Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Lippia repens or Phyla nodiflora

The genus Lippia, family Verbenaceae, includes 200 species of shrubs and subshrubs native to tropical and subtropical regions of America and Africa. Some species are: Lippia repens, Lippia alba, Lippia graveolens, Lippia substrigosa, Lippia palmeri.

Common names: Frog fruit, Sawtooth fogfruit, Turkey tangle. This species is native to Central America.

They are upholstered plants that reach 10 cm (3.93") in height. They have small elliptical leaves with serrated edges. The abundant flowers appear in rounded groups (similar to the flower heads of Lantanas) and are pinkish-white with a yellow center. They bloom from mid-spring to late summer.

Frog fruit is used to fix slopes, in rockeries, to cover dry areas of the garden and on paths; it's a walkable covering plant. It can replace grass in dry regions and by the sea. It's ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens and for cities due to its resistance to pollution.

Lippia repens can grow in full sun or semi-shade exposure. It prefers warm climates (subtropical, Mediterranean, tropical); it resists frost down to -5 ºC (23 ºF).

Turkey tangle can grow in any type of soil (even calcareous) that is well drained. Planting is done in autumn or spring at a rate of 5 specimens per square meter.

Sawtooth fogfruit is a very resistant to drought plant; it appreciates regular waterings, always waiting for the substrate to be dry.

Lippia repens does not need fertilizers.

Pruning is not necessary but its rapid growth must be controlled because it can become invasive.

Phyla nodiflora is a plant resistant to pests and diseases.

Lippia repens propagates from cuttings in spring or fall.

Images of the plant Lippia repens or Phyla nodiflora