Low Mow/No Mow Mix

The Low Mow/No Mow mix was designed to assess the performance and viability of different combinations of low-growing plant species.

 

DETAILS

The Low Mow/No Mow mix is being trialed as an ecologically sustainable alternative to traditional turfgrass in Florida landscapes. These species are known to be well-adapted to Florida’s climate, exhibiting high drought tolerance and minimal water requirements, which reduces irrigation needs.

Perennial Peanut and Sunshine Mimosa are nitrogen-fixing legumes that improve soil health by naturally adding nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

The mix offers significant erosion control due to the extensive root systems of species like Purple Lovegrass and Perennial Peanut, which stabilize soil and prevent runoff.

Additionally, Lance-leaved Tickseed, Black-eyed Susan, and Sunshine Mimosa produce seasonal blooms that attract pollinators, supporting local biodiversity.

Overall, this plant mix is intended to minimize maintenance and promote ecosystem services like soil enrichment, pollinator support, and erosion prevention. These trials will identify if it is a scientifically sound choice for sustainable landscaping.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of these trials is to evaluate the growth and establishment rates over time of Perennial Peanut cultivars developed by the University of Florida breeding program. The aim is to determine their potential for use in settings such as parking lot islands and road medians, with the goal of replacing traditional turf, reducing irrigation requirements, and minimizing overall maintenance.

LOW MO/NO MOW MIX 

Scientific Name Common Name Qty on 12" centers
Arachis glabrata Perennial Peanut 100
Coreopsis Lanceolata Lance-leaved Tickseed 38
Dyschoriste humistrata Wet TwinFlower 101
Dyschoriste oblongifolia Dry Twin Flower 90
Mimosa strigillosa Sunshine Mimosa 125
Rudbeckia hirta Black-eye Susan 40
Eragrostis spectabilis Purple Lovegrass 40
  Total Plants 534

 

Q1 DATA

Scientific Name Common Name Container Size Qty Need Spacing Install Date Establishment Date Days to Establishment Irrigation Time Irrigation Days First Mow Date
Arachis glabrata Perennial Peanut 1 qt 75 12 inches 8/15/23 10/1/23 47 10min W 5/8/24
Dyschoriste oblongifolia Dry Twin Flower 1 qt 90 12 inches 8/15/23 10/1/23 47 10min W 5/8/24

 

Q2 DATA

Scientific Name Common Name Container Size Qty Spacing Install Date Establishment Date Days to Establishment Irrigation Time Irrigation Days First Mow Date Second Mow Date
Coreopsis Lanceolata Lance-leaved Tickseed 1 qt 19 12 inches 8/15/23 10/1/23 47 10min W 11/15/23 5/8/24
Arachis glabrata Perennial Peanut 1 qt 25 12 inches 8/15/23 10/1/23 47 10min W 11/15/23 5/8/24
Rudbeckia hirta Black-eye Susan 1 qt 20 12 inches 8/15/23 10/1/23 47 10min W 11/15/23 5/8/24
Phyla nodiflora Frog Fruit 1 qt 15 12 inches 7/6/23 8/16/23 41 10min W 11/15/23 5/8/24
Eragrostis spectabilis Purple Lovegrass 1 qt 20 12 inches 8/15/23 10/1/23 47 10min W 11/15/23 5/8/24

 

Q3 DATA

Scientific Name Common Name Container Size Qty Spacing Install Date Establishment Date Days to Establishment Irrigation Time Irrigation Days First Mow Date Second Mow Date
Coreopsis Lanceolata Lance-leaved Tickseed 1 qt 19 12 inches 8/15/23 10/1/23 47 10min W 11/15/23 5/8/24
Mimosa strigillosa Sunshine Mimosa 1 qt 25 12 inches 8/15/23 10/1/23 47 10min W 11/15/23 5/8/24
Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan 1 qt 20 12 inches 8/15/23 10/1/23 47 10min W 11/15/23 5/8/24
Phyla nodiflora Frogfruit 1 qt 15 12 inches 7/6/23 8/16/23 41 10min W 11/15/23 5/8/24
Eragrostis spectabilis Purple Lovegrass 1 qt 20 12 inches 8/15/23 10/1/23 47 10min W 11/15/23 5/8/24

 

Q4 DATA

Scientific Name Common Name Container Size Qty Spacing Install Date Establishment Date Days to Establishment Irrigation Time Irrigation Days First Mow Date
Dyschoriste humistrata Wet TwinFlower 1 qt 101 12 inches 8/15/23 10/1/23 47 10 min W N/A
Mimosa strigillosa Sunshine Mimosa 1 qt 100 12 inches 8/15/23 10/1/23 47 10 min W N/A

SPECIES PHOTOS