Groundcover and low-growing 2ft plant - Plant Encyclopedia Results
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Botanical name: Cuphea hyssopifolia
Common names: Mexican False Heather, False Heather, Hawaiian Heather, Elfin Herb
Family: Lythraceae
Origin: Mexico, Guatemala







In USDA Zones 9-11 Cuphea hyssopifolia (Mexican False Heather) can be grown outdoors as a low-growing, 2ft tall groundcover. It requires full sun for best growth, although it will tolerate some semi-shade. It requires regular water for the best bloom and foliage color. It has a long bloom time with the flowers being displayed in clusters on the end of the stems. The flowers are pink, white, or off-white, but are also available in shades of blue, lavender, and purple.
The Mexican False Heather is relatively easy to care for in a pot, even in cold regions. In USDA Zones below 9, it is best to keep the plant in a container and bring it indoors before the first frost. When bringing the container indoors, find a spot with plenty of bright light and some humidity. Water when the soil is dry to the touch, and fertilize every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Prune back the plant in early spring to help promote new growth.
Botanical name: Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Common names: Virginia Creeper, Victoria Creeper, Five-finger
Family: Vitaceae
Origin: eastern and central North America








Botanical name: Spathiphyllum sp.
Common name: Peace Lily
Family: Araceae
Origin: Central America
Hardiness: 40°F







Spathiphyllum species are evergreen herbaceous plants in the arum family, native to humid tropical forests of Central and South America. They form clumps of glossy, lance-shaped leaves that arise directly from the base. The inflorescence consists of a pale spathe surrounding a central spadix, typically white when fresh and turning green with age.Spathiphyllum 'Sensation' variegated displays large cream-streaked leaves and a pale white spathe emerging from the bold tropical foliage.
Spathiphyllum is one of those adaptable plants that adjust well to different environments, which is why they are commonly used in homes, offices, restaurants, and malls. The NASA Clean Air Study identified Spathiphyllum among the top ten air-purifying plants, contributing to improved indoor air quality and reduction of so-called Sick Building Syndrome. Grow in bright, indirect light and moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in warm, humid environments and benefits from regular watering without waterlogging. Hardy in USDA Zones 11-12. Propagation is by division of mature clumps.
Botanical name: Indigofera spicata
Common names: Creeping Indigo, Trailing Indigo
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Origin: Tropical Africa










A short-lived herbaceous plant with creeping or scrambling stems. Its alternately arranged leaves are once-compound with 5-11 leaflets these oblong leaflets have hairless or sparsely hairy upper surfaces and densely hairy undersides. Its small pink or pinkish-orange pea-shaped flowers are arranged in elongated clusters.
I. spicata is native to Africa, Madagascar and throughout South and Southeast Asia, and was introduced to the Americas in tropical areas. It effectively controls soil erosion, even under heavy rainfall on slopes, hills and undulating land.
This plant contains indospicine and is notably toxic to many grazing animals.
Botanical names: Nemesia fruticans, Nemesia caerulea
Common names: Mauve Nemesia, Wildeleeubekkie
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Origin: South Africa










Nemesia fruticans is an easy to grow plant that thrives in a sunny position and well-drained soil. It grows as a groundcover and is low-growing, growing to a height of 2ft. Alternatively, it can be grown as a small shrub, reaching a height of 2-5ft. The plant should be watered regularly to maintain good flowers, and will benefit from a top-dressing of organic fertilizer in spring. It should be pruned after flowering to maintain an attractive shape and size.
The plant is tolerant to a wide range of soil types and will tolerate some light shade. It is recommended to plant Nemesia fruticans in full sun for the best flowering. The flowers come in shades of pink, white, off-white, blue, lavender and purple, and some varieties of the plant produce red, crimson and vinous flowers. The showy blooms attract butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators to the garden.
The plant is hardy in USDA Zone 9-11, although in regions with colder climates it can be grown in a container and brought indoors or into a sheltered area during winter. It will be damaged if exposed to temperatures below 30F for a short period of time, so it is important to give protection to the plant if you are growing it in a colder region. When grown in a pot, the pot should be brought indoors to a sunny position and watered regularly. Nemesia should be watered sparingly in the winter months. It's also important to use a potting mix that drains well and has plenty of organic material. With regular care and the right conditions, Nemesia fruticans can make a beautiful addition to your garden.
Botanical name: Tolmiea menziesii
Common names: Thousand Mothers, Piggyback Plant
Family: Saxifragaceae
Origin: North America










Tolmiea menziesii (Thousand Mothers) is a plant native to North America. It is a groundcover and low-growing, reaching as much as 2ft, despite most specimens only reaching a few inches. In warmer areas, the plant can grow into a small bush, up to 5ft tall, but this depends on the care taken of it.
It likes full sun, but will do well in semi-shade. It prefers regular water, but can survive on moderate water in drier conditions. The ornamental foliage of this plant is particular attractive, and provides awe-inspiring colors of foliage in the summer.
The plant is cold-hardy, and can survive short time periods in temperatures down to 30F. However, in such cold regions, it is best to grow in a pot to be able to huddle it indoors in winters or during cold snaps. The plant will benefit from some good potting soil and enough moisture so the roots remain damp.
In general, Tolmiea menziesii is suitable for USDA Zones 9-11, so anyone living in warmer coastal states or with a greenhouse or sunroom to bring plants inside during winter should have no issues growing this plant.
Botanical name: Lithachne humilis
Common names: Bambusoid Grass, Mother of Bamboo
Family: Poaceae
Origin: Honduras







A wonderful little plant, unusual among grasses. It folds leaves sharply downwards at night. One of the rarest plants in existance. It is technically a Bamboosoid grass which genetic studies have shown to be the original mother of all modern bamboo species!
It is easy to grow given bright light or even deep shade.
Characteristically tiny nutty seeds are easy to grow. The plant remains very rare since the new species was described by Tom Soderstrom from an obscure locality deep in the forests of Honduras.
See article about Bambusoid Grass.
Botanical name: Sesuvium portulacastrum
Common name: Shoreline Purslane
Family: Aizoaceae









Sesuvium portulacastrum has smooth, fleshy, glossy green leaves that are linear or lanceolate, from 10-70 millimetres (0.39-2.76 in) long and 2-15 millimetres (0.079-0.591 in) wide. Flowers are pink or purple.
Botanical name: Mentha sp.
Common name: Mint
Family: Lamiaceae














Mint (Mint sp.) is a perennial herb that belongs to the Mentha genus, which is a large group of well-known herbs that are widely distributed throughout the temperate parts of the world. There are several different species of mint, including:
Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens) - This hardy perennial is a very robust grower. Apple mint has interesting light green leaves that are somewhat hairy on the upper surface and downy underneath, with serrated edges. They can grow up to 3 feet high, but should be kept trimmed to a shorter height.
Curly Mint (Mentha spicata variety crispii) - This plant is valued more for its intricately curled, fringed leaves than for its fragrance. The foliage is dark green and lightly splotched with a contrasting lighter green. They can grow up to 2 feet high and are known to be invasive. Chefs often use curly mint for garnishes, but prefer the pleasant flavor of spearmint and peppermint.
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) - This creeping mint is used occasionally as a ground cover in cool climates. It has many stems that grow up to 12 inches high and are covered with small, round to oval, dark green leaves. In the summer, it produces bluish-lilac blossoms. Pennyroyal has a pleasant lemony aroma and is used to flavor meat puddings and fish entrees.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) - This spreading plant has a sharp, penetrating yet pleasant, mint aroma. It grows 1 to 2 feet high, but can reach 3 feet when in bloom. The lance-shaped leaves are deeply notched when mature and the flowers are usually purple.
Pineapple Mint (Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata') - Pineapple mint is a variegated hybrid of apple mint with white or cream blotches on its leaves. It does have a slight pineapple scent, but the aroma isn't always detectable. This mint is good for garnishes because the thick leaves are slow to wilt.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) - This plant is similar to peppermint, but has a milder, sweeter flavor. It grows up to 3 feet tall and has dark green, lance-shaped leaves with a pointed tip. The flowers are typically pink or purple.
Water or Bog Mint (Mentha aquatica) - This mint is native to wetland areas and is adapted to growing in wet soil. It has a strong mint aroma and produces small, pink or purple flowers.
Mint is known for its carminative properties, which means that it helps to soothe the digestive system and relieve bloating and gas. It also has antiseptic properties and has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Aromatherapy and massage practitioners often use peppermint essential oil to stimulate circulation, ease muscle fatigue, and reduce pain. The scent of peppermint is said to have a refreshing and invigorating effect, helping to increase alertness and reduce stress.
Peppermint is a popular ingredient in many recipes, and is often used to flavor teas, desserts, and other dishes. It is also used as a garnish or decorative element in culinary dishes. Mint plants are easy to grow and can tolerate a variety of conditions, including full sun or semi-shade locations. It prefers regular watering. Mint plants are also tolerant of occasional flooding and are best grown in USDA Zone 5-10
Botanical name: Tradescantia navicularis
Common name: Chain Plant
Family: Commelinaceae
Origin: Peru







Tradescantia navicularis (Chain Plant), native to Peru, is a low-growing evergreen succulent that forms a groundcover. It can reach heights of up to two feet when mature, and can easily be spread and transplanted due to its roots which form at the stem nodes. Its fine hairs and boat-shaped grey-green leaves make it an attractive, ornamental foliage that can create a unique texture in any garden or landscape.
This plant is well suited to a wide range of climates and growing conditions, however it thrives best in humid and semi-shaded environments. Tradescantia navicularis requires moderate levels of water and is drought tolerant, making it easy to care for. It blooms pink flowers throughout the summer and autumn months, adding a unique charm to this small shrub which typically reaches a height of two to five feet.
It grows well in USDA Zones 9-11. Growing Tradescantia navicularis in cold regions usually require planting it in a pot, since it is not cold hardy. This will also make it easier for you to move the plant indoors if temperatures drop too low. Make sure to use an adequately sized pot and ensure the soil is moist but not over-saturated, too much water can cause root rot. It is best to provide the plant with a semi-shaded area, and to water it consistently throughout the spring and summer months. During the winter, reduce watering to every three weeks or so. With proper care, your Tradescantia navicularis will thrive and bring beautiful pink flowers and ornamental foliage to your garden.
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