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ground cover lodging

At 06:01 PM 9/22/98 -0700, Chris & Sharon Hughes wrote:
>>>>
Location : Fremont Ca, USA

I have a large flat area covered with Phyla nodifolia (spelling) commen name LIppia.
I planted it from landscape flats about 8 months ago and it took off and has covered everything quite nicely. could not have asked for better growth. however it has been falling over ( it is about 7 inches tall) and declining for the past several months. it does not seem to be heat realated as it is on the same sprinkler system and all nozzels work.
It started in one part of the ground cover and is working its way in two directions. so I think that it is something biological. It moves at about 6-12 inches a week.
IT does not appear to kill it so I am hoping that it will grow out of it.
does anyone have any idea what I can do?

<<<<

Is it Chris or Sharon? -

Phyla nodiflora (Lippia repens) is a very tough, drough tolerant, mat-
forming ground cover. I am surprised to hear that it has gained 7inches
in height. This suggests to me that perhaps the soil is too rich, and
it is getting too much water, or perhaps it is in too much shade. What
would be best for this plant is:

Lots of sun (it tends to grow toward sunnier areas and die out in shade).

Infrequent but very deep waterings to send the roots deeply into the soil.

Poor soil of any type.

Our last few months have been very hot, so perhaps the roots are not deep
enough (due to shallow watering?) to withstand the hot spells, even when
supplimental water is supplied? You might check the roots of one or two
of the plants to get a feel for this.

I have grown this plant routinely over the years and planted it for many
clients. It is a real tough 'doer' on poor, sunny sites. I am currently
looking for some (in the East Bay) at the moment - where did you find yours?

Sean O.


Sean A. O'Hara sean.ohara@poboxes.com
h o r t u l u s a p t u s 710 Jean Street
'a garden suited to its purpose' Oakland, CA 94610-1459, U.S.A.
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