Cultivation and characteristics of Lippia nodiflora

If you have a garden but the grass resists you and you want to stop having to worry about all the care it entails but you don’t want to stop enjoying a very green garden, don’t worry because we bring you the solution: Lippia nodiflora .

This perennial plant is also known as Bella Alfombra or Lipia, and being a carpet plant it is the perfect option to replace the classic lawn. Forget about so much maintenance and go ahead and discover this excellent alternative to have a beautiful garden.

FEATURES LIPPIA NODIFLORA

So that you can better understand the care and needs of Lippia nodiflora , first we will explain the characteristics of this plant. This way it will be even easier for you to take care of it and make your garden look spectacular.

Within the Verbenaceae family , the genus Lippia is included, which is made up of about 200 species of shrubs whose origin comes from the tropical and subtropical regions of America and Africa. Specifically this species comes from Central America.

Apart from Bella Alfombra and Lipia, it is also known by its scientific synonyms Phyla Nodiflora and Lippia Canescens .

It is a covering plant that spreads along the ground, developing roots as it spreads. The Lipia is a plant that barely raises 10 centimeters from the ground, however as it develops while rapidly covering the ground, its extended stems can reach between 30 and 90 centimeters.

It has small oval green leaves and a serrated edge. In winter they change to a reddish tone , which in a way makes this plant lose its ornamental capacity because with this color it does not look as good as it does at other times of the year.

The Lippia nodiflora has abundant flowers small and aromatic , presented in groups of concentrated flowers. They are usually white in color with a yellow center, with a diameter of around 2.5 millimeters. These plants bloom from mid-spring to almost late summer.

It should be noted an important point of this species and that is that due to its melliferous nature it causes you to constantly have bees. This is great for pollination but not so good if you are scared or there are children nearby flitting around the garden.

They are an excellent option for Mediterranean coastal gardens and for cities due to their great resistance to pollution . In addition, they withstand constant trampling quite well, grows quite aggressively longitudinally quite quickly, being able to become an invasive plant.

CULTIVATION OF LIPPIA NODIFLORA

Now that you know the characteristics of Lipia, you have seen that it is a fairly resistant plant and that it will not require half as much care as grass. Take note of what you are going to read next, in order to have a healthy Lippia nodiflora that shines with all its splendor.

TEMPERATURES AND EXPOSURE

This type of upholstery plant is used in rockeries , to set slopes and cover dry areas of gardens or paths. It will prefer temperate climates where winters are mild, so it is very normal to see it in gardens in the Mediterranean area even if they are near the sea, since it supports the saline environment well . And it is a plant that does not withstand frost well, losing leaves from -5ºC.

La Bella Alfombra will grow best in a sunny area, although it can also be in semi-shade. If you decide to plant it in an area with full sun, keep in mind that it will need more copious waterings.

Lipia flower detail. Photo by: holdit.

IRRIGATION

Continuing with the issue of irrigation, it is not a very demanding plant in this regard and can withstand prolonged periods of drought , however it will always be more leafy and will look better if you water it regularly. Specifically in summer it is recommended that you water the plant at least 1 time every 10 – 15 days.

I USUALLY

Regarding the soil, Lippia nodiflora is not demanding, tolerating different types of soils (even limestone) as long as they are well drained . In addition, it does not require any fertilizer. However, it is advisable to use a slow-release fertilizer in spring to help the plant better withstand colder seasons.

To plant the Lipia, it is advisable to do it in autumn or spring. You can plant between 5 and 15 seedlings for every square meter . If you want a higher density plant between 10 and 12, leaving little space between them, so you will quickly achieve that carpet effect. Also, doing it this way will make it easier for you to see the weeds that may come out and eliminate it more easily.

At first you will have to be aware of the plants, watering them more frequently than normal until they are fully rooted. From that moment on, you can reduce the frequency with which you water.

It is important that you never place an anti weed mesh , since this plant requires land to be able to expand through it and with this it will not be able to.

PRUNING AND DISEASES. TWO ISSUES THAT HARDLY MATTER

Finally, when it comes to pruning, it would be advisable to do a harvest a year in the event that the  Lippia nodiflora reaches more than 10 centimeters in height. Although the normal thing will be that when it extends it does so at the height of the ground.

It is a very resistant plant to diseases and pest attacks. Likewise, there are usually no serious diseases that can lead to the wilting of the plant.

Without a doubt, after seeing how easy to care for Lippia nodiflora is and how good it is for sustainable or low-maintenance gardens, you will surely be considering adding this wonderful plant to your garden.

It is perfect for giving that touch of natural magic to a meadow, covering a slope, planting between slabs to make a path with a different air or even on a staircase. You will not regret!

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