The name “Jack Frost Dichondra” often causes confusion. While “Jack Frost” is a recognized cultivar name for Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’, a plant known for its silver-variegated foliage, gardeners searching for a silver-leaved, trailing plant are usually thinking of Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’. This article focuses on the care and characteristics of the popular ornamental plant, Dichondra argondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’, celebrated for its distinctive silver foliage.
Identifying Jack Frost Dichondra
Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ is recognized by its distinctive silver-grey, kidney-shaped leaves, resembling small coins. These leaves grow on long, trailing stems. The plant has a low-growing, spreading habit.
Valued for its ornamental appeal, especially its shimmering foliage, it adds a striking visual element to garden designs. It is commonly used as a ground cover, forming a dense, low mat that can spread several feet. Its cascading nature also makes it an excellent “spiller” in container arrangements, window boxes, and hanging baskets, where its silver stems and leaves trail over the edges.
Caring for Jack Frost Dichondra
Light Needs
Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. Full sun promotes the most vibrant silver coloration in its foliage. While it tolerates some dappled shade, too much shade may result in less intense silver hues and leggier growth.
Watering
This plant prefers well-drained soil and is known for its heat and drought tolerance once established. Avoid overwatering, as consistently soggy soil can lead to root issues. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil Requirements
Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ adapts to a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay, provided they are well-draining. A rich, organic, well-draining mix is suitable. The plant tolerates a range of soil pH, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0) being ideal.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant is grown as an annual in cooler climates but can be a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 12. It performs well in hot, humid conditions and is heat tolerant. In colder winter regions, it is treated as an annual or brought indoors to overwinter.
Fertilizing
Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ has modest fertilizing needs. When planting, incorporate a slow-release granular fertilizer into the soil for initial growth. For established plants, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season to support healthy foliage. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of its silver color.
Propagating Jack Frost Dichondra
Propagating Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ is primarily done through stem cuttings. Select healthy, non-flowering stems about 4-6 inches long. Remove leaves from the bottom 1-2 inches of the cutting.
Place prepared cuttings in a moist, well-draining rooting medium, such as peat and perlite mix, or directly into water. Roots typically form within a few weeks. Once a good root system develops, new plants can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Addressing Common Issues
Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ can encounter a few common problems. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or poor drainage; adjusting watering frequency and ensuring proper soil conditions can help. Nutrient deficiencies can also cause yellowing; a balanced fertilizer application addresses this.
Pests like aphids and slugs may occasionally bother the plant. Aphids are managed with insecticidal soap, while slugs are controlled with baits or hand-picking. Fungal diseases, such as root rot, usually result from excessively wet soil, highlighting the need for good drainage. Adequate air circulation around the plants also helps prevent fungal issues.