Silver ponysfoot (Dichondra argentea 'Silver Falls')

Overview

Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ is highly sought after for its spectacular, cascading foliage, offering shimmering silver color throughout the growing season. This hardy plant, commonly known as Silver ponysfoot, features soft, rounded leaves that create a dense, metallic drape perfect for softening hard edges or trailing dramatically from elevated plantings. It is celebrated for its low maintenance requirements and exceptional drought tolerance once established.

While botanically a creeping perennial hardy in Zones 10 through 12, Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ is typically grown as a vibrant annual accent plant across most temperate regions of the U.S. Its rapid spreading nature makes it an excellent seasonal ground cover or a stunning spiller element in mixed containers. Gardeners appreciate the visual impact of the long, trailing silver stems provided by Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’.

The main appeal lies entirely in its foliage, which provides continuous texture and brilliant contrast against darker greens or colorful annuals. Whether used to cascade over a wall or spread softly across a sunny bed, Silver ponysfoot provides year-round visual interest through its unique coloring.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Convolvulaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0-0.25 ft
  • Spread: 3-4 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Greenish-yellow to white
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For optimal performance, plant Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ in spring after all danger of frost has passed, especially when treating it as an annual. Choose a location receiving full sun, though it will tolerate some light afternoon shade. The most crucial aspect of growing Silver ponysfoot successfully is ensuring excellent soil drainage; it thrives in well-drained soils, including sandy loams, and dislikes consistently moist conditions.

Watering should be managed according to the ‘dry to medium’ needs. Once established, this plant exhibits excellent heat and drought tolerance, making it a reliable choice for water-wise gardens. Avoid overwatering, which can hinder root health, particularly if planted densely as a ground cover. Minimal fertilization is usually required, fitting its low maintenance profile.

As a rapidly spreading plant, pruning is sometimes necessary to keep it contained to your desired area, especially when used as a ground cover where it can root at the nodes and spread quickly up to four feet wide in a single season. If growing in containers, simply trim back long trails to encourage bushier growth at the top.

Landscape Uses

The trailing habit of Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ makes it an architectural success in various landscape settings. It is perhaps most famous as an annual accent plant, cascading dramatically downwards from hanging baskets, window boxes, or elevated containers, providing weeks of silver spectacle. It functions beautifully as a trailer in mixed pots alongside upright and mounding annuals.

When utilized as a ground cover, Silver ponysfoot quickly blankets the soil, creating a stunning, low-growing carpet that suppresses weeds while lending a metallic sheen to the garden floor. It is particularly effective spilling over retaining walls or rock borders, where its length—which can reach three to six feet from a hanging basket—can be fully appreciated as it drapes down the structure.

Standout Features

Noteworthy Characteristics

Dichondra argentea, commonly called silver ponysfoot or silver nickel vine, is a creeping/trailing evergreen perennial from desert regions of western Texas, New Mexico, southeastern Arizona, and northern Mexico. The cultivar ‘Silver Falls’ is grown ornamentally for its foliage, best displayed in containers or as a seasonal ground cover. Its branching silver stems are covered with soft, rounded, fan-shaped, silver leaves up to one inch across, often described as having a striking metallic appearance.

Tolerances

• Drought

Potential Problems

Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ generally suffers from no serious insect or disease problems, which contributes significantly to its low maintenance rating. Gardeners should remain vigilant regarding soil drainage, as poor aeration combined with too much moisture is the most common issue, potentially leading to root rot in susceptible plants. Ensure the planting site drains exceptionally well to keep your Silver ponysfoot vibrant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Silver ponysfoot suitable for?

Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ is winter hardy in USDA Zones 10 through 12, thriving as a perennial in these warmer climates.

How large does Silver ponysfoot grow?

As a ground cover, this plant only rises to about 0 to 0.25 feet tall but spreads rapidly to cover an area between 3 to 4 feet wide in one growing season.

What sun exposure does Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ need?

This foliage plant performs best when receiving full sun, although it can tolerate some periods of light shade without significant detriment to its silver coloring.

When does Silver ponysfoot bloom?

The blooming period for Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ generally occurs from May to June, producing inconspicuous greenish-yellow to white flowers.

Conclusion

The unique, trailing silver foliage makes Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ an indispensable element for adding metallic highlight and cascading texture to container designs or rockeries. With its low maintenance needs and outstanding drought tolerance, Silver ponysfoot is a rewarding choice for sunny spots in warm climates. Check your local hardiness zone compatibility or plan to treat it as a spectacular annual starter plant this spring.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’, focus on plants that share its preference for full sun and good drainage. Dark-leaved sweet potato vines (Ipomoea batatas) create a dramatic textural contrast against the silver foliage, especially when trailing together from the same basket. Drought-tolerant succulents such as Sedums or Echeverias often pair well, as they appreciate similar dry soil conditions. In ground cover applications, pair it with low-growing ornamental grasses that enjoy sharp drainage to maintain a cohesive look throughout the growing season.

Propagation Tips

Propagating Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ is straightforward, particularly because it readily roots along its creeping stems. The most effective method is taking stem cuttings, which can be done easily at any time during the growing season. Look for healthy, non-flowering stem tips about four to six inches long, remove the lower leaves, and place them directly into moist, well-draining potting mix or perlite.

Cuttings root quickly, often within two weeks, establishing a new small plant that mimics the parent’s trailing habit. If you are growing the plant as an annual, saving these cuttings indoors over winter in a bright location can provide free, ready-to-plant material for the following spring. While it can be grown from seed, cuttings ensure you maintain the exact characteristics of the desirable ‘Silver Falls’ cultivar.