Actual size and flowering may vary slightly based on season.
Yellow dot
Yellow dot is a fast, trailing groundcover that spreads into a dense mat of glossy, lobed green leaves dotted with small yellow daisies from spring to fall. It grows in full sun, part shade or shade, which makes it useful for covering ground where many desert plants struggle.
It needs moderate water, and frost can knock it to the ground in winter, though it grows back in spring. It spreads quickly and roots where its stems touch soil, so keep it edged and away from open desert areas.
Best for: covering ground fast in sun or shade, raised planters, large patio pots, and green groundcover beds that get regular water.
Yellow dot spreads quickly into a dense mat about 1 to 2 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide. Plant it 4 to 6 feet apart to cover a bed fast. Small yellow daisies dot the leaves from spring to fall.
It grows in full sun, part shade or shade, so it can cover the ground under a tree or on the north side of the house. It keeps its leaves through a mild winter.
It works well in raised planters and large patio pots, where its trailing stems spill over the sides. A pot also keeps its spread under control.
Frost can kill it to the ground, though it usually grows back in spring. It spreads fast and roots where stems touch the soil, and it is listed as invasive in parts of the United States. Keep it edged and out of open desert areas.
- Dense groundcover4 ft apart
- Looser cover6 ft apart
Water it about once a week, and more often in summer heat. It survives short dry spells, but regular water keeps it thick and green. Let the top of the soil dry a little between waterings.
Frost can kill it to the ground in winter. It usually grows back quickly as the weather warms. Trim off the frost-damaged growth in early spring.
It spreads fast and roots wherever its stems touch soil. Trim the edges often and cut it back hard to thin it. Pull stems that root outside the bed.
Drainage test first. Dig the hole and fill it with water. If water is still sitting in the hole a day later, you likely hit caliche, clay or hard soil, so fix the drainage before planting. If it drains very fast, the soil is sandy. Standing water around roots is a common reason new plants fail.
Weed cloth. Cut it away from the planting hole and where the roots will spread. Remove any plastic sheeting completely, since it keeps water and air out of the soil.
Rock or decomposed granite with no soil underneath. Bring in soil close in texture to your native soil, mix it with the soil below, and build up enough depth for roots before planting.
If you can break through. Use a breaker bar, pick, or jackhammer. Dig through the caliche and break out the solid chunks. Backfill with the soil you dug out, with no compost or manure in the hole. Confirm drainage before planting.
If you cannot break through. Dig narrow holes through the hard layer beside the root ball, not under it, and refill them with the same soil, not gravel. If it still will not drain, plant on a low mound of the same soil.
Root ball. Check the outside edges for any roots circling around. Loosen or cut those so they grow outward. Do not break up the center of the root ball.
Depth. The top of the root ball should sit at or just slightly above the surrounding soil level. Planting too deep can lead to rot and kill the plant.
Drip emitters. At planting, put the emitters on the root ball, on different sides of the plant. After about 2 months, move them to the outer edge of the root ball. Over the first year, add emitters farther out toward the edge of the branches as roots grow. Once a plant is rooted, never water only at the trunk.
Is yellow dot invasive?
It can be if it is not kept in check. It spreads fast, roots where its stems touch soil, and is listed as invasive in parts of the United States. Edge the bed, trim it back often and keep it out of open desert areas.
How fast does yellow dot spread?
It grows fast into a mat about 1 to 2 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide. Plant it 4 to 6 feet apart to cover a bed in a season.
Does yellow dot grow in shade?
Yes. It grows in full sun, part shade or shade, so you can use it under trees and on shady sides of the house.
How often should I water yellow dot?
Water it about once a week, and more often in summer heat. It survives short dry spells, but it looks best with regular water in soil that drains.
Will frost kill yellow dot?
Frost can kill it to the ground, but it usually grows back quickly in spring. Trim off the frost damage in early spring once new growth starts.
How do I keep yellow dot in bounds?
Trim the edges often and cut it back hard when it gets too thick. Pull up stems that root where you do not want them.
Can I grow yellow dot in a pot?
Yes. It works well in large patio pots and raised planters, where the stems trail over the edge. A pot also keeps it from spreading.
When does yellow dot bloom?
It blooms from spring through fall with small yellow daisy flowers. Keep it watered through summer to keep the flowers coming.
How far apart should I plant yellow dot?
Plant it about 4 to 6 feet apart. Use 4 feet when you want the ground covered quickly.
What soil does yellow dot need?
It prefers sandy soil that drains well and tolerates clay if water does not stand. Avoid low spots that stay soggy.
Can yellow dot irritate skin or allergies?
Yes. The leaves and stems can irritate skin, so wear gloves when you trim it. Its pollen can also bother people with allergies.
Can I plant yellow dot near a pool?
Yes. It drops very little litter, so it works in beds near a pool.
Yellow dot for sale in Arizona, delivered to you
Yellow dot is one of the fastest groundcovers for a watered bed in the Valley. It stays low, spreads wide and flowers yellow for most of the warm season. This page covers sun and shade, watering, frost, keeping it in bounds and whether it is invasive.
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Yellow dot groundcover in Arizona
Yellow dot is a fast, trailing groundcover with glossy leaves and small yellow daisies. It covers ground quickly in sun or shade with regular water.
Does yellow dot grow in shade?
Yes. It grows in full sun, part shade or shade, so it covers ground under trees and along the shady side of a house.
How fast yellow dot spreads
It grows about 1 to 2 feet tall and spreads 6 to 10 feet wide. Plant it 4 to 6 feet apart to fill a bed in a season.
Is yellow dot invasive?
It spreads fast and roots where stems touch the soil, and it is listed as invasive in parts of the United States. Keep it edged and away from open desert.
Watering yellow dot in Phoenix
Water it about once a week, more often in summer heat. It does best in soil that drains.
Yellow dot after a frost
Frost can kill it to the ground, but it grows back in spring. Trim off the damage once new growth starts.
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