Tropicals & Tender Perennials: 'Phoenix' bird or paradise, 0 by dyzzypyxxy

dyzzypyxxy wrote:
It's a type of oxalis, which they do sell another variety around St. Patty's Day because it looks like clover or shamrocks.

Yup, it's an easy spreader, because it spreads by underground stolons or little bulblets, so even if you yank off the tops of the plant sometimes the little bulby things are left underground to pop up again in 2 days.

There are limited ways to discourage weeds without chemicals. Hand pulling is the most effective, but as you say it's really hard to get them all, and endless. IF it gets sun for some time during the day, try spreading clear plastic over the leaves and letting the sun burn them. Plastic bags or painting drop sheets work great. Just be sure to remove the plastic after a couple of days, then watch for the plants to re-emerge and do it again. Don't leave the clear plastic on too long or it will heat up the soil under your C. Pulch and other permanent plantings.

This is the downside - weeds will grow wherever you water. If you can tune your sprinklers to only water the plants you want, that's the ideal way to limit your weeding chores. That's why micro-sprinklers work so great. You can really fine-tune them to just water the plants you want.

Sorry for the delayed reply, just got back last night from a week of sailing in the BVI's. Didn't see the C. Pulch's in bloom but really didn't spend a lot of time on shore either. Best thing about going away is coming home to the garden with new treasures in bloom! Daylilies, agapanthus, amaryllis.

Cheers Elaine