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| Aubretia |
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Aubretia is a useful hardy perennial that is ideal for walls, rock-gardens and border edgings, and prefers to be grown in full sun and well drained soil.
It has a colour range from white through pale pink to rich purple and is evergreen.
It grows to approx. 100-200mm (4"-8") high and flowers from March-June
Limy soil is preferable but not essential.
On poor soils or when planting on dry banks or walls, enrich the planting hole with compost
Aubretia is generally pest and disease free, however a prolonged spell of cool, damp weather may encourage downy mildew.
The symptoms are; a yellowing of the leaves, with grey downy patches on the undersides.
Remove and destroy all affected leaves, including any on the ground around the plant, to prevent the spores from spreading.
Week 13: Sow under glass, do not cover seed, and maintain a minimum temperature of 18°C (65°F)
alternatively;
Sow around Week 25 and germinate at 10°-18°C (50°-64°F)
Germination normally takes 7-10 days.
circa Week 15>; when seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into boxes/trays to grow on.
If you were unable to plant out the previous autumn plant out now if ground conditions are suitable.
circa Week 25/34; transfer seedlings to 70mm (3") pots, stand outdoors, or in a cold frame.
n.b. keep well watered.
Week 22-26; To keep established plants looking tidy, cut them back by about half.
But if growing on walls or banks, simply remove the spent flower stems, this will retain the cascading shape.
Week 38>; If required, plants may be divided and the sections replanted.
Plant out new plants into their permanent site between now and Week 15
Keep young plants well watered until they are growing strongly.
Week 40; Mulch established plants with a 50mm (2") layer of well rotted manure or compost.
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