Pachyphragma

Description

Pachyphragma is a genus of flowering plants in the mustard family, Brassicaceae. It is a low-growing plant that is often used as a ground cover in gardens and landscapes. The plant is native to central and western Asia and Europe, and it is known for its delicate white flowers that bloom in clusters during the spring.

Taxonomic Information

Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Pachyphragma

Appearance

Pachyphragma has a compact, mounding habit and grows to a height of about 8-12 inches. The plant has heart-shaped leaves that are a bright green color and are covered in tiny hairs. The flowers are small and white, and they typically bloom in clusters during the spring. The plant is a hardy perennial that is capable of surviving cold winter temperatures.

Care Guide

Water: Pachyphragma prefers well-draining soil, but it also requires consistent moisture. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells.

Fertilization: Pachyphragma does not require much fertilization. However, you can fertilize it once a year with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.

Soil: Pachyphragma prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types, but it does best in loamy or sandy soil.

Sunlight: Pachyphragma prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. It can tolerate full sun, but too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow.

Hardiness Zones: Pachyphragma is hardy in zones 4-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Pachyphragma is generally a low-maintenance plant and is not often affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to slugs and snails, which can chew on the leaves and flowers. To prevent this, you can use a slug bait or set up a barrier of copper tape around the plant.

Habitat

Pachyphragma is native to central and western Asia and Europe, and it is typically found in rocky or stony habitats. The plant prefers cool, moist environments and can often be found growing in wooded areas or along streams.

Question and Answer

Q: How often should I water Pachyphragma?

A: Pachyphragma prefers consistent moisture, so water it regularly, especially during dry spells.

Q: What type of soil does Pachyphragma prefer?

A: Pachyphragma prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types, but it does best in loamy or sandy soil.

Q: Can Pachyphragma tolerate full sun?

A: Pachyphragma prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. It can tolerate full sun, but too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for Pachyphragma?

A: Pachyphragma is hardy in zones 4-8.

Related Plants

• Arabis
• Aubrieta
• Iberis
• Sisymbrium

References

• “Pachyphragma.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c413.
• “Pachyphragma.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/19124/Pachyphragma/Details.
• “Pachyphragma.” Plant Care Today, plantcaretoday.com/pachyphragma.html.