Botanical Name: Dichondra argentea ‘Emerald Falls’

Common Name: Dichondra

Hardiness Zone: Annual in Most Climates; Perennial in Warm Regions (USDA Zones 10–11)

Size: 2–4" Tall × 24–36"+ Trailing

Growth Habit: Trailing, Cascading, Ground-Hugging Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Adapts to Average Garden Soil

Water Needs: Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Grown for Foliage (Spring through Fall)

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Fertility

Features: Lush Green Rounded Leaves, Soft Cascading Texture, Excellent Heat Tolerance

Uses: Hanging Baskets, Containers, Window Boxes, Ground Cover in Warm Climates, Foliage Contrast

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

See our complete Dichondra Growth & Care Guide for full care details.

More About Dichondra ‘Emerald Falls’

Dichondra ‘Emerald Falls’ features rich, true-green foliage cascades in smooth, rounded layers that soften the edges of containers, raised beds, and hanging baskets. The leaves are small, perfectly shaped, and densely spaced, which creates that thick, flowing “waterfall” look instead of a stringy or sparse trail. I’ve always appreciated how refined the texture is. It’s not coarse or aggressive. It moves gently in the breeze and adds a calming, cohesive feel to mixed plantings. It’s especially useful when you’re working with strong color combinations and need something to visually tie the planter together.

Unlike other Dichondra varieties, which lean modern and sometimes a bit flashy, ‘Emerald Falls’ brings a deeper, more natural green tone. It blends seamlessly into traditional landscapes and cottage-style gardens. If I’m designing a planter that I want to feel lush and timeless, this is usually my green spiller of choice. It absolutely thrives in warm, sunny conditions. In our Southern summers, when heat and humidity start testing everything in a container, ‘Emerald Falls’ just keeps growing. 

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Emerald Falls’ has proven itself year after year. It establishes quickly and that’s important. Some trailing plants take forever to get moving, leaving containers looking unfinished early in the season. This one roots in fast and begins trailing evenly within a short time. What stands out most is its uniform growth habit. It doesn’t send out random long shoots that throw off the balance of a planter. Instead, it creates a full, symmetrical cascade that looks intentional and professionally designed. 

Once established, it tolerates heat extremely well. Even during stretches of 90+ degree days, it holds its shape and keeps pushing new growth. It can also handle short dry periods better than most trailing foliage plants, which makes it forgiving for busy homeowners who occasionally miss a watering. Another thing I appreciate is how clean it stays. It doesn’t drop messy debris, it doesn’t yellow easily, and it doesn’t require constant grooming. In large container programs where we’re managing hundreds of plants, low-maintenance performance matters and ‘Emerald Falls’ delivers.

Dichondra Emerald Falls vs. Silver Falls

Dichondra ‘Emerald Falls’ is defined by its rich green foliage and softer, more organic appearance, making it feel fuller and more blended in mixed plantings than ‘Silver Falls’. While both share the same trailing habit, Emerald Falls tends to read slightly denser and more grounded, especially in containers where its green tones echo surrounding foliage. Compared to the reflective, high-contrast silver of Silver Falls, Emerald Falls feels warmer and more natural, pairing easily with flowering annuals without overpowering them. It also shows a bit more tolerance for part sun and filtered light, whereas Silver Falls performs best in full sun. Emerald Falls is often chosen when a cohesive, lush look is preferred over dramatic contrast.