Groundcover
Silver Carpet (Dymondia)
Dymondia margaretae · Asteraceae
Also called: Silver Carpet, Dymondia
Silver Carpet (Dymondia) (Dymondia margaretae) is a moderate-water groundcover well suited to Tucson and the low desert. It's a slow-growing groundcover. Expect small yellow daisy-like flowers blooms summer.
Silver Carpet (Dymondia) at a glance
- Water use
- Moderate (established)
- Sun
- Full sun on the coast, but in Tucson's low desert it needs afternoon shade or filtered/morning sun; full reflected summer sun will scorch it.
- Mature size
- 1-3 in tall, each plant spreading 18-20 in; knits into a dense flat carpet.
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Bloom
- Small yellow daisy-like flowers, Summer; flowers are minor and the plant is grown for its silver-green foliage.
- Cold hardiness
- USDA 9b-11; hardy to about 25 F. Frost-tender at the tips.
- Soil
- Needs well-drained soil; dislikes heavy clay. Tolerates sandy/gravelly soil but appreciates some organic amendment in the desert.
- Native range
- Southern Cape coast of South Africa
- Best used as
- Lawn substitute in small, partly shaded areas, Filler between pavers and stepping stones, Light-foot-traffic groundcover, Border edging
- Wildlife
- Minor pollinator value from the small flowers.
- Toxicity
- No significant toxicity reported; considered safe around pets and children.
How to grow Silver Carpet (Dymondia) in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Keep evenly moist while establishing. Established plants need regular, moderate water in the low desert (roughly every 4-7 days in summer heat) to stay green; it is far less drought-proof here than in coastal California and growth stalls in extreme heat.
Fertilizer & nutrients
Light feeder; a single application of balanced or slow-release fertilizer in spring. Iron/micronutrient chelate helps if leaves yellow in alkaline desert soil.
Pruning & care
Essentially none. Mow or shear lightly only to remove flower stalks or even out the mat; pull encroaching edges.
Notes
A challenging choice for Tucson: it tolerates light foot traffic and looks great in coastal climates but struggles in full low-desert sun and goes semi-dormant/browns in extreme heat. Reserve for courtyards, north/east exposures, or filtered-light spots with reliable irrigation. Curled leaves flash a silvery-white underside.
Sources: Annie's Annuals & Perennials (cultural notes); San Marcos Growers; University of Arizona Cooperative Extension general low-desert groundcover guidance