Dewflower: A Colorful Ground Cover for Drought-Tolerant Gardens
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance ground cover that puts on a spectacular floral show while laughing in the face of drought, let me introduce you to dewflower (Drosanthemum). This cheerful succulent might not be native to North America, but it has certainly made itself at home in California’s Mediterranean climate.
What Exactly is Dewflower?
Dewflower is a perennial succulent that belongs to the ice plant family. Don’t let the delicate-sounding name fool you – this is one tough little plant! It’s technically classified as a forb or herb, meaning it’s a vascular plant without woody stems above ground. Think of it as nature’s carpet that happens to bloom its heart out.
Originally hailing from South Africa’s Cape region, dewflower has adapted beautifully to similar climates elsewhere. It’s what botanists call a naturalized plant – it reproduces on its own in the wild without human intervention and has established persistent populations.
Where Does Dewflower Grow?
In the United States, you’ll find dewflower thriving primarily in California, where the Mediterranean climate suits its preferences perfectly. It’s particularly common in coastal and inland areas where summers are dry and winters are mild.
Why You Might Want Dewflower in Your Garden
There are several compelling reasons to consider dewflower for your landscape:
- Spectacular blooms: From spring through summer, dewflower produces masses of colorful, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, orange, and yellow
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal water – perfect for xeriscaping
- Ground coverage: It spreads to form dense mats, making it excellent for erosion control
- Low maintenance: Requires very little care once established
- Pollinator friendly: The nectar-rich flowers attract bees and butterflies
Perfect Garden Settings for Dewflower
Dewflower shines in:
- Rock gardens and Mediterranean-style landscapes
- Coastal gardens where salt tolerance is important
- Drought-tolerant and water-wise gardens
- Slopes and areas prone to erosion
- Container gardens (with proper drainage)
Growing Conditions and Care
Dewflower is refreshingly easy to please:
Sunlight: Full sun is essential for best flowering and compact growth.
Soil: Well-draining soil is absolutely critical. It actually prefers poor to moderately fertile soil and will struggle in rich, heavy soils that retain moisture.
Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, then reduce watering significantly. Overwatering is the quickest way to kill dewflower.
Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 9-11, dewflower can’t tolerate hard freezes but handles light frost once established.
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in spring after the last frost date
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for spreading
- Water deeply but infrequently once established
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming
- Trim back lightly after flowering to maintain shape
- Avoid fertilizing – dewflower prefers lean conditions
A Word About Native Alternatives
While dewflower isn’t invasive, some gardeners prefer to stick with native plants that support local ecosystems. If you’re interested in native ground covers with similar drought tolerance, consider:
- California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum)
- Coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis)
- Native sedums like Sedum spathulifolium
The Bottom Line on Dewflower
Dewflower offers a lot of bang for your buck if you garden in the right climate. It’s colorful, drought-tolerant, and virtually maintenance-free once established. While it’s not native, it’s not considered problematic either. Just remember that success with dewflower is all about drainage and restraint with the watering can. Give it sun, sharp drainage, and benign neglect, and you’ll be rewarded with months of cheerful blooms and a carpet of succulent foliage that looks good year-round.
