Paronychia argentea
| Paronychia argentea | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 7 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 0.3' |
| Width: | 2' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Late Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Paronychia argentea (common name: algerian tea)
Propagation: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring[1].
Cultivation: Requires a warm open position in full sun, in a sharply drained sandy or gritty soil. If the soil is too rich the plants leaves will not be so silvery[1]. Plants can be grown in a wall[1].
This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c, perhaps more if in a perfectly drained soil[1].
Closely related to P. capitata, but this species is more tolerant of winter cold and wet conditions[1].
Range: S. Europe to S.W. Asia.
Habitat: Dry rocky habitats[1].
Edibility: An infusion of the flowers is used as a tea[2].
Medicinal: An infusion of the leaves is aphrodisiac and diuretic[1]. It is also used in the treatment of TB[1].
Usage: Especially useful as a ground cover plant after bulbs have flowered[1][3]. The plants form a low carpet, rooting as they spread, and they should be spaced about 30cm apart each way[3].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Thomas, Graham. Plants for Ground Cover. Everyman, 1990.