Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Friday - March 15, 2013
From: Georgetown, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Groundcovers, Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Plants to grow between patio pavers
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
We'd like to use poured concrete pavers for a deck. What grows well, whether it be grass or other, between these. We'll have 4-6" between 4 foot pavers. And would love to find something that does not require edging or high maintenance. Thank you for your help! You've single-handedly help us landscape and care for our whole property!ANSWER:
Here are some possibilities for plants for the area between your pavers that should require little maintenance to look attractive:
Dichondra carolinensis (Carolina ponysfoot) is evergreen and will grow in sun to part shade to a height of 2 to 3 inches. Dichonchra will grow well between pavers and can withstand heat but will require some watering. Here are more photos from the University of Texas School of Biological Sciences' Archive of Central Texas Plants. Here is more information from University of California at Davis.
Calyptocarpus vialis (Straggler daisy) is evergreen and grows in sun, part shade and shade to about 6 inches. Here are more photos from the University of Texas School of Biological Sciences' Archive of Central Texas Plants. Here is care information from the Native Plant Society of Texas Trinity Forks Chapter.
Phyla nodiflora (Texas frogfruit) usually grows a little taller than the two above but should do nicely between your paving stones. It does best in sun and part shade. It is also considered a good butterfly plant for its nectar as well as its foliage as a larval food source. Here are more butterfly and insect photos with Phyla nodiflora.
Bouteloua dactyloides (Buffalograss) would work great if you have plenty of sun. It doesn't grow very tall (usually 8 inches is the maximum) and can be mowed. You could also consider Hilaria belangeri var. belangeri (Curly-mesquite), another low-growing, low-maintenance grass or you might even consider using the Wildflower Center's Habiturf™. Water should keep the grasses green during summer heat and drought, but they won't require much water.
Carex texensis (Texas sedge) is evergreen and will grow in sun or part shade. It grows a little taller, usually, than the grasses, but it can be mowed at a high setting at infrequent intervals.
From the Image Gallery
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Native plants for full sun and low maintenance
May 13, 2006 - I have volunteered to plant flowers/bushes around a sign at my church. I want to plant indigenous plants so the maintenance is low but I also want attractive plants. The soil is clay and the locatio...
view the full question and answer
Perennials for a Horse Pasture in Colorado
May 15, 2014 - I am looking for horse-resistant perennials for zone's 2-4. I live at 9,000 feet in Crested Butte, CO.
view the full question and answer
Foxglove safety from England
April 21, 2013 - Hi, regarding safety of foxgloves grown near edible plants - foxgloves are good companion plants for vegetables, in case of root vegetables they improve their storage life and quality. Foxgloves prote...
view the full question and answer
Nativity of Bidens frondosa from Portland OR
September 16, 2012 - Is Bidens frondosa (Beggar's Tick) native to North America or is it introduced?
If introduced, is it considered invasive?
view the full question and answer
Native perennials for Donley County, TX
July 16, 2009 - What are the best perennials to plant in Donley County, TX?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |