About
A trailing evergreen perennial to 10cm high, with purple stems bearing attractive grey-mottled, dark green leaves, veined deeper green, and purple beneath. Flowers insignificant.
About the genus
Elatostema can be perennials or subshrubs, with simple, evergreen leaves which are heavily mottled with silver or bronze, and insignificant greenish flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitTrailing
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toSE Asia
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright, indirect light and shade from hot sun. Water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly when in growth and water moderately in winter. Can be grown outdoors in fertile, humus-rich soil in deep shade. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens
PruningShorten shoots, when in growth, to maintain shape
PropagationPropagate by root cuttings at anytime of year
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free