groundcover

Kidney Weed

$27.78

The Story

Plant Bio

Dichondra repens, commonly known as kidney weed, is a prostrate, mat-forming perennial herb that spreads indefinitely via slender creeping stems rooting at the nodes. The dense foliage consists of small, kidney-shaped leaves that transition from bright jade green to a deep dark green, hiding tiny, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers beneath the leaf plane in spring and summer.

This species serves as an excellent low-growing groundcover for shaded areas where traditional turfgrass struggles to establish. Its tight, creeping habit allows it to weave closely around stepping stones and fill gaps in moist, well-drained soils.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a lush, dense, jade-green carpet that softens hardscapes and fills gaps between pavers.

Acts as an effective living mulch that suppresses weeds in shaded garden beds.

Provides low-level ground cover and habitat for small beneficial insects and soil invertebrates.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

Width

60"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Oceania (Australia and New Zealand)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$27.78

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained loamy soil.
Space plugs or container divisions 10 to 12 inches apart to allow the creeping runners room to spread and fill in.
Water regularly to maintain consistent moisture, ensuring the soil does not become waterlogged or heavy.
Apply a light, balanced fertilizer once in spring to support steady, dense growth without triggering leggy runners.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting this groundcover in high-traffic pathways, as the delicate stems cannot tolerate compaction and wear away quickly under foot traffic.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Do plant in shaded or partially shaded areas to prevent the foliage from burning in hot afternoon sun.
Do ensure the soil drains freely to prevent fatal fungal root and stem rots.
Do trim back encroaching runners along pathways or borders to maintain clean edges.

Don't

Don't subject the plant to heavy foot traffic or constant soil compaction.
Don't overwater or allow the soil to remain waterlogged, especially in heavy clay soils.
Don't shear hard into old, leafless wood, as it lacks the viable nodes needed to regenerate.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade groundcoverBetween stepping stonesUnderstory plantingBorder edging

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Viola Asplenium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Kidney Weed questions

What zones can Kidney Weed grow in?

Kidney Weed is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Kidney Weed bloom?

Kidney Weed typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Kidney Weed need full sun?

Kidney Weed does best in part shade.