Dichondra Repens

Kidney Weed / Dichondra

Botanical Name: Dichondra repens
Family: Convolvulaceae
Origin: Australia & New Zealand (forest margins, open woodland, grassland)
Plant Type: Evergreen prostrate groundcover (mat-forming, stoloniferous)

Overview

A soft, low green carpet for Adelaide/SA that thrives in part shade to shade and copes with tree roots. Forms dense mats of small, kidney-shaped leaves; tiny white-green flowers appear mainly spring–summer. Ideal as a lawn alternative in shade, between pavers/steppers, under trees, and as a living mulch in pots and courtyards.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.02–0.05 m H × 0.6–1.5 m+ W (spreads by runners)
• Growth Rate: 20–60 cm (spread) per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Small, soft, kidney-shaped leaves, bright to mid-green; fine texture
• Flowers: Tiny white-green stars (spring–summer; not showy)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Cool, lush green year-round; subtle bronzing in cold snaps
• Wildlife Value: Shelter for beneficial insects; groundcover for micro-fauna
• Tolerance: Shade-tolerant, heat-tolerant in shade; moderate drought once established (needs moisture in sun); wind-tolerant in sheltered sites; second-line coastal OK; light–moderate frost hardy (protect from severe Hills frosts)
• Planting Density: Lawn alternative: 9–16 plants/m² (closer for faster knit). General groundcover: 6–9 plants/m². Between pavers: 6–8 plants per linear metre of joints
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats & dogs (ingesting any plant may upset tummies)

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Part shade to shade (morning sun OK). Full sun on the Plains needs extra water and can yellow
• Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich loam; tolerates sandy or clay loam if improved with compost; avoid waterlogging—raise/mound on heavy clay
• Water Needs: Establishment: keep evenly moist for 8–12 weeks (don’t let dry out). Established: deep soak every 7–14 days in summer (weekly in heatwaves or full sun); minimal in winter
• Maintenance: Hand-weed early; edge/clip runners to keep tidy; as a lawn alternative, mow high (6–8 cm) occasionally. Light feed in spring; avoid heavy nitrogen. Iron chelate if foliage pales on calcareous soils
• Lifespan: 5–10+ years with basic care (longer in shaded, irrigated spots)
• Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA—excellent on Adelaide Plains, coastal second-line, and frost-sheltered Hills gardens
• Soil pH: Neutral (tolerates slightly acidic–slightly alkaline; chlorosis on very alkaline soils is corrected with organic matter + iron)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• “Green grout” between stepping stones and paths
• Shade lawn alternative for small, low-wear areas
• Soft understorey under deciduous/evergreen trees

• Living mulch in large pots and courtyard beds

Why You Will Love It

An easy, shade-loving groundcover that delivers a cool, soft carpet in Adelaide gardens—perfect where turf struggles, with minimal mowing and modest water once established.