If you’re looking for a versatile, low-maintenance plant to add some visual flair to your garden or patio, Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ is an excellent option. This trailing plant is particularly popular across Europe for its striking silvery foliage and ability to thrive in a variety of containers, including pots and hanging baskets.
Stunning Silvery Foliage
Dichondra Argentea, commonly known as 'Silver Falls', is renowned for its silvery-grey or silvery-white leaves. When planted in pots or hanging baskets, its trailing vines can extend up to 90 centimetres or more, creating a cascade of foliage that mimics a waterfall. This makes it an ideal choice for adding a touch of elegance to outdoor spaces, balconies, or even as a ground cover in your garden beds.
Origin and Adaptability
Native to the semi-arid regions of the Americas, Dichondra Silver Falls belongs to the Convolvulaceae family, which also includes bindweeds and morning glories. While it originates from sandy or well-draining soils, this hardy plant has been adapted to flourish in various European climates, making it a popular choice across different countries, from Mediterranean to cooler northern regions.
How to Care for Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’
Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned pro, Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ is easy to care for, provided you follow these simple guidelines:
-
Sunlight: This plant thrives in partial to full sun. If grown indoors or in a shady garden corner, make sure your hanging baskets or pots are placed in a location that receives several hours of sunlight per day.
-
Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top layer of soil feels dry. If you're growing it in hanging baskets, remember they may need more frequent watering than plants in the ground.
-
Drought Tolerance: Once established, Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ is somewhat drought-tolerant, making it ideal for areas that experience occasional dry spells. However, extended droughts could cause the plant to suffer, so water regularly during heatwaves.
-
Fertilising: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, which in most of Europe is from spring to early autumn. This will help maintain the plant’s lush appearance.
-
Pruning: To keep your plant looking its best, trim back the stems and foliage regularly. This not only encourages a fuller, bushier appearance but also helps control the plant’s growth, especially if you’re using it in a small space.
-
Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids or spider mites. If you notice any, treat them with appropriate measures, such as organic insecticides or simply spraying them off with water.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
-
Fungal Diseases: Given that Dichondra’s leaves lie flat against the soil, fungal issues such as powdery mildew or leaf spots can occur. Good air circulation is crucial in preventing these problems. Avoid overhead watering and prune dense areas to increase airflow. If necessary, fungicides can be used to treat more severe cases.
-
Cold Winters: In many European regions with colder winters, Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ is treated as an annual. To keep it alive through the colder months, consider moving it indoors or covering it at night to protect it from frost.
-
Leggy Growth: If your plant begins to look sparse, with long, weak stems and fewer leaves, this could be due to a lack of pruning or insufficient nutrients. Trim the plant regularly to encourage more branches and increase its fertilisation schedule to promote healthy, dense growth.
Why Choose Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’?
With its unique cascading effect and low-maintenance needs, Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ is an ideal addition to European gardens. It adds a lush, silvery touch to any indoor or outdoor space, making it perfect for urban balconies or sprawling gardens.