This hornwort has been given an apt name. In fact, it weaves such a dense carpet of its numerous shoots that no weeds can get past it and reach the light. The silver shimmer of its leaves stands out decoratively from the green of other plants. Learn more about his cultivation.
What is special about the Hornwort Silver Carpet?
The silver carpet hornwort is a hardy, low-growing perennial with shiny silvery leaves and white star flowers. It is suitable as a ground cover and weed suppressant and prefers sunny locations with dry, well-drained soil. Care is very easy as it requires little water and nutrients.
Appearance and growth
The silver carpet hornwort is a low-growing perennial that reaches a height of just under 20 cm. The area around the plant is their preferred territory to conquer. It forms root runners and weaves an ever-widening carpet. These are their optical characteristics:
- narrow, silvery shiny leaves
- countless small white star flowers from May to June
- very dense growth, evergreen
Purchase and propagation
Buying this plant won't put too much strain on your wallet. You can get a copy for just a few euros. For larger orders you usually receive a quantity discount.
You can grow this hornwort into the garden even cheaper by buying seeds. They are sown indoors in March and planted out in May. Other propagation methods include: cuttings in spring and division in autumn.
Preferred Location
The hardy hornwort can be planted permanently in the garden. It would voluntarily choose a sunny spot with well-drained, dry soil. The herb tolerates small deviations, but not if it has to be kept in wet conditions.
Application options
Its low and dense growth habit as well as its great ability to spread make hornwort an all-rounder in the garden. It grows:
- on roof gardens
- in rock gardens
- as ground cover
- as a gap filler
- as a weed suppressant
- in the perennial bed
- on wall tops
- as a bed border
- along the paths
Tip
Plant several perennials 12 inches apart. This way the fine herb comes into its own even better.
Care
The hornwort silver carpet is very easy to care for, if not indestructible. The question is not what its owner needs to provide for good growth. Rather, it's about what has to be withheld from him or what has to be provided in only modest quantities. These are two things: water and nutrients.
The drier and leaner the soil is, the more comfortable the hornwort silver carpet will feel. Plant it and just let it grow in peace.
