Dymondia Margaretae

Silver Carpet / Dymondia

Botanical Name: Dymondia margaretae
Family: Asteraceae
Origin: Coastal South Africa (winter-rainfall region)
Plant Type: Evergreen groundcover (very low, mat-forming)

Overview

A tough, sun-loving silver lawn alternative with tiny, spoon-shaped leaves (green above, silvery beneath) that knit into a tight, weed-suppressing carpet. Small yellow daisies appear in the warmer months. Perfect for Adelaide/South Australian conditions: thrives in full sun, lean sandy or calcareous soils, coastal breezes, and heat; ideal between pavers, verges, and low-wear “no-mow” patches.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.02–0.05 m H × 0.4–1.0 m W (spreads by stolons; very low)
• Growth Rate: 10-30 (spread) cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Tiny grey-green leaves with silver undersides; forms a dense, cushioned mat; edges often slightly rolled
• Flowers: Small yellow daisies mainly late spring–autumn (heaviest in summer)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round silver/grey carpet; cheerful yellow daisies in warm seasons
• Wildlife Value: Nectar/pollen for small bees and beneficial insects
• Tolerance: Very drought-tolerant once established, heat- and wind-tolerant, second-line coastal OK; light frost hardy (protect from hard/black frosts in Hills); dislikes winter waterlogging
• Planting Density: Fast cover: 9–16 plants/m². Standard cover: 6–9 plants/m². Between pavers: 6–8 plants per linear metre of joints
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic to cats & dogs (ingestion of any plant may upset tummies)

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to light part shade (best density/silver in sun)
• Soil: Free-draining sands or sandy/loam; thrives on neutral–alkaline (calcareous) Adelaide soils; raise/mound on clay to avoid wet feet
• Water Needs: Establishment: keep evenly moist for 8–12 weeks (don’t saturate). Established: deep soak every 3–4 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves on sands); little to none in winter
• Maintenance: Hand-weed early while it knits; edge/clip to keep neat along paths; avoid heavy fertiliser (lean soils = tighter mat); divide/patch from runners if gaps appear
• Lifespan: 10–20+ years in suitable conditions
• Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA, especially coastal
• Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline (tolerates slightly acidic if very free-draining)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Silver “green grout” between stepping stones and crazy paving
• No-mow lawn alternative for low-wear courtyards/verges
• Coastal/Mediterranean gravel gardens with succulents and grasses

Why You Will Love It

A beautiful, ultra-low, silver carpet that loves Adelaide sun and lean soils, sips water, shrugs off heat and wind, and looks immaculate between pavers—minimal mowing, maximum neatness.