frog leg succulent California Frogfruit Plugs | Succulent Groundcover

frog leg succulent California Frogfruit Plugs | Succulent GroundcoverPre Order your 2" Frogfruit plugs today Grown to Order Frogfruit Plugs California Native Frogfruit AKA: Lippia nodiflora, Phyla nodiflora, Verbena nodiflora, Phyla repens, Frogfruit, Frog's Breath, Turkey Tangle, etc. Water Wise, No Mow Groundcover Lawn Alternative Frogfruit is a low growing, succulent groundcover from the verbena family found in warm climates worldwide. This variety is true California Frogfruit, sustainably grown from wild harvested

Pre-Order your 2" Frogfruit plugs today 

Grown to Order Frogfruit Plugs

California Native Frogfruit AKA: Lippia nodiflora, Phyla nodiflora, Verbena nodiflora, Phyla repens, Frogfruit, Frog's Breath, Turkey Tangle, etc.

Water-Wise, No-Mow Groundcover Lawn Alternative

Frogfruit is a low-growing, succulent groundcover from the verbena family found in warm climates worldwide. This variety is true California Frogfruit, sustainably grown from wild-harvested strains across Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. We've studied six distinct, regionally collected strains and refined them into one tough, beautiful native groundcover grown right here in our coastal mountain nursery.

This California-native lawn alternative is mowing-optional, pollinator-friendly, and incredibly drought-tolerant. Phyla nodiflora (aka Lippia nodiflora) spreads steadily on slopes, happily sharing a drip head with trees or shrubs. It naturally hugs the ground in full sun staying 1–2” in height while growing a bit taller and softer in part shade. With reports of fire-deterring capabilities during the 2024–2025 L.A. wildfires from the Getty Villa, Malibu and more, California Frogfruit is becoming a go-to sustainable lawn replacement.

Low-Water Once Established

After 6–12 months of routine watering, California Frogfruit thrives on minimal irrigation—just 2-3 deep soakings per month in warm seasons and no irrigation in winter. It develops roots up to 10’ deep, helping it stay green and healthy through long, hot summers. It is happy in hot inland sun with high heat. Some winter dormancy is typical. Not suitable for areas with snow.  

Easy Care and Soil Prep

• Soil Needs: Fast-draining soil is essential. Avoid heavy clay or compacted soils. Except on slopes.
  

• Spacing: For fastest fill-in, space plugs 12" apart in warm months. Wider spacing (18–24") works well in larger areas with time and mulch support.
  

• Weed Control: Mulch with seed-free straw if spacing widely to retain moisture and reduce competition from grasses or weeds.

• Fertilize: Amend with organic compost twice a year (cut with sand if soil drainage is an issue). Water deeply after any fertilizer application.
  

SOIL PREP INFO: Click here for soil prep info

Keep plugs moist throughout the planting process. Plant as soon as possible (within 24 hours) after arrival). Store in dry shade if any delays. After preparing soil use a Japanese garden knife or other hand tool to create holes for interesting plant plugs. 

Mowing Optional

California Frogfruit is a no-mow groundcover. That said, occasional mowing (once monthly or biweekly May–November) can keep Phyla nodiflora flower heads down to reduce bee activity if allergies are a concern.

Beautiful and Biodiverse

Tiny pinecone-like buds open bloom-by-bloom into white and lavender florets that slowly fade to pink—making this one of the most charming and pollinator-friendly groundcovers available. California Frogfruit supports native bees and butterflies while staying low and lush.

Note: This form is non-sterile and may self-seed under ideal conditions.

Phyla nodiflora's nearly evergreen foliage (expect moderate winter dormancy) tightens up into a light silver color when planted in decomposed granite dominant soil and watering is kept to a minimum.