Whitesnow (Drymaria cordata diandra): A Delicate Ground Cover for Hawaiian Gardens
If you’ve ever wandered through Hawaii’s landscapes and spotted tiny white flowers carpeting the ground like scattered snowflakes, you might have encountered whitesnow. This delicate annual herb has quietly made itself at home in the islands, bringing a subtle charm to shaded corners and moist spots where other plants might struggle.
What Is Whitesnow?
Whitesnow (Drymaria cordata diandra) is an annual forb that belongs to the carnation family. Don’t let the technical term forb intimidate you—it simply means this is a soft-stemmed, herbaceous plant without woody tissue. Think of it as nature’s gentle groundcover, spreading low and creating a carpet of small, heart-shaped leaves topped with tiny white blooms.
You might also encounter this plant listed under its synonym, Drymaria diandra Blume, in older gardening references or botanical texts.
Native Status and Geographic Distribution
Here’s where things get interesting: whitesnow isn’t actually native to Hawaii. This little wanderer originally hails from tropical regions of Asia and Southeast Asia, but it has naturalized successfully in Hawaiian ecosystems. It now reproduces on its own in the wild and has established stable populations throughout the islands.
Currently, you’ll find whitesnow growing primarily in Hawaii, where it has adapted well to the tropical climate and growing conditions.
Should You Grow Whitesnow in Your Garden?
The decision to include whitesnow in your landscape comes down to your gardening philosophy and goals. Since it’s a non-native species that has naturalized in Hawaii, there are both pros and cons to consider:
Reasons You Might Choose Whitesnow:
- Low-maintenance ground cover option
- Thrives in challenging spots like deep shade
- Delicate, understated aesthetic appeal
- Self-seeding annual that returns each year
- Tolerates moist conditions well
Things to Consider:
- Not native to Hawaii’s ecosystem
- May self-seed more aggressively than desired
- Limited wildlife benefits compared to native alternatives
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re passionate about supporting Hawaii’s native ecosystems, consider these indigenous alternatives that provide similar groundcover benefits:
- Native Hawaiian sedges and grasses
- Indigenous ferns for shaded areas
- Native creeping plants that support local wildlife
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to grow whitesnow, you’ll find it’s refreshingly undemanding. This adaptable little plant thrives in:
- Light: Partial shade to full shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Water: Consistent moisture (but not waterlogged)
- Climate: Tropical conditions (USDA zones 10-11)
Planting and Care Tips
Growing whitesnow successfully is pretty straightforward:
- Seeding: As an annual, whitesnow typically self-seeds readily where conditions are favorable
- Spacing: Allow plants to spread naturally as groundcover
- Maintenance: Minimal care required once established
- Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry periods
- Fertilizing: Generally unnecessary in most garden soils
Role in Garden Design
Whitesnow works best in informal garden settings where its naturalized appearance fits the overall aesthetic. Consider using it:
- As groundcover in shaded woodland gardens
- In naturalized areas where you want soft texture
- Around water features where soil stays consistently moist
- In areas where other groundcovers struggle to establish
The Bottom Line
Whitesnow can be a practical choice for Hawaiian gardeners dealing with challenging growing conditions, particularly in shaded, moist areas. While it’s not native to the islands, it’s currently not classified as invasive either. As with any non-native plant, consider your local ecosystem and whether native alternatives might better serve your garden’s goals.
If you choose to grow whitesnow, enjoy its understated beauty and low-maintenance nature—just keep an eye on its spread to ensure it stays where you want it in your garden.