An evergreen, low creeping ground cover or 'lawn alternative', rarely more than 20cm above the ground, forming a thick carpet of dense foliage. It has fine waxy leaves and although it spreads rapidly, it is easily controlled by cutting back the edges. In late spring - early summer it is almost completely covered with small pink flowers. A great ground cover for slopes, cascading over retaining walls and a practical alternative to turf.
If using it to replace an existing lawn, consider leaving any sprinkler system in place. Although it will not require anything like the amount of water a traditional lawn would, using the sprinklers on a fortnightly cycle during the hottest months will keep the Myoporum looking its best. It will also help to get the ground covered quickly during the establishment period. It grows well in clay soils and can tolerate saline conditions. Once established, it is quite hardy, tolerating both drought and frost.
The initial planting density required will depend on the quality of your soil. If there is some depth to the soil then one large plant (3 litres) per square metre seems to work best. In soils where the quality is more variable and may not be uniform, plant three smaller plants per square metre. We have found that the 'take' is very variable and planting more plants per square metre on poorer soils will take this into account; plants that establish will usually cover those that don't as they send out vigorous lateral branches on the soil surface. It is best planted in late spring when the weather and soil are warming up again.
We are a plant nursery in the Algarve specialising in dry mediterranean species. We propagate and grow our own stock in conditions they are likely to endure when they are planted out.
We grow plants that are adapted to the dry land conditions in Portugal and southern Spain, both mediterranean perennials and succulents.
We choose plants that require very little water and maintenance. We produce a range of dry land plants that are typical of the worlds mediterranean regions. These are available to order ready for planting in the wetter months of the year. Please order the plants you need and we’ll have them ready at the best time for planting.
To ensure your new plants adapt and establish quickly, we produce them in special anti-spiral root pruning containers and a range of fibre pots (no plastic waste) with our own tried and tested growing media.
Viveiros Jardimseco
Tavira, Algarve
Please note we have no retail outlet or garden centre and are not open to the public. For more information you can contact us here.
Plantas adaptadas à seca - produzimos plantas adaptadas às condições de Portugal e Sul de Espanha, tanto espécies mediterrânicas como suculentas.
Oferecemos uma gama de espécies típicas das zonas climáticas mediterrânicas em todo o mundo.