Evaluation of ornamental groundcovers for open and shady locations under tropical conditions

A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of twelve ornamental groundcover species under open and shady locations for growth, physiological and quality parameters. The study revealed that five species namely, Wedelia trilobata, Pogostemon sp., Rhoeo discolor, Hemigraphis colorata and Plectranthus sp. were fast growing, and strongly weed suppressive in both open and shade conditions. The maximum plant spread was recorded by Wedelia trilobata which possessed dense foliage and strongly reduced light transmittance at the soil surface. Leaf area varied under open and shade conditions and the maximum leaf area was reported in Rhoeo discolor followed by Kalanchoe blossfeldiana under shade. Results showed that Ficus repens which exhibited poor performance for most of the growth and ground coverage parameters recorded maximum proline content under open followed by Wedelia trilobata and Kalanchoe blossfeldiana under open and shade respectively. Scoring for aesthetic value done based on visual assessment indicated that Wedelia trilobata was rated ‘Excellent’ by 65% of evaluators under open conditions and under shade, 75% evaluators rated two species namely Wedelia trilobata and Pogostemon sp. as ‘Excellent’, followed by Portulaca grandiflora with 60% and Rhoeo discolor with 55%. Based on overall performance, priority of the 12 species evaluated for use as ornamental groundcover in landscaping is suggested as follows: Wedelia trilobata, Pogostemon sp., Rhoeo discolor, Hemigraphis colorata, Plectranthus prostrates, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Portulaca grandiflora, Iresine herbstii, Setcreasea purpurea, Aptenia cordifolia, Ficus repens.