Galax urceolata - Beetleweed

Family:	Diapensiaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.2
Width:	0.3
Synonyms:	G. aphylla. non L.
Range:	South-eastern N. America.

Galax urceolata (Beetleweed) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.2m and a width of 0.3m . It has a hardness rating of 5.
Beetleweed will flower in December to January. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

Beetleweed will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
Beetleweed prefers either dry or moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Beetleweed can grow in full or semi shaded areas.

Moist open woodland, particularly in montane areas, to altitudes of 1500m[200].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Is suited to a deeply shaded location
• Can spread to cover ground and will out compete weeds

Cultivation Details

Requires a moist humus-rich lime-free soil with part day shade[200]. Succeeds in full shade[208]. Plants can succeed in the dry shade of trees[233]. Succeeds in the woodland garden, large rock gardens or as an edging for shady paths[200]. Plants like an annual mulch of pine needles or other acid organic matter each spring[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
The plant is used for healing all kinds of wounds and cuts[207]. An infusion of the root is used to treat kidney problems[257].

• Kidney - Used in the treatment of kidney diseases
• Vulnerary - Promotes the healing of wounds.

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring or autumn in a shaded cold frame[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division with care in early spring[200].

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

An attractive ground cover, the leaves turn bronze-red in winter[200]. Plants should be spaced about 25cm apart each way[208].

• Ground cover - Usually low growing plants that can be grown with other plants, especially shrubs and trees, to prevent the growth of weeds.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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