My Garden
| Category | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennial plant | |
| Estimated Plant Lifespan | 10 years lifespan | |
| Toxic to humans | Toxic to humans | |
| Toxicity | Toxic to: dogs, cats, horses | |
| Sun Requirements | 6+ hours direct sunlight (Full Sun) | |
| Pollination | Method: animal Notes: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. Pollination is generally not a concern for home gardeners as the plant is grown for its ornamental value. | |
| Watering Requirements | Method: Top water Frequency: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. It is very drought-tolerant once established. Notes: Excellent drainage is absolutely critical. Avoid overwatering, as wet feet will lead to crown and root rot, especially during winter. | |
| Humidity Requirements | Level: low Maintenance: No special maintenance is needed. Prefers good air circulation which helps prevent fungal diseases. | |
| Care Instructions | After the main blooming period finishes, shear the entire plant back by about one-third. This pruning encourages dense, bushy growth, prevents the center from becoming woody and bare, and may stimulate a second, lighter bloom. | |
| Temperature Range | Min: -40°C Max: 35°C |
Cultivars
Hostas have opposite growing requirements. They thrive in shade and consistently moist, rich soil, whereas Iberis sempervirens requires full sun and dry, well-drained soil. Planting them together would result in poor health for one or both plants.
Astilbe requires partial to full shade and consistently moist to wet soil to flourish. These conditions would quickly cause root rot and death for the drought-loving Iberis sempervirens.
Small, sap-sucking insects that cluster on new growth and flower buds. Infestations can cause stunted, distorted growth and a sticky residue called honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold.
Tiny arachnids that are difficult to see with the naked eye. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and suck plant fluids, causing fine, pale stippling on the leaves. Severe infestations produce visible webbing.
A fungal disease that affects plants in the cabbage family (Brassicaceae). It causes the roots to swell and become distorted, hindering water and nutrient uptake, leading to stunted growth, wilting, and eventual plant death.
Small, dark beetles that jump like fleas when disturbed. They chew numerous small, round holes in the leaves, creating a 'shot-hole' appearance which can weaken the plant, especially young seedlings.
Steps:
- In late spring or early summer, after the plant has finished flowering, select a healthy, non-flowering stem.
- Using a clean, sharp knife or pruners, take a 3-4 inch (8-10 cm) cutting from the tip of the stem.
- Carefully remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
- Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage faster root development, though this is optional.
- Insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of perlite and compost.
- Water the medium, cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity, and place it in a location with bright, indirect light.
- Keep the soil lightly moist. Roots should develop within 4-6 weeks.
Neem Oil
A natural, broad-spectrum insecticide and fungicide used to control pests like aphids and spider mites.
Horticultural Grit
An essential soil amendment to improve drainage for Candytuft, preventing root rot in heavier soils.
Rooting Hormone Powder
Used to stimulate root growth and increase the success rate when propagating the plant from cuttings.
Diatomaceous Earth
A natural, non-toxic powder that can be dusted on plants to control soft-bodied insects like flea beetles and aphids through physical abrasion.