Hornungia
hornungia procumbens
Also known as: ["Procumbent Hedge Mustard","Procumbent Hornungia"]
Overview
A low-growing annual herb with small white flowers and pinnate leaves, native to Europe and parts of Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["low maintenance","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Hornungia |
| Botanical Name: | Hornungia procumbens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or containers in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter; can tolerate poor soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very low
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer; ensure adequate ventilation if grown indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun on leaves during peak hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; amend with organic matter for better texture.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates light frosts but prefers mild conditions.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; maintain moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Fertilize lightly to prevent excessive foliage growth; stop fertilizing in late fall to allow dormancy; water before applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings root easily in warm conditions.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; plants establish in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; trim stems just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or leggy stems.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged stems; shape the plant as desired; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the day; ensure drainage; reduce frequency in winter.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water lightly and infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause leaf damage or dieback if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C) for extended periods.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; use mulch to insulate roots.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat above 85°F (29°C).
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity with misting; water deeply but infrequently to avoid heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; water before and after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicHornungia procumbens is not considered toxic to cats. The plant is generally safe for accidental ingestion, though large quantities may cause mild digestive upset.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicHornungia procumbens is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant is generally safe for accidental ingestion, though large quantities may cause mild digestive upset.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicHornungia procumbens is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of its seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of trace amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hornungia procumbens edible?
A: There is limited information on its edibility; it is not commonly consumed.
Q: Does this plant attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and other pollinators with its small white flowers.
Q: How does Hornungia procumbens grow?
A: It is an annual plant that spreads along the ground, forming mats in disturbed soil.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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