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How to Grow Silver Carpet, Dymondia

Silver Carpet, Dymondia

Dymondia margaretae

grass

Dymondia margaretae is a low-growing, evergreen groundcover native to South Africa that forms dense mats of fine, silvery-green foliage reaching only 2-4 inches tall. It is drought-tolerant once established and extremely walkable, making it an excellent alternative to traditional lawn grasses in arid and semi-arid climates.

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Example Silver Carpet, Dymondia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Silver Carpet, Dymondia

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Silver Carpet, Dymondia

    Around Apr 25

    ≈ 8 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade
💧
Water: Low water needs once established; minimal irrigation required. Water moderately during establishment and after planting. Drought-tolerant but performs better with occasional deep watering during extreme heat.
📏
Spacing: 6-12 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 8-12 weeks to establish coverage
🌱
Planting depth: Surface planting; press plugs or divisions firmly into soil

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly soil
pH: 6.5-8.0
Amendments:
coarse sand perlite gravel compost

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in USDA zones 9-10; frost-sensitive in colder regions

9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Small plugs or divisions develop initial roots and lateral runner growth

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged for 4-6 weeks; avoid foot traffic during establishment

2

Vegetative Growth

2-4 months

Plant spreads horizontally via stolons, forming dense mats of silvery foliage

Water moderately; light feeding with balanced fertilizer; thin crowded areas if needed

3

Maturation

ongoing

Complete groundcover established with full silvery appearance and weed suppression

Minimal maintenance; occasional light raking or cleanup; occasional light irrigation during drought

4

Flowering

spring to early summer

Tiny, inconspicuous yellowish flowers appear among the foliage (minor ornamental interest)

No special care required; flowers are primarily for pollinator interest

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

sedums echeverias desert marigold California poppies desert zinnia native grasses

Avoid planting near:

moisture-loving plants shade-demanding groundcovers invasive spreading plants

Common Pests

  • and

    Remove manually; use beer traps or copper barriers; avoid overwatering

  • Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; reduce humidity; remove affected foliage

  • Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging; plant in raised areas if needed

Uses

🏠

Drought-Tolerant Lawn Alternative

Household

Dymondia margaretae creates a beautiful, low-maintenance groundcover that eliminates the need for frequent watering and mowing typical of traditional lawns. It is highly walkable and suitable for arid landscapes. [source]

🏠

Hardscape and Pathway Edging

Household

Its low, dense growth makes it ideal for edging pathways, patios, and between pavers, providing visual softness while remaining compact and manageable. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The delicate flowers attract bees and other pollinators while providing foliage shelter for small beneficial insects. [source]

🎨

Xeriscaping and Water Conservation Landscaping

Craft

Commonly used in sustainable, water-wise landscape designs and xeriscaping projects throughout arid regions. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not harvested for yield; maintained by occasional light trimming to remove dead or diseased foliage and shape edges as desired

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Dymondia margaretae is named after Margaret Davis, a South African botanist and horticulturist.
  • 🌱 This groundcover can withstand foot traffic better than most herbaceous groundcovers and is sometimes used in high-traffic garden areas.
  • 🌱 The silvery appearance comes from tiny hairs on the foliage that reflect sunlight, also helping the plant reduce water loss in arid climates.

Gardening Terms

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

Full Sun Partial Shade Runner
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