FlowerDichondra
Silver Falls Dichondra
Ornamental Ground Cover
Silver Falls Dichondra is a stunning trailing perennial that transforms hanging baskets and ground spaces into cascades of silvery-blue foliage. This cultivar of Dichondra argentea grows vigorously throughout summer, producing vines that stretch 60 inches or more, and blooms reliably from June through August in hardiness zones 3, 9. Its exceptional drought tolerance and low-maintenance nature make it one of the most resilient trailing plants for American gardens, reaching full beauty in 84, 98 days from seed to bloom.
Photo © True Leaf Market(https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/dichondra-silver-falls-flower-seeds)
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-9
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy Loam
Preferred Temp65-85°F
Growth Stats
48 in
Height
PeriodPerennial In Warm Climates
TypeTrailing Vine
Spacing
12-18 inches apart
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-9
Size
48in H x ?in W
Growth
Perennial In Warm Climates
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
What sets Silver Falls apart is its distinctive silvery-blue coloration, a subtle, sophisticated alternative to the greens and golds typical of trailing plants. The foliage is remarkably hardy, persisting through zones 3, 9, while the plant's genuine drought tolerance means it can handle periods of neglect without sacrificing vigor. Its reputation as a trailing groundcover alternative to traditional lawns speaks to its practical strength: you get ornamental beauty, year-round interest in milder zones, and a plant that truly thrives on less water than most gardeners expect to provide.
Common Uses
Silver Falls Dichondra shines in hanging baskets and container gardening, where its long trailing vines can cascade over edges and create dramatic visual interest on porches and patios. It's increasingly used as an efficient groundcover and even as an alternative to traditional grass lawns, particularly in regions where water conservation matters. The plant's silvery foliage pairs beautifully with other ornamental plants in mixed containers.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Late Spring
First Harvest
Not Applicable
Last Harvest
Not Applicable
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Sow seeds at 72–76°F until germination occurs, then lower the temperature to 65–70°F for healthy seedling development. Seeds typically sprout within 7–14 days under these conditions.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Silver Falls Dichondra is hardy in zones 3–9, so timing depends on your location — wait until nighttime temperatures consistently stay above frost.
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Sow at a depth of 1/8 inch, keeping the soil moist until seedlings emerge.
Pruning
Silver Falls Dichondra's mounding growth habit means it naturally fills space without requiring structured pruning. You can trim or pinch back vines to encourage bushier growth or to control spread, especially if using it as groundcover rather than allowing unrestricted trailing.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Drought TolerantNative Species
Soil pH Range
6 – 7.5
Bloom Time
Summer
Scientific Classification
Dichondra argentea Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.
Family
Convolvulaceae
Genus
Dichondra
Duration
Perennial
Growth Habit
Forb/herb
Native Status
L48 (N)