Krameria lanceolata — a medium houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Krameria lanceolata

Krameria Lanceolata

Updated · 41 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Krameria lanceolata, commonly called trailing krameria, is a flowering plant in the rhatany family (Krameriaceae). It is native to North America, where it is found in the southwestern and south-central United States, and the state states of Chihuahua and Coahuila in Mexico. It has populations disjunct eastward in the U.S. states of Florida and Georgia on the Coastal Plain. Its natural habitat is in sandy or rocky calcareous grasslands.Krameria lanceolata is an herbaceous perennial that grows decumbent along the ground. It produces purple-red flowers in late spring through the summer.

A note from PlantMom

Trailing krameria shows good resistance to disease and is generally not highly susceptible to illnesses. However, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment. Such problems are usually mild. Regarding care, this plant needs moderate maintenance. It requires regular pruning to keep an attractive appearance and healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also encourage flowering. Trailing krameria is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand much gardening experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Krameria Lanceolata.

Light

Trailing krameria grows best with plenty of sun throughout the day, though it can tolerate lower light levels. Coming from habitats with abundant natural light, its health and robust growth can be harmed if the light is either too weak or too intense.

Temperature

Trailing krameria is native to habitats where temperatures range from 59 to 89.6 °F (15 to 32 ℃). These plants favor warm climates and may require temperature adjustments during colder seasons.

Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Trailing krameria is in early spring, when it is coming out of dormancy and starting active growth. Fertilization supplies essential nutrients for healthy growth. Although Trailing krameria requires relatively little fertilization, applying it annually can improve its survival and encourage better, longer-lasting flowers.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb, Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Krameria
Family
Krameriaceae
Hardiness Zone
8
Mature Height
13 cm to 15 cm
Mature Spread
2.13 m
Leaf Color
Gray, Silver
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Purple, Red
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
Mexico
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Ratany en Trailing krameria en Trailing rhatany en Crameria en Sandspur en Prairie sandbur en Trailing ratany en Spreading ratany
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Trailing krameria plant?

To properly care for the Trailing krameria plant, make sure to use filtered water that is at room temperature. Tap water may contain harmful particles that could affect its health. Since this plant is accustomed to warm environments, it is best to avoid using cold water as it can be a shock to its system. Also, overhead watering should be avoided to prevent foliage complications. Instead, simply water the soil directly with your filtered room temperature water until it is completely soaked. This will provide many benefits, such as moistening the roots and allowing them to spread and gather necessary nutrients from the soil.

What kind of sunlight does Trailing krameria require?

Trailing krameria plants require full sun and at least six hours of sunlight each day to maintain healthy leaves, roots, and blooms. While many perennials also need six hours of sun, certain plants like the Orange Daylily or Giant Coreopsis can survive with just three hours of direct sunlight. However, these perennial flowering plants won't thrive as well in less sunny conditions.

What temperature is best for Trailing krameria?

The best temperature for Trailing krameria depends on the time of year. There are two main seasons to consider: the growing season and the dormancy season. During the growing season, when Trailing krameria starts to sprout, the ideal temperature range is between 65~80℉(18~27℃). If the temperature drops below 15℉(-10℃), the plant will suffer and its leaves may turn brown and wilt. However, if the cold snap is brief, Trailing krameria may survive with some assistance. In the warmer months, Trailing krameria should also be protected from excessively high temperatures. The plant's temperature range reaches its upper limit at 95-105℉ (35-40℃), and anything higher than that could harm the foliage and blooms. Hotter temperatures can cause wilting, drooping, and even sunburn on the leaves, which can be difficult for Trailing krameria to recover from. Fortunately, there are various quick and easy methods to address this problem.

What should I do if I give my Trailing krameria too much or too little water?

Overwatering is a common issue for Trailing krameria, and it can cause wilting, yellowing leaves, and diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew. Underwatering is less common, but it can cause brittle, brown leaves. It's important to spot overwatering signs early and reduce watering immediately. If the soil doesn't drain well, replace it with a well-draining mix. If you notice signs of underwatering, water more regularly until the signs disappear.

Can the sun harm Trailing krameria plants? How can I protect Trailing krameria from the sun and heat?

In warm climates, some Perennial Flowering Plants may struggle with excessive heat and suffer from sun damage. They can wilt, dry out, or even experience growth problems if they are consistently exposed to the intense afternoon sun. However, not all plants require protection from the light afternoon sun. For those that are harmed by intense afternoon exposure, it is recommended to provide them with some shade in warmer climates. Gardeners can achieve this by planting these plants in areas that do not receive direct heat during the afternoon, such as under trees or behind bushes.

What temperatures do Trailing krameria seedlings need in their first year?

If you have just planted your Trailing krameria outside for the first time, it may need extra care during the coldest months. Frost can cause severe damage and prevent it from growing back in the spring. To protect the plant, you should make sure the temperature stays above 40℉(5℃) by either bringing it indoors or using mulch or fabric barriers. During the first year or two, it's best to place the Trailing krameria in a shadier spot as smaller and weaker plants struggle with heat. Limit direct sunlight to five hours per day, especially if the temperature exceeds 80℉(27℃). To cope with summer heat, use shadecloth and water or mist the plant frequently.

How frequently do I need to water my Trailing krameria plant?

If your Trailing krameria plant is in a pot, check if it needs water by sticking your finger into the soil. If the top two to three inches are dry, it's time to water. The same method applies if you grow it outdoors in the ground. During spring and early fall, you'll likely need to water it once a week, but in hot weather, you may need to increase watering to twice or more per week. However, mature and well-established Trailing krameria plants can withstand drought well.

Should I keep Trailing krameria away from the sun?

Certain perennial plants require ample sunlight to reach their maximum bloom. However, in warmer climates, some of these plants actually benefit from less sun. For instance, individuals residing in hotter regions might find it beneficial to shade their flowering perennials during the intense afternoon sun, especially during summer months. Although many perennial flowering plants prefer partial shade in the hottest climates, there are exceptions. Take the Giant Coreopsis, for example, as it is not bothered by excessive sun exposure. These plants can flourish even when placed in the full sun during scorching weather.

How can I make sure that Trailing krameria stays safe in very hot or cold weather?

To protect Trailing Krameria from frost or cold damage during the growing season, you have a few options. - If you are growing it in a container, simply bring the container inside in bright, indirect light until the temperatures rise above 15℉ (-10℃) again. - If Trailing Krameria is planted in the ground, use mulch or horticultural fabric to create a protective barrier around the plant to shield it from frost and cold wind. - On the other hand, when temperatures go higher than 80℉ (27℃) in the shade during the day, limit the plant's exposure to sunlight to six hours or less, preferably in the morning. You can use shade cloth or fine plastic mesh to decrease the amount of direct sunlight hitting the plant during the hottest hours. - Additionally, installing a misting system that provides a slow release of cooling mist around the base of the plant can help lower ground temperatures throughout the day.

How much water does my Trailing krameria plant require?

To water your Trailing krameria effectively, make sure the top two to three inches of soil are dry before watering. Give the plant a thorough watering, soaking the soil entirely. You'll know you've added enough water when it starts to flow out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. If you don't see any excess water draining, it's likely that you haven't watered enough. However, be careful not to let water accumulate in the soil, as this can harm the plant. Likewise, if water doesn't drain properly, it could be a sign of poorly draining soil, which isn't good for the plant's health. If the plant is outside, approximately 1 inch of rain per week should be enough.

What will happen if the Trailing krameria doesn't get enough sunlight?

If you're growing Trailing krameria and your plants aren't getting enough sunlight, they will show signs of not having enough light. They won't produce as many blooms as they would with full sun exposure. Some plants may develop dry spots on their leaves, but even in inadequate sun, most of them will still bloom. However, the flowers will be smaller and less full.

Temperature recommendations for Trailing krameria during the dormant season.

During the cold winter months, Trailing krameria needs a specific amount of cold to remain dormant until it's ready to sprout. Sprouting too early, before the last frost danger has passed, can be dangerous for Trailing krameria, especially if it has already started sprouting when the frost arrives. Ideally, winter temperatures should stay below 32℉(0℃), but they can go up to 40℉(5℃) without causing harm. In some more temperate climates, like woodland rainforests, an unexpected warm period during the cold months can cause Trailing krameria to sprout prematurely. If there is still a risk of frost, it may be helpful to cover it with clear plastic on stakes to protect the new sprout from the cold. This covering can be removed once the frost danger has passed. While Trailing krameria will sometimes naturally resprout at the right time, using this method increases the likelihood of a successful second sprouting.

PLATES
Krameria lanceolata flower
PLATE 01 · flower
Krameria lanceolata flower
PLATE 02 · flower
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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