Dichondra repens

Dichondra repens, sometimes called creeping Dichondra, is a small perennial plant that forms very dense groundcover in partially shaded or shady areas, even if it is dense. It can create a neat groundcover in difficult areas of the garden, tolerating drought and salty soils. Its small round leaves, of a beautiful fresh green, persist in mild climates, but are burned by frost below -8°C (17.6°F), with the root system resistant to short frosts of around -10/-12°C (14/10.4°F). Remarkable at the foot of hedges or shrubs or in perennial beds, Dichondra repens does not require mowing and is a good replacement for grass in shaded and lightly walked areas of the garden, on small surfaces. It also works well in pots and hanging baskets, where it will enhance all summer flowers.

Creeping Dichondra belongs to the family of Convolvulaceae, just like bindweed and morning glory.  It is native to Australia and New Zealand, but has naturalised in Texas, California, New Mexico, Northwest India, South Japan and China. Dichondra is a fairly non-hardy perennial plant with rather slow growth. It has a very dense vegetation, in the form of long hairy and highly branched stems that root at each node. This characteristic allows it to colonise the surface of the soil, but also to cascade, overflowing from all containers. The height of the carpet depends on the position of the plant and the soil that hosts the plant: in the sun and in dry soil, its thickness will not exceed 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in). In shade and in moist soil, the stems lengthen and the leaves are larger, reaching a height of 15 cm (6in). A single plant can cover an area of 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24in) in diameter, or even more. The stems are covered with very small, more or less persistent leaves, round, measuring 0.5 to 2.50 cm, in the shape of a bean, often bending at the central vein. Very close to each other, they make up a very dense, regular carpet, of a very fresh and shiny green leaves.  Sensitive to severe 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 walked areas, Dichondra repens works wonders in dry shade, where few plants are willing to grow. To remain beautiful, it still requires regular weeding and watering that can be adjusted according to the regions, which limits its use to small areas (50 to 100 m²). It can be used alone or mixed with other groundcover plants.  In the sun, it accompanies yarrows (Achillea odorata, crithmifolia) and Phyla nodiflora. In shade, for example, associate it with Ajuga reptans, Geranium macrorrhizum, Campanula portenschlagiana, Vinca minor, Glechoma hederacea, etc... An annual mowing is sufficient, in October. It also finds its place in shaded rockeries, covering stones with a soft and beautiful carpet. It also thrives in pots, hanging baskets on balconies or windows, and of course in hanging baskets. It can be planted in groups at the edge of pathways, or at the foot of perennials and shrubs, on slopes.