Lawn Alternatives for the Southeast

Reduce weeds and maintenance in your yard with these attractive spreading ground covers

More and more homeowners are essay to supplant their traditional lawn with 1 that are easier to maintain or more environmentally responsible for . It vocalise straight enough , but choosing the proper plants for a lawn can be challenging . One must consider sun exposure , expect foot traffic , wet requirements , and situational obstruction such as clay soil and juglone fromblack walnut tree trees(Juglans nigra , Zones 4–9 ) . This list aim to help southeasterly gardeners select the lawn replenishment with the serious chance of success for their thou .

Rupturewort

Herniaria glabra , Zones 5–10

Rupturewort is a rhizomatous evergreen reason back that is toughened as nail and adaptable to sun or partial shade , build it an excellent choice for covering heavy areas . It ’s scant even without cut down and dull enough to need only minimal weeding after it fills in ( although persistent weeds like clover may still feel a foothold ) . Hernaria glabra can mature in every soil case except Lucius DuBignon Clay , since it needs good drainage to thrive .

Pennsylvania sedge

Carex pensylvanica , zone 3–8

Pennsylvania sedge is an easterly U.S. aborigine that spread by rhizomes into a open , delicately - textured carpeting . When mow , it closely mimics the appearance of traditional lawns , which has clear it some popularity as a solid native option . It flourish in ghost and the mottled Inner Light beneath tree canopies , although it can abide more sun if provided with additional moisture . It will conform to almost every grime case , admit wet soil and clay .

Dwarf mondo grass

Ophiopogon japonicus‘Nana ’ , zona 6–11

Dwarf mondo weed is a fashionable lawn alternative with curt , dark leaf blades that do n’t go past a few inches in tiptop . As such , it never needs mow unless you ’re doing so to encourage new outgrowth . Dwarf mondo grass can uprise in average or clay grunge . It tolerates coastal salt spray , drought , and periodic wetness . While this perennial ’s resilience and ease of upkeep are huge selling points , it develop very slow compared to most earth covers . divide the plants will help the field to fill up in quicker . Dwarf mondo grass grows best in partial shade or mottled light . The peak of the parting will burn if expose to live good afternoon Sunday in the South .

Pretty sedge

Carex woodii , zone 4–8

Another eastern native sedge with a fine , grassy texture , pretty sedge is distinct by cool , aristocratical - green tones in spring that give mode to solid green in the heating of summer . It thrives in shade but brook sun when give sufficient wet . It can also develop in most grunge eccentric , including remains . InMt . Cuba ’s industrial plant tryout of over 70 differentCarexspecies , pretty sedge was one of the top performing artist , exhibiting exceptional hayloft - power in both sun and shade . The only downside is that it can be punishing to find commercially than the comparable Pennsylvania sedge .

Blue star creeper

Lobelia pedunculatasyn . Pratia pedunculata , Zones 5–10

profane star creeper tops the lean of lawn alternatives in terminus of decorative time value , with sprinkles of modest , pale blue flowers that blossom for five months of the year . It ’s also easy to sustain , with its unforesightful height and allowance of normal foot dealings . This vigorous undercoat binding rise in Lord’s Day or faint shade and in moist or loaded soil . While dingy whiz creeper is not on any United States Department of State ’s invasive plant list , it does spread aggressively and can be a pain in the neck if not contained . It do work beneficial for lawn in urban preferences or where hardscaping forestall it from straying too far .

Be careful where and what you plant

Keep in mind that the natural spreading tendencies of these perennials that makes them great ground covers and lawn choice can also be baffling . While none of these choice is classified as invasive by any U.S. state , they may be fast-growing in sure position or region .

Here ’s a side - by - side comparing to make choosing the right lawn successor even easier .

Which lawn replacement is right for you?

Few plantsthrivein clay , so add some constituent matter when imbed in clay grime to improve drainage .

Consider ditching the lawn altogether

Whereas most lawns are a monoculture of one plant species , meadows and perennial gardens are biodiverse and teeming with biography . Consider replacing untraversed areas of orotund grounds with meadows , or bordering lawns with repeated efflorescence bed . Not only will there be less lawn to mop , but there will also be more food sources and habitat for pollinator . Wildflower seeded player mixes can be a tempting pick for this , but use carefulness : most generic seed blends on the grocery store will contain few , if any , native plants for your arena and may even contain invasives . Avoid possible harm by research plants beforehand or sourcing your seed from a trusted local provider .

To talk over these plants or ask gardening questions , jaw with a regional expert on theGardening Answers forum .

And for more Southeast regional theme , clickhere .

Cheyenne Wine is a writer and photographer for Rare Roots Nursery in Mechanicsville , Virginia .

Photos , unless otherwise noted : Cheyenne Wine

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Episode 97: Native Alternatives to Common Plants

Lawn Alternatives for the Mountain West

Native Alternatives to Common Garden Plants

Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants in the Southeast

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