stones and railroad
ties
Comments: Takes sun, heat, poor soil; soil must drain well; cut back
in late winter to renew growth
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Medium
Planting distance: 1' - 2'
Hardiness zones: 3M, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium to Light
Plant name: Star Jasmine
Scientific name: Trachelospermum jasminoides
Description: Loose mounding vine; shiny dark- green
foliage; fragrant 1” white flowers in spring
Uses: Informal beds, planter boxes
Comments: Afternoon shade required below 2000’ elevation; will
climb nearby shrubs and trees; slow to establish from small liners;
chlorotic in poorly drained soils.
Height: 1' - 2'
Rate of growth: Medium
Planting distance: 2'
Hardiness zones: 3M, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Shade, part shade and full sun
Water: Heavy to medium
Plant name: Peruvian Verbena
Scientific name: Verbena peruviana
Description: Ground-hugging, dark green foliage; flowers
pink to white, bloom spring to fall.
Uses: Bed, borders, planters
Comments: Hybrids available in several colors; long blooming season.
Height: under 1'
Rate of growth: Fast
Planting distance: 2'
Hardiness zones: 3M, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium
Plant name: Gooding’s Verbena
Scientific name: Verbena gooddingii
Description: Soft green foliage, masses of laven der
flowers in spring.
Uses: Bed, borders, planters
Comments: Needs extra water in summer. Short lived.
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Moderate
Planting distance: 2'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Full sun
Water: Medium to light
Plant name: Sandpaper Verbena
Scientific name: Verbena rigida
Description: Upright, stiff rough foliage; dark purple
flowers in spring.
Uses: Bed, borders, planters
Comments: Spreads by seed, can become invasive
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Fast
Planting distance: 3'
Hardiness zones: 3M, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Water: Medium to light
Plant name: Blue Periwinkle
Scientific name: Vinca major
Description: Trailing stem; shiny dark-green fo liage;
lavender-blue flowers in spring
Uses: Slopes, banks, level areas; planter boxes; under trees
Comments: May be sheared late in winter; a variegated form is available.
Chlorotic in full sun with heavy irrigation.
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Fast
Planting distance: 1'
Hardiness zones: 3X, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Shade, Part shade to full sun
Water: Heavy to medium
Plant name: Wedelia
Scientific name: Wedelia trilobata
Description: Dark green foliage on flexible stems that
root where they contact the soil; yellow daisy-like flowers bloom
spring through fall.
Uses: Shady beds, mini-oasis areas. Needs room to spread.
Comments: Not for full sun in desert (Zones 4, 5). Rampant growth
if conditions are right.
Height: 1'
Rate of growth: Fast
Planting distance: - 2' - 3'
Hardiness zones: 3M, 4X, 5X
Light Exposure: Shade to Part Shade
Water: Heavy and medium
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Document located http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1110/
Published April 1999
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