If you’re looking for a ‘spiller’ for your containers and hanging baskets it’s time to read up on how to grow Dichondra plants!
What is Dichondra?
A member of the morning glory family, dichondra (pronounced die-CON-druh) plants are a popular addition to hanging baskets, window boxes and containers. They grow quickly and their trailing nature means that they’ll spill over the sides in a lovely display. They’ll survive the winter in zones 8 – 11 and are grown as annuals elsewhere.
Dichondra is also sometimes used as ornamental ground cover for an option for areas where grass won’t grow. Bear in mind that if you grow dichondra as ground cover, you’ll need to maintain it to prevent it from spreading to other areas as it an be invasive and hard to control.
How to Grow Dichondra
If you’re using starter plants, prepare the area first by working 2 to 3 inches of organic matter into the soil. Then place the rooted plugs in holes 2 to 3 times the size of the root ball, and space them 3 to 4 inches apart. You can mulch with a bit of peat moss when done.
When choosing your spot, know that dichondra prefers full sun, but will grow in partial shade. The soil should be well-draining and rich in nitrogen. (If adding nitrogen, use 1 lb per 1,000 square feet.) If you live in an area where it will come back every year (zones 8-11), you’ll want to fertilize it yearly. Do this during the active growing season (April-October). Water afterwards to wash fertilizer off leaves and into the soil.
Dichondra looks great paired with Petunias, Salvia or even Ornamental Peppers. It’s deer resistant, and can quickly become the shining star in containers and hanging baskets. Or try it in a rock garden!
Want to add some silver or green dichondra beauty this season? Check out our options and get growing!
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