How to Grow Creeping Silver Mat

Creeping Silver Mat

Dymondia margaretae

grass

Creeping Silver Mat is a low-growing, mat-forming groundcover native to South Africa, known for its fine, silvery-green foliage and ability to tolerate foot traffic. It forms dense mats typically 2-3 inches tall and spreads horizontally to create an attractive, delicate texture. This drought-tolerant plant is ideal for creating living pathways, between pavers, or as a low-maintenance lawn alternative.

When should you plant Creeping Silver Mat in your zone?

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Example Creeping Silver Mat timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Creeping Silver Mat
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Creeping Silver Mat
Around Jul 16

≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Creeping Silver Mat dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best performance

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Water: Drought tolerant once established; water regularly during first 4-6 weeks, then reduce to occasional deep watering during dry spells. Overwatering can cause root rot.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 90-180 days to establish full coverage

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Planting depth: Plant plugs at soil level; do not bury crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly soil

pH: 6.5-7.5

Amendments:

Coarse sand Perlite Gravel Minimal compost

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in USDA zones 9b-11, prefers Mediterranean and warm climates

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

2-4 weeks

Young plugs with minimal root system and sparse silvery foliage

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect from foot traffic. Space plugs 12 inches apart. Remove weeds carefully to avoid disturbing young plants.

Root Development

4-8 weeks

Roots deepen and spread; foliage becomes denser and more vigorous

Reduce watering frequency as roots establish. Water deeply but less often to encourage deep rooting. Begin light foot traffic only.

Vegetative Growth

8-12 weeks

Mat expands outward, filling gaps between plants; silvery-green color intensifies

Minimal watering needed except during drought. No fertilizer necessary. Light foot traffic is acceptable now.

Mature Coverage

Indefinite (perennial)

Dense, continuous mat with fine foliage and occasional tiny white flowers in spring/summer

Established mats require little care. No mowing needed. Occasional watering only during extended dry periods. Tolerates regular foot traffic.

Flowering

Spring through early summer (intermittent)

Tiny inconspicuous white or pale yellow flowers appear among the foliage

Flowering is minimal and does not affect plant performance. No deadheading necessary.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Sedums Other groundcovers (Soleirolia, Sagina) Low-growing herbs (creeping thyme, oregano) Ornamental grasses Alpine plants

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive spreading plants Tall shrubs that shade densely Plants requiring frequent watering

Common Pests

Reduce watering frequency; improve drainage; use yellow sticky traps
Rare in proper growing conditions; increase air circulation; mist if needed
Ensure excellent drainage; reduce watering; avoid overwatering; improve soil aeration

Uses

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Decorative Living Pathway

Household

Creeping Silver Mat creates an attractive, traffic-tolerant groundcover for walkways, between stepping stones, and pavers. Its soft silvery color and fine texture add visual interest while withstanding regular foot traffic. [source]

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Drought-Tolerant Lawn Alternative

Household

This South African native is an excellent xeriscape solution, requiring significantly less water than traditional turfgrass while providing green, mat-like coverage. It reduces maintenance, watering costs, and mowing requirements. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Tiny flowers attract small beneficial insects, contributing to a pollinator-friendly landscape. While the flowers are inconspicuous, they provide early-season forage for small insects. [source]

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Living Mulch and Erosion Control

Craft

Dense mat formation prevents soil erosion on slopes and helps stabilize soil while suppressing weeds naturally. Its root system binds soil effectively. [source]

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Low-Maintenance Landscape Design

Household

Once established, Creeping Silver Mat requires virtually no fertilizer, pruning, or pest management, making it ideal for sustainable and low-maintenance garden designs. Its fine texture creates elegant visual contrast in mixed plantings. [source]

Harvest Tips

No harvesting required. This plant is ornamental only. Maintain by removing any dead patches and ensuring good drainage to prevent fungal issues.

Fun Facts

🌱 Creeping Silver Mat is native to the Eastern Cape province of South Africa and gets its common name 'Margaret' from the wife of a botanist who discovered it.
🌱 Despite being a grass-like plant, it is technically a dicot (not a true grass) and belongs to the Aizoaceae family, making it more closely related to succulents than grasses.
🌱 This plant can handle temperatures down to the mid-20s°F for short periods (-5 to -7°C) with good drainage, making it suitable for some warmer parts of zone 9b with protection.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade

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