Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Plant Identification => Plant Identification Questions and Answers => Topic started by: Margaret on August 03, 2014, 09:05:52 PM

Title: Can anyone ID this ground cover?
Post by: Margaret on August 03, 2014, 09:05:52 PM

 I was given a little bit of this plant to identify about 18 months ago. Thought I'd wait until it flowered and that would make the task easier but, now the tiny flower has appeared, I'm no wiser.  The plant was evergreen last winter and prefers shade.  Should I be worried about it taking over the garden?
Title: Re: Can anyone ID this ground cover?
Post by: Jupiter on August 03, 2014, 09:34:05 PM

Looks like Dichondra repans to me! Does very well in my garden - almost weed status, depending on how I feel about it on the day.
Title: Re: Can anyone ID this ground cover?
Post by: Lesley Cox on August 04, 2014, 01:13:56 AM
That's right I'm sure. It's sometimes used as a "turf" on bowling greens which gives a fairy good idea of how fast it can grow and spread.
Title: Re: Can anyone ID this ground cover?
Post by: Margaret on August 04, 2014, 08:05:48 AM

Thank you Jamus and Lesley. It's a new plant to me and I'm really pleased to have a name but sounds invasive and so I'll have to get rid of it. I struggle to keep Helixine under control as it is and couldn't cope with a similar spreader. Shame I really like it  :(
Title: Re: Can anyone ID this ground cover?
Post by: fermi de Sousa on August 04, 2014, 08:24:05 AM
Hi Margaret,
you could keep it in a pot or use it as a "ground cover" under shrubs in a large planter,
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Can anyone ID this ground cover?
Post by: Margaret on August 04, 2014, 09:22:04 AM

Hi Fermi

I'd love to do that but what about seeds germinating about the place?
Title: Re: Can anyone ID this ground cover?
Post by: Jupiter on August 04, 2014, 10:30:58 AM

Pulling out weeds is great exercise! think of it that way.  :)  It does very well in a hanging basket.
Title: Re: Can anyone ID this ground cover?
Post by: Lesley Cox on August 04, 2014, 11:01:32 AM
Hi Margaret,
you could keep it in a pot or use it as a "ground cover" under shrubs in a large planter,
cheers
fermi

But is it really worth the trouble - and risk?
Title: Re: Can anyone ID this ground cover?
Post by: Margaret on August 04, 2014, 04:49:03 PM

I agree, Lesley, it's not worth the risk. I see they sell a bedding plant called Dichondra Silver Falls here in the UK which I might try next year. Hopefully that won't be invasive as it is widely available.
Title: Re: Can anyone ID this ground cover?
Post by: Lesley Cox on August 06, 2014, 03:50:59 AM
We had a silver Dichondra around here a few years ago too. I can't remember its name but a north-of-the-country friend gave me a chunk and it frosted to death first time it was touched.
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