Anyone out there cultivating Cassia Alata? Found a great site to get seeds very cheap and just wondering how they will do in North Texas (DFW). Also, any comments/suggestions for a fast growing ground cover to plant under about 50 large oak trees.
Hi, Senna alata (Candle Bush, Ringworm Shrub) Their hardiness zones are 9-11 which means up here in north Texas you could probably grow them in a pot in full sun then put them in a greenhouse or other warm inside area when the temps start dropping. Of course with our winter temperatures being mostly above freezing you would just have to be concerned with it getting enough full sun during the winter. One of our members grows it in her yard about an hour north of Houston, it seems to come back every spring for her. Many of the vines like Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) and Hedera helix (Common Ivy, English Ivy) will grow quite well as a ground cover and fill in fairly quickly. The Virginia Creeper you will probably have to plant one at the base of each tree, but the English Ivy will take over completely in a few years and you will be wishing you had never planted it....it can kill trees by growing up and covering them. Calyptocarpus vialis (Straggler Daisy, Horseherb) will slowly cover a large area and will show up in places you may not want it since the birds like to replant the seeds for you, but it is deciduous so will leave the ground bare in winter.
