Galax urceolata
Wandflower, Wandplant, Beetleweed, Galaxy, Colts foot
Also known as Galax aphylla
- Height × spread
- 0.6m × 0.46m
- Position
- Tolerates part shade, likes light shade, tolerates dense shade
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This most attractive little ground covering plant has lovely shiny rounded leaves with crinkled edges. There are slender spikes of white flowers in summer, and then charming crimson and bronze autumn tints. This handsome, eye catching plant is often grown in peaty soils alongside rhododendrons. This wandflower grows up to 60cm (2ft).
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Red-crimson
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.6m
- Spread
- 0.46m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Shady court
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates part shade, likes light shade, tolerates dense shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous)
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil, Dry and shady soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring · Outdoors
Apply acidic mulch
Where soil is only just acidic, apply mulch with a high acidic content such as leaf mould, or mulch for ericaceous plants. Alternatively the plant can benefit from a feed of iron supplement (iron chelate) such as sequestrol.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Apply slow release fertiliser
Apply a slow release fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plants soon after they have come into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Summer - late · Planting
Divide the plant
Divide the plant and throw away any poor or weak growth. Immediately replant the divided portions.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.