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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Asteraceae (Sunflowers) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Yellow |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Height: <1 foot |
| Width: Spreading |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Drought Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Dymondia margaretae (Silver Carpet) - This is a slowly spreading, very flat (just a few inches tall at best) groundcover with 1-2 inch long narrow leaves, that are a gray-green on top with white tomentosa beneath. Though flat to the ground, the white undersides are exposed to view as the leaf margins edges roll up and inward, particularly, when grown dry and thus giving the plant an appearance of being variegated. Small yellow daisy flowers bloom amongst the foliage in summer. Plant in full sun to light shade in a well-drained soil. This plants grows rapidly with irrigation, but it has deep succulent roots and can be very drought tolerant, though notably slower growing. It is hardy to about 25-30 degrees F. About the only things that this plant does not tolerate well is a heavy or otherwise non-draining soil and gophers. Dymondia margaretae is endemic to the Bredasdorp district of the Western Cape of South Africa and is monotypic, being the only species in this genus. In a rare case where both the genus and species of a plant is named for the same person, this plant was named for noted South African horticulturalist Margaret Elizabeth Dryden-Dymond (1909-1952). We first started growing Dymondia in 1985 and it was so rare of a plant that there was little information to be found about it. Since then it has rightfully become a common plant in the California landscape and is often referred to as a Mini Gazania. We thank John Bleck, then manager at the Biology Greenhouses at UCSB at that time for first introducing us to this plant.
This description of this plant is based on our research and our observations of it growing at the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We always appreciate receiving feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or have additional cultural tips that would aid others growing Dymondia margaretae .
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