DIY Network

Gardener's Note: This plant is reported as invasive in areas of the south where it's hardy. Reports of invasiveness in other regions of the country are also reported. For more information, see the following link. www.nps.gov

• Low-growing, vining evergreen shrub with purple flowers used as a groundcover
  
• Plant in full sun; tolerates heat and drought
  
• Plant in average to dry, well-drained soil
  
• Height: 6-12 inches; Width: 3-4 feet
  
• Hardy in USDA zones 8b-10:
  • Zones 2-8a: Plant in spring after danger of frost has passed; plant in full sun; plant in well-drained soil; pull up dead plants after first hard frost.
    
  • Zone 8b: Plant in spring after danger of frost has passed; plant in full sun; plant in well-drained soil; mulch in fall; do not prune back dead stems until early spring.
    
  • Zone 9: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; plant in well-drained soil; mulch in fall; prune back dead stems in fall or early spring.
    
  • Zone 10: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; plant in well-drained soil; mulch in fall; may continue flower throughout most of year; prune as needed.

• Small semievergreen to evergreen shrub with trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of colors in late summer
  
• Plant in full sun; heat tolerant; reseeds in warmer climates
  
• Plant in well-drained soil; drought tolerant; avoid fertilizers
  
• Height: 2-4 feet; Width: 2-4 feet
  
• Grown as an annual in zones 2-6
  
• Hardy in USDA zones 7-10:
  • Zones 2-6: Plant in spring after danger of frost has passed; plant in full sun; remove after first killing frost.
    
  • Zone 7: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; prune back hard in late winter; semi-evergreen in this zone.
    
  • Zone 8: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch to conserve moisture; prune back hard in late winter; may be semi-evergreen in this zone.
    
  • Zone 9: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch to conserve moisture; prune back hard in late winter; evergreen in this zone.
    
  • Zone 10: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch to conserve moisture; prune back hard in later winter; evergreen in this zone.