TheNaturePlanet

Today, I'd like to share with you a super cute flower - Lobularia maritima.

Although the Lobularia maritima plant is relatively short, usually only 15 to 30 centimeters tall, it is extremely prolific in blooming. Its flowers are small, just like mini snowballs clustered closely together in large numbers. The common flower colors are white and light purple, both of which are particularly fresh and elegant. Moreover, its flowering period is quite long! Generally, it can bloom from spring all the way to summer, and if the climate is suitable and it is properly cared for, it can even last until autumn.

Lobularia maritima is rather cold-resistant! It can tolerate low temperatures of around minus 5 degrees Celsius. In the cold winter, when many flowers have withered or are sheltered in greenhouses, Lobularia maritima can still bloom firmly outdoors, adding a unique touch of color to the bleak winter days.

So, how to plant Lobularia maritima? It's actually not difficult. Firstly, choose the right soil. It prefers loose, breathable and well-drained soil. You can mix leaf mold, peat soil and perlite in a ratio of 3:2:1. Then it comes to sowing. Generally, it can be sown in both spring and autumn. Spread the seeds evenly on the surface of the soil, gently cover them with a thin layer of soil about 0.5 centimeters thick, water thoroughly, place it in a cool and ventilated place, and keep the soil moist. The seeds will probably germinate in about a week. If you buy seedlings, it will be even simpler. Just dig a small hole, plant the seedlings in it and water them adequately.

The daily maintenance of Lobularia maritima is also very simple. It loves basking in the sun very much! Place it in a sunny spot, and it will grow short, sturdy and compact, with more and numerous fragrant flowers blooming. However, when it's especially hot in summer, it's okay to shade it a little to avoid sunburn. It is relatively drought-tolerant, so you don't need to water it too frequently at ordinary times. Wait until the surface of the soil is dry before watering, and don't pour too much water each time to avoid waterlogging that may cause root rot.

During the growth period of Lobularia maritima, you can apply a thin compound fertilizer once a month, which can make it grow more vigorously and bloom more. Before the flowering period, apply some more phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate. Dilute it and spray it on the leaves or water it into the soil.

After the flowers fade, trim off the withered flowers in time, which can reduce the consumption of nutrients and promote its blooming again. Usually, you can also cut off some elongated branches, dead branches and weak branches to keep it in a beautiful shape.