|
Growth Rate
|
- Speed: Moderate growth rate.
- Mature Growth: Reaches 6-8 inches tall and spreads to 12-18 inches wide, forming a lush mat of foliage and blooms.
|
|
Colorful leaves
|
|
|
Flowering
|
Yes |
|
Bloom Color
|
|
|
Disease resistant
|
Yes |
|
Cold Tolerant
|
Yes |
|
Heat Tolerant
|
No |
|
Drought Tolerant
|
No |
|
Deer Resistant
|
No |
|
Edible
|
Yes |
|
Wildlife Attraction
|
- Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers.
- Wildlife Resistant: Generally resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a reliable choice for gardens.
|
|
Self-pollinating
|
|
|
Seasonality
|
- Foliage Season: Evergreen in mild climates; semi-evergreen in colder areas.
- Flowering Season: Spring to early summer (March to June).
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
|
|
Ideal For
|
- Woodland gardens
- Shaded borders
- Ground cover in shady areas
- Rock gardens
- Pollinator-friendly landscapes
|
|
Leaf Description
|
- Color: Deep green with striking silver marbling.
- Form: Heart-shaped leaves that form a dense mat, providing an attractive ground cover.
- Winter Interest: Evergreen foliage offers year-round interest in milder climates.
|
|
Flower Description
|
- Color: Bright violet to purple flowers with a distinctive yellow center.
- Form: Five-petaled flowers that appear on slender stems above the foliage.
- Bloom Time: Blooms from spring through early summer, providing a cheerful display.
- Fragrance: Lightly fragrant, attracting pollinators.
|
|
Planting Instructions
|
- Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall when temperatures are mild.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, moist soil enriched with organic matter. Thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH.
- Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the nursery container, ensuring the root crown is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for spreading and airflow.
|
|
Pruning & Maintenance
|
- Timing: Minimal pruning required; deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms and maintain appearance.
- Method: Remove any dead or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth.
|
|
Water Needs
|
- Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, Silver Gem is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture.
- Soil Moisture: Prefers evenly moist soil; avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.
|
|
Light Needs
|
Thrives in partial to full shade. Can tolerate some morning sun but prefers shaded areas to prevent leaf scorch. |
|
Harvesting
|
– Edible flowers can be harvested when fully open – best done in the morning after dew has dried
– Use fresh for garnishing salads, cakes, teas, or ice cubes
– Flowers can also be candied or dried for decorative culinary uses
– Harvest regularly to encourage continuous blooming
– Avoid harvesting foliage – primarily ornamental and not used for culinary purposes |
|
Fertilizing
|
- Fertilization Time: Fertilize in early spring as new growth begins.
- Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to promote healthy foliage and flowering.
|
|
Additional Care Tips
|
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from temperature extremes.
- Drought Tolerance: While it prefers consistently moist soil, 'Silver Gem' can tolerate brief dry spells once established.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free; however, ensure good air circulation to prevent any potential fungal issues.
|
|
Pollination
|
- Pollination Type: Pollinated by bees and other insects attracted to the flowers. The plant is self-pollinating but benefits from cross-pollination for seed production.
- Fruit Production: Produces small seeds in capsules after flowering, although primarily valued for ornamental purposes.
|
|
Companion Plants
|
|
