Dichondra ‘Emerald Falls’
A lush, cascading groundcover with soft, emerald‑green foliage
Dichondra ‘Emerald Falls’ is a dense, trailing groundcover known for its small, rounded leaves and rich green colour. It creates a soft, flowing effect in pots, hanging baskets, retaining walls, and garden edges. In SEQ’s warm climate, it thrives with minimal care and provides year‑round greenery.
🧬 Botanical Name
Dichondra repens (cultivar: ‘Emerald Falls’)
🪴 Common Names
Emerald Falls Dichondra, Kidney Weed (ornamental form)
📏 Size
Height: 5–10 cm
Spread: 60–120 cm
Cascading, trailing, or mat‑forming habit
☀️ Light Requirements
Outdoors (SEQ): Full sun to part shade
Best density in full sun
Tolerates shade but may grow more open
🌱 Soil Needs
Free‑draining soil
Prefers sandy or loamy mixes
Avoid heavy, waterlogged clay
Benefits from organic matter and mulch
💧 Watering
Water regularly during establishment
Once established, moderately drought‑tolerant
Water more frequently in hot, dry periods
Signs of underwatering: wilting, sparse patches Signs of overwatering: yellowing leaves, root issues
🌿 Growth Habit
Dense, trailing stems
Small, rounded emerald‑green leaves
Cascades beautifully over edges
Forms a soft, carpet‑like mat on the ground
✂️ Maintenance Level
Very low
Trim lightly to maintain shape or encourage density
Feed in spring with a balanced slow‑release fertiliser
Remove any dead or damaged sections
🌤️ Seasonal Performance (SEQ)
Thrives year‑round in warm conditions
Strongest growth from spring to early autumn
Evergreen in SEQ
Handles heat and humidity well
⭐ Special Care Notes
Excellent for pots, baskets, and spillover planting
Avoid heavy foot traffic — not a lawn alternative
Mulch lightly to retain moisture
Great companion plant for tropical and modern designs
🏡 Where It Works Best
Hanging baskets and pots
Retaining wall spillovers
Garden edges and borders
Between stepping stones (light traffic only)
Understory filler in protected spots
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overwatering → root rot
Planting in heavy clay → poor performance
Deep shade → sparse, leggy growth
Expecting it to handle heavy foot traffic → damage
