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Herbaceous Perennial

Phyla nodiflora

capeweed

A mat-forming perennial to around 15cm high, with a woody base, creeping stems up to 90cm long, and oval to spoon-shaped leaves that are serrated at the tips. Dense flowerheads, with a purple centre surrounded by tiny white flowers, are borne on slender stalks above the foliage from mid to late summer

Other common names
creeping vervain
matgrass
see moreturkey tangle
Synonyms
Lippia repens
Lippia nodiflora
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple White Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Verbenaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Matforming, Trailing
Name status

Correct

How to grow

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

Propagation

Propagate by division or by softwood cuttings, plants will root at the nodes as they spread

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • hanging basket
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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