Dymondia margaretae

Zn 7. Yellow, daisy flowers. Silvery look.

Silver carpet (Dymondia margaretae) is a slowly spreading, evergreen, groundcover from the Western Cape of South Africa with 1-2 inch long narrow leaves that are grey-green on top and fuzzy silver beneath with upturned edges giving a two-toned foliage effect of green and silver. Small yellow daisy flowers appear in summer. Very drought tolerant but will grow more quickly with good irrigation. Only hardy to zone 9, this plant makes a great contrasting addition to succulent planters where it can grow as a low carpet around Agave, Echeveria, Aloe, and others.

An evergreen perennial, growing in tight mats 2-3" deep and spreading to 20" by offsets. The leaves are narrow, 2-3" long and grayish-green above with rolled edges. When drought stressed the leaves turn up at the margins to show a cottony white underside. Summer flowers are minute yellow daisies and remain partially hidden by the foliage. This tough ground cover tolerates full sun, light shade, heat, reflected light and only occasional water once established. Plants spread more quickly with supplemental water. Best used in well-drained soils and coastal conditions. Excellent choice between paving blocks and stepping stones, in rock gardens or as a small-scale groundcover where it will endure light foot traffic. Hardy to 15F. South Africa.