Plant library
Ground cover
Frogfruit
Phyla nodiflora
Zones 6–11
A tough native perennial that covers ground fast with nectar-rich flowers — a butterfly magnet that takes light foot traffic.
Sun
Full sun to part shade
Water
low
Spacing
12-18 in apart; spreads 2-4 ft per plant
Soil
Tolerates clay, sand, and poor soil (pH 6.0-8.0)
Difficulty
easy
Zones
6–11
When to plant
See care notes for timing in your zone.
Timing shifts with your zone — the Genie can pin down exact dates for you.
How to care for it
Plant plugs in spring or early summer, 12-18 in apart, and water during establishment. It needs almost nothing else — mow or edge once or twice a year to keep it tidy.
Good companions
Native pollinator gardens, penstemon, salvia, as a stepable lawn substitute
Harvest
Not edible; its value is months of pollinator-feeding blooms.
Want a plan for growing Frogfruit?
Your Genie can give exact timing and care for your zone.
