About
Sprays of tiny white or pink flowers are produced in the upper leaf axils in late summer and early autumn. A woody-based perennial, with spreading stolons and upright stems up to 1.2m high. Leaves are vivid green, elliptic, and deeply veined with shallowly serrated edges and pointed tips.
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 shade, Full 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 hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toPakistan to China & Myanmar
Care notes
CultivationThrives in moist but well drained soil in part shade, but will tolerate full shade, or full sun if the soil is consistently moist. Plants will benefit from winter protection in colder areas
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free