Dichondra Argentea 'Silver Falls'

Silver Falls Dichondra / Silver Dichondra

Botanical Name: Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’
Family: Convolvulaceae
Origin: Southwest USA & Mexico (dry, rocky habitats)
Plant Type: Evergreen to semi-evergreen trailing groundcover

Overview

A striking silver-foliaged trailing plant loved for its cascading habit and drought resilience, Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ thrives in Adelaide’s hot, dry climate. With shimmering, velvety foliage that forms long, flowing stems, it’s ideal for spilling from pots, hanging baskets, retaining walls, and rockeries. In-ground, it creates a soft, low, spreading carpet that handles heat, reflected light, and coastal conditions exceptionally well. Low-maintenance and eye-catching, it’s a top performer for modern, Mediterranean and waterwise gardens across South Australia.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.05–0.1 m H × 1–1.5 m spread (long trailing stems)
• Growth Rate: 30–60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Silvery-white, rounded, soft-textured leaves with a velvety sheen; foliage may develop subtle green or slightly darker tones in winter or when shaded
• Flowers: Tiny inconspicuous pale blooms in summer (not ornamental)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round silver foliage; excellent trailing and cascading effect through all seasons
• Wildlife Value: Provides shelter for small beneficial ground invertebrates
• Tolerance: Highly drought- and heat-tolerant once established; handles reflected heat from paving; salt- and wind-tolerant; semi-frost tolerant (light frost may scorch tips, but recovers)
• Planting Density: Groundcover: 4–6 plants per m² for a continuous silver mat; Edging/trailing: 30–50 cm spacing
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to light shade; best silver colour in full sun
• Soil: Prefers free-draining sandy or loamy soils; thrives in poor, dry soils; avoid heavy or waterlogged clay
• Water Needs: Establishment: 1-2 deep soaks/week for 6–8 weeks. Established: deep soak every 3–4 weeks, or less; weekly in extreme heat; no watering needed in winter unless very dry
• Maintenance: Extremely low-care — trim runners to maintain shape, or leave to cascade. Remove winter-damaged tips in spring. Avoid high-fertility soils. Mulch lightly with gravel for best effect.
• Lifespan: 3–5+ years in the ground; longer in containers with good drainage
• Climate Zones: Ideal for Adelaide plains, Barossa, Fleurieu Coast, Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula and coastal SA
• Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline; tolerates slightly acidic soils with drainage

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Flowing accent plant for pots, troughs, and hanging baskets
• Dramatic cascading foliage over retaining walls or raised beds
• Soft, silvery groundcover for modern, Mediterranean and coastal gardens
• Beautiful contrast with dark greens, purples and succulents
• Excellent in rockeries and gravel gardens with heat-reflective surfaces

Why You Will Love It

A standout trailing plant that brings luminous silver colour, effortless movement, and exceptional drought performance to Adelaide gardens. Whether cascading from pots or carpeting the ground, ‘Silver Falls’ delivers year-round beauty with almost no maintenance.