Dymondia margaretae, commonly known as Silver Carpet, is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant lawn alternative native to South Africa. It forms a dense, flat mat of growth, reaching only one to three inches in height, making it an excellent no-mow groundcover. The foliage is a distinctive silvery-green; leaves curl slightly to expose the pale, felt-like undersides, creating a variegated look. Once established, Silver Carpet develops deep, succulent roots that provide tolerance to dry conditions and poor soils.
Preparing the Planting Area
Full sun exposure is the preferred condition for the densest growth, though Dymondia tolerates partial or light shade. Well-draining soil is required, as roots will rot if the area remains soggy; sandy or loamy soil types are ideal. The plant is highly tolerant of poor soil, including those with acidic, neutral, or alkaline pH.
Preparation involves completely clearing the area of existing weeds, especially aggressive perennial grasses like Bermuda grass. Since Silver Carpet is a slow-growing plant, it struggles to compete against established weeds during its initial two-to-three-year establishment period. Tilling the soil to a depth of at least ten inches breaks up compacted areas and allows the plant’s deep roots room to grow. Avoid incorporating heavy amounts of fertilizer, as Dymondia thrives in less fertile conditions.
Step-by-Step Planting Methods
The optimal time to install Dymondia is during the cooler seasons, typically in spring or fall, to avoid the stress of extreme summer heat. Planting in the cooler months allows the plant to focus energy on root development. The two main methods for installation are using small plugs or laying pre-grown sod mats.
When planting individual plugs, proper spacing is important for achieving a solid carpet within a reasonable timeframe. Plugs are typically spaced between 12 to 18 inches apart, though planting at the closer 12-inch spacing will result in faster coverage. Dig a hole only as deep as the root ball, ensuring the top of the plug is level with the surrounding soil surface. Gently firm the soil around the newly planted roots to eliminate air pockets.
A quicker alternative is installing Dymondia sod or mats, which provide instant ground coverage. Before rolling out the mat, the soil surface should be lightly tilled and smoothed. Ensure the edges of the laid sod meet tightly and maintain good contact with the prepared soil below. For both methods, spreading a fine, organic mulch helps suppress weed growth while the Dymondia spreads.
Essential Watering for Establishment
The period immediately following planting is when Dymondia requires the most attention to watering. Immediately after installation, the entire area needs a deep, thorough watering to settle the soil and fully hydrate the roots. This initial soak minimizes transplant shock and prepares the plant for establishment.
For the first two to four weeks, keep the soil consistently moist, but not saturated, to encourage the development of new, shallow roots. This usually means applying frequent, shallow watering every day or every other day. Allow the surface layer of the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot, which Dymondia is susceptible to.
As the plants show signs of new growth, gradually reduce the watering frequency. Over the next few months, transition the watering schedule from frequent and shallow to less frequent but deeper applications. This tapering process encourages the plant to drive its roots deeper into the soil, building the robust root system that provides its long-term drought resistance.
Ongoing Care for a Healthy Carpet
Once the Dymondia carpet is fully established, typically after six months to a year, the care routine simplifies significantly. The watering regimen should switch to a deep, infrequent application, suitable for its mature, drought-tolerant nature. Check the soil to ensure it is dry about four inches down before watering again. The plant provides a visual cue when thirsty, as the leaves curl inward, exposing more of their silvery-white undersides.
Weed management remains an important task, as the low-growing Dymondia is not effective at choking out all weeds. Manual removal of persistent weeds is the safest method to maintain the carpet’s uniform appearance. While the plant requires little fertilizer, a light application of a low-potency, all-purpose organic fertilizer can be applied annually in late winter or early spring to encourage vigorous growth.
Dymondia tolerates light foot traffic, making it suitable for walking paths or between stepping stones. Mowing is generally unnecessary due to its low height, but if a tidier appearance is desired, it can be mowed infrequently with a sharp blade set high. The plant’s hardy nature and minimal requirements make it a sustainable and attractive lawn alternative.