Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
12 ratings

Thursday - May 17, 2012

From: Moreno Valley , CA
Region: California
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Groundcovers for Moreno Valley, CA
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Hi, I live in Moreno Valley, CA I have a huge flower bed area surrounding our grass I am looking for the best ground cover that will have minimal up keep.

ANSWER:

Las Pilitas Nursery, specializing in native plants with nurseries in Escondido and Santa Margarita, has lists of native groundcovers for Southern California that should do well in Riverside County.

Here are several from that list that occur in, or adjacent to,  Riverside County:

Corethrogyne filaginifolia (Common sandaster) and here are photos and more information from the Santa Monica Mountain Trails Council site, the Southern California Research Learning Center, and from Las Pilitas.

Monardella macrantha (Hummingbird mint) and here are photos and more information from the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers & Native Plants and from Las Pilitas.

Oenothera californica (California evening primrose) and here are more photos and information from the Theodore Payne Foundation.

Clinopodium douglasii [syn. Satureja douglasii] (Yerba buena) and here are photos and more information from the Southern California Research Learning Center and from Las Pilitas.

Epilobium canum ssp. canum (Hummingbird trumpet) and here are photos and more information from the Theodore Payne Foundation and from Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest.

 

 

More Groundcovers Questions

Native plants for heavy clay soil in east Austin
May 02, 2007 - I live in East Austin and have very thick clay soil on my property. I also have a lot of shade and partial sun/shade. Can you suggest some native plant varieties that are well-adapted to these condi...
view the full question and answer

Plants for a steep bank in Virginia
June 23, 2009 - I have a small yard with a 3 foot steep bank that I want to plant on. I am looking for fast growing ground cover. There is some shade but not a lot and has a southern exposure. Ground is a bit roug...
view the full question and answer

Low growing, flowering evergreen plants for Pflugerville TX
March 30, 2010 - I am wondering if you can suggest some low growing, flowering evergreen plants for my garden.
view the full question and answer

Ground cover for Plano, Texas
July 06, 2011 - Looking for perennial seeds, maximum height 6 inches. Basically, a ground cover. Flowering would be nice but not #1 on list. Medium to maximum sun. Don't have the best soil, but fertilizer, sprink...
view the full question and answer

Dog wallowing in damp area in garden from Great Bend KS
March 20, 2013 - I Have a wet area in my back yard that is close to my house. and off my patio there is a water hydrant,gas meter, electrical for my hot tub, my sprinkler valves and pump all there. My dog digs throug...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.