Dichondra Silver Falls

Description

Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’, commonly known as Silver Falls Dichondra, is a trailing perennial plant prized for its beautiful, silver-gray foliage and cascading growth habit. It is an excellent choice for hanging baskets, ground cover, and as a spiller in mixed containers, providing a striking contrast to other plants.

Flowers

Silver Falls Dichondra produces small, inconspicuous white to pale green flowers. While the flowers are not a significant ornamental feature, they add a subtle touch of interest to the foliage.

Foliage

The foliage of Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ consists of small, rounded leaves with a distinctive silver-gray hue. The leaves are densely packed along the trailing stems, creating a lush, cascading effect that is highly ornamental.

Form and Size

Silver Falls Dichondra has a prostrate, trailing growth habit, typically reaching a length of 1-1.5 meters. It forms a dense, mat-like ground cover or a cascading waterfall effect when grown in containers or hanging baskets.

Growing Conditions

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soils, ranging from sandy to loamy. It is tolerant of poor soil conditions but thrives in fertile, well-draining substrates.
• Sunlight: Grows best in full sun to partial shade. Full sun exposure enhances the silver coloration of the foliage.
• Water: Requires moderate watering. It is drought-tolerant once established but performs best with regular watering, especially during dry periods.
• Climate: Suitable for warm, temperate, and subtropical climates. It can tolerate light frosts but should be protected from severe cold.

Uses

• Ground Cover: Ideal for use as a ground cover, providing a dense, silver carpet that suppresses weeds and adds visual interest.
• Hanging Baskets: Perfect for hanging baskets, where its trailing stems can cascade over the edges, creating a stunning waterfall effect.
• Containers: Works well in mixed containers as a spiller plant, complementing upright and bushy plants with its trailing habit.
• Landscaping: Used in rock gardens, along retaining walls, and in borders to add texture and color contrast.

Maintenance

• Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Trim back stems as needed to control growth and maintain shape.
• Fertilizing: Benefits from occasional feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
• Pest and Disease: Generally pest-free but can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Ensure good drainage to prevent issues.

Notes

Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ is a low-maintenance and versatile plant that adds a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape. Its unique silver foliage and cascading growth make it a standout choice for various planting applications.

Companion Plants

• Petunia spp. (Petunia)
• Bacopa spp. (Sutera)
• Calibrachoa spp. (Million Bells)
• Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’

Common Name

Silver Falls Dichondra

Botanical Name

Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’

Family

Convolvulaceae

Origin

Native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ has become popular in gardens worldwide for its ornamental foliage and versatile growth habit.

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