Phyla nodiflora 'Tesla' – Lippia, Frogfruit

Create a low green carpet with spreading foliage and tiny, pollinator-friendly flowers.

Phyla nodiflora 'Tesla', commonly called Lippia or Frogfruit, is a creeping broadleaf perennial groundcover, not a turfgrass or ornamental grass. Its stems spread along the soil and root at the nodes, knitting together into a low mat. Small flower clusters, typically white to pale lavender with darker centers, bring delicate detail and attract visiting pollinators during the warmer months. Use it to fill sunny spaces between planting beds, soften borders beside ornamental grasses, or explore a lower-water lawn alternative where some seasonal change is welcome. Water regularly during establishment, then adjust irrigation to your climate and desired appearance. Established plants tolerate some foot traffic, but avoid heavy use while roots develop; flowers attract bees, so consider this when planning barefoot areas. Edge regularly to keep spreading stems out of neighboring beds. Foliage can thin or become dormant in cold weather.

Key Features

• Plant type: Spreading perennial groundcover; not a grass
• Creeping stems root at nodes to form a low mat
• Tiny flower clusters attract bees and other pollinators
• Useful as a low-water lawn alternative once established
• Spreading habit benefits from regular edging

Growing Details
Height: Approximately 2–6 in. | Spread: Approximately 24–36 in. or more with time
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade | Water: Low to moderate once established; regular water during establishment
Bloom time: Spring through fall in warm conditions | Bloom color: White to pale lavender with darker centers
USDA hardiness zones: 7–11