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 - August 23, 2013
From: Beaverton, OR
Region: Northwest
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Groundcover for Oregon gravel path
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I'm looking for a native ground cover to grow in the gravel between flagstones in a path in my backyard. The gravel is 1/4-10 so it is very loose. The path gets midday sun but is shaded by the house in the morning and a big-leaf maple in the afternoon. The path is adjacent to beds with drip irrigation so it can be as dry or wet as I want. My first thought was creeping thyme, but I'd prefer something native.ANSWER:
Here are a number of low-growing plants suitable for groundcovers. They will all grow in part shade and are native to Washington County, Oregon or surrounding area.
Fragaria chiloensis (Beach strawberry) Here is more information from University of California Marin Master Gardeners.
Fragaria virginiana (Virginia strawberry) Here is more information from Seven Oaks Native Nursery in Albany OR.
Phlox adsurgens (Northern phlox) Here is more information from Yerba Buena Nursery in Half Moon Bay CA.
Phyla nodiflora (Texas frogfruit) Here is more information from Perennials.com.
Rhodiola integrifolia ssp. integrifolia (Ledge stonecrop) Here is more information from Pacific Northwest Wildflowers.
Saxifraga bronchialis (Yellowdot saxifrage) Here are photos and more information from Pacific Northwest Wildflowers.
Whipplea modesta (Common whipplea) Here is more information from the Watershed Nursery.
From the Image Gallery
More Groundcovers Questions
Low, Easy Care Perennials for Lake Ontario Shore Planting
October 04, 2015 - I'm on Lake Ontario in New York. I have a lake bank slope, that’s about 1/8 mile long and about 40 feet high, and is on about a 40 degree angle. It is very hard to keep clear. The bank has just been ...
view the full question and answer
Turf grass for part-time home from Louisville KY
April 28, 2012 - We have a small yard at a remote location with cistern water, and need a turf grass for a yard, clay soil, which I am willing to amend. It will receive sporadic attention as my husband and I do not l...
view the full question and answer
Groundcover for Road Frontage in NC
March 12, 2015 - I need a fast growing ground cover or perennial flower for 1,000 feet of road frontage about one acre that will choke out weeds. I do not want to do much ground prep or any ground prep. I do not want...
view the full question and answer
Groundcover Suggestion for OK
April 24, 2015 - I need your suggestion for a groundcover for a flower bed in the sun and in the shade in Oklahoma.
view the full question and answer
Ground cover for a sunny location
April 20, 2011 - Looking for Native ground cover for sunny slope in LaRue TX… I would like something that will cover year-round and flower in Spring/Summer/Fall. If it has a berry in the fall for birds and attracts bu...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |