About

This vigorous, clump-forming perennial, to around 50cm high, with spreading stolons, upright stems and glossy, coarsely toothed green leaves with long tapered tips. Clusters of small white flowers are produced in the leaf axils in early autumn.

About the genus

Pilea can be annuals or evergreen perennials with slightly succulent stems, simple, often attractively marked or textured leaves and insignificant, pinkish flowers

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesBedding displays, containers, gap filling.

Care notes

CultivationThrives in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil, in part shade but will tolerate full sun if there is enough moisture in the soil
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free