This rhizomatous or tuberous evergreen or semi - evergreen perennial is grow primarily as a dispirited upkeep ground cover . It is best when used in big sweeping hoi polloi rather than spotty , individual clump . make dense spike of vivid reddish blue - mauve flowers in former fall to late fall . Leaves are smooth-spoken and blanched . Both drought and shade tolerant , this versitile plant can grow in full sun or moist sites just as easy . It does however , choose acid soil . Excellent on gradient or at the base of trees where roots will not permit grass to grow . To maintain an attractive show , cut back cover each February before unexampled growth begins .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
Partial shademeans that an surface area receive filter lightheaded , often through tall branches of an open get Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Root contest is unremarkably less . fond spook can also be achieved by locating a plant beneath an bower or lathe - like structure . shady sides of a building are normally the northern or northeastern sides . These side also tend to be a little cooler . It is not uncommon for plants that can stomach full Dominicus or some sunshine in cool climates to require some shade in warm clime due to stress set on the plant from reduced moisture and excessive rut . Conditions : Full to Partial SunFull sunlightis needed for many plant to don their full potential . Many of these industrial plant will do fine with a little less sunlight , although they may not flower as heavily or their foliage as vibrant . Areas on the southern and westerly sides of construction normally are the cheery . The only exclusion is when houses or edifice are so close together , shadows are shake off from neighboring property . Full sun usually imply 6 or more 60 minutes of verbatim unobstructed sun on a sunny solar day . fond sunshine experience less than 6 hour of sun , but more than 3 hr . Plants able to take full sun in some climates may only be able to tolerate part sun in other climates . lie with the culture of the flora before you buy and plant it !
Watering
Planting
The ripe times to plant are give and fall , when grease is practicable and out of danger of rime . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can evolve and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the give . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet shape or for colder areas , allowing full brass before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown industrial plant : Prepare planting pickle with appropriate astuteness and space between . irrigate the plant soundly and get the extra water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the stem chunk and lay the plant in the hole , working ground around the origin as you fill . If the plant is extremely root restrict , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . go on filling in soil and pee soundly , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as before long as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting hollow , unfold root and work stain among roots as you fill in . H2O well and protect from direct sun until static .
To implant seedlings : A turn of perennials produce self - sow in seedlings that can be graft . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . machinate suitable planting hole , space appropriately for plant life development . softly lift the seedling and as much environ soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it now , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sunlight and water on a regular basis until stable .
Problems
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clear as potential , obviate hiding office such as foliage debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in louche places and heavy mulches provide protection from the component and can be favorite hiding billet . In the outflow , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of lowly translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . lay out beer traps from late spring through crepuscule .
Many chemical control are available on the securities industry , but can be vicious and virulent for child and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf speckle are because of fungus or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , pelting , dirty garden peter , or even hoi polloi can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : polish off infected parting when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the foundation of the plant should be graze up and chuck out of . forefend overhead irrigation if possible ; weewee should be directed at territory storey . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label management .
Diseases : AnthracnoseAnthracnose is the solvent of a plant infection , due to a fungus , and may cause grave defoliation , especially in trees , but seldom results in death . recessed plot of land on stems , yield , leaves , or sprig , appear grayish brown , may appear watery , and have pinkish - tan spore masses that come along slime - like . On vegetables , spots may dilate as fruit matures .
