Silver Cloud Eumorphia

Silver Cloud Eumorphia (Eumorphia prostrata 'Silver Cloud') is a South African groundcover daisy that forms dense, low mats of fine silver leaves, listed at up to 60cm high and 50cm wide. In late summer and autumn, and sometimes in spring, it sends up white daisies about the size of a 10 cent coin. It comes from rock faces and stony ground where winters drop to -10°C and summers are hot and windy, so it is a plant for the toughest spots in the garden.

Why you'll love it

• Silver foliage all year. New shoots carry fine hairs that give the mat a silvery look, a cool contrast to green plants nearby.
• Tough in extremes. It tolerates drought, seasonal wet, cold and heat, and its home range drops to -10°C in winter.
• Grows between rocks and pavers. Given good drainage, it will grow in the gaps between rocks or pavers, which suits rockeries and stone paths.
• Suits poor, dry soil. Poor, dry soils and exposed spots with strong winds are where it does best.
• White daisies late in the season. Flowers arrive in summer and autumn, when many beds are past their best.

Where it works best

Rockeries and stone paths. Plant it among rocks or between pavers, where the mat softens hard edges. Plant 40cm apart for a continuous silver cover.

Dry, poor-soil gardens. It suits drought gardens and the dry corners where little else will grow.

Exposed locations. Its natural home is rock, cliff face and stony ground, so wind and a hot aspect do not trouble it.

Growing Silver Cloud Eumorphia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and an open position suit it. It tolerates extremes of drought, seasonal wet, cold and heat, and frost is no problem in its native range.

Soil. Good drainage is essential. It grows in stony, poor soil, and in the gaps between rocks and pavers.

Water and feed. Mulch after planting to hold moisture and even out soil temperatures while the young plant establishes. Water through the first summer, then leave it. A native slow release fertiliser in spring helps keep it healthy.

Pruning. No regular pruning is needed. Trim away any dead growth in spring if the mat looks untidy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Silver Cloud Eumorphia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It also comes in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Both sizes arrive as small, silver-leaved plants that spread into a mat over the first season. The 200mm pots give faster cover for a rockery or a run of paving.

Because Silver Cloud Eumorphia tube stock comes from our grower, it is not always available, and the tube shows as sold out whenever the grower has none. The notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Rockery plants
• Groundcover plants
• Frost hardy plants
• Waterwise garden guide

Common questions

How big does it get?

It forms a low, spreading mat of fine silver foliage, listed at up to 60cm high and 50cm wide. Plant 40cm apart for continuous cover.

Will it cope with frost?

Yes. In its native home it grows through winters that drop to -10°C, as well as strong winds and high summer temperatures.

Does it need rich soil?

No. Poor, dry soil suits it, and rich soil or heavy feeding is unnecessary. What it does need is good drainage.