Viscaria vulgaris ‘Splendens Plena’

Description

Viscaria vulgaris ‘Splendens Plena’ is a charming perennial that boasts vibrant double magenta-pink flowers in early to mid-summer. With its compact growth habit and attractive tufted form, this plant makes an excellent addition to gardens, borders, or containers. Follow this planting and care guide to ensure your Viscaria vulgaris ‘Splendens Plena’ thrives in your garden year after year.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Viscaria vulgaris ‘Splendens Plena’ is during the spring when the soil begins to warm. Planting at this time will give the roots ample opportunity to establish before the blooming season, resulting in strong growth and abundant flowers.
• Autumn: You can also plant in early autumn. This will allow the plant to settle in before winter dormancy, encouraging better growth in the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Viscaria vulgaris ‘Splendens Plena’ thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For the best results, choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. This will help promote vigorous growth and an abundance of vibrant blooms.
• Soil: Ensure well-drained soil for your Viscaria vulgaris ‘Splendens Plena’. It does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so it’s essential to plant in soil that drains well. Adding organic matter like compost will improve soil fertility and drainage, creating an ideal environment for healthy roots.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of your Viscaria vulgaris ‘Splendens Plena’. This provides the roots with plenty of space to spread and establish.
2. Soil Preparation: Incorporate compost or organic matter into the soil to enhance both its fertility and drainage. Viscaria vulgaris ‘Splendens Plena’ benefits from nutrient-rich soil, which supports healthy growth and vibrant flowers.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the prepared hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole and firm the soil gently to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water the plant thoroughly after planting. This will help settle the soil around the roots and encourage root establishment. Ensure that the area drains well to prevent waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Viscaria is moderately drought-tolerant. Water the plant during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can cause root rot.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering during the dormant season. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Viscaria vulgaris ‘Splendens Plena’ requires very little moisture during the winter months.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give your Viscaria vulgaris ‘Splendens Plena’ a strong start to the growing season. This will support healthy new growth and vibrant blooms throughout the summer.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding during mid-summer can help maintain the vigour of your plant and ensure continuous blooming throughout the flowering period.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead spent flowers from your Viscaria. Removing dead flowers helps encourage new blooms, keeps the plant tidy, and prolongs the flowering period.
• Autumn Pruning: After the last flowers have faded, cut back the plant to ground level. This helps prepare the plant for winter dormancy and promotes healthier growth the following spring.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Viscaria in spring. Mulch helps to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulch such as bark chips or compost works best.
• Winter: In colder months, add an additional layer of mulch around the plant to protect the roots from frost and prevent soil heaving. This will ensure the plant survives winter and grows back strong in the spring.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Viscaria vulgaris ‘Splendens Plena’ typically has a compact growth habit, so staking is rarely necessary. However, if the plant is exposed to strong winds or heavy rainfall, you may want to stake it to prevent damage to the flower spikes.

Final Tips for Growing

Viscaria vulgaris ‘Splendens Plena’ is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that will reward you with stunning magenta-pink flowers from early to mid-summer. By planting it in well-drained soil, ensuring it receives enough sunlight, and following this care guide, your Viscaria will thrive and add beauty to your garden year after year. With minimal upkeep, this charming perennial is sure to become a standout feature in your outdoor space.