Overview
Phyla nodiflora is a matforming, trailing herbaceous perennial in the genus Phyla, part of the Verbenaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Phyla nodiflora grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants and hanging basket.
About
Phyla nodiflora is a perennial plant that typically grows to a height of about 15 cm. It features a woody base and extends with creeping stems that can reach lengths of up to 90 cm. The leaves are oval to spoon-shaped, exhibiting serrations at their tips. From mid to late summer, it produces compact flower clusters, characterized by a purple center encircled by small white blooms, which rise on slender stems above the foliage.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phyla
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Phyla nodiflora size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming, Trailing
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Hanging basket
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phyla nodiflora
- Cultivation
- Tolerates most soils, thrives in moist conditions but mature plants will tolerate some drought once established. May die back in cold winters and resprout in spring. Can spread rapidly in ideal conditions
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by division or by softwood cuttings, plants will root at the nodes as they spread
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Phyla nodiflora?
Tolerates most soils, thrives in moist conditions but mature plants will tolerate some drought once established. May die back in cold winters and resprout in spring. Can spread rapidly in ideal conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Phyla nodiflora?
Phyla nodiflora prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Phyla nodiflora need?
Phyla nodiflora is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
How do I prune Phyla nodiflora?
No pruning required.
How big does Phyla nodiflora grow?
Phyla nodiflora reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Phyla nodiflora hardy in the UK?
Phyla nodiflora has a UK hardiness rating of H4.
How do I propagate Phyla nodiflora?
Propagate by division or by softwood cuttings, plants will root at the nodes as they spread.