If rocks aren't for you, you're still not stuck with a lawn. There are lots of ground covers that don't require your mower.
By THERESA BLACKWELL, Times Staff Writer
Published July 3, 2005
CLEARWATER - Rocks can add interest to a varied landscape, but if you're interested in alternative ground cover that is green with life, Dale Armstrong, coordinator of the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program for the Pinellas County Extension service, has a few suggestions.
The first three of these ground-covering plants will spread and grow into a mat. Then there are foliage and flowering plants you can plant in a mass to add color.
--Sunshine mimosa (or powderpuff or sensitive plant) (Mimosa strigillosa ) - This native perennial has foliage that grows 2 to 3 inches tall and produces small puffy pink flowers on spikes. It requires sun to partial shade.
--Small leaf confederate (or dwarf) jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum ) - This non-native perennial forms a thick mat of fine, green foliage about 6 to 8 inches tall. It requires sun to partial shade and is drought-tolerant once established. Ideal around trees and bushes since it won't climb.
--Perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata ) - A relative of peanut plants used to produce food and fodder, it will grow to about 4 to 6 inches tall in sun to patrial shade. Works well on beachfront property and is low-maintenance once established. However, one ecologist contacted by the Times did not endorse this non-native species.
--Caladiums - The heart-shaped leaves come in vivid patterns of pink, red, green and white. Many varieties grow well in shade, but some thrive in sun. Caladiums die back in winter, and come back in warm weather.
--Sweet potato vines - The fast-growing vines come in many shades and can add some quick drama to the landscape, but planting in contained areas may be best. The vines die back in winter.
--Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta ) - The daisy-like plant has large flowers with yellow-orange to red-orange petals and a dark center. The native perennial requires full sun and attracts butterflies.
--Indian blanket flower (Gaillardia Pulchella ) - The typical flower is red-orange with an edge of yellow, but it does come in other colors and can be grown from seed. The native annual grows well in full sun and is especially suited to beachfront landscape.
--Beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis ) - Another good beach landscape choice, the spreading plant has showy yellow flowers and attracts butterflies. The perennial requires full sun and will re-seed itself.
