Shrubs & Groundcovers M-N
From a design perspective, shrubs and ground covers are the walls and boundaries of the yard. But they can also be focal points.
From a wildlife perspective, they provide habitat. They also hold organic debris to the ground which enriches the soil as they grow. Most of these plants will service wildlife in other ways too—as nectar plants, larval host plants, and more.
When selecting plants, pay attention to the eventual dimensions, cold hardiness, and other needs the plant has, so that you are putting the right plant in the right place.
Photo of Mimosa dysocarpa, velvetpod mimosa, by Maura Thoenes, iNaturalist

Turk's Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus)

Mountain Rocktrumpet (Mandevilla brachysiphon)

Mexican Jasmine (Mandevilla foliosa)

Santa Rita Acacia (Mariosousa millefolia)

Mangle Dulce (Maytenus phyllanthoides)

Gulf Teabush (Melochia tomentosa)

The Genus Menodora, Bull's Balls

Wait-A-Minute-Bush (Mimosa aculeaticarpa)

Gatuño (Mimosa distachya)

Velvetpod Mimosa (Mimosa dysocarpa)

Graham's Mimosa (Mimosa grahamii)

The Genus Mortonia, Saddlebush
