Caucasian crosswort
Phuopsis stylosa · Rubiaceae
📷 Magnus Manske · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant caucasian crosswort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Phuopsis stylosa
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Foliage type
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to August
- Adult size
- 30 cm height × 40-50 cm width
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Hardy (-15°C approximately)
- Origin
- Caucasus and Transcaucasia
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Phuopsis stylosa is a delicate little flowering perennial that loves staying cool and moist without excess: it slowly spreads into a carpet. Divide it in autumn or very early spring to multiply and rejuvenate tired, worn-out carpets.
The common mistake
Exposing it to full blazing sun: it turns pale yellow and barely flowers.
The pro's trick
Plant it at the base of taller shrubs or in a north/east-facing border: it thrives in partial shade and produces delicate pink little flowers all summer long.
Care
Light exposure
Phuopsis stylosa prefers partial shade to dappled shade. In very warm climates, place it where it's sheltered from direct afternoon sun to prevent foliage from drying out. However, it adapts well to sunny locations in cooler regions.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist during the growing season (spring-summer), but avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. A mulch layer helps retain soil moisture during hot periods.
Soil preparation
Phuopsis stylosa prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter and slightly acidic to neutral. Enrich your soil with compost or peat before planting. Avoid overly chalky or compacted soils.
Feeding
Apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice monthly during the growing season. Prefer organic matter or a specialized fertilizer for acid-loving plants to optimize nutrition.
Pruning and maintenance
Lightly cut back the plant in spring to maintain a compact, bushy shape. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend the flowering period. No severe pruning needed.
Diseases and pests
Phuopsis stylosa is generally robust against pests. Watch for powdery mildew in humid, enclosed conditions—improve air circulation. Slugs may occasionally damage young foliage. Excess moisture encourages root rot.
Did you know?
Phuopsis stylosa, also called 'Pink Posy' or 'Wheel Flower', gets its charm from tiny starry flowers clustered into dense, light-pink pompoms. This little Caucasian gem has been beloved by English gardeners since the 19th century, prized for its generous flowering ability in partial shade conditions.
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.