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Helxine soleirolii - Corsican Creeper

Helxine soleirolii
Corsican creeper, Corsican curse, Baby's tears, Friendship plant, Mind-your-own-business

4,4/5
19 reviews
4 reviews
3 reviews
1 reviews
1 reviews

1 foot of Soleirolia was crushed on half of the plant out of the 3 delivered: packaging in the box was too tight even though I had chosen plastic-free (thus more expensive). Not sure if the plant will recover...

Christèle, 11/02/2024

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

This charming semi-evergreen ground cover resembles moss and can replace grass in lightly trafficked areas in cool shade. This hardy perennial blooms in summer, so discreetly that it only adorns its intense green foliage with a pretty pinkish hue. This plant can be used both indoors and outdoors, making it a boon for Japanese gardens, verandas, and urban gardens. 
Height at maturity
5 cm
Spread at maturity
30 cm
Exposure
Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -9°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time April
Recommended planting time March to May
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Flowering time June to July
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Description

The Helxine soleirolii, also known as Soleirolia soleirolii is an attractive semi-evergreen ground cover that resembles moss, and can effectively replace grass in lightly trodden areas, in cool shade where grass refuses to grow. This semi-hardy perennial blooms in summer, so discreetly that it only adorns its tiny intense green foliage with a slight pinkish hue. Usable both indoors and outdoors, helxine blends well with the decor of a Japanese garden and fills the base of veranda plants. A blessing for dark and humid gardens, as well as gardens subjected to urban pollution.

 

The Soleirolia soleirolii belongs, like the stinging nettle, to the family of urticaceae. It is a perennial plant with creeping rhizomes, native to Mediterranean islands (Corsica, Sardinia, Elba, Balearic Islands), where it populates damp and shaded areas near watercourses. This creeping plant has stems that root at each node, forming a soft and bright green, very shiny carpet, deciduous or semi-evergreen, not exceeding 5 cm (2in) in height, sometimes less when located in a moderately trodden area. It spreads rapidly to form a dense ground cover. Its tiny leaves are round, measuring from 5 to 15 mm (0 to 1in) in length and are alternately arranged on pinkish and villous stems. It shows tiny flowers no bigger than a pinhead, translucent, white with pink reflections in summer. The plant bears male flowers, insignificant, and female flowers with a pinkish hue, distinguishable when on all fours. The plant dies below -10°C (14°F), and its foliage withers from -5°C (23°F) onwards.

 

This practical ground cover grows where many other plants suffocate, in shade, in the polluted atmosphere of cities, but in humus-rich and fresh soil. It provides a good alternative to grass, tolerating trampling without problems, unless it is too intense. It is widely used in Japanese-style gardens, where it gives round stones a mossy appearance. It elegantly adorns the base of Japanese maples and heather plants. Helxine also carpets the edges of a water feature, finding the humid atmosphere it seeks. It also accompanies shaded and cool rock plants. Its shallow roots require little soil, allowing it to settle along a gravel or paved path, softening the geometric lines, filling the gaps with potting soil and fine sand. It is also capable of growing in the cracks of a shady wall, in a very rainy climate. On the terrace, it can be paired with fuchsias or begonias. With regular watering throughout the summer, it will develop long stems and form cascades of greenery overflowing from pots. Indoors, it covers the base of green or flowering plants. Finally, to brighten the base of a north-facing wall, it will keep company with bergenias, snowdrops, and sweet woodruff. It is a perfect plant for creative gardeners.

Helxine soleirolii - Corsican Creeper in pictures

Helxine soleirolii - Corsican Creeper (Foliage) Foliage
Helxine soleirolii - Corsican Creeper (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time June to July
Inflorescence Solitary

Foliage

Foliage persistence Semi-evergreen
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 5 cm
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Helxine

Species

soleirolii

Family

Urticaceae

Other common names

Corsican creeper, Corsican curse, Baby's tears, Friendship plant, Mind-your-own-business

Origin

Mediterranean

Product reference812252

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Planting and care

Helxine is not very hardy but very resistant to lack of light. However, it is easy to grow in light soil that keeps it cool all year round. If it likes the location, it can even be invasive in rich, cool soil. Choose a shady or semi-shady spot away from direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. It thrives at the foot of deciduous trees and shrubs, provided the soil is not too dry in summer and rich in humus but well drained in winter. Good garden soil is ideal, neither too sandy nor too heavy, as it would get soggy in winter.

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Planting period

Best planting time April
Recommended planting time March to May

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge, Pond edge
Type of use Edge of border, Container, Slope, Greenhouse, Conservatory
Hardiness Hardy down to -9°C (USDA zone 8b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 8 per m2
Exposure Partial shade, Shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, drained, humus-bearing.

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Needs protection
4,4/5

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