How to Grow Native Dichondra
Native Dichondra
Dichondra repens
grassNative Dichondra is a low-growing, creeping groundcover native to Australia that forms dense mats of delicate, coin-shaped leaves. It thrives in warm climates and is valued as an alternative to traditional turf grass, offering a softer texture and lower maintenance profile. The plant produces tiny, inconspicuous greenish flowers.
When should you plant Native Dichondra in your zone?
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Example Native Dichondra timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Native Dichondra
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Native Dichondra
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; may survive zone 9a with protection
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Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung plugs or seedlings develop initial root systems and first sets of true leaves; plant appears sparse and delicate
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect from foot traffic. Apply balanced fertilizer lightly every 2 weeks. Avoid heavy nitrogen that promotes excessive foliage.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant produces rapid trailing growth with increasing leaf density; stolons spread horizontally across soil surface, rooting at nodes
Continue regular watering. Reduce fertilizer frequency to monthly applications. Begin light foot traffic to encourage branching. Mow or trim if desired to promote denser growth.
Maturation
4-6 weeksDense mat forms with interconnected stems creating full groundcover; leaf size and color stabilize
Water during dry periods. Reduce fertilizer to quarterly applications. Remove weeds from any gaps. Light foot traffic encourages density.
Maintenance
OngoingEstablished groundcover maintains dense, uniform appearance with occasional flowering; plant is fully rooted and resilient
Water deeply during drought. Fertilize sparingly—quarterly or only if yellowing appears. Occasional light mowing or edging maintains appearance and vigor. Remove debris and dead patches.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
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Increase humidity by misting; use reflective mulches; spray with water to dislodge; apply neem oil or miticide if severe
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Remove affected foliage; apply horticultural oils; encourage natural predators; reduce plant stress through proper watering
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and
Hand-pick; create copper barriers; apply diatomaceous earth; use beer traps; avoid overwatering
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Apply beneficial nematodes to soil; create physical barriers around young plants; avoid excessive mulch around stems
Uses
Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternative
HouseholdNative Dichondra serves as an attractive, softer alternative to traditional turfgrass in warm climates, requiring less mowing, fertilizer, and water once established. It creates a pleasant barefoot surface and reduces yard maintenance labor. [source]
Ground Cover for Slope Stabilization
HouseholdThe plant's spreading root system and dense mat formation make it effective for erosion control on slopes and banks. It prevents soil loss while adding aesthetic appeal. [source]
Forage and Habitat
WildlifeNative Dichondra provides grazing material for sheep, goats, and other livestock in pastoral settings. It also offers shelter and ground-level habitat for beneficial insects. [source]
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
HouseholdOnce established, dichondra requires minimal supplemental watering in dry climates, making it an economical choice for water-conscious gardeners and xeriscape designs. [source]
Natural Play Surface
CraftDichondra's soft, dense texture makes it an ideal natural play area for children and pets, offering a gentler alternative to hard surfaces or coarser grasses. [source]
Harvest Tips
Dichondra is not harvested for edibility or traditional cutting. For propagation, collect stolons (runners) with rooted nodes during active growing season and transplant. Trim or mow mature growth to maintain desired height and density—typically 1-2 inches tall for lawn-like appearance. Remove any dead or diseased patches by cutting back and allowing regrowth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Native Dichondra is native to Australia and is also known as 'Kidney Weed' due to the shape of its small, coin-like leaves, which resemble tiny kidneys.
- 🌱 Dichondra can spread via stolons (runners) that root at nodes, allowing a single plant to establish a large groundcover area within one growing season without replanting.
- 🌱 In warm climates, dichondra remains green year-round, providing consistent color and coverage unlike seasonal turf grasses, and it produces a pleasant aroma when walked upon.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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