Dichondra has emerged as a popular alternative for homeowners seeking a different look than traditional turfgrass. This plant offers a dense, low-growing green cover, especially where common lawn grasses struggle to thrive. Despite its frequent use as a lawn substitute, Dichondra is not a true grass, belonging instead to a completely different botanical family. It is valued for its unique appearance and reduced maintenance needs.
Identification and Growth Habits
Dichondra is an herbaceous perennial ground cover belonging to the Convolvulaceae family. The species most commonly used as a lawn alternative are Dichondra repens or Dichondra micrantha. This plant is characterized by small, bright green leaves that are rounded or kidney-shaped (reniform), lending it the common name “kidney weed.”
It maintains a prostrate, creeping growth habit, typically forming a dense, velvety mat that sits low to the ground, usually reaching a height of only two to four inches. The plant spreads effectively through creeping stems called stolons, which root easily wherever the nodes touch the soil. This allows it to cover ground quickly and form a dense, carpet-like turf.
Dichondra is a warm-season plant, maintaining perennial status in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 11. It performs best in mild, warm climates and requires well-drained soil. While it can tolerate full sun, it often grows more robustly in partially shaded areas. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit typically causes the foliage to brown or the plant to go dormant, limiting its use in regions with harsh winters.
Establishing and Routine Maintenance
Establishing a Dichondra lawn can be done using either seed or pre-grown plugs, with seeding being the more common method for large areas. The optimal time for planting is during the warm spring or summer months when daytime temperatures consistently reach at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds should be lightly scattered over a prepared, weed-free seedbed and pressed gently into the soil surface, as they require light to germinate.
Consistent, light watering is necessary immediately following seeding to keep the soil surface moist until germination occurs. Once established, the watering regimen should shift to deep and infrequent soakings. Allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings encourages a deeper root system and helps prevent fungal diseases like Southern blight.
Dichondra requires minimal mowing; many homeowners choose not to mow at all. If a manicured appearance is desired, mowing to a height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches a few times a year is sufficient.
Fertilization should be applied two to three times annually during the active growing season. Use a balanced or organic fertilizer, limiting the total annual nitrogen application to approximately four pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Weed control presents a challenge, as Dichondra is highly sensitive to many common broadleaf herbicides. Manual weeding is often required to manage broadleaf weeds, especially during establishment. The plant is also susceptible to pests, including the Dichondra flea beetle, which can cause significant damage to the foliage.
Suitability and Limitations as a Lawn Alternative
Dichondra excels due to its tolerance for shade, making it suitable for planting beneath trees or on the north side of buildings where traditional grasses fail. Its dense matting growth habit helps to stabilize soil and reduce erosion. The ground cover offers a unique aesthetic, providing a soft, lush texture visually distinct from turfgrass blades.
The primary limitation of a Dichondra lawn is its poor tolerance for heavy foot traffic. It is less suitable for play areas or main pathways, and is best reserved for low-traffic ornamental areas, such as between stepping stones or along borders.
It is vulnerable to cold weather and will not survive sustained freezing temperatures, making it a viable perennial option only in warmer climates. While it suppresses some weeds once fully established, broadleaf weeds are difficult to eradicate with standard lawn chemical controls. Its aggressive spreading nature can cause it to creep into adjacent flowerbeds, requiring regular edging maintenance.