About
A mat-forming evergreen perennial to 10cm tall, with clover-like leaves composed of three leaflets, each with a brown horseshoe mark; blue pea-flowers 2.5cm across are held just above the foliage from autumn to spring.
About the genus
Parochetus can be evergreen or deciduous, trailing or prostrate perennials with clover-like, trifoliate leaves and bright blue, pea-like flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toEthiopia to S. Tropical Africa
Care notes
CultivationPlant in any moist, but well-drained soil in partial shade. To avoid winter wet, keep plants under glass. In an alpine house grow in equal parts peat-free John Innes No 2 compost, leaf mould and grit
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division or separate rooted runners when the plant is in growth
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free