In order to transform the garden into a green oasis of well-being, you need the right garden plants. Gardeners often resort to imposing or exotic flowers that undoubtedly have an impressive appearance. Nevertheless, gaps remain in the garden area, which in most cases can be filled with a suitable ground cover. And sometimes a fresh highlight is longed for that gives the outdoor area its own character. Chickweed is a good example of such a versatile garden plant. But the chickweed also cuts a fine figure in a pot on the balcony or terrace. Eben Arenaria, as it is botanically called, is the focus of our contribution today. Find out more about the beautiful dainty perennial in the following lines.
Chickweed has very delicate leaves and flowers
The chickweed at a glance
The dainty plant fascinates with its white flowers. It is one of the carpet-forming perennials. This small perennial is evergreen and surprisingly hardy. In winter, the plant remains a beautiful eye-catcher. The botanical name of the plant Arenaria becomes from the word sand derived, and is associated with the location preferred by many chickweed species. The mountain sandwort is one of the best-known representatives of the genus. It belongs to the carnation family and originally comes from the mountainous regions of south-western Europe.
The sand chew forms dense and wide cushions. In height, on the other hand, it can reach no more than 10 cm. Chickweed impresses with its delicate flowers. Depending on the species, they have four or five grain leaves and a yellow center. These are always together to several inflorescences. They are called Dichasia. The lovely white flowers last all summer long and provide fresh accents in the garden and on the terrace.
The cushion perennial is very typical for the rock garden. It also decorates wall and paving joints. The delicate plant is also very suitable as a border for compact beds. If there are barren locations in the garden, then the chickweed comes to the rescue again. You can cover a large area with a multitude of white flowers. The perennial is also perfect for green roofs.
The flowers of the perennial are two and a half centimeters in size
Chickweed is a particularly ornamental plant
Care tips for chickweed
It is advisable to plant the chickweed in the spring. Choose a sunny to semi-shady place for the plant so that it gets at least three hours of sunlight a day. As far as the soil is concerned, Chickweed has little need for humus and nutrients. But the perennial can also thrive well on normal garden soil. However, an important prerequisite for their development is good water permeability of the soil. However, dry soil or calcareous substrates are not a problem for older plants. If the soil is heavy, however, it is essential to use sand or gravel to loosen it. Depending on the variety, chickweed blooms in late spring or early summer.
As a rule, the delicate perennial is very easy to care for. So even people without a green thumb could easily take care of the plant. It is important that you water the plant regularly during the growing season. The special thing about this garden plant is that it can rarely get water otherwise. But then it has to be poured extensively. In this way, a deep-reaching root system is formed, which can supply the plant with water if necessary. In the rock garden, the plant does not need additional fertilizer. However, provide your Arenaria with compost every three years. The chickweed in the pot, on the other hand, has a high nutrient requirement. Therefore, in this case, liquid fertilizer can be added regularly but sparingly.
A planting distance of 30 cm is sufficient
What you have to consider when caring for the chickweed:
- If you want to extend the flowering period of the plant into autumn, then you will have to cut off faded flowers continuously. Diseased shoots must also be removed in time, and if necessary, the chickweed can also be shortened.
- However, the herbaceous plant cannot tolerate waterlogging. It is also subject to fungal diseases because of its dense growth and poor evaporation of water.
- Otherwise the plant is spared diseases and pests.
- Even if the chickweed is a robust plant and does not usually need winter protection, you must protect the tender young plants from frost. The potted plants, on the other hand, need winter protection from brushwood or garden fleece.
- During long dry periods in winter you have to give the plant a lot of liquid.
At the right location, the maintenance effort for the chickweed is low
It is better to water the chickweed seldom, but extensively
The best time to plant chickweed is March or April
The hardy perennial also delights the eye with its beautiful foliage in winter
It can easily withstand short periods of drought
In midsummer, the water requirement of the perennial increases
This plant is a flowering plant
Chickweed is perfect for landscaping a rock garden
The dainty chickweed has a lush growth and a fresh appearance
