Ground Covers for Challenging Spaces: A Houston Guide to Shade, Wet, and Dry Areas (Part I)
January 8, 2025
Ground Covers for Challenging Spaces: A Houston Guide to Shade, Wet, and Dry Areas (Part II)
This is Part II of a two-part post about ground covers. Be sure and read Part I here: Ground Covers for Challenging Spaces: A Houston Guide to Shade, Wet, and Dry Areas (Part I).
Options for Dry Areas
Dry conditions in landscapes often result from specific site factors. These might include slopes, areas beneath roof overhangs, or spaces near established trees where rainfall rarely reaches the soil. Ground covers adapted to dry conditions can grow in these challenging spots while helping to stabilize soil.
Three drought-tolerant ground covers to consider:
Woolly Stemodia (Stemodia lanata)
Height: 3-6 inches
Growth Pattern: Spreads through trailing stems
Light Requirements: Full sun
Notable Features: Silvery-gray foliage provides distinctive texture; year-round cover
Growing Conditions: Tolerates hot, dry conditions after establishment; needs well-draining soil
Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana)
Height: 12-18 inches
Growth Pattern: Forms mounding ground cover
Light Requirements: Full sun
Notable Features: Aromatic foliage; bright yellow flowers during growing season; evergreen
Growing Conditions: Prefers well-draining soil; tolerates dry conditions once established
Katie’s Dwarf Ruellia (Ruellia brittoniana ‘Katie’)
Height: 6-12 inches
Growth Pattern: Compact, spreading habit
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Notable Features: Purple flowers spring through fall
Growing Conditions: Adapts to various soil types; tolerates dry periods after establishment
General Care Guidelines
Ground covers have varying needs, but certain care practices support plant establishment and growth. Timing of planting and initial care influence how plants adapt to their new locations.
Spring and fall provide moderate temperatures for planting ground covers in Houston. These seasons typically bring more consistent rainfall patterns. Before planting, check soil moisture – soil should feel damp but not saturated when squeezed.
New plants need regular moisture monitoring during their first few weeks. Water deeply to encourage roots to grow downward, rather than remaining near the surface. For most ground covers, water should penetrate 6-8 inches into the soil. This root development can help plants adapt to their growing conditions.
Seasonal Care
Spring:
- Check for winter damage and remove affected growth
- Apply mulch according to plant needs
- Monitor soil moisture as temperatures rise
- Watch for new growth patterns
Summer:
- Look for signs of heat stress or drought impact
- Water early morning when needed
- Monitor spreading plants
- Remove weeds before they establish
Fall:
- Consider light pruning of overgrown areas
- Plant new ground covers
- Fill bare spots
- Reduce watering as temperatures moderate
Winter:
- Reduce watering as plants slow growth
- Leave frost-damaged growth until spring
- Monitor for cold damage
- Check soil moisture during dry spells
Potential Issues to Monitor Plants For:
- Leaf yellowing that might indicate moisture or nutrient concerns
- Changes in growth patterns
- Spread beyond intended areas
- Wear in areas with foot traffic
Ground covers provide potential solutions for challenging landscape areas, adapting to conditions involving shade, moisture, or drought. Matching plants to site conditions and providing appropriate care during establishment increases the likelihood of plants adapting to their new locations.
Landscapes change with time. Trees grow and create more shade, drainage patterns shift with soil changes, and growing conditions evolve throughout seasons and years. Plants that grow well in one season might respond differently in another. Regular observation of ground cover growth and performance helps inform future plant choices and care adjustments.
Professional guidance can help with evaluating specific landscape challenges. ArborTrue’s science-based approach to tree and landscape care supports informed decision-making about your property. Contact us for assistance with ground cover selection and care recommendations.
For additional landscape information, visit our TrueTreeTalk blog. Follow us on Facebook for updates about new posts and seasonal care tips. Browse our topic-organized blog post list for more reading options.
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ArborTrue is a science-based tree-service company in the greater Houston area. We also serve Austin and other parts of Central Texas. We provide a range of services including tree trimming, tree pruning, tree removal, tree planting, arborist consultations, and more. Call us today at 832-980-8733 (Houston) or at 512-546-3833 (Austin) or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment.
