Ground covers are an essential component of many gardens, providing a lush carpet of greenery while suppressing weeds. But most gardeners want more than just green foliage from their ground covers – they also want some floral charm! That’s where hearts and flowers (Aptenia cordifolia) comes in. This delightful little plant combines fresh color and visual interest with practical growing habits, making it a top choice for gardens across a range of climates.
An Overview of Hearts and Flowers
Hearts and flowers is a low-growing succulent that forms a dense, spreading mat in gardens and landscape beds. Its botanical name comes from the Latin words aptenia meaning “open” and cordifolia meaning “heart-shaped leaves”. And true to its name, this ground cover has leaves that resemble little green hearts!
The leaves emerge from red stems and create a lush, compact mat around 6-12 inches high. As the plant spreads outward it can easily cover an area of around three feet wide. From early spring through summer cute button-like flowers in shades of magenta pink and reddish purple appear on short stalks above the foliage. These blooms have a bright yellow center, providing a pop of contrast.
One of the best qualities of hearts and flowers is its fast growth habit. This is a vigorous grower that establishes quickly after planting. Runners spread rapidly to colonize open areas of soil. And since it’s an evergreen perennial the foliage remains attractive year-round in frost-free climates.
Growing Conditions for Hearts and Flowers
While versatile and adaptable, hearts and flowers does have some preferences when it comes to climate and growing conditions. Here’s what you need to know to give this plant its best chance of success:
Climate: Hearts and flowers thrives in warm climates without freezing winters. It can survive light frosts down to 23°F. So it’s ideal for USDA Zones 9-11.
Sun Exposure: Although it tolerates full sun, especially with sufficient irrigation, partial shade is preferable in very hot climates. Dappled sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade works well.
Soil: Hearts and flowers grows in almost any well-draining soil. Sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils are great. Clay soils may need amendment with compost to improve drainage.
Water: Drought tolerance makes hearts and flowers suitable for xeriscaping. However, regular irrigation in summer heat helps the plant look its best. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
Maintenance: Other than occasional trimming to contain spread, hearts and flowers requires minimal care once established. Apply a balanced fertilizer a couple times per year.
How to Use Hearts and Flowers in Gardens
Thanks to its spreading habit and visually appealing flowers, hearts and flowers has many uses in gardens and landscapes. Here are some of the top ways to utilize this pretty ground cover:
- Plant between stepping stones or pavers to form a lush living path
- Use on slopes or berms to control erosion
- Cascade over walls and planter edges
- Grow in rock gardens and xeriscapes
- Add to container gardens for trailing effect
- Combine with ornamental grasses for contrast
- Underplant roses, shrubs, and small trees
- Replace turf grass in appropriate sites
Hearts and flowers teams up beautifully with salvias, verbenas, agastaches, sages, and other sun-loving perennials. It also provides the perfect backdrop for succulents like echeverias and sedums. Mass several plants together for a dense carpet of color and texture.
Tips for Growing Hearts and Flowers
Caring for hearts and flowers is fairly simple, but here are a few expert tips for getting the most out of this charming ground cover:
- Plant in spring once the danger of frost has passed
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart to encourage rapid spread
- Shear back any wayward stems to keep growth contained
- Apply a slow release fertilizer at planting and in midsummer
- Provide regular irrigation during the first year for faster establishment
- Divide established plants every 2-3 years to rejuvenate growth
- Take stem cuttings in summer for easy propagation
- Monitor for mealybugs and aphids and treat any pests promptly
- Remove old flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming
The Perfect Ground Cover
With its ability to spread quickly, suppress weeds, and add long-lasting color to gardens, hearts and flowers is one of the best ground cover options for warm climates. This cheerful little plant brightens spaces with its green foliage and showy blooms while remaining low maintenance. For an easy-care landscape carpet that delivers charm and visual appeal, look no further than hearts and flowers! It’s sure to bring joy to your outdoor living spaces.
Key Features of Hearts & Flowers
- Compact Growth: Growing only about 6 inches tall, Hearts & Flowers spreads up to 2 to 3 feet wide, creating a dense mat of lush green, heart-shaped leaves. Its spreading nature makes it an ideal groundcover for large areas, filling in space quickly with minimal maintenance.
- Bright, Drought-Tolerant Blooms: From spring to fall, the plant produces small, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink or magenta. The blooms open in full sun, adding bright color to the landscape throughout the growing season.
- Succulent Foliage: The thick, water-storing leaves retain moisture, allowing Hearts & Flowers to withstand hot, arid conditions and reducing the need for frequent watering.
Landscaping Ideas for Hearts & Flowers
- Groundcover: Use Hearts & Flowers to cover large sunny areas, creating a lush, low-maintenance carpet of green and pink that suppresses weeds and enhances garden textures.
- Rock Gardens and Xeriscaping: With its drought tolerance and love for full sun, Hearts & Flowers is perfect for Arizona rock gardens and water-efficient landscapes.
- Containers and Walls: Let it cascade over the edges of containers, walls, or garden borders for a decorative touch that adds dimension and color.
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FAQ
Do hearts and flowers like sun or shade?
Plant Hearts and Flowers in partial shade or filtered sun locations. It can grow in direct sunlight but will become stressed when completely exposed to the summer sun in Arizona. Hearts and Flowers will need regular watering during the hot summer months. Be careful not to overwater it.
What is the most low maintenance ground cover?
Microclover is a standout low-maintenance ground cover that naturally suppresses weeds, thrives in various conditions, and even boosts soil health. Other ground covers like pachysandra, periwinkle, and hostas offer a beautiful, eco-friendly alternative to turfgrass.
How to care for hearts and flowers?
Sun / Water / Soil
It is salt tolerant and great in containers, planters or hanging baskets. It needs full sun or light shade. Be careful not to overwater.
What is the flowering ground cover that lasts all summer?
Poppy Mallow (Callirhoe) — Big magenta cupped flowers like a ground hugging hollyhock, Poppy Mallow blooms all summer and attracts loads of butterflies and bumblebees. Tough and long lived. A great re-seeder to naturalize in your landscape.