Sedum - Drought-proof Color for Tough Gardens

 

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Delosperma: A Jewel in the Drought-Hardy Crown

Delosperma, commonly known as Ice Plant, hails from the arid and rocky slopes of South Africa, where survival depends on resilience and brilliance. These succulents, members of the Aizoaceae family, thrive where others falter—basking in full sun, laughing at poor soil, and enduring long droughts. Their name, from the Greek delos meaning “visible” and sperma meaning “seed,” hints at the exposed nature of their seeds, though most gardeners today know them best for their daisy-like blooms in luminous hues of magenta, orange, gold, and even iridescent fuchsia. Like jewels scattered across gravel beds or between stepping stones, they brighten even the most Spartan landscape.

In gardens, Delosperma offers more than color. As evergreen groundcovers, they form dense mats that suppress weeds and cling tightly to slopes, making them perfect for erosion control and rock gardens. While not known for medicinal use in the traditional Western sense, some Delosperma species have been used in Southern African folk medicine for respiratory ailments and soothing skin irritations. But their modern charm lies in low-maintenance landscaping. Cold-hardy varieties like Delosperma cooperi can survive surprising chill, while others revel in dry, sun-scorched patios. Plant them in containers, tuck them into wall crevices, or let them spill over retaining walls with carefree grace.

Ready to add brilliance without the backache? Plant Delosperma in well-drained soil and full sun—and watch your garden sparkle. Visit GoGardenNow.com to discover top-performing Delosperma varieties perfect for your region.

 

Sempervivum - The Plant That Never Dies

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Sedum: The Stonecrop Jewel of the Garden

Sedum, often called stonecrop, is a rugged yet refined perennial that has charmed gardeners for centuries. Native to a wide range of regions—including Europe, Asia, and North America—sedum thrives in rocky outcrops, alpine slopes, and sun-drenched meadows where little else dares to grow. Its name, derived from the Latin sedere ("to sit"), hints at its habit of sprawling across stones and walls, clinging to crags with a tenacity that belies its dainty blossoms. Ancient herbalists valued sedum for its purported wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Some varieties, like Sedum acre, were even used in small doses to treat skin ailments—though caution is wise, as not all species are safe for medicinal use today.

In the garden, sedum is nothing short of indispensable. Its succulent leaves store water, making it remarkably drought-tolerant—a hero in xeriscaping, green roofs, and rock gardens alike. Low-growing types like Sedum spurium or Sedum kamtschaticum make vibrant ground covers, while upright cultivars like Sedum 'Autumn Joy' burst into glorious bloom just as summer wanes, offering nectar to late-season pollinators. Sedum prefers full sun and well-draining soil; too much moisture or shade, and it may sulk or rot. Propagation is easy—simply snip a stem and nestle it in soil. Whether edging a border, topping a container, or brightening a neglected corner, sedum performs with steadfast grace.

Are you ready to bring the enduring charm of sedum into your landscape? Visit GoGardenNow.com to explore our hand-picked selection of hardy sedums and other drought-tolerant beauties. Don’t just grow a garden—build a legacy of resilience and color, one stonecrop at a time.

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Armeria - The Resilient Seaside Bloom

Delosperma Jewel of Desert Series 'Peridot' PP23566 - Dazzling Color for the Garden

Delosperma Jewel of Desert Series 'Peridot' PP23566, commonly known as Iceplant, is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that brings dazzling color to any garden. This compact, mat-forming succulent features lush, green foliage that serves as a perfect ground cover, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Its starry, daisy-like flowers shine in a striking yellow-green hue with a golden center, creating a bright and cheerful display from spring through fall. Exceptionally long-blooming and drought-tolerant, 'Peridot' is perfect for rock gardens, borders, and container plantings, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies while requiring minimal care.

If you're looking for a vibrant, low-water solution to enhance your garden, Delosperma Jewel of Desert 'Peridot' is the perfect choice! Its resilience against heat, poor soil, and even cold temperatures down to USDA Zone 5 makes it an excellent option for gardeners of all experience levels. Plus, it's deer-resistant and thrives in tough conditions, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-maintenance landscapes. Add this stunning variety to your garden today and enjoy season-long color with virtually no effort—your outdoor space will thank you!

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Delosperma Jewel of Desert Series 'Moonstone' PP23491 - Months of Radiant Blooms!

 

Delosperma Jewel of Desert Series 'Moonstone' PP23491, commonly known as Iceplant, is a dazzling, drought-tolerant perennial that delivers continuous color from spring through fall. This low-growing succulent forms a dense mat of fleshy, green foliage, making it an excellent ground cover for dry, sunny areas. Its vibrant daisy-like flowers feature a captivating blend of soft lilac and pale pink petals with a golden-yellow center, creating a luminous, eye-catching display. Highly resilient and easy to grow, 'Moonstone' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, attracting pollinators while requiring little maintenance.

Bring effortless beauty and long-lasting color to your garden with Delosperma Jewel of Desert 'Moonstone'! Its exceptional heat, drought, and cold tolerance (hardy to USDA Zone 5) make it a perfect choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, borders, and container plantings. Plus, its deer-resistant nature ensures your blooms stay untouched. Whether planted alone or combined with other succulents, this variety provides a stunning, carefree display. Don't miss out—add 'Moonstone' to your garden today and enjoy months of radiant blooms with minimal effort!

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Delosperma Jewel of Desert Series 'Opal' PP27056 - Exceptional Performance

Delosperma Jewel of Desert Series 'Opal' PP27056, commonly known as Iceplant, is a vigorous, drought-tolerant perennial that brings a stunning splash of color to gardens and landscapes. This low-growing succulent forms a dense mat of fleshy, green foliage, making it an excellent ground cover for sunny, dry areas. Its vibrant, daisy-like flowers display a mesmerizing blend of soft lavender-pink petals with a bright yellow center, creating an eye-catching contrast. Blooming profusely from spring through fall, 'Opal' provides continuous interest while attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it ideal for rock gardens, borders, and containers.

Highly resilient, Delosperma Jewel of Desert 'Opal' is exceptionally tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soils, making it a perfect choice for low-maintenance landscapes and xeriscaping. This variety is also deer-resistant and cold-hardy, capable of withstanding temperatures down to USDA Zone 5. Despite its delicate and colorful appearance, 'Opal' requires minimal care, making it a fantastic option for gardeners seeking long-lasting beauty with little effort. Whether planted in mass for a carpet of soft, glowing hues or used as a striking accent in mixed succulent plantings, this Iceplant delivers exceptional performance and visual appeal throughout the growing season.

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Delosperma Jewel of Desert Series 'Garnet' PP23471 - Enduring Beauty

 Delosperma Jewel of Desert Series 'Garnet' PP23471, commonly known as Iceplant, is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial prized for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms. This low-growing succulent forms a dense mat of fleshy, green foliage that serves as an excellent ground cover. Its striking daisy-like flowers boast a rich, deep red hue with a golden-yellow center, creating a dazzling contrast that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Blooming continuously from spring through fall, 'Garnet' provides months of color in rock gardens, borders, and containers, thriving best in full sun and well-drained soil.

This variety is exceptionally resilient, tolerating heat, poor soils, and dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens. It requires minimal maintenance and is deer-resistant, adding to its appeal for gardeners seeking low-effort beauty. Despite its delicate appearance, 'Garnet' is remarkably cold-hardy, withstanding temperatures down to USDA Zone 5. Whether planted en masse for a carpet of red brilliance or used as an accent in a mixed succulent garden, Delosperma Jewel of Desert 'Garnet' delivers enduring beauty with little care required.

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Thinking again about Asiatic Jasmine?

Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) is a fast-growing, evergreen ground cover known for its dense, carpet-like growth and low-maintenance nature. Unlike true jasmine, it doesn’t produce showy flowers, but its lush, dark green foliage provides year-round beauty. This hardy plant thrives in various conditions, tolerating drought, shade, and even foot traffic once established.

Uses:

• Ground Cover: Ideal for erosion control on slopes and banks, preventing soil loss while adding greenery.

• Weed Suppression: Forms a thick mat that naturally crowds out weeds, reducing maintenance.

• Landscaping Alternative: A great substitute for grass in shaded areas where turf struggles.

• Container Planting & Hanging Baskets: Can be used in pots or hanging baskets, where it spills over beautifully.

Asiatic Jasmine is perfect for homeowners and landscapers seeking a durable, attractive, and low-upkeep solution for challenging spaces.

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Tired of watering those window boxes and planters?

 

 

Tired of watering those planters and window boxes?

Here are three possible solutions. There could be more, but we’ll begin with these.

1. Add water-retentive gel to the planting mix. These flakes or crystals absorb up to 200x their weight in water, and release it into the soil as needed. This means you have to water less frequently. It also helps to prevent over-watering. Several brands are available on the market.
2. Apply mulch on top of the soil and between the plants. We use worn-out hanging basket and window box liners made of coconut coir. New liners eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Rather than throw the old ones away, tear them into patches and lay them out on top of the soil as small mats. Because they’re compressed, the patches tend to stay together, suppressing weeds and retaining moisture below. Coconut coir is used for other products, too. You may find it in upholstery stuffing.
3. Plant drought-tolerant perennials, small cacti and succulents in your planters. The less often you’d like to water, the more drought-tolerant the plants should be. This is, by far, the best solution, in my opinion. Cacti and succulents can produce beautifully vibrant foliage and flowers. They look rather exotic, as well.

So, consider these solutions when planning your window boxes and planters, especially if you intend to travel this summer.

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Free yourself with a dry weather garden.

 

Sure, you love gardening and all its benefits. But don't you wish sometimes that you could get away from it, even for just a little while without asking a friend to stop by and water your plants while you're gone?

Consider intentionally establishing a dry weather garden. Whether you're growing flowers, vegetables, or some of both, it's quite possible. It's called "xeriscaping."

A xeriscape can provide a low-maintenance, water-efficient way to garden while freeing up time for that vacation or even a weekend away. Here are some ways a dry weather garden can help you briefly escape:

1. Less watering: With drought-resistant plants and water-efficient practices, a xeriscape can reduce the need for frequent watering. This means less time spent tending to your plants and more time for other activities.

2. Low maintenance: Dry weather plants tend to require less maintenance than traditional gardens because they are better adapted to growing in harsh conditions.

3. Cost effective: Using drought-resistant plants and sustainable gardening practices can mean less money spent on irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticides.

4. Eco-friendly: Xeriscaping is an eco-friendly way to garden. It can reduce water waste, conserve resources, and promote a healthy ecosystem.

5. More flexible: Dry weather garden planning allows for more  creativity and experimentation with different plants, new styles and layouts.

In summary, a xeriscape can be a great way to free yourself from the time and cost constraints of traditional gardening. By using drought-resistant plants and sustainable practices, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance garden that is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and a real time-saver.

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Echinacea And Natural Immunity

 

For some reasons during the pandemic crisis du jour, the advantage of natural immunity seems largely ignored, or worse. That’s tragic. In our household, however, do what we can to build our immunity. In our view, we are responsible for our own health to the extent that we are able.

I start most days with a few squirts of liquid Echinacea (E. angustifolia, and E. purpurea) extract from fresh herbs. Echinacea (aka Coneflower) is native to eastern and central North America, and has been used for generations to improve health.

Here are a few snippets gleaned from Healthline.com:

“Native Americans have used it for centuries to treat various ailments.

“Today, it’s best known as an over-the-counter herbal remedy for the common cold or flu. However, it’s also used to treat pain, inflammation, migraines and other health issues.

“Both the plant’s upper parts and roots are used in tablets, tinctures, extracts and teas.

“Echinacea plants contain an impressive variety of active compounds, such as caffeic acid, alkamides, phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid, polyacetylenes and many more.

“In addition, studies have linked echinacea and their compounds to many health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, improved immunity and lower blood sugar levels.“

MedicalNewsToday says, “Echinacea plants contain a complex mix of active substances. Some of these compounds may have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, while others may support the immune system in other ways.

“Like many other plants, all types of Echinacea contain phenols. Phenols control the activity of a range of enzymes and cell receptors.

“They protect the plants from infections and ultraviolet radiation damage, and they may have beneficial antioxidant properties.”

But MNT includes the caveat, “Few scientific findings support the use of Echinacea in any treatment.” On the other hand, apparently some scientific findings DO support the use of Echinacea, we’re just not informed of them.

Being a native American plant, you’d expect Echinacea to be relatively easy to grow. So it is. A few years ago, I spotted a white variety of Echinacea purpurea thriving in the median strip of a street in Blacksburg, VA. If it’ll flourish there, it will probably grow in your garden.

For tips on planting and care, go to GoGardenNow.blogspot.com.

Also, check out Echinacea at GoGardenNow.com.

 

 

Dress Your Landscape In Blue With Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'

If you want to dress your garden in a carpet of light blue-gray, ‘Blue Rug’ juniper (aka Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’) is the ground cover you need.

This very low-growing mat is native to North America from Alaska, through Canada, to New York. But, surprisingly, it also thrives in the Deep South. The very short evergreen foliage sometimes displays a purplish hue in winter. ‘Blue Rug’ juniper grows about 6 inches in height and spreads to around 60 inches.

Juniperus horizontalis can be grown anywhere in USDA Climate Zones 3 through 10, provided that it’s exposed to full sun and planted in well-drained soil. Average garden soil with pH ranging from 5.1 to 6.0 is best.

Like many other junipers, ‘Blue Rug’ juniper is drought tolerant, deer resistant, and salt-tolerant. So, it’s ideal for xeriscaping, ground cover, and because it spreads so far, it’s a fine choice for erosion control in large areas.

Prepare the planting bed for Juniperus horizontalis by cultivating at least 14" deep, removing all traces of weeds. Composted manure may be incorporated into the soil, but it may not be necessary. Or, incorporate 5-10-15 fertilizer at a rate of no more 2 lbs. per 100 square feet into the soil. Avoid synthetic fertilizers contacting any part of your plants.

Plant this juniper up to 6 feet apart, at most. Much closer if you want quicker coverage, and budget allows. Dig planting holes into the cultivated soil a little less deep than the depth of the growing container. Place the plants into the holes and back-fill, watering as you go. Press soil around the root balls. Do not cover entirely the root balls with soil. The tops should be only slightly exposed. Add a top-dressing of mulch around the plants, not on top of them, about 1" deep.

Because it likes well-drained soil, plant ‘Wiltonii’ juniper with other plants having similar cultural requirements. As the plants mature, fertilize sparingly and allow soil to dry between watering.

Besides its many other attributes – drought-resistance, deer resistance, pest resistance and soft blue-gray color – it never needs mowing!

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Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper - For The Landscape Or Bonsai

 

Beneath the low canopy of Dwarf Japanese Garden juniper, one often finds twisted branches reminiscent of an old, windswept tree. It’s a living sculpture. For that reason, Dwarf Japanese Garden juniper (aka Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’) is a perennial favorite for bonsai and garden enthusiasts. Whether potted or established in the landscape, it evokes a sense of mystery.

This shrubby ground cover, native to Japan, grows about 8 inches tall and spreads slowly to form a dense mat. The very short evergreen foliage is deep blue-green during warm months, and displays a purplish hue in winter. Dwarf Japanese Garden juniper grows 8 inches to 12 inches in height and spreads to 36 inches.

Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’ can be grown anywhere in USDA Climate Zones 4 through 9, provided that it’s exposed to full sun and planted in well-drained soil. Average garden soil with pH ranging from 6.1 to 7.5 is best.

Dwarf Japanese Garden juniper is drought tolerant, deer resistant, and salt-tolerant. So, it’s ideal for xeriscaping, ground cover, and erosion control in small areas. And, of course, it’s a favorite subject for bonsai and Japanese garden themes. Even beginning bonsai hobbyists will find it to be easy to train for its natural shape lends itself well to the art.

Prepare the planting bed for Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’ by cultivating at least 14" deep, removing all traces of weeds. Composted manure may be incorporated into the soil, but it may not be necessary. Or, incorporate 5-10-15 fertilizer at a rate of no more 2 lbs. per 100 square feet into the soil. Avoid synthetic fertilizers contacting any part of your plants.

Plant this juniper 6 feet apart, at most. Closer if you want quicker coverage, and budget allows. Dig planting holes into the cultivated soil a little less deep than the depth of the growing container. Place the plants into the holes and back-fill, watering as you go. Press soil around the root balls. Do not cover entirely the root balls with soil. The tops should be only slightly exposed. Add a top-dressing of mulch around the plants, not on top of them, about 1" deep.

Because it likes well-drained soil, plant Dwarf Japanese Garden juniper with other plants having similar cultural requirements. As the plants mature, fertilize sparingly and allow soil to dry between watering.

Gardeners wishing to try their hand at growing bonsai can click on this link for search results at abebooks.com.

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Choice Plants For The Coastal Landscape

A stroll on Hilton Head Island reveals a short list 

Coastal landscapes are very demanding on plants. Strong sunlight, wind, sandy soil, and salt air require much. A recent stroll at Sea Pines, Hilton Head provided a short list of species that thrive in such conditions, at least in the Deep South.

Here’s what I found:

Nerium oleander flowers and leaves

Usually known only as "oleander", its origins are unknown, though the Mediterranean region is likely. Nerium is usually grown in tropical and subtropical environments as a free-form shrub. It blooms all summer long. Flowers in colors ranging from white to red are fragrant. Variegated foliage is available. Maintenance requirements are extremely low.

Creeping Fig - Ficus pumila

Creeping Fig is an elegant vine that does it's job gracefully, producing a luxuriant, evergreen covering where it is needed. Perhaps you have seen Creeping Fig covering garden walls in lovely cities of the Deep South. Clinging closely, it lends dark green softness to all kinds of structures.

Cycas revoluta - Sago Palm

Cycas revoluta - aka Sago Palm - is not a palm at all, but a member of the ancient Cycadaceae family. It's native to Japan, and is comfortable in warm temperate and subtropical regions. Sago is popular throughout the South, in botanical gardens and landscapes.

Asparagus densiflorus 'Myersii' - Asparagus fern

This member of the Asparagaceae family is not a fern, but an asparagus. It's hardy in USDA climate zones 9-11. While often used as a container plant, it also does well in the landscape, provided that it's protected during freezing weather. Though this particular plant was photographed in the sun, I've found that it has better color if grown in partial shade.

Salvia rosmarinus 'Prostratus' aka Rosemary

As taxonomists would have it, Rosmarinus is now classified as a Salvia. But whatever. It's a fine plant for the coastal garden. Its Latin name is even derived from its native habitat meaning "dew of the sea." Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region. Some varieties are susceptible to frost, but it thrives in heat and well-drained soil. Beside its ornamental use, rosemary is well-known for its culinary value.

Gelsemium sempervirens - Carolina Jessamine

As I write this in mid-March, this gorgeous garland of yellow is in full bloom. Its range is from Virginia to Texas and southward through Mexico. Carolina Jessamine is one of my favorite flowering vines. It can be grown high or low, over your mailbox or under it. The deep yellow garlands in the trees drop lovely blossoms on the forest floor below, golden mantles drape garden walls, and the fragrance is wonderful.

Cyrtomium falcatum - Holly Fern

This glossy, evergreen beauty is tough as nails. Its beauty is irresistible. Use if for ground cover, borders, accents. Gardeners in colder climates can grow it as a house plant.

Aspidistra elatior - Cast-Iron Plant

True to its name, Aspidistra is beyond tough. As I wrote in an earlier article, "In dry, thin soil under trees they thrive.  Stuffed in neglected pots, they wait for someone to come and dribble a little water; often just a styrofoam cup of melted ice and lemon slice.  Yellowed by too much sun, ragged from neglect, they persist.  Often they are as neglected indoors, or worse." But when grown in shade with a bit of care, Aspidistra lends a wonderful tropical appearance to the home and landscape.

Nephrolepis cordifolia - Erect Sword Fern

Several species go by the common name of Sword Fern. Best go by the botanical name if you're looking for this one. Nephrolepis cordifolia is a very successful evergreen ground cover fern for southern and coastal gardens. So successful, in fact, that some folks consider it to be invasive. But, hey, it covers ground. Isn't that what ground covers are supposed to do?

Nandina domestica - Heavenly Bamboo

Nandina is a rather common landscape shrub that's hardy from UDSA Climate Zone 6 through 11. It's native to Japan. Evergreen foliage often turns to scarlet shades in winter, and new foliage may be burgundy in color. Berries are usually red, though other colors appear on the market. Dwarf forms are available. It's about as easy to grow as anything you can imagine. Fairly fertile soil and a little water is all it needs. Grow it in full sun or partial shade.

Dianella tasmanica - Flax Lily

Dianella is a fairly new plant on the market. It might be named for the Greek goddess, Diana, or another Diane. I don't know. At any rate, it's native to Tasmania and southeastern Australia. Its small, blue flowers are quite charming. The variegated form is my favorite. Dianella is evergreen, thrives in sun or partial shade, dry soil, and warmer climate zones - specifically USDA Climate zones 9 through 11. 

Hedera algeriensis - Algerian ivy

Algerian Ivy, also known as Hedera algeriensis, Hedera canariensis, Hedera canariensis var. algeriensis, Algerian Ivy, Canary Island Ivy, North African Ivy, or Madeira Ivy is a favorite of gardeners in the South. It thrives in warmer climates. Large, glossy, evergreen leaves cover ground nicely. It's not limited to use as a ground cover, however. It will easily cover fences, balustrades, and trellises, too. Deer won't eat it. Algerian Ivy is salt tolerant and drought tolerant, too.

Asiatic Jasmine

Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) vines form a dense, glossy, evergreen mat, that suppresses weeds, making it an ideal ground cover. It thrives in full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 7 to 9, and tolerates a wide variety of soil types. It's drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant. It's a ground cover that you're bound to love.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of appropriate plants for the coastal garden, but I figure it's about all that the normal adult's attention span will tolerate. I'll probably post an additional list in the future.

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Great Plants For Your Rain Garden

In an earlier blog article – How To Create A Rain Garden – we discussed an important element – rain garden planting zones. Here's what you need to know.

Divide your rain garden into zones, and select plants appropriate to each. Depending on the size of the garden, you might choose plants ranging in size from low ground covers to perennials, small or even large shrubs.

    • Zone 1 is the deepest where water will stand the longest. Plants for this area should be able to thrive in standing water for awhile.

    • Zone 2 is an intermediate area where water will stand for short periods, but drain away. It is just above and wraps around Zone 1. Plants for this area should be able to grow in wet or dry ground.

    • Zone 3 is the uppermost, wrapping around the other two, and will be the driest. Plants for this area should be able to withstand periods of dry weather.

Here are some plant suggestions for each zone.

Zone 1

• Blue Sedge with its blue-green arching leaves is a perfect plant for that area where drainage is a problem. It's ideal for naturalizing, bog gardens, rain gardens, water gardens, container gardens, and erosion control. As a lawn substitute, it will tolerate some foot traffic. It's also deer resistant! Carex 'Bunny Blue'® is a very attractive variety.
• Japanese Sweet Flag thrives in wetlands like along ponds, rain gardens or pools, and can even grow when submersed. It's one of the best grassy solutions for those problem areas with poorly drained soils.
• Golden Creeping Jenny is an excellent ground cover solution for any size area. It's also successful in container gardens, hanging baskets, bog gardens and perennial borders. Because it tolerates some foot traffic, Lysimachia is perfect around patios and between stepping stones.
• Mazus is a preferred ground cover for moist soils of any size area. Lush green leaves form a low, dense mat. Foliage is evergreen in warmer climates to semi-evergreen in cooler zones. Small, lavender or white flowers bloom from spring to summer.
•  Mondo grass is tolerant of wet areas as well as dry. It’s deer resistant, and tolerates some foot traffic.
• Royal Fern is a lovely native species that performs well in a wide range of climate zones. Light green fronds with burgundy-tinged edges emerge in spring, and turn medium green during the growing season. In fall, fronds turn yellow shades. Royal fern is clump-forming. Mature height is 24 inches to 60 inches. Foliage is dormant in winter. Royal fern is deer resistant.

Zone 2

• Appalachian Sedge is a graceful plant, native to the Eastern U.S. It has very fine, dark green, weeping blades, 12" long.  The leaf blades are evergreen in warmer climates. It has a clumping habit, and spreads slowly, making it suitable for borders. It's a great ground cover and lawn-grass substitute in dry shade.
• Creeping Lily Turf is a choice plant for a low maintenance ground cover in sun or shade. Evergreen foliage forms a dense, grassy covering that tolerates foot traffic, making it a fine lawn grass substitute, especially for those areas you'd prefer not to mow. It can take a period of wet weather, as well as drought.
• Blue Star Creeper is amazing. It tolerates a wide variety of soil conditions – wet or dry. If you're looking for a low-maintenance, low-profile, quickly growing ground cover with a long bloom season, consider Blue Star Creeper. Use it where you want a low-maintenance cover at a distance from high-traffic areas.
• Mondo grass, as mentioned above, is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. If you need a low-maintenance, lush, evergreen grass substitute for full sun to shade that tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, we highly recommend Mondo.
• Pennsylvania Sedge is a fine native plant choice for dry shade.  Use it for naturalizing, and erosion control. Pennsylvania sedge is deer resistant, too.

Zone 3

• Achillea – Yarrow. Achillea has long-lasting flowers, is drought-tolerant, repels pests, and is aromatic.
• Ajuga – Bugleweed. Ajuga is a drought-tolerant evergreen plant prized for its dynamic color that stays compact and thick year round.
• Asiatic Jasmine is a very desirable for ground cover and borders in warmer climates. It can be neatly edged for a manicured appearance. Asiatic Jasmine thrives in sun or shade, suppresses weeds, and resists hungry deer. Its dense habit will slow any rapid flow of water.
• Appalachian Sedge is mentioned above. It’s a fine plant for Zone 3 also.
• Black-eye Susan attracts butterflies. Birds get enthusiastic about the seeds. All varieties are reasonably drought-tolerant. They're especially suited to naturalizing, wildflower meadows, cutting gardens, wildlife gardens, native plant collections, heritage and cottage gardens. But they're wonderful in any perennial garden or border.
• Blue Pacific Juniper is an excellent ground cover solution for medium to large coastal gardens. It thrives in dry, sandy soils, is salt tolerant, and is very effective for erosion control. It's deer resistant, too!
• Coneflower is a tough and ever-popular addition to any perennial garden. Echinacea is loved around the world for its beautiful, showy flowers and reputed herbal remedies. It’s an ideal native plant for the dry area around the rain garden. If only all our plants could be so useful.
• Coreopsis is a bright-flowered plant with blossoms shaped like large asters. It does well in dry areas, and is well-suited to wildlfower gardens. Coreopsis is native to the U.S., and, thankfully, its ornamental value is widely appreciated.
• Pennsylvania Sedge is mentioned above. It is a good choice for Zone 3, also.

These are not exhaustive lists of plants suitable plants for rain gardens. But, with these plants to choose from, you can certainly create a lovely, low-maintenance, and sustainable rain garden.

"I Know A Hill Where Periwinkle Grows"

Just outside my window

Periwinkle’s evergreen

Periwinkle’s strong,

Under the snow it lives

All Winter long.

When the first thaw come

Periwinkle’s seen

In all its myrtle grace

Clear, dark green.

I know a hill where 

Periwinkle grows,

A little hill that

The morning knows.

- Periwinkle, Louise Driscoll (1875-1957)

Doesn’t that make you want some in your garden? You should consider it. Periwinkle, also known as vinca, is very easy to grow. As I write this in March, periwinkle is blooming up a storm

As noted in Driscoll’s poem, periwinkle is an evergreen ground cover vine. It may be found growing nearly world-wide. Though no one is sure, it’s believed the word, Vinca, is derived from a Latin word meaning "to bind." Vinca is a trailing plant, and the runners root as they extend. The long, tough runners were used in some cultures to form rope.

Mature height as a ground cover is usually from 8" to 18". Flower colors range from blue to white or burgundy, depending upon the cultivar. Vinca prefers moist soil in partial shade to full shade, but will also tolerate sun and drought. It is deer resistant.

There are two species of Vinca commonly available: Vinca major and Vinca minor. Louise Driscoll wrote about V. minor.

Vinca minor is commonly known as dwarf periwinkle, creeping myrtle, or death myrtle. It does contain toxic substances. I’m sure that’s why the name figured in the Harry Potter story with the ghost, Moaning Myrtle.

Vinca foliage is about 3/4" wide and 1" long. Mature height is about 4". Foliage is deep green and shiny. It is hardy in USDA climate zones 4 through 8. Soil pH should range from 6.1 to 7.8.

Find Your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone By Zip Code

As a ground cover, vinca is effective for erosion control on hillsides. If planting it for erosion control, try to mitigate the water flow until the plants are established, otherwise the water might dislodge them.

Periwinkle does well in shallow soil, even where tree roots render it difficult to cultivate. But, if possible, prepare the planting bed by cultivating about 4" deep, removing all traces of weeds. Composted manure may be incorporated into the soil. Plant 6" to 12" apart. If fertilizer is used, incorporate 10-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of no more 2 lbs. per 100 square feet into the top 4" of soil. Avoid synthetic fertilizers contacting any part of your plants.

Periwinkle can be planted any time of year, even bare root plants. Even so, you should water occasionally until the plants become established to avoid drought stress. Maintenance is minimal. Periwinkle has few pest and disease problems, and tolerates poor soil.

Because it is so common, folks often overlook it, unless it’s found growing where they don’t want it. As I’ve often said, “it does what a ground cover is supposed to do; it covers ground.” Periwinkle is popular precisely because it is so effective, attractive, and requires practically no maintenance.

Return to Vinca at GoGardenNow.

7 Tips For Saving Water In Your Garden

During the hot, sometimes dry days of summer, the realization hits – often in the form of a water bill – that we should be cutting back on water use. But how? We check for dripping faucets, toilets that keep running, avoid washing the car, reducing time in the shower, or putting less water in the bath. Those are good things to do, but perhaps the answer is in our own backyards. Yes, and front yards, too. If we maintain any type of lawn or garden, we probably use more water there than anywhere else in the house.

Some solutions to problems may be immediate. Many require planning. Act now while your last water bill is fresh on your mind, and you’re sufficiently motivated.

Here are 7 tips for saving water in your garden.

1. Water less frequently. “Well, duh!”, you might say. Fact is, though, most lawns, gardens and ornamental plants do not need to be watered every day. Instead of watering every day, water every other day. That could cut your outdoor water use in half. Allowing the soil to drain and feel dry to the touch before watering again is usually better for your plants, too. Mildew and root rot are usually associated with over-watering, so watering less may help to avoid plant diseases. Lawn grasses can undergo some drought stress, and still bounce back when rain returns. You can follow this tip today; it requires no planning.
2. Recycle water. If you use a sprinkler system, place containers strategically to catch some of it for reuse. Collect rain water in rain barrels to siphon off or dip into later. There’s no sense in letting free water go to waste.
3. Plant a rain garden. Rather than let perfectly good water run into drains, divert it into a rain garden specially designed as a basin to retain it. Best plant choices should include those that adapt to bogs, but will also tolerate brief dry periods.
4. Mulch around your plants. This will immediately reduce soil exposure to the drying rays of sun. Mulch choices are many. Bark, wood chips, straw, hay, and grass clippings are popular. Select the one that looks best for your application. Neither does this require planning. Start today. FYI, Ruth Stout was a major influence in the organic gardening movement who taught the benefits of mulch. If you’ve never read her books and articles, you should.
5. Garden in raised beds or containers. By doing so, you will irrigate targeted areas rather than broadly, potentially saving water. There’s no need to water between vegetable rows and on paved drives and walkways.
6. Install drip irrigation. This is especially appropriate for raised beds and container gardening. Containers, in particular, are prone to drying more quickly. Here again, drip irrigation targets specific areas. A simple system can be quite inexpensive when compared to what you’ll spend on watering. Drip irrigation systems make use of tiny plastic emitters which dispense small amounts of water right where you need it most. An emitter might release as little as ½ gallon per hour, maybe 1 or 2 gallons per hour. PER HOUR! The savings is significant.
7. Substitute drought-tolerant plants for the water-hungry species in your landscape. This doesn’t mean you are limited to cacti and succulents. A host of trees, shrubs, drought-tolerant perennials and ground covers are available for your garden. Look for them.

Speaking of ground covers, many are awesome substitutes for water-hungry lawn grasses. Mondo and liriope, low-growing junipers and euonymus are a few. Some tolerate foot traffic; some don’t. Few lend themselves to heavy use, such as games of badminton and foot races. But if you want to cover larger areas with something other than grass, and save water, consider ground cover plants.

Follow these simple tips for saving water in your garden. You'll save money, too!

Return to Drought-Tolerant Plants

A Dangerous Bunny

 Honey Bunny Cactus (Opuntia microdasys var. albispina)

My name is dangerous bunny

Be careful what you say

Be careful what you do

Be nice when you play

Trouble creates strife

- From Dangerous Bunny - Poem by espri minnes

Opuntia microdasys var. albispina

Its botanical name is Opuntia microdasys var. albispina. Opuntia refers to Opus, Greece where many cacti are found. Microdasys var. albispina means "small and bushy" and "white spines." In addition to Honey Bunny, other common names include Polka Dots, Bunny Ears, Rabbit Ears and White Bunny Ears. All seem appropriate, at least at first glance. But a cuddly bunny it is not! The soft appearance is deceptive. Those fuzzy white polka dots all over the pads are troublesome little things.

And, look! It even multiplies like rabbits! You can hurry it along by breaking off a few pads (with gloved hands, of course), dropping them on the ground and leaving them there. In time, Honey Bunny forms a low but formidable groundcover; just the thing for discouraging unwanted two- and four-legged pests. That's what I call "homeland security."

Opuntia microdasys var. albispina

Honey Bunny cactus is really quite attractive. When its bright, yellow flowers - large in comparison to the pads - appear, it's downright beautiful. If Honey Bunny could fill a spot in your garden, give it a try.

Here are a few more details in summary, and tips on how to grow it.

Bloom Color: Bright yellow.

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.

Foliage: Fleshy pads with white tufts of spines.

Height/Spread: 12" to 24". Space 24" to 36" apart.

Climate Zones: 8, 9, 10, 11.

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Soil Condition: Sandy, well-drained. pH 6.1 to 7.5

Features: Low, spreading habit; bright yellow flowers, heat tolerant, attracts pollinating insects.

Uses: Massed planting, ground cover, cactus and succulent borders, xeriscaping, Southwestern themed gardens, container gardens, indoor containers.

Have you seen Honey Bunny cactus in a garden? Have you grown it yourself? Planning on trying it? Tell us in the comment section. We'd love to hear from you!

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