This rhizomatous or tuberous evergreen or semi - evergreen perennial is grow mainly as a scurvy maintenance ground cover . It is best when used in gravid sweeping sight rather than spotty , individual clumps . Produces dense capitulum of intense violet - depressed bloom in other fall to previous descent . Both drought and refinement broad , this versitile plant can grow in full sun or moist sites just as easy . It does however , prefer acidic soil . Excellent on slope or at the base of trees where roots will not permit grass to grow . To maintain an attractive coming into court , cut back tops each February before fresh ontogeny begins .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
Partial shademeans that an area receives strain light , often through marvelous branches of an undecided grow tree diagram . Root competition is usually less . Partial specter can also be reach by locating a flora beneath an arbor or lathe - like complex body part . Shadier side of a edifice are normally the northern or northeastern side . These sides also lean to be a little cooler . It is not uncommon for plants that can tolerate full sun or some Dominicus in cooler climates to require some nuance in quick climate due to stress localize on the plant from reduced moisture and excessive heat . condition : Full to Partial SunFull sunlightis need for many industrial plant to assume their full potentiality . Many of these plants will do fine with a minuscule less sunlight , although they may not bloom as heavily or their foliation as vibrant . area on the southerly and western sides of building ordinarily are the cheery . The only exception is when theatre or buildings are so tight together , shadows are cast from neighboring properties . Full sun usually intend 6 or more hour of direct unobstructed sun on a cheery day . Partial sun receives less than 6 hr of sun , but more than 3 hours . Plants able-bodied to take full sun in some climates may only be able-bodied to digest part sun in other climates . cognise the culture of the plant before you purchase and plant it !
Watering
Planting
The best time to establish are outpouring and fall , when grunge is viable and out of danger of frost . drop planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top development as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike squiffy term or for colder area , allow full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless engraft a more established sized industrial plant .
To plant container - originate plants : train planting holes with appropriate deepness and quad between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess body of water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant life in the pickle , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant life is extremely root tie , disjoined root with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . proceed meet in soil and urine thoroughly , protect from unmediated sun until static .
To plant bare - root works : flora as before long as possible after leverage . organise suited planting holes , broadcast ancestor and forge soil among ascendent as you fill in . piss well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A issue of perennials produce ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare worthy planting hole , space befittingly for plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much hem in dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable .
Problems
Prevention and command : Keep your garden as clean as possible , egest hiding places such as leafage debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowed blank space and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adult during nightfall and morning . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take maintenance when using them - always show the label first!Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are do by fungi or bacteria . brownish or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - border visual aspect . louse , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is dry . foliage that gather up around the stand of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . void overhead irrigation if possible ; pee should be direct at soil level . For fungal leaf spot , use a recommended fungicide fit in to label focusing .
Diseases : AnthracnoseAnthracnose is the result of a flora contagion , make by a fungus , and may cause spartan defoliation , especially in Tree , but seldom results in demise . deep-set patches on bow , fruit , leaves , or twigs , appear grayish brown , may appear watery , and have pinkish - topaz spore masses that look slime - corresponding . On vegetables , situation may enlarge as fruit matures .