Best Ground Covers to Grow in Florida
Florida spans USDA Zones 8–11, typically Zone 9. We've broken out 24 ground cover varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
24
for Florida
USDA
Zones 8–11
240–365 days season
Beginner
18
easy to grow
Heirloom
2
heritage varieties
Florida in USDA Zones 8–11
Florida spans Zones 8–11. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Ground Covers in Florida
Zone 9 gardeners hit the ground cover jackpot with nearly 10 months of growing season and mild winters that rarely dip below 20°F. This extended growing period means you can establish ground covers faster and enjoy longer periods of active growth, but it also brings unique challenges like intense summer heat and humidity that can stress plants not adapted to these conditions. The key to success lies in choosing varieties that can handle both the scorching July afternoons and the occasional winter freeze.
When selecting ground covers for Zone 9, prioritize heat tolerance and drought resistance over cold hardiness. Look for plants that can thrive in temperatures reaching 100°F+ while still providing the coverage and aesthetic appeal you want. Many traditional cool-climate ground covers like Sweet Woodruff and Wild Ginger will struggle in Zone 9's summer intensity, while heat-lovers like Sedum 'Dragon's Blood' and Creeping Thyme will absolutely flourish. The ideal Zone 9 ground cover combines rapid establishment, excellent heat tolerance, and enough cold hardiness to handle those occasional hard freezes in December and January.
Zone 9 Ground Covers for Florida★ Most of FL
17 varieties · Last frost February 15 · 290-day season
Zone 8 Ground Covers for Florida
24 varieties · Last frost March 15 · 240-day season
Zone 10 Ground Covers for Florida
5 varieties · Last frost January 31 · 320-day season
Zone 11 Ground Covers for Florida
1 variety · Year-round growing
Zone 9 Growing Tips for Florida
Take advantage of Zone 9's mild winters by planting most ground covers between October and March, when cooler temperatures reduce transplant shock and give roots time to establish before summer heat arrives. Fall planting is particularly effective since roots continue growing through the mild winter months, creating stronger plants by spring. For heat-sensitive varieties like Hostas and Japanese Painted Fern, stick to November through February planting to maximize establishment time.
Summer survival is your biggest challenge, so focus on deep watering during establishment and mulching heavily to keep roots cool. Many Zone 9 gardeners make the mistake of overwatering during the humid summer months, leading to fungal issues. Instead, water deeply but less frequently, and ensure excellent drainage especially for varieties like Creeping Thyme and Sedum that prefer drier conditions. During July and August, even heat-tolerant ground covers benefit from afternoon shade or temporary shade cloth during establishment.