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Physical description: This herbaceous perennial plant reaches 12-18
in. tall and can spread up to 3 ft wide. Contrary to most ground
covers, the flowers, colored pink to purple and reaching ½
in. long, are not the most ornamental attribute of this plant;
the leaves are considered more attractive than the flowers. Evergreen,
light gray and covered with velvety white hairs, they really
look like Woolly hedgenettle, and are quite attractive when crushed. They
reach 4 in. long. The visual effect of the leaves is so important
that some gardeners recommend removing the flowers as they develop
when the flowering begins, in June and until frost, because flowers
can spoil the visual impact of the plant.
Optimal growing conditions: Woolly hedgenettle performs in moist but well-drained soils (good
drainage is especially important in humid regions), under full
sun. The growth is better in low-fertile soils. The plant is
soil and drought-tolerant to some extent, but performs best with
water (sub-irrigation is better than overhead watering). In good
conditions, the growth rate is moderate to fast. In the second
year, tall inflorescences fall and decompose, disfiguring the
plant. Trimming will prevent this problem. Winter hardiness:
Zones 4 to 8.
Susceptibility to pests and diseases: If the summers are hot, especially at night,
the hairy foliage traps moisture and dew, resulting in significant
disease problems. Under good conditions, Woolly
hedgenettle has few serious disease
and pest problems, although aphids and soil mealybugs may be
occasional pests.
Use:
This plant can be used in a border or as a ground cover. The
foliage effect is especially attractive when the leaves can spread
onto a path.
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