Dichondra repens Seeds

Dichondra repens, sometimes called creeping Dichondra, is a small perennial plant that forms a dense ground cover, making it one of the best ground covers for partial shade or shade. It can tolerate drought and salty soils. Its small round leaves are a beautiful fresh green colour and persist in mild climates, but are burned by frost below -8°C (17.6°F). The root system can withstand short frosts of around -10/-12°C (14/10.4°F). Remarkable at the base of hedges or shrub or perennial beds, very useful in the gaps between paving stones, Dichondra repens does not require mowing and is a great alternative to grass in shaded and lightly trafficked areas of the garden, on small surfaces.

Dichondra creeping belongs to the family of Convolvulaceae, just like bindweeds and morning glories. It is native to Australia and New Zealand, but has naturalized in Texas, California, New Mexico, Northwest India, South Japan, and China. Dichondra is a perennial plant with rather slow growth. It develops long, hairy, and highly branched stems that root at each node. This characteristic allows it to colonize the surface of the soil. The thickness of the carpet depends on the exposure and the soil that hosts the plant: in the sun and in dry soil, its thickness will not exceed 3 to 5cm (1 to 2in). In shade and in moist soil, the stems elongate and the leaves are larger, with the plant reaching a height of 15cm (6in). A single plant can cover an area of 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) in diameter, or even more. The stems are covered with very small leaves, more or less evergreen in winter, round, 0.5 to 2.50cm (0 to 1in) long, bean-shaped, often bending at the central vein. Very tightly packed together, they form a very dense, regular carpet, with a very fresh and shiny green colour. While it is sensitive to heavy frosts and excessive trampling, Dichondra repens has exceptional longevity. In case of pronounced summer drought, the foliage dries up and the plant eventually disappears.

Often used as an alternative to grass in moderately trafficked areas, Dichondra repens works wonders in dry shade, where few plants are willing to grow. To stay beautiful, it still requires regular weeding and watering that varies depending on the region, which limits its use to small areas (50 to 100 m²). It can be used alone or mixed with other ground cover plants: in the sun, it pairs well with yarrows (Achillea crithmifolia) and Phyla nodiflora. In shade, it can be paired, for example, with Soleirolia or Glechoma hederacea. An annual mowing in October is sufficient. It can also be planted in mass at the edge of pathways or at the base of perennials and shrubs, on slopes.

Composition:

• 100% Dichondra repens

Usage and dosage:

• 0.5kg box: approximately 50m²
• Sowing dose: 10g per m²