FIVE FLORIDA FRIENDLY GROUNDCOVERS TO REPLACE YOUR FLORIDA LAWN
Let's face it, maintaining a perfect lawn is a lot of work (seriously, a lot of work). We have all been there; there's the frequent mowing, the constant watering, fertilizing, application of pre- and post-emergent herbicides, and the frequent diseases that show up because there is “too much rain” , “too little rain” or some combination of the two. The complications at times can seem endless, and for most homeowners, this pursuit of “ lawn perfection” is exhausting, expensive and for most, doesn’t make much sense. See below for an example of the transformation removing your lawn and replacing it with native plants can make, these pictures were taken two years apart.
We are also beginning to see the collective negative effect of these practices in the harm it is causing our environment; in polluted waterways, algal blooms, diminished soil health and the loss of insect and wildlife diversity. This new age phenomenon is unfolding right in front of us but fortunately, there is something we can do about it to take stock in the future of our yards and the surrounding environment. Let’s ditch the endless lawn chores and create an outdoor space that benefits us and the planet.
Let's reimagine our landscapes together! Here are our top 5 turf replacing groundcovers to use here in northeast Florida:
First up is the adorable Sunshine Mimosa, Mimosa strigilossa, a Florida native groundover that is pollinated mainly by bees but attract butterflies, as well. It is the host plant for the little sulphur (Eurema lisa) butterfly and typically blooms spring through summer.
Info: Fabacae or Pea family, this plant “fixes nitrogen” from the atmosphere providing it’s own fertilizer and enriching the surrounding soil. Require full sun (6-8 hrs) to become dense and lush, can tolerate less but will grow more sparsely
Use: Monoculture lawn, mixed within a freedom lawn, perennial garden beds
Upside: Eye-catching pink puff blooms, fast growing and establishes quickly, tolerates some traffic, benefits pollinators, requires minimal input
Downside: winter dormant, deep taproot (difficult to remove and can damage septic systems) fast growth means frequent trimming to keep it “in-bounds”
Where to purchase: Green Isle Gardens, Superior Trees, Chiappini Farm Native Nursery and the Florida Association of Native Nurseries (FANN).
FANN publishes a very helpful resource for native plant sources and service providers, which can be viewed below and features an amazing photo of a gopher tortoise chomping down on sunshine mimosa taken by Denise Derrick Wright.
Second on our list is the tiny but powerful Frogfruit, Phylla nodiflora, also referred to as Turkey Tangle Frogfruit. This little guy is a versatile groundcover with trailing foliage and charming, mini-verbena-like flowers; it is a fantastic source of nectar for many pollinators, as well as the larval host for the Phaon Crescent Spot, Buckeye, and White Peacock butterflies.
Info: Verbena family, host plant to numerous butterflies and attractive to pollinators, spreading dense nature, tolerates some traffic, moderate growth rate
Use: Monoculture lawn, mixed within a freedom lawn
Upside: Evergreen, great for wildlife, handles part to full sun, less vigorous than mimosa, responds well to mowing
Downside: Less tidy than other groundcovers, can be challenging to source
Where to purchase: Green Isle Gardens and the Florida Association of Native Nurseries (FANN).
We love supporting family owned businesses like Green Isle Gardens!
Coming in third, Swamp twin flower, Dyschoriste humistrata, a native perennial wildflower that serves as an incredible ground cover. In nature, this plant comes from shady areas in understory and sunny areas with ample moisture. It produces pale lavender flowers from spring to fall and is the larval host for the common buckeye butterfly.
Info: Acanthus family, moisture loving ground cover, fast growth rate, host plant and attracts pollinators, handles part to full sun
Use: Monoculture lawn, mixed within a freedom lawn
Upside: Beautiful texture, flowers almost constantly, low maintenance
Downside: Less tolerant of foot traffic, requires moist soil
Where to purchase: Green Isle Gardens and the Florida Association of Native Nurseries (FANN).
Fourth on our list but no less valuable, Perennial Peanut, Acharis glabra, a tough plant that tolerates Florida’s hot summers and sandy soils and can be planted statewide, blooming all summer long with cheerful yellow flowers. It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding life and vibrancy to your landscape ecosystem!
Info: Pea family, nitrogen fixing capabilities, moderate growth rate, constant blooms, native to south america
Use: Monoculture lawn, mixed within a freedom lawn
Upside: Beautiful foliage and blooms, tolerates some traffic, very drought tolerant
Downside: Winter dormant, does not compete with weeds as effectively as other ground covers
Where to purchase: Sunset Specialty Ground Covers
An application of perennial peanut in a median by Sunset Specialty Growers!
Last but not least on our list, Dwarf Mondo Grass, Ophiopogon japonicus is a broadleaf evergreen ground cover or ornamental grass. It is sun tolerant, highly salt-tolerant and resists deer and foot traffic. As an evergreen groundcover, it forms a mat by runners (stolons). As a turf alternative for shady areas, it should be mowed yearly.
Info: Asparagus family, very shade tolerant, drought tolerant, slow growth rate
Use: Monoculture lawn, border plant
Upside: Great option for shady area, very affordable, low growing, rich green color
Downside: Slow growing, requires significant number of plants to cover larger areas
Where to purchase: Williams Plant Nursery
Replacing a monoculture lawn with native and Florida Friendly plants exponentially increases the biodiversity of your landscape. If you would like to jump start this process, reach out to us at Wacca Pilatka to start planning your dream yard today!
