Silver Falls

Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’

Characteristics

Culture

Silver Falls Dichondra is a vigorous plant that forms a mass of soft pewter leaves on silver stems in full sun to part shade. The fan-shaped, shimmering silvery leaves are held on plants just 2 inches tall. The trailing stems branch well without pinching. It is heat and drought tolerant and will recover quickly if watered after wilting.  Silver Falls looks great alone or in mixed containers, providing a cool contrast to green foliage and brightly colored flowers. This plant does not require pruning, but you can give its runners a trim if you would like a bushier, more compact plant.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Dichondra Silver Falls has small, rounded leaves that resemble miniature water lily pads and spreads by rooting surface runners. Native to Texas and Mexico, D. argentea is a perennial hardy in zones 8 to 10 but is being used as an annual foliage plant in the horticultural trade. Planted near the edge of a raised bed or rock wall, it will cascade over the edge, growing 2 to 4 feet long. It can also be used as a ground cover on well-drained soils where it will form dense mats that choke out weeds. Silver Falls can easily handle full sun, that is six hours or more of direct sunlight a day. It will grow in partial sun as well, but provide as much light as you can to encourage dense growth and preserve the silver color.

Problems

Silver Falls is a mostly trouble-free plant. Overwatering can lead to root rot. If the leaves begin to turn yellow and brown and the soil is overly moist, allow it to dry out before watering again.

Garden Uses

Hanging Baskets, Containers, Window boxes.