Do you have that difficult area under a tree where nothing can grow? Groundcovers are a great solution for this tough spots in the landscape. Here are some plant recommendations for Florida native plants that grow well in the shade.
Alternative Lawns for Shade
If you are looking for a very low ground cover that could be considered an alternative lawn that can be mowed and still look green consider using creeping sage (Salvia misella), frog fruit, twinflower, partridgeberry (Mitchella repens), elephant’s foot, and lyre-leaved sage.
Wildflowers for Shade
Most flowers prefer sun to bloom, but native plants such as tropical sage (Salvia coccinea), lyre-leaved sage, swamp milkweed (Asclepius perennis), cardinal flower, violets, spiderwort, and wild petunia. These are all relatively low growing but prefer not to be mowed.
Larger Groundcovers for Shade
There are other low growing plants with a spreading form or habit that make excellent choices for native groundcovers in the shade. This includes our native ferns, the coontie cycad, and wild coffee.
Learn more:
Shady Landscapes – Florida Wildflower Foundation
https://www.flawildflowers.org/shady-landscapes/
Groundcovers for Shade – Gardening Solutions
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/landscaping-for-specific-sites/groundcovers-for-shade.html
Landscaping in Florida Shade – EDIS Publication
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ep457
Learn more about Florida native plants: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/native-plants.html
Find a native plant nursery near you: https://www.plantrealflorida.org/
Florida Native Plant Society: https://www.fnps.org/
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