How to Grow and Care for Dymondia

Dymondia (Dymondia margaretae) is a groundcover used to fill the spaces between stepping stones or pavers, and is also a good choice for rock gardens, walkway borders, and cascading down from stone walls. When planted on slopes, it mitigates wind erosion and retains the soil.This plant does best in full sun or partial shade and is drought-tolerant. Read on for our care and growing guide.

Common Name	Silver carpet
Botanical Name	Dymondia margaretae
Family	Asteraceae
Plant Type	Herbaceous, perennial
Mature Size	1-3 in. high, 1-3 ft. wide
Sun Exposure	Full, partial
Soil Type	Sandy, silt, loamy
Soil pH	Acidic, neutral, alkaline
Bloom Time	Summer
Flower Color	Yellow
Hardiness Zones	9-11 (USDA)
Native Area	Africa

Dymondia Care

Here are the basic care requirements for dymondia:

• Needs regular care during the growing season until well established
• Generous watering, mulching, and weeding are all important
• After it is established, it requires little maintenance
• Removing the spent flowerheads for a neater appearance is optional

Light

Dymondia does best in full sun but partial shade is also acceptable.

Soil

Sandy soil is ideal but any type of soil with excellent drainage can work. The plant will do poorly in soggy, wet soil.

Water

After the plant is established, it is very drought-tolerant because its roots reach deeply into the soil. It will grow faster when watered regularly through rainfall or irrigation.

Curling of the leaves is a sign that your dymondia needs water. Watering it will unfurl its leaves.

Temperature and Humidity

Dymondia is a tender perennial for warm climates. It can survive a light frost but not temperatures below 28 degrees F.

It is tolerant of salt spray and suitable to be planted in coastal gardens.

Fertilizer

Fertilize dymondia once a year at the beginning of the growing season with a slow-release complete fertilizer. For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.

Propagating Dymondia

The easiest and most successful way to propagate dymondia is from cuttings. Here's how:

1. In the late winter or early spring when the new growing season begins, cut some runners or shoots from a mature plant.
2. Replant the cuttings immediately by first dipping them in rooting hormone powder and then planting them in well-drained garden soil or in pots with potting mix.
3. Keep the soil moist at all times but not wet until you see new growth, which indicates that new roots have formed.

Potting and Repotting Dymondia

Dymodia can be grown in containers, where they will have a cascading effect. Make sure the container is large enough for the rhizomes to spread, and keep in mind that in a container, the plant needs more frequent watering.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Dymondia is not affected by any serious pest or disease problems. However, it attracts gophers. If those are a problem, it might not be the best groundcover to plant in your yard.

From: thespruce