Kidney weed
Dichondra repens · Convolvulaceae
📷 Poyt448 Peter Woodard · CC0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant kidney weed: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, round and fleshy leaves
- Flowering
- May to July, small discreet white or yellow flowers
- Adult size
- 10 cm height, very spreading and creeping habit
- Growth
- Fast, quickly covers the ground
- Hardiness
- Moderate, prefers mild and temperate climates
- Origin
- South America (Australia and New Zealand)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerates a wide range of substrates
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Use it as a budget-friendly dense ground cover, gradually spreading 60-80 cm² per plant in one season. Water regularly for the first 4 weeks, then it'll fend for itself if the soil is medium-rich.
The common mistake
Planted over unwanted perennials, it won't cover them properly and becomes a nightmare to weed.
The pro's trick
Pinch back the stems three times (May, June, July) to encourage lateral branching; you'll get a mat 2-3 times denser than if you let it grow naturally.
Care
Light Exposure
Creeping dichondra thrives in full sun for dense and vigorous foliage. It tolerates partial shade but will become leggy and grow less vigorously. Install it in a location receiving at least 6 hours of direct light daily for best results.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist without ever letting it dry out completely. Water deeply once or twice a week depending on climatic conditions and season. Reduce watering in winter and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil and Drainage
Plant dichondra in well-draining substrate enriched with organic matter. A classic mix of potting soil and sand works perfectly. Avoid heavy and suffocating soils that promote root rot.
Pruning and Maintenance
Dichondra requires little structural pruning thanks to its naturally spreading habit. Regularly pinch stem tips to encourage branching and compact growth. Remove dead or diseased parts in spring to stimulate growth.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring-summer). Use a light formulation to avoid burning the fine foliage. Reduce or eliminate fertilizer in autumn and winter.
Pests and Diseases
Watch for spider mites and whiteflies indoors or in warm climates. Excess moisture without air circulation can promote fungal diseases. Ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting foliage late in the day.
Did you know?
Creeping dichondra, also called 'dollar plant' in English due to its tiny round leaves resembling small coins, is particularly prized in North America as an ecological ground cover. It's a low-maintenance alternative to traditional lawns, highly appreciated by modern eco-conscious gardeners.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.