In this new article about ground cover species we will talk about Erodium x variabile ‘Roseum’, Falkia repens and Frankenia laevis, three very beautiful and highly recommended species.
Erodium x variabile ‘Roseum’ is a ground cover species of the Geraniaceae family, native to Asia. This species is known by various synonyms: Erodium chamaedryoides ‘Roseum’, Erodium reichardii ‘Roseum’, and Geranium reichardii ‘Roseum’, all referring to the same species.
Herbaceous, perennial and with rooting stolons, it can measure 15/20 centimeters high by 30/50 wide. Its habit is creeping and it can also be left to hang. An attractive species for its pink flowers that during spring-summer cover the plant.
Erodium belongs to hardiness zone number 8, with an annual minimum average temperature range of -12.2 / -6.7°C, so it can tolerate strong frosts for the Mediterranean climate.
It is drought tolerant, so no watering will be necessary, except for the always necessary establishment watering. This watering can last between 10 and 12 weeks. It grows well in full light, promoting very spectacular flowering.
Image of Erodium x variabile ‘Roseum’. Source: jardinage.ooreka.fr
As is common in all ground cover species, we recommend planting it in sandy terrain to avoid waterlogging and possible death from fungi at the plant collar. It is also a species that grows well in rocky terrain, so it adapts well to rock garden landscaping.
From Viveros Sala Graupera we recommend a planting density of about six to eight units per square meter. The option of planting it in a pot is interesting, as it will produce a very attractive hanging effect.
Another species we have selected on this occasion is Falkia repens. Procumbent perennial herb, up to 5/10 centimeters high and 30/40 centimeters wide. Belonging to the Convolvulaceae family. It is native to South Africa, between Cape Town and Madagascar.
Falkia is drought resistant and like all the others only requires support watering at the beginning. It prefers to be located in the sun, but tolerates partial shade.
It does not have specific soil requirements, as it grows equally well in acidic, basic or neutral substrate. It can also live in degraded soils with nutrient scarcity.
Image of Falkia repens. Source: www.plantbook.co.za
It has rapid growth and can cover spaces in a short time. Its leaves are orbicular and cordate at the base. It blooms from May to July with bell-shaped white flowers.
This species belongs to hardiness zone number 8, with an annual minimum average temperature range of -12.2 / -6.7°C, so it can tolerate strong frosts for the Mediterranean climate.
It is a very good ground cover and substitute for lawn areas, for example between paving stones on paths. Very useful in sustainable gardening for covering dry areas, in rock gardens and stony soils. Interesting in areas where rapid soil coverage is required, both in full sun and partial shade, such as under trees.
For dense soil coverage, 6 to 8 plants per square meter are sufficient. It tolerates long periods without watering once established and accepts pruning or trimming to shape it.
The last ground cover species we will talk about today is Frankenia laevis, this very branched, stoloniferous, perennial ground cover plant with small dark green leaves, is from the Frankeniaceae family. It has some popular names such as sea heath, marine heath or sea thyme. Its origin is in the Mediterranean region, where it lives in saline soils and rocky areas.
It is a plant very resistant to drought, it likes to be in full sun, thus we will obtain abundant flowering; if planted with light shade this species will no longer bloom. Flowering occurs in spring, during the months of April to July, with pink flowers in small irregular groupings.
Image of Frankenia laevis. Source: www.ville-frontignan.fr
It adapts very well to all types of soils, but preferably draining ones. Frankenia laevis reaches 3 to 5 centimeters high by 30/40 wide. It belongs to hardiness zone number 8, with an annual minimum average temperature range of -12.2 / -6.7°C, so it can tolerate strong frosts for the Mediterranean climate.
A characteristic of this plant is that the leaves take on reddish colorations in winter, which makes it very attractive in sustainable gardens. A planting density of about 6 plants per square meter is recommended. It resists moderate but not very frequent trampling. It is also a good option in rock gardens near the sea as it is a species resistant to salinity and sea breeze.
As already mentioned, this species tolerates drought very well, although it prefers occasional watering, especially during its establishment, which can last up to 10-12 weeks.