Overview
Moenchia erecta subsp. erecta is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Moenchia, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Moenchia erecta subsp. erecta grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, coastal, flower borders and beds and cut flowers.
About
Moenchia erecta subsp. erecta is a clump-forming cultivar of the Moenchia genus, belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect, preferring fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, coastal areas, flower borders, and beds, and can also be used for cut flowers. Its season of interest spans spring and summer, and propagation is achieved by division in early spring or by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe.
About the genus
Moenchia is a genus of plants in the family Caryophyllaceae with three species native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe and naturalised in southern Africa and parts of North America and Australia. They are herbs, with an annual life span. They have slender roots and thin stems that are upright or ascending.
Wikipedia contributors, "Moenchia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Moenchia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Moenchia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Moenchia erecta subsp. erecta size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Flower borders and beds, Cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Moenchia erecta subsp. erecta
- Propagation
- Division in early spring, Seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Moenchia erecta subsp. erecta?
Moenchia erecta subsp. erecta prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Moenchia erecta subsp. erecta need?
Moenchia erecta subsp. erecta grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Moenchia erecta subsp. erecta hardy in the UK?
Moenchia erecta subsp. erecta has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Moenchia erecta subsp. erecta?
Division in early spring, Seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe.