Michael Charters, www.calflora.net
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
DYMONDIA margaretae
Plant Common Name
Silver Carpet
General Description
The dense mat of gray-green and white foliage created by silver carpet is its most notable feature. In its native South Africa, this low, mat-forming perennial naturally resides in the Western Cape Province of Southern Overberg. There it can be found along sandy coastal flats. It withstands both heat and drought, so it has quickly become a popular garden plant in areas with drier landscapes, like the American southwest. Its short, narrow leaves are gray-green above and downy white underneath. Yellow daisies appear nestled among the leaves in summertime. Fluffy white seeds follow that are dispersed by wind.
Silver carpet is best planted in sites with full sun and well-drained, sandy, slightly alkaline soils, though it is also known to also grow well in loam. Though low-growing on the surface, it develops deep, fibrous roots that enable it to take up water better when it becomes limited. This xeric groundcover is not terribly fast growing, so it's best planted over an area as plugs. Newly planted specimens always require extra water and care until well-established.
Mats can handle light to moderate foot traffic if planted around stepping stones. Silver carpet looks its best when planted along the base of other larger drought tolerant plants to create a living mulch. It is also ideal for any rockery where growing conditions become hot and dry. Excessive winter rainfall or heavy foot traffic can cause dead spots in the foliage mat.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 8
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 11
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Sunset Zone
15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
2"-3" / 5.1cm - 7.6cm
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Width
16"-20" / 40.6cm - 50.8cm
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
South Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Mat-forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow
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Fruit Color
Brown, Sandy Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
White, Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Summer)
White, Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Fall)
White, Gray Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Winter)
White, Gray Green, Silver
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
