Dichondra repens, also known as kidney weed or ponysfoot, is a popular choice for ground cover or as a lawn alternative. This low-growing plant features small, round, kidney-shaped leaves that form a dense, carpet-like mat. Its lush green appearance makes it a desirable option for gardeners.
Understanding Dichondra Repens
Dichondra repens is a perennial groundcover that forms a dense mat, typically reaching a height of only 2 inches (5 cm) to 6 inches (15 cm). It is valued for its low maintenance requirements, as it generally does not need mowing, or only requires infrequent trimming to maintain a neat appearance. This plant thrives in a variety of conditions, preferring full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. In warmer climates, it remains evergreen throughout the year, adding continuous greenery to the landscape.
Gardeners often select Dichondra repens as a lawn substitute, to fill gaps between stepping stones, or for use in rock gardens and hanging baskets due to its cascading habit. Its ability to tolerate light foot traffic further enhances its utility in pathways and other frequented areas. The plant’s drought tolerance once established contributes to its popularity for various landscaping applications.
Why Dichondra Repens Spreads Aggressively
Dichondra repens exhibits an aggressive spreading habit primarily due to its stoloniferous growth. It sends out horizontal stems, called stolons, along the soil surface that root at their nodes, establishing new plants as they grow. This characteristic allows the plant to rapidly cover large areas and form a thick, dense mat.
The plant’s rapid coverage rate and ability to outcompete other vegetation stem from its adaptability and resilience. It can thrive in a range of soil types, from sandy to clay-based, provided there is good drainage. While Dichondra repens is native to regions like Australia and New Zealand, its behavior in cultivated gardens can feel invasive to homeowners due to its unchecked expansion. It is considered a “garden thug” in some contexts due to its competitive nature within a cultivated area.
Managing Unwanted Dichondra Repens
Controlling unwanted Dichondra repens requires consistent effort due to its vigorous spreading nature. Manual removal is effective for small infestations, but it is crucial to pull out all stolons and roots to prevent regrowth. Any remaining plant fragments can quickly re-establish and continue to spread. This method is most practical for limited areas or when the plant is just beginning to encroach.
Cultural practices can help discourage its growth. Ensuring a healthy, dense lawn or garden bed with other plants can help them better compete. Adjusting watering to allow the soil to dry slightly between irrigation sessions can also deter its spread, as it prefers consistently moist conditions. Physical barriers, such as landscape edging or root barriers, can help contain its spread.
For larger or more persistent infestations, chemical control may be considered, but it requires careful application. Selective herbicides can be effective, but it is important to choose products that will not harm desirable plants, especially if Dichondra repens is growing within a lawn of traditional grasses. Products containing ingredients like Celsius WG have shown effectiveness. Always read and follow product labels for proper application rates, timing, and safety precautions. Spot treatment is recommended to target specific areas and minimize impact on surrounding vegetation.
Alternatives for Ground Cover
For those seeking ground cover options less aggressive than Dichondra repens, several alternatives offer similar benefits. Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) forms a dense, low-growing mat of fragrant, evergreen foliage and produces small flowers. It tolerates light foot traffic and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, making it a suitable lawn substitute or filler between pavers.
Sedum varieties, often known as stonecrop, provide a diverse range of low-growing options with fleshy, succulent leaves. Many creeping sedums are drought-tolerant and can form vibrant carpets, suitable for rock gardens, slopes, or areas with poor soil. Examples include ‘Angelina’ with its golden-yellow foliage or ‘Blue Spruce’ with needle-like blue-green leaves. These plants are generally low-maintenance and come in various colors and textures.
Other alternatives include certain types of clover, if non-invasive varieties are chosen, and native ground covers adapted to specific local climates. These alternatives provide aesthetic appeal and functional benefits.