Pigeonberry (Rivina humilis L.): Perennial ground cover for shade
Description: Pigeonberry (Rivina humilis L.), also called Coralito, or Rouge Plant, is native to the southern US as far north as Oklahoma. It is a small shrubby perennial that can grow from 18 to 34 inches tall in North Texas with smooth (glabrous) leaves that are 1 to 3 inches long. It has an upright habit. Pigeonberry is perennial and deciduous, going dormant over the winter in North Texas.
Flowers and Berries: Pigeonberry has very small pinkish-white flowers during most of its growing season that give rise to brilliant red berries. The plant often has berries and flowers at the same time.
Planting sites: Pigeonberry can be planted in dappled, part or full shade and in many types of soils.
Watering Instructions: Pigeonberry should be watered after planting and again every other week during its first growing season. Once established, Pigeonberry will grow with existing rainfall because of its drought tolerance;
during extreme drought, it may go dormant, but will re-emerge from the soil after the first rainfall.
Comments: Pigeonberry is an outstanding addition for shady areas that are not irrigated. Its wavy foliage is very attractive and its red berries are irresistible to birds and will attract a variety of birds to your yard. However, neither the berries nor other parts of this plant are for human consumption. Consider using Pigeonberry instead of hosta in shady areas. Pigeonberry won’t need the supplemental water that hosta must have to survive our North Texas summers.
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