Caucasian Crosswort Phuopsis stylosa
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Caucasian Crosswort or Large-styled Crosswort boasts a unique and attractive appearance. It forms a dense carpet of glossy green, slightly hairy leaves which are arranged in whorls around the stem, giving it a textured and lush look. Each leaf is lance-shaped and tapers to a pointed tip, contributing to the overall delicate intricacy of the foliage. In late spring to early summer, the plant adorns itself with clusters of small flowers that rise slightly above the foliage on short stems. These blooms are noteworthy for their intense reddish-pink color, which can add a vibrant splash to any garden setting. The flowers are arranged in a tight, rounded head, somewhat resembling a button. Their sweet scent is also a characteristic feature, attracting various pollinators such as bees. This ground-covering plant is noted for spreading readily, filling in spaces and creating a continuous mat of greenery interspersed with its charming, aromatic flowers. The Caucasian Crosswort is a versatile plant that can thrive in various conditions and is praised for its ability to cover ground with its ornamental leaves and appealing blooms, offering both visual pleasure and practical benefits.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rubiaceae
Synonyms
Caucasian Crosswort, Large-Stylus Phuopsis, Creeping Crosswort
Common names
Asperula stylosa, Crucianella stylosa, Putoria calabrica.
ToxicityTo humans
Cauliflower Fungus is not considered toxic to humans. However, it's advised to exercise caution with any plant, as individual allergies and sensitivities can vary.
To pets
Cauliflower Fungus is not specifically listed as toxic to pets, but it's prudent to prevent pets from ingesting plants as they may have individual reactions or sensitivities to even non-toxic plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Groundcover: Phuopsis stylosa provides dense, low-growing foliage that spreads to cover bare spots in gardens, reducing weed growth.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its unique pink flowers and whorled leaves, it adds a distinct visual interest to garden spaces.
- Pollinator Attraction: The plant's flowers attract various pollinators such as bees, which are beneficial for the overall health of the garden ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or dry garden areas.
- Easy Care: Phuopsis stylosa is known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once settled in its preferred environment.
- Shade Tolerance: It can thrive in partially shaded areas, offering ground cover solutions for less sunny spots of a garden.
- Soil Adaptability: This plant is adaptable to different soil types, although it prefers well-draining soils.
- Rapid Growth: It grows quickly and can provide ground cover or fill spaces in a relatively short period.
- Deer Resistance: The foliage is not favored by deer, thus it is less likely to be damaged by grazing in areas with deer populations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ground Cover: Phuopsis stylosa is often used as a ground cover in gardens due to its dense mat-forming growth habit which can suppress weeds.
- Border Edging: Due to its unique look, gardeners may utilize Phuopsis stylosa to create defined edges along garden beds or walkways.
- Rock Gardens: The plant adapts well to rock gardens, accentuating the natural beauty of the stones with its pink blooms.
- Scented Gardens: Phuopsis stylosa emits a distinctive aroma which makes it a good choice for scented gardens where olfactory experience is a priority.
- Drought-Resistant Planting: It is suitable for xeriscaping due to its tolerance to drought conditions once established.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers are known to attract bees and butterflies, making it beneficial for gardeners looking to promote pollination.
- Underplanting for Roses and Shrubs: It can be used as underplanting for roses and shrubs, providing a carpet of foliage and flowers beneath taller plants.
- Trough Gardens: Because of its small size, Phuopsis stylosa works well in trough gardens and other miniature garden settings.
- Erosion Control: Its mat-forming habit can help stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes or banks.
- Container Gardens: Phuopsis stylosa can also be grown in containers, where its trailing habit can be showcased spilling over the edges.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Caucasian crosswort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Caucasian crosswort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence: Phuopsis stylosa, commonly known as Caucasian Crosswort or Large-styled Crosswort, is known for its resilient nature, often thriving in poor soil conditions where other plants may struggle. Its ability to persist symbolizes determination and tenacity.
- Adaptability: This plant's flexibility in growing in a variety of environments represents the ability to adapt to different situations and challenges.
- Unity: The interlocking pattern of its flowers can represent the interconnectedness of individuals within a community, denoting unity and collective strength.
WaterThe Caucasian crosswort should be watered regularly during its growing season, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy. Water thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be approximately every week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. During the hotter, drier months, aim to provide the plant with 1 to 2 gallons of water weekly, adjusting based on rainfall and temperatures. In the winter, reduce watering frequency, but do not let the soil completely dry out, especially if the plant is in a sheltered position or under cover.
LightCaucasian crosswort thrives best in full to partial sunlight. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some dappled shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. If planting in a garden bed, select a location that offers morning sunlight and protection from the intense late-day sun to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureThe Caucasian crosswort prefers moderate temperature conditions and can generally survive in a temperature range of 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can handle colder temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit, it should be protected from frost. The ideal growing conditions for the plant are within a temperate zone, where extreme heat or cold is uncommon.
PruningPrune Caucasian crosswort to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or diseased stems. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Lightly trim the plant once a year to preserve its compact form and to promote healthy, dense foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Caucasian Crosswort (Phuopsis stylosa), the best soil mix is well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good mix can be made with loam, peat, and sharp sand to facilitate drainage. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.2 for optimal growth.
RepottingCaucasian Crosswort typically does not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same container for several years. It should be repotted only when it outgrows its pot or the soil becomes compacted, roughly every 2 to 3 years.
Humidity & MistingCaucasian Crosswort prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different conditions. There is no specific humidity level required; however, it is important to ensure the plant is not in an excessively dry environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in sunlight or partial shade, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Phuopsis stylosa, commonly known as Caucasian Crosswort or Large-styled Crosswort, commences with seed germination, typically occurring in optimal warm and moist soil conditions in spring or autumn. Following germination, the seedling establishes itself with a set of true leaves, forming a low-growing rosette. The plant then enters a vegetative growth phase, where it develops a spreading habit with characteristic whorls of leaves and a creeping stem system that can root at nodes, providing a means to vegetatively spread. In late spring to summer, it reaches the flowering stage, producing dense clusters of tiny, star-shaped, aromatic pink flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, seeds develop and are eventually dispersed near the parent plant or farther away to initiate new colonies. The plant may enter a period of dormancy during winter in colder climates, resuming growth in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: The Caucasian crosswort, scientifically known as Phuopsis stylosa, can be propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this plant. Division is typically done in spring or early autumn. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with a part of the crown and roots. Ensure that each new section has at least one growing point. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing at before, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth and air circulation. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method is effective for expanding your planting or renewing older clumps that may have become woody or sparse in the center.
