Guide to growing Laceflower - Trachymene

Although Trachymene are perennials they are usually grown as half hardy annuals in the garden.

Trachymene range from 15 to 60cm in height. Trachymene bloom in the summer when they carry small purple flowers in a globe, atop an erect stalk. Some common names for Trachymene include Laceflower and Blue Laceflower.

How to grow Laceflower

When growing Trachymene species such as Laceflower from seeds they should be sown in spring, just before the last frost. Lightly cover the seeds once sown. Ideally Laceflower should be spaced about 20 to 25cm apart and grown in a sunny part of the garden that has a soil enriched with organic matter.

If starting off Laceflower indoors then do so about 10 weeks in advance. The seeds should be sown into peat pots. It should take about two to four weeks for Laceflower to germinate at a temperature of about 20 degrees centigrade; germination should be done in the dark. Once growing transplant the Trachymene seedlings outdoors a week or so after the last chance of a spring frost.

Caring for Laceflower

It is quite easy to care for Laceflower, the young plants should be pinched back at the tips to encourage branching; as they like slightly moist soil water them with moderation when soil dries out. For best results grow Laceflower closely together.