Description
ⓘ DichondraLawn is a warm-season perennial suited to Zones 8–11. It is not cold-hardy in Zones 7 and below. In Zone 7, it may survive mild winters but is not reliable. Confirm your USDA zone before ordering.
DichondraLawn is 100% Dichondra repens — a warm-season perennial ground cover that spreads by underground stolons to form a dense, bright green, kidney-leaf carpet at 1.5–2 inches. It stays at this height naturally with no mowing required. Used as a lawn alternative across the South, Gulf Coast and California. Year-round evergreen. Full sun to full shade. Zones 8–11.
DichondraLawn Specifications
| Species | Spread | Height | Leaf | Zones | Sun | Mowing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dichondra repens | By stolons | 1.5–2 inches | Kidney-shaped, ½ inch, bright green | 8–11 | Full sun to full shade | None required — naturally stays low |
Why Dichondra in Zones 8–11
The Southern US and California present a specific lawn challenge: cool-season grasses go dormant or die in summer heat; warm-season grasses like Bermuda and St. Augustine require frequent mowing, heavy fertilisation and irrigation. Dichondra fills a gap — it establishes quickly, stays naturally low, works in shade where warm-season grasses thin out, and remains green year-round in most of its range.
| Dichondra | Bermuda | St. Augustine | Zoysia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mowing frequency | None (optional) | Weekly in growing season | Every 7–14 days | Every 7–14 days |
| Shade tolerance | Excellent | Poor | Good | Moderate |
| Drought tolerance | Moderate | High | Moderate | High |
| Establishment speed | Fast (6–8 weeks) | Moderate | Slow | Very slow |
| Seed cost per sq ft | Low–moderate | Low | Sod only | Sod only |
| Zones | 8–11 | 7–11 | 8–11 | 5–11 |
What It Looks Like
Dichondra produces small, kidney-shaped leaves about ½ inch across. When planted densely and allowed to establish, the leaves interlock to form a solid green carpet with a clover-like appearance from a distance. In shade the leaves grow slightly larger with longer stems — this is normal and adds to the textured, informal look. In full sun, growth is tighter and more uniform.
It does not bloom in any meaningful way — this is a foliage plant. The appeal is entirely in the dense green carpet effect and the freedom from mowing.
Establishment Guide
ⓘ Plant DichondraLawn only when soil temperatures are consistently in the 65–75°F range. Sowing into cool spring soil produces very poor germination. In most Zone 8–9 regions this means April–June. In Zone 10–11, March–May or August–September.
How to establish
- Prepare a weed-free seedbed. Till to 4 inches, rake level. Remove all existing vegetation — dichondra competes poorly with established weeds in the first month.
- Sow at per 1,000 sq ft for new areas; per 1,000 sq ft for overseeding into bare patches.
- Work seed in lightly to ¼ inch depth. Roll or tamp firmly.
- Water immediately and maintain moisture throughout germination (14–21 days). Dichondra seed has a coating that requires a good initial soak.
- Reduce watering once established. Water deeply and infrequently after the first 6–8 weeks.
- Mowing is optional — dichondra stays at 1.5–2 inches naturally. If a more formal look is desired, mow to 1 inch in summer and ¾ inch in winter.
When to plant
| Region | Planting window |
|---|---|
| Zone 8 (Texas, SE Atlantic coast) | April–June, late August–September |
| Zone 9 (Deep South, Central California) | March–May, August–October |
| Zone 10 (South Florida, Southern California) | March–May or August–September |
| Zone 11 (Hawaii, extreme South Florida) | Any time soil temperature exceeds 65°F |
Soil & Maintenance
| Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.2 — prefers slightly acidic soils |
| Drainage | Well-drained. Does not tolerate standing water. |
| Fertility | Moderate — benefits from light monthly fertilisation once established (½–1 lb nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft) |
| Water (est.) | Light, frequent watering during establishment. |
| Water (mature) | Deep, infrequent. Drought-tolerant once established. |
| Traffic | Light to moderate — soft underfoot but not for sports areas. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix it with grass seed?
Dichondra works well as a pure stand lawn or as a ground cover component beneath trees. Mixing with warm-season grasses is not recommended — they compete aggressively and will outcompete dichondra over time.
What about flea beetles?
Dichondra flea beetles can be a seasonal issue in some regions, causing small round holes in the leaves. The damage is cosmetic and the plant recovers quickly. In most established lawns the population remains manageable without treatment.
Is it pet safe?
Yes — Dichondra repens is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
