Great Galloping GrowingGroundcovers

(Cerastigma plumbinoides, Sapponaria ocymoides, Monardella macrantha,

Geranium Dalamticum)

FrequentlyAsked questions

First things First...

MY HARDY PLUMBAGO IS SLOW TO LEAF OUT?Hardy Plumbago is slow to leaf out in the spring. Be patient. An outstanding, long-lived groundcover that slowly weaves itself into the garden fabric, creating large drifts of fall color. The deep blue flowers are numerous and long lasting beginning in late summer through fall. As the flowering finishes, the leaves begin a month-long change to a vivid mahogany red color. Plumbago is extremely adaptable, growing equally well in sun or shade, and thriving in a wide range of soil types.

WHERE IS AND WHERE DO I PLANT MONARDELLA?This distinctive looking groundcover is a marvelous new species closely related to Monarda or Bee Balm! It produces large bright red flowers that adorn this plant in early summer and fall. Great for a rock garden! Well branched plants growing to 6 to 8 inches tall. Scarlet Monardella is also a fabulous source of nectar for hummingbirds and is like a living hummingbird feeder blooming all spring, summer and fall!

IS SOAPWORT A GOOD PLANT FOR PROBLEM AREAS?Yes! This vigorous, low creeping plant is useful for spilling down sunny slopes or over rock walls. Plants form a low mound of bright-green leaves, literally smothered by starry bright-pink flowers in late spring to mid-summer. Also useful as an edging in the sunny border, and worth considering in tubs or pots. Its evergreen foliage grows 6 to 8 inches tall.

DOES DALMATIAN GERANIUM HAVE FALL COLOR?This low-growing species forms a small clump of fragrant, glossy green leaves, bearing clusters of shell-pink flowers in late spring and early summer. In fall the leaves transform to red-orange and burgundy tones. An excellent choice for rock gardens, rock walls or edging a border or pathway. Also worth considering in tubs or mixed containers. Spreads to form a dense mat to 6 inches tall.

ARE THEY EVERGREEN OR DECIDUOUS?All but the Soapwort is deciduous in cold climates. In warm winter areas they will all keep their foliage year round.

HOW TO I WINTERIZE THEM?There is really nothing to do. Just let them go dormant. In the spring you can clean up any dried foliage which will be minimal. If you do prune, do so hard immediately after blooming, to maintain a compact habit. Clumps may be easily divided in late summer or early spring.

When your plant arrives from Roberta’s, remove from the shipping box immediately.

Remove plastic bag and/or sleeve from around potted plant(s). Discard any packing material clinging to the leaves or soil. Pull away any yellow or brown leaves that may have occurred during transit. If you cannot plant it into garden or larger pot within a few days, make sure it stays well watered.

When ready to plant, do the job as early in the day as possible to avoid extreme soil temperatures that prevent proper water uptake from the roots. Water them in well and whisper a few words of wisdom.

Thank you for your order!

Take your gardening experience to new heights by visiting Roberta’s Unique Gardens. Our goal is to enhance your gardening enjoyment by providing you with top quality, leading edge perennials and annuals that are suitable for your garden and home with the best service imaginable.

Roberta’s is a 4th generation family owned business and has been one of the leading commercial exhibitors at flower and garden shows for over 50 years in the U.S. and abroad. We search the globe to find easy-to-grow plants that are unique in themselves or their variety making them nearly impossible to find elsewhere. Our passion and commitment continually asks the question, “What makes a better, unsurpassed, and more beautiful flower to behold?”

Working with growers and breeders from all over the world, Roberta’s is able to bring you hard-to-find plants and new species that will be sweethearts for years to come.

Thank you for bringing us into your home,

Eric, Kevin, and Koort Wallien

RobeRta’s GaRdensplanting and growing guide

RobeRta’s GaRdens

1-800-428-9726Monday – Fr iday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm EST

Thank you for bringing us into your home

www.robertasinc.com

Groundcover Galloping M43089_NQ.indd 1 11/5/13 10:02 AM

Remove plastic bag and/or sleeve from around potted plant(s). Discard any packing material clinging to the leaves or soil. Pull away any yellow or brown leaves or spent flowers that may have occurred during transit. If you cannot plant it into garden or larger pot within a few days, make sure it stays well watered.

Rather than in the garden you may re-pot into large containers. Repot the plants into at least 10 inch pots separately or together inside one larger container.

Planted now they will produce flowers in late spring to mid fall.

Transplant into the garden as soon as evening temperatures stay above 40F. Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and about 5 to 6 inches deep. Place them in their holes. Pack soil firmly around roots. Fill with soil and pack in firmly covering entire root zone. Water again. Plants prefer partial sun or full sun.

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quick reFerence

plAnting guide

plAnting guide

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SHELF LIFE Plant into garden or larger pots and place outside immediately after the night temperatures stay above 40 degrees. PLANT PREPARATION Remove plastic bag and sleeve from around potted plant(s). Discard any packing material clinging to the leaves or soil. Pull away any yellow or brown leaves that may have occurred during transit. If you cannot plant it into garden or larger pot within a few days, make sure it stays well watered. SOIL Plants need a lean well drained soil. Sandy or rocky soil is preferred. Death from “wet feet” is a common occurrence in heavy soils. Grow in fertile, well-drained soil. Amend clay type soils with compost or potting mix. GARDEN PREPARATION They prefer partial or full sun. POTTED PLANTS Rather than in the garden you may re-pot into large containers. Repot the plants into at least 10 inch pots separately or together inside one larger container. PLANTING SPACING If planting in garden space 15 to 18 inches apart. PLANT HEIGHT AND WIDTH These grow about 6 to 8 inches tall and 18 – 24 inches wide. WATER Water upon planting and just average during summer. FERTILIZER They respond to feeding with a high bloom fertilizer like Flower Magic plant food (M7503). Once a month is sufficient during spring and summer. TEMPERATURE ZONES 5 to 9 When nights stay above 40 degrees, place your plantsoutside and leave them there. They can withstand wintertemperatures to minus 15F. LIGHTING In the summer growing season, partial or full sun or partial sun is theabsolute best. BLOOMING Under correct conditions, blooming begins in late spring to late summer. PRUNING Pruning is not necessary. WINTER DORMANCY There is really nothing to do to winterize them. Clumps may be ripped apart and divided in early fall, after 2 years. Just stick a trowel in the soil and dig them out.

Shipped As Shown

Hardy Blue Plumbago in autumn

Hardy Blue Plumbago

Monardella Marian Sampson in container

Pink Dalmatian Geranium

Monardella Marian Sampson

Rock Soapwort

light/sun exposure:

usdA hArdiness zones:

plAnting distAnce:

mAture height/spreAd:

)

bloom time:

plAnting instructions:(soil preparation, depth,which end is up, etc.)

Full to Partial Sun

5 to 9

15-18 inches

6-8 inches18-24 inches per plant

Late Spring to Mid-Fall

Remove plastic bag and/or sleeve from around potted plant(s). Discard any packing material clinging to the leaves or soil. Transplant into the garden as soon as evening temperatures stay above 40F. Rather than in the garden you may re-pot into large containers.

10-2013-R0

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