Sharp-leaved fluellen
Kickxia elatine · Plantaginaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant sharp-leaved fluellen: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Elatine toadflax
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Type
- Annual or winter herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-July)
- Adult size
- 15-40 cm in height, spreading habit
- Foliage
- Deciduous, small oval leaves
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness, frost-sensitive
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and Near East
Care
Sunlight exposure
Choose a sunny or partially shaded location to promote abundant flowering. A bright spot accelerates growth and flower formation. Avoid dense shade areas which would reduce the plant's vigor.
Watering
Water moderately and regularly during the growing period, keeping the soil moist but well-drained. Reduce watering in winter or at the end of the cycle. Avoid waterlogging which causes root rot.
Soil
Use light, well-drained soil that is rather poor. This plant tolerates chalky soils and doesn't require rich substrate. A mixture of potting soil and coarse sand promotes better drainage.
Pruning and maintenance
No strict pruning is necessary. You can cut back the stems after flowering to encourage branching. Remove faded flowers to extend the flowering period and prevent unwanted self-seeding.
Fertilizer
A moderate application of balanced fertilizer once a month during growth is sufficient. This plant grows well in poor soil and doesn't require intensive fertilization. Excess nitrogen would favor foliage at the expense of flowers.
Did you know?
Elatine toadflax is a small, elegant Mediterranean plant that was once used in traditional herbal medicine for its supposed diuretic properties. Its genus name 'Kickxia' honors the 19th-century Belgian botanist Jean Kickx. Though discreet and delicate, it has naturalized in Northern Europe as a small crop weed, thus traveling far beyond its original home.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.