Ground covers are a landscaping term that describes low-lying plants covering sections of the ground with little maintenance. These plants have aesthetic purposes but can also have some functionality.
Frogfruit is a type of ground cover that serves a purpose with blossoming flowers to bring out its beauty. Not only will it make your yard pretty, but frogfruit can also cover dirt patches and areas that need covering.
This article acts as an overview of frogfruit and the benefits of using it as a ground cover.
What Is Frogfruit?
Frogfruit is a native North American plant found in tropical regions. Fully-bloomed frogfruit mature to white 5-petal blooms growing on long spikes.
These plants thrive in warm climates and dry soil. Any attempt to plant them during the winter results in a long-term freeze before death.
Wild frogfruit populate beaches, fields, ditches, and other areas.
What Are the Hardiness Zones for Frogfruit?
Frogfruits are known to grow well in warm and sheltered locations. The plant is also hardy enough to survive droughts and flooding conditions.
Avoid planting the frogfruit around cold climates. Not only will this plant freeze to death, but the frost softens its hardiness and makes it sensitive to damage.
Low-maintenance care is the best way to approach this plant. The soil should be dry and sandy so the air and moisture can flow through. Frogfruits can also grow in soils with poor drainage.
With the right conditions, these plants can grow in any tropical environment. Riverbanks and floodplains with full sun access keep frogfruits alive.
What Are the Benefits of Using Frogfruit as Ground Cover?
Other variations of plant ground covers can keep your lawn fresh and maintained, but frogfruits carry unique benefits.
Here are some reasons you should consider frogfruit as your ideal ground cover.
Rapid Growth
One of frogfruit’s best qualities is how long it can grow in days. This plant doesn’t produce deep roots within the soil and easily adapts to trimming and tugging.
If you need something to patch up an ugly part of your lawn, the frogfruit is your best bet. The ability to survive in various soil types allows it to thrive in most conditions.
Over time, the frogfruit blooms flowers that disguise the patch with a vibrant color palette. The pollination invites bees, butterflies, and other lively insects to your lawn or garden.
Low Maintenance
The frogfruit doesn’t need much for survival. With enough nurturing sunlight, this plant can maintain its color and development without problems.
Frogfruit also works well in areas with high traffic and crowds. It can sustain damage from walking, rolling, or any disruption.
Herbal Medicine
Frogfruit doesn’t have to be working for your lawn but also your health. In some parts of Asia, this plant has practical use in the medical field.
You can extract frogfruit juice and add it to your herbal tea. Mixing it with cumin betters the taste and helps reduce fever and colds.
Mashing frogfruit leaves into a paste and applying it to your skin treats non-fatal snake bites. Putting on some of this paste overnight can help fight against pimples and acne.
What Are Some Tips for Growing Frogfruit?
If you use frogfruit as a ground cover, make space and allow up to 4 plants for each square meter. The plant will require enough land to spread across the area.
Make sure to trim when necessary or when it begins to spread over borders.
Conclusion
Frogfruit works well as a ground cover and doesn’t take much to maintain. You can protect your lawn and give it an appealing look at the same time.