did you know?

The genus name is derived from the Greek meaning "sharp" and meaning "salt," or "sharp salt," for the bitter and acidic taste of the sap. Unlike the tiny small-leafed species of a ubiquitous garden weed, many members of this genus are very ornamental.

general maintenance:

Remove yellowed leaves to promote a tidy appearance. Allow the soil to dry and leaves to fade in fall. in Zones 7 and colder, remove dead foliage and lift and store bulbs as you would dahlias in boxes of dry soil, sand or peat in a frost-free location.

pests/diseases:

Laefminers and spidermites may occur.

controls:

Remove leaves damaged by leaf miners. Regularly hose off spider mites with water, mist frequently to increase humidity, or apply insecticidal soap, following label directions.

how to sow/plant:

In xpring, choose a well-drained site and amend with compost or well-rotted manure. Set plants 2-3 inches deep, 2-3 inches apart. Mulch after planting.

water and fertilize:

Begin watering once new growth emerges in spring and maintain soil moisture all season. Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer biweekly, following label directions. In fall, stop feed ing and reduce watering.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Shade Tolerant

garden uses:

• Containers
• Flowerbed borders
• Indoors
• Rock Garden
• Shade Woodland Garden

other uses:

combine with:

sweet alyssum (Lobularia mritima), and verbena in containers or use in drifts for color at the front of the border.