About
Chaetogastra paratropica is a semi-hardy, shrubby perennial that can reach heights of up to 60 cm. It features hairy stems and foliage. During late summer, it bears clusters of white or light pink blooms. In warmer climates, it thrives when planted at the base of a sunny wall, while in cooler regions, it should be cultivated indoors under glass.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
- Native to
- S America
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Outdoors, grow in moist, fertile soil in a sheltered site in full sun. Add a deep, dry mulch to protect the crown in winter. Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun. During growth water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by surface sowing seed at 18°C in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free