Gomphrena’
FAMILY: Gomphrena
USES: Used for its seasonal flower display. Does well as a bedding or edging plant alongside a path. Also very often used en masse, in mixed borders, as a container plant, in pots, window boxes and in dried flower arrangements.
SIZE: Grows to 30 – 60cm tall with a 30cm spread. Fast growing to full size in 8 weeks.
LOCATION: Full sun to partial shade. Prefers a slightly humid location. Does well in both coastal and inland areas although will tend to flower longer in the slightly cooler coastal areas.
SOIL: Best in an organically enriched free draining fertile sandy soil with a pH 6.1 – 7.8, mildly acidic to mildly alkaline.
FERTILISER: Apply a liquid 9:2:6 NPK with trace elements every two months starting as soon as the flower buds appear.
WATER: Keep soil moist but avoid waterlogging which will quickly lead to rot. Try not to spray water on the flowers.
Wahat Al Sahraa Nurseries, Al Amardi St., Al Khawaneej, P.O. Box 37579, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
