Dichondra, a low-growing perennial plant, is valued for its dense, carpet-like appearance. Its small, rounded, kidney-shaped leaves form a lush green mat, making it a popular groundcover or an appealing alternative to traditional turf grass, especially in warmer climates.
Dichondra’s Winter Response
Dichondra typically enters dormancy during winter rather than dying, especially where temperatures drop but don’t sustain deep freezes. This protective mechanism allows the plant to conserve energy until favorable growing conditions return. During this period, foliage often browns and growth stunts, making it appear lifeless.
The plant’s winter behavior depends on temperature thresholds and local climate. While some varieties can maintain green color with slight browning in temperatures as low as 20-25°F (-3 to -4°C), prolonged exposure below 25°F (-3.9°C) can cause significant damage or death. In colder climates, outside USDA hardiness zones 7-11, Dichondra may struggle to survive winter and is often treated as an annual. Even if completely brown, it often recovers vigorously once warmer temperatures return in spring.
Preparing Dichondra for Winter
Proactive measures enhance Dichondra’s chances of surviving colder temperatures and recovering robustly in spring. Adjusting watering strategies is important; ensuring soil remains adequately moist before a hard freeze helps prevent winter desiccation. However, reducing watering frequency during colder months is advisable to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Avoiding heavy foot traffic on dormant Dichondra is beneficial, as the plant becomes more fragile and susceptible to damage when not actively growing. Applying a light layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips or straw, provides insulation to the shallow root system, especially in zones prone to colder temperatures. This mulching helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture. Refraining from heavy fertilization in late fall is recommended, as this can stimulate tender new growth vulnerable to frost damage.
Post-Winter Recovery and Care
As spring approaches and temperatures rise, Dichondra typically emerges from winter dormancy. The browned foliage gradually gives way to new, vibrant green growth, signaling the plant’s recovery. The plant needs time to re-establish its lush appearance.
Once new growth is evident, resuming a regular watering schedule is important. Dichondra benefits from deep, infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between applications to prevent overwatering and promote deeper root development. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can provide nutrients to support vigorous new growth. If, after several weeks of consistent spring care, certain patches do not recover, reseeding bare areas is an effective way to restore the uniform appearance of your Dichondra groundcover.