Description: It is a succulent groundcover
that forms a tight mat of evergreen foliage and
a long-blooming display of
bright yellow flowers.
Leaves: Small, light green,
with white teeth on upper surface; small,
finely warty and textured, that form low
rosettes.
Flowers: Yellow, silky, daisy-like that open in the afternoon. If it is too cloudy, the flowers fail to open
entirely.
Blooming season: It blooms for several months, beginning in
mid-spring.
Cultivation: Chasmatophyllum is one of the hardiest mesembs
and can survive outdoors in European winters without special protection
(Frost
hardy to -12° C or less). It is a slow growing, but easy species,
highly praised for its longevity and tolerance of a wide range of soils
and moisture. It can be cultivated in the ground (it
needs a lean,
well-drained soil) or in a
container, the potting mix should preferably be very
porous, to increase drainage. It needs
light shade, but If slowly acclimated, it can take a good deal
of sun. Water regularly
in summer (but allow to dry out before you water again);
keep quite dry in winter.
Should be repotted only every
2-3 years
Use: It is perfect for planting as a
small-scale xeric groundcover along the edges of walks or flagstone
patios where it won’t be stepped on. It is also very useful in rock
gardens and cactus beds. It is also perfect for
a bright windowsill.
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Propagation:
Cuttings or (rarely) seeds. It is easily propagated by the removal of
offshoots in spring. To propagate by cuttings, remove a shoot and let it
lie for about one week, giving the wound time to heal. Cuttings should
first be allowed to dry and heal by placing them on a cool place for at
least one week. The basal part should preferably be treated with a
fungicide. Plant the cutting in an erect position in sandy soil. Rooting
is rapid, and the plantlets can be planted out in
small containers when they are large enough to handle.
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