Blue Porterweed: A Native Groundcover for South Florida
Introduction
Blue porterweed is a beautiful and versatile native plant that is perfect for groundcover in South Florida. It produces small blue flowers nearly year-round and is an excellent choice for attracting pollinators.
Description
Blue porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) is a low-growing plant that typically reaches 1 to 3 feet in height and width. It has small, blue to purple flowers that bloom profusely throughout the year. Each individual flower stays open for only one day, but the plant produces such a large number of them that they are very showy and attract plenty of butterflies.
Benefits of Blue Porterweed
Blue porterweed is a great choice for groundcover because it is:
- Native to South Florida, so it is well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.
- Low-growing and spreading, which makes it ideal for covering large areas.
- Fast-growing and easy to establish.
- Drought-tolerant once established.
- Tolerant of salty conditions.
- Attractive to pollinators, which can help to improve your garden’s ecosystem.
How to Grow Blue Porterweed
Blue porterweed is easy to grow from seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. When first planted, it needs regular watering, but once established, it can tolerate drought quite well.
To plant blue porterweed as groundcover, space the plants out by 2.5 to 3 feet. As they grow, they will spread out and create an attractive continuous bed of flowering shrub.
Care and Maintenance
Blue porterweed is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It benefits from occasional pruning to maintain an even height and attractive shape. Cut the shrubs back vigorously in late spring to encourage new summer growth.
Blue Porterweed vs. Stachytarpheta Urticifolia
Blue porterweed is often confused with Stachytarpheta urticifolia, a non-native cousin that grows more aggressively and should not be planted. Stachytarpheta urticifolia also grows taller, as high as 5 feet, and woodier, which makes it less effective as a groundcover.
Conclusion
Blue porterweed is a beautiful and beneficial native plant that is perfect for groundcover in South Florida. It is easy to grow and care for, and it provides a valuable food source for pollinators.
