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, hanging basket, banks and slopes and ground cover.

About

Phyla nodiflora, commonly known as lippia, kurapia, turkey tangle frogfruit, capeweed, and frogfruit, is a species of flowering plant in the family Verbenaceae. It can be found in the tropics around the globe. It is often grown as an ornamental plant for ground cover, and is often present in yards or disturbed areas. It is native to Caribbean, North America, Oceania, Alabama, Albania and other regions. Mature plants reach roughly 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying semi evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, poorly-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phyla nodiflora

About the genus

Phyla is a genus of eustarid plants in the verbena family, Verbenaceae. The name is derived from the Greek word φυλή (phyle), meaning "tribe", and most likely refers to the tightly clustered flowers or the spreading, mat-like growth. Members of the genus are known generally as fogfruit or frogfruit.

Wikipedia contributors, "Phyla (genus)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phyla (genus)

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, Banks and slopes, Ground cover

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Phyla nodiflora

Propagation

Division, Softwood cuttings

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions