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:
- In the late winter or early spring when the new growing season begins, cut some runners or shoots from a mature plant.
- 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.
- 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
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- Dymondia Care
- Propagating Dymondia
- Potting and Repotting Dymondia
- Common Pests & Plant Diseases