Rhoeo spathica on the porch.

This plant is perfectly hardy in the Bay Area. I've seen many used as ground cover in Fremont and other cities around the Bay. I used to grow the yellow variegated variety when I lived there in Hayward. I didn't live too far from where you're living.

You would be surprised at the "names" in local horticulture and landscaping that told me this wont survive a winter here. I might move it to sun next spring..but it looks so good right out the front door on the porch.

I never listened to people or horticulturist who told me the plants I grew up in the Bay Area couldn't grow. If I listened to them my whole garden would be planted. LOL!

My philosophy is: plant and try it...if you don't plant it you'll never know.

It's actually pretty incredible the amount of subtropical plants/trees which can be grown in the Bay Area.