Continuing with the ground cover species topic started in the previous post, in this new article we will talk about Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’, Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ and Dymondia margaretae.
*Ajuga reptans*** ‘Chocolate Chip’** is a species of the *Lamiaceae* family, herbaceous, perennial and with rooting stolons 10-30 centimeters long. Its leaves are oblong and opposite. Its small dark blue flowers are grouped in dense clusters between the months of May and June.
Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’ can reach 10/15 centimeters high by 15/70 centimeters wide.
It is very cold resistant, it belongs to hardiness zone number 7, with an annual minimum average temperature range of -17.7 / -12.3°C, so we could plant it in any area of Spain.
It is a species that prefers full sun, but tolerates partial shade. It develops well in both sandy and clayey and heavy soils. It tolerates drought but prefers occasional watering, especially during the 8-10 weeks after planting; once well rooted, it requires some occasional watering, especially during the driest times of the year. It is recommended to plant this species in autumn, so that the following summer will not be so difficult for it.
Image of Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’. Source: www.calgaryplants.com
It does not withstand a very high frequency of foot traffic as its leaves break when stepped on, but it is resistant to occasional stepping such as maintenance work, for example.
From Sala Graupera we recommend a planting density of about 6/8 units per square meter if planted in 1L pots. With larger formats, such as two liters, the planting density will be lower, about 5/6 units per square meter.
Another species used to cover spaces with creeping plants would be Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’. It is from the Convolvulaceae family.
It is a creeping and hanging evergreen plant that can measure between 15 and 20 centimeters high by 30 or 40 wide.
Its leaves are grayish and resemble a somewhat kidney-shaped form. Flowering in this species is almost non-existent; it is an interesting plant for its habit and color.
It is a species belonging to hardiness zone number 8, with an annual minimum average temperature range of -12.2 / -6.7°C, so it can tolerate strong frosts for the Mediterranean climate.
It is a species that develops very well in full sun and also tolerates partial shade. It is very resistant to drought, so no watering will be necessary, except for the always necessary establishment watering. This watering can last between 10 and 12 weeks.
We will always try to plant it in the sandiest possible terrain, thus avoiding waterlogging, which in ground cover species is fatal; we see then that good drainage will be essential. It will grow well even in poor soils.
Image of Dichondra argentea ‘Silver falls’_. Source: _www.gardeninginsouthafrica.co.za
Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ grows well in rocky terrain as its roots allow it good anchoring in this type of soil, so it adapts well to rock garden landscaping.
It is a disease-resistant species and being a rustic plant, it is also pest resistant.
To quickly obtain aesthetic effects, we recommend planting 6 to 8 plants per square meter. And for potted plants it is very interesting to leave the pot hanging, so the plant will tend to hang quickly.
To finish this article we will talk about Dymondia margaretae. This species, from South Africa, belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a creeping perennial plant, about 3/5 centimeters high by 20/30 wide. Its leaves have a narrow linear shape about 2 centimeters long, light green on the upper side and silvery on the underside.
Dymondia margaretae blooms between the months of March and June, with relatively large yellow flowers that resemble a daisy.
It belongs to hardiness zone number 9, with an annual minimum average temperature range of -6.6 / -1.2°C, showing resistance to light frosts.
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*Image of Dymondia margaretae*. Source: *www.plantinfo.co.za
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Dymondia is drought tolerant. It only requires support watering during the 10-12 weeks after planting; once well rooted it does not require any watering.
It grows well in full light, promoting very spectacular flowering. Plant available at Sala Graupera, very suitable for sustainable gardens, given its minimal maintenance and requirements.
It develops well in dry soils. It needs well-drained soils and does not tolerate waterlogging.
Plant widely used for ground covering, as it is a very resistant species that can be stepped on without any problem. For this type of function we recommend using about 10 units per square meter, using M-11 caliber pots.