Yerba buena

Year-round

Yerba buena is an easy, low, evergreen groundcover for shade.

• It grows best in full or part shade and tolerates deep shade.
• Water is low to moderate. Once established, no more than once a week in summer.
• It adapts to many soils as long as drainage is good.
• It stays 4 to 7 inches tall, about 3 feet wide, and roots as it spreads.

As a shady groundcover it stays low and tidy.

Fall

Fall is easy, with flowers continuing.

• White flowers can still appear in fall.
• Light pruning encourages branching if it gets thin.
• Seed needs no pretreatment if you want to start new plants.

Winter

Winter hardiness is the main thing to watch.

• It tolerates cold down to about 5 degrees F.
• Foliage is evergreen, so it keeps its leaves in winter.
• Keep drainage good so roots do not sit wet.

Spring

Spring is when new growth and flowers start.

• White, fragrant flowers appear in spring, summer, and fall.
• Pinching stems encourages it to form low mats.
• Light pruning encourages branching.

Summer

Summer needs only occasional water in the dry season.

• Water no more than once a week once established.
• It keeps flowering through summer.
• Good drainage matters more than frequent water.

Year-round

Yerba buena is a low, fragrant evergreen groundcover that likes shade and well-drained soil.

• It stays about 4 to 7 inches tall and spreads about 3 feet wide.
• It does best in part shade to deep shade, including under trees.
• It needs good drainage but adapts to many soil types.
• It roots as it spreads, and pinching the stems helps it form low mats.

A low evergreen mat that reads as a tidy groundcover or lawn alternative. Trim the edges where it meets paths.

Fall

Fall keeps the plant green, with some flowers still around.

• Flowers can continue into fall.
• It is evergreen, so the foliage stays year-round.
• Light pruning encourages branching.
• Plant new patches in well-drained soil.

Winter

Winter needs almost nothing since this groundcover stays green.

• It is evergreen, so you will see foliage all winter.
• Calscape says it tolerates cold to about 5 degrees F.
• Check that the soil drains well so the roots do not sit wet.

Spring

Spring is a good time to shape the mat as it starts blooming.

• Small white fragrant flowers can appear from spring on.
• Light pruning encourages branching.
• Pinch the stems to keep it low and dense.
• Calscape records native bees and other pollinators visiting it.

Summer

In Los Angeles summers, keep it shaded and give it a little water.

• Once established, it needs low to moderate water, at most about once a week in summer.
• It is drought tolerant once established but looks best with occasional summer water.
• Shade or part shade suits it better than hot sun.
• White flowers show up in summer.