What Is A Snakebush: Information About Snakebush Ground Cover

If “snakebush” makes you think of a long, scaly vine, you’re in for a surprise. According to snakebush plant information, this lovely, little plant offers delicate, mauve flowers that look wonderful in hanging baskets. So exactly what is a snakebush? Read on for tips on growing snakebush plants.

What is a Snakebush Plant?

Native to Western Australia, snakebush bears the scientific name of Hemiandra pungens, and it’s also known as the snake plant. But the only thing snake-like about it is how it stays very close to the ground. Snakebush plant information tells you that this tiny plant offers dense, pointed foliage that looks like needles. Its mauve or light purple flowers arrive in spring and last much of the summer. The flowers grow in tube shapes. Each blossoms has an upper “lip” with two lobes and a lower “lip” with three and carry a sweet fragrance.

Growing Snakebush Plants

Since snakebush is dense, and prostrate, it makes an excellent ground cover. Snakebush ground cover has the added advantage of being drought-resistant when mature. You’ll need a sunny location to make this plant happy. Growing snakebush plants is easier in well-drained soil, but the plants will also survive in sites with poor drainage. On the other hand, you may have a hard time finding the seeds in commerce. You can grow snakebush by taking cuttings from a friend’s garden. Growing snakebush is fairly easy from cuttings.

Care of Snakebush

Once you’re able to acquire the snakebush, you’ll find that you won’t have much to do if you plant it in the right location. It is both drought- and frost-tolerant. Snakebush ground cover accepts temperatures down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 C.) without any damage. You’ll have a better experience growing snakebush plants if you live in a dry climate. Those gardeners in regions with hot, wet summer will have the hardest time. Care of snakebush plants in humid areas is difficult and the species cannot be grown reliably. It works well as part of a low-maintenance backyard, beside the swimming pool or a courtyard garden. If you are putting in a cottage or flower garden, include snakebush in the mix.