Myoporum

Plant Type: ground cover
Plant Height: 4-6 inches
Spread: 5-9 feet
Flower Color: white or pale pink
Sun Exposure: Full Sun or Partial Shade

Myoporum (Myoporum parvifolium) – Drought-Tolerant Ground Cover for Arizona Landscapes

Create a lush, low-maintenance ground cover with Myoporum, also known as Creeping Boobialla or scientifically as Myoporum parvifolium. This versatile, hardy plant thrives in Arizona’s hot, arid climate and is valued for its bright green, dense foliage that provides year-round greenery. With its adaptability to full sun, drought tolerance, and minimal maintenance needs, Myoporum is ideal for water-wise and xeriscape landscaping in Phoenix Valley gardens.

Key Features of Myoporum

Myoporum forms a dense, carpet-like mat of bright green, lance-shaped leaves that bring a soft, lush appearance to the landscape. Its low-growing, spreading habit covers soil effectively, helping to reduce weed growth and conserve moisture. Myoporum is known for its resilience, thriving in full sun and requiring well-drained soil. Once established, it becomes highly drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for Arizona’s low-water landscapes.

This plant occasionally produces small, white or pink flowers, adding a subtle charm to its green carpet. With its versatile nature, Myoporum is perfect for a variety of landscaping applications, including erosion control on slopes, as a filler in rock gardens, or as a lush ground cover for open spaces.

A Water-Wise Choice for Phoenix Valley Gardens

Myoporum’s drought tolerance makes it a practical choice for water-conscious gardens in Arizona. Its ability to thrive with minimal water supports eco-friendly gardening practices and allows Phoenix Valley gardeners to enjoy greenery without high water demands.

Versatile Uses for Myoporum in Phoenix Valley Landscaping

• Ground Cover for Open Spaces: Myoporum’s dense, carpet-like growth makes it ideal for covering large open areas, providing a lush green appearance that’s easy to maintain.

• Erosion Control on Slopes: The spreading habit and dense foliage of Myoporum make it effective for stabilizing slopes and preventing erosion, even in challenging terrains.

• Rock Gardens and Xeriscapes: Myoporum’s drought tolerance and low growth habit make it well-suited for rock gardens and xeriscapes, where it adds color, texture, and ground coverage.

• Weed Suppression in Garden Beds: By forming a dense mat of foliage, Myoporum helps suppress weeds, reducing the need for regular weeding and mulching.

Care Tips for Growing Myoporum in Phoenix Valley

Plant Myoporum in full sun with well-draining soil for optimal growth. While it requires regular watering during its first year to establish a strong root system, it becomes drought-tolerant once established, needing only occasional water during prolonged dry spells. Prune back as needed to maintain the desired shape and remove any overgrown or dead branches. With its low maintenance needs, Myoporum is perfect for gardeners seeking a resilient, easy-care ground cover that enhances both form and function.

Why Myoporum is Perfect for Arizona Landscapes

Myoporum offers Phoenix Valley gardeners a hardy, water-efficient ground cover that provides year-round greenery and weed suppression. Its carpet-like growth, bright green foliage, and adaptability to desert conditions make it a valuable addition to both modern and naturalistic garden designs. Whether used as ground cover, for erosion control, or as a filler in rock gardens, Myoporum combines practicality with visual appeal, creating a lush landscape that thrives with minimal care. For a reliable, low-water ground cover, Myoporum is an exceptional choice for Arizona gardens.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Myoporum

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for their spreading growth and dense foliage
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Myoporum is a ground cover or small shrub that requires no staking, with its dense, spreading growth

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Myoporum is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 6-12 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks