Dichondra is a versatile and charming ground cover that can transform your garden into a lush, green carpet. This low-growing plant belongs to the morning glory family and boasts delicate, round leaves that create a soft, velvety texture. Dichondra is perfect for Australian gardens, thriving in both sunny and partially shaded areas with minimal maintenance.
Whether you’re looking to fill gaps between pavers, create a lawn alternative, or add a cascading element to your hanging baskets, dichondra has got you covered. Its ability to creep and trail makes it an excellent choice for various landscaping projects. Plus, with its drought-tolerant nature, you’ll save water and time on garden upkeep.
From the classic green Dichondra repens to the eye-catching Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’, there’s a variety to suit every garden style. Let’s explore how this versatile plant can enhance your outdoor space and make gardening a breeze.
Key Takeaways
- Dichondra is a low-maintenance ground cover suitable for diverse Australian garden settings
- You can use dichondra as a lawn alternative, in hanging baskets, or to soften hardscapes
- Dichondra is drought-tolerant and easy to propagate, making it an eco-friendly choice for your garden
What Is Dichondra?
Dichondra is a versatile ground cover plant known for its small, round leaves and low-growing habit. It’s a popular choice for lawns, borders, and hanging baskets due to its attractive appearance and easy maintenance.
Species Overview
Dichondra belongs to the morning glory family and includes several species. The most common type is Dichondra repens, also known as lawn leaf. This species features kidney-shaped leaves that form a dense, carpet-like cover.
Other popular varieties include Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’, prized for its silvery foliage, and Dichondra micrantha, often used as a lawn substitute. These plants typically grow to about 5 cm tall and spread rapidly, making them excellent for filling gaps between pavers or covering large areas.
Habitat and Distribution
You’ll find dichondra naturally occurring in various parts of the world. It’s native to the Americas, Asia, and Australia, thriving in warm and temperate climates. In Australia, dichondra is commonly found in coastal and sub-coastal regions.
Dichondra prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. It’s hardy in zones 7 to 11, making it suitable for many Australian gardens. While it’s often used as a lawn alternative, you can also grow dichondra in containers or hanging baskets, where its trailing stems create an attractive cascading effect.
Cultivation and Care
Dichondra is a low-maintenance plant that thrives with proper care. You’ll find it easy to cultivate when you provide the right growing conditions and follow a few simple care practices.
Planting Requirements
Dichondra prefers a part shade to full sun position. If you live in an area with very hot, dry summers, choose a spot with some protection from the harshest afternoon sun.
The plant adapts well to various soil types but performs best in well-draining, fertile soil. Before planting, prepare the area by removing weeds and loosening the soil.
You can start dichondra from seeds or plug plants. If using seeds, sow them directly onto prepared soil and lightly cover. For plug plants, space them about 15-20 cm apart to allow for spreading.
Watering and Fertilising
Proper watering is crucial for dichondra’s health. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. During establishment, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Once established, dichondra is quite drought-tolerant. However, regular watering during dry spells will help maintain its lush appearance.
Fertilise your dichondra sparingly. A light application of slow-release fertiliser in spring is usually sufficient. Over-fertilising can lead to excessive growth and reduced hardiness.
Pruning and Maintenance
Dichondra is a fast-growing plant that requires minimal pruning. To keep it looking neat, you can trim back any overgrown areas as needed.
If you’re using dichondra as a lawn substitute, regular mowing isn’t necessary. However, you might want to trim it occasionally to maintain a uniform height.
Watch out for pests like snails and slugs, especially in damp conditions. Remove any damaged or diseased foliage promptly to prevent issues from spreading.
In colder regions, dichondra may die back in winter. Don’t worry – it will usually regrow from the roots in spring. You can protect it with a layer of mulch during harsh winters.
Uses in Landscaping
Dichondra offers versatile options for your landscaping needs. This hardy plant can transform bare areas and add visual interest to your garden designs.
As a Ground Cover
Dichondra excels as a low-maintenance ground cover. You can use it to create a lush, carpet-like lawn alternative that requires less mowing than traditional grass. Its dense growth habit helps suppress weeds, reducing your gardening workload.
For challenging areas like slopes or shady spots, dichondra proves invaluable. Its creeping nature allows it to spread and cover difficult terrain effectively. You’ll find it particularly useful for filling gaps between pavers or stepping stones, creating a seamless, green pathway.
In warmer climates, dichondra can replace your entire lawn. Its soft, rounded leaves form an inviting surface that’s pleasant to walk on barefoot. You’ll appreciate its drought tolerance once established, helping you conserve water in your landscape.
In Garden Designs
Dichondra’s versatility shines in various garden designs. You can incorporate it as a stunning cascading element in hanging baskets or containers. Its trailing habit creates a beautiful, cascading effect that softens hard edges and adds visual interest to your outdoor spaces.
For rock gardens, dichondra serves as an excellent filler plant. You can use it to create a lush, green carpet between larger rocks and succulents. Its ability to grow in tight spaces makes it perfect for adding a touch of greenery to crevices and small pockets in your rock garden design.
Consider using dichondra as a living mulch in your flower beds. It suppresses weed growth while adding a cohesive, green backdrop that highlights your flowering plants. This technique can reduce your need for traditional mulch and create a more natural-looking garden bed.
Varieties of Dichondra
Dichondra plants come in different varieties, each with unique characteristics and uses. Two popular types stand out for their distinctive features and versatility in landscaping and gardening applications.
Dichondra Repens
Dichondra repens, often called kidney weed, is a well-known variety prized for its lawn-like qualities. This type sports bright green, kidney-shaped leaves and silvery stems, creating a lush carpet-like appearance.
You’ll find it’s an excellent alternative to traditional grass lawns, especially in shaded areas where grass struggles to grow. Dichondra repens thrives in partial shade but can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
This variety is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. You can use it as a ground cover between pavers or rocks, adding a soft, green touch to your garden paths.
Dichondra Argentea
Dichondra argentea, commonly known as Silver Falls, is a striking variety that’s gained popularity for its unique appearance. This fast-growing plant produces long, trailing stems adorned with small, silver-coloured leaves.
You’ll love its cascading habit, making it perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and as a spiller in container arrangements. Silver Falls dichondra adds a touch of elegance with its shimmering foliage.
This variety is heat-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it ideal for hot, arid climates. You can also use it as a ground cover in rock gardens or to soften the edges of retaining walls.
Silver Falls dichondra is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering once established. Its drought-tolerance makes it a great choice for water-wise gardens.
Pests and Diseases
Dichondra plants can face several challenges from pests and diseases. Identifying and addressing these issues promptly is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn or groundcover.
Common Pests
Dichondra flea beetles are a significant threat to your dichondra plants. These tiny insects can cause extensive damage, leading to wilting and die-back of large lawn areas within months.
Whiteflies are another pest to watch out for. They feed on the underside of leaves and can spread diseases between plants. Look for yellowing leaves and a sticky residue on your plants as signs of whitefly infestation.
While dichondra is generally resistant to spider mites and aphids, it’s still wise to keep an eye out for these common garden pests.
Disease Management
Root rot and fungal diseases are the main health concerns for dichondra plants. These issues typically stem from overwatering. Brown leaf spots are an early indicator of fungal problems.
To identify diseases in your dichondra:
- Look for unusual spots or discolouration on leaves
- Check for wilting or yellowing of leaves
- Inspect for any powdery substance on leaves or stems
Proper watering practices are key to preventing these issues. Ensure your dichondra has well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If you spot signs of disease, remove affected areas promptly to prevent spread.
Environment and Sustainability
Dichondra offers significant environmental benefits and contributes to sustainable landscaping practices. Its unique characteristics make it an eco-friendly choice for your garden or lawn alternative.
Drought Resistance
Dichondra’s impressive drought tolerance makes it an excellent option for water-wise gardening. You’ll find that this plant requires minimal watering once established, helping you conserve precious water resources. Its deep root system allows it to access moisture from lower soil layers, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
In areas prone to water restrictions, dichondra could play a crucial role in water conservation efforts. You can maintain a lush, green ground cover without excessive water use, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious gardeners.
Environmental Impact
Dichondra’s environmental impact extends beyond water conservation. As a low-growing ground cover, it helps prevent soil erosion by forming a dense mat of vegetation. This feature is particularly useful on slopes or in areas prone to runoff.
You’ll also appreciate dichondra’s ability to support local ecosystems. Its small, inconspicuous flowers provide nectar for beneficial insects, contributing to biodiversity in your garden. Additionally, dichondra requires minimal mowing and chemical inputs, reducing noise pollution and the use of harmful pesticides or fertilisers.
By choosing dichondra, you’re promoting a more sustainable approach to landscaping that benefits both your immediate surroundings and the broader environment.
Propagation Methods
Dichondra plants can be easily multiplied using two effective methods. These techniques allow you to expand your garden or share this lovely ground cover with friends.
Seed Sowing
Sowing dichondra seeds is a straightforward process that yields great results. Start by preparing a well-draining soil mix in shallow trays or pots. Sprinkle the tiny seeds evenly across the surface, then lightly press them into the soil without covering them.
Mist the soil gently to keep it moist but not waterlogged. Place the trays in a warm spot with indirect sunlight. Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days.
Once seedlings develop their first true leaves, thin them out to allow proper growth. Transplant the strongest seedlings into individual pots or directly into your garden when they’re about 5 cm tall.
Division Technique
Division is an excellent way to propagate established dichondra plants. Begin by carefully digging up a mature plant, ensuring you preserve the root system. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with healthy roots and foliage.
Replant these divisions immediately in prepared soil, spacing them about 30 cm apart. Water thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist for the first few weeks to help the new plants establish.
This method works best during the growing season from late spring to early fall. It’s a quick way to create new plants that are identical to the parent, perfect for maintaining a uniform look in your garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dichondra plants have unique needs and characteristics that gardeners should know about. Let’s explore some common queries to help you better care for and understand these versatile ground covers.
How does Dichondra repens fare during the winter months?
Dichondra repens is fairly hardy in mild winters. It can survive light frosts but may struggle in prolonged cold spells. In colder regions, the foliage might die back, but the plant often recovers in spring.
To protect your Dichondra during winter, reduce watering and avoid fertilising. A light mulch can help insulate the roots in areas prone to freezing temperatures.
Can Dichondra Silver Falls grow well in full sun, or does it prefer shade?
Dichondra Silver Falls is quite adaptable to different light conditions. It can thrive in full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent leaf scorch.
Full sun exposure often results in more compact growth and silvery foliage. In shadier spots, the leaves may appear greener and the stems might stretch more.
Are there any particular disadvantages to using Dichondra as a lawn?
While Dichondra can make an attractive lawn alternative, it does have some drawbacks. It’s not as hardy as traditional grass and can’t withstand heavy foot traffic. Dichondra lawns may require more frequent watering, especially during dry spells.
This ground cover is also susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Regular monitoring and prompt treatment are necessary to maintain a healthy Dichondra lawn.
Does Dichondra pose an invasive risk to surrounding plants in the garden?
Dichondra has a spreading habit but is generally not considered highly invasive. However, it can spread quickly under ideal conditions. Regular trimming can help contain it within desired areas.
In some regions, certain Dichondra species might be more aggressive. Check with your local gardening authorities about any potential invasive concerns in your area.
Could Dichondra possibly be harmful to dogs if ingested?
Dichondra is considered mildly toxic to pets, including dogs. If ingested in large quantities, it may cause stomach upset or mild digestive issues.
While most dogs won’t eat enough to cause serious harm, it’s best to monitor pets around Dichondra plants. If you notice any signs of distress after ingestion, consult your vet promptly.
What common issues might one encounter when caring for a Dichondra plant?
Overwatering is a common problem with Dichondra. It can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Ensure good drainage and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Pest issues like spider mites or flea beetles can also affect Dichondra. Regular inspection and appropriate pest control measures are important. Yellowing leaves might indicate nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, which can be addressed with a balanced fertiliser.