Unexpected Lady's Mantle

The Unexpected Lady's Mantle (Aphanes australis) is a drought tolerant perennial that prefers moist and well drained soil. When watering this plant species, it is important to do so sufficiently enough to keep the soil slightly moist at all times, but never allow it to become soggy or waterlogged. With this species, it is best to water moderately and deeply on a regular basis, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In terms of timing, it should be watered thoroughly about once a week during the growing season, or whenever itis actively producing foliage and flowers. During the hot summer months, when temperatures are high, it may require slightly more frequent watering. In the winter, the plant requires much less water and the frequency of watering should be reduced significantly. If temperatures remain mild and the soil does not freeze, the Unexpected Lady's Mantle may still require occasional watering during the winter months.

Unexpected Lady's Mantle (Aphanes australis) prefer bright indirect sunlight or partial shade, and will tolerate full sun if provided with sufficient moisture. In areas with a hot summer climate, it may need some morning shade in order to survive intense heat during peak sunlight hours. As a general rule, they prefer light levels that are between 4000 and 8000 lux, which translates to approximately 3 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning light or light filtered through a sheer curtain works excellently for optimal plant growth and blooms.

Unexpected Lady's mantle (Aphanes australis) should be pruned twice a year, in the spring and in the autumn. Pruning in the spring should be undertaken when new growth is starting to appear after the winter dormancy. Pruning at this time will encourage healthy new growth and bushiness. Cut back the shoots that have flowered the previous season as well as the straggly and spindly ones. Pruning in the autumn should be done when the plant is starting to go dormant. This is to reduce the amount of foliage and tidy the growth of the plant. Prune any dead, dying or damaged shoots back to just above the node to promote healthier new growth. Avoid pruning more than a third of the plant in 1 season.