Henbit
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) is a lovely, low-maintenance flowering plant with charming purple blooms. This herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and is a popular source of nectar and pollen for bees. Its low-spreading form can easily reach up to six inches in height and its leaves are attractively clover-like. In hotter climates, Henbit can become an annual or biennial, while in cooler climates it will bloom in early spring and disappear with cooler temperatures. Its deep green leaves, attractive purple flowers, and low-spreading mop-like form make this an ideal choice for container gardens and ground covers.
Henbit enjoys a consistent soil moisture level, and will rarely require watering unless natural rainfall is insufficient. Water your Henbit plants deeply but infrequently, and avoid over-watering. It is crucial to allow the top two inches of soil to dry out before re-watering. Discoloration of leaves and wilting can indicate an impending need of water.
Henbit should be planted in partial shade, as shade prevents its leaves from scalding and wilting in the heat of the sun. Insufficient light usually results in less flowering. Choose a spot in the garden that receives several hours of sunlight with some shade during the hottest parts of the day. Indoor Henbit plants should receive bright, indirect light from a south-facing window.
Henbit can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C). Once established in the garden, Henbit will survive frost and cool winters. When growing indoors, the temperature should stay between 65-70°F (18-21°C).
Henbit generally requires average relative humidity levels for optimal growth. While this species will survive in lower humidity levels, too little humidity can decrease its overall lifespan. Increase the humidity in your home by running a humidifier, misting the plants, or by grouping your plants close to one another.
Henbit should be planted in moist, well-draining soil. Use a general purpose potting mixture or a soil-less growing mix. The soil should have a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. If your soil pH is too acidic, add some dolomite lime to raise the pH. Avoid overly wet, poorly drained soils.
Fertilize your Henbit plants once a year in the early spring. Use a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Avoid applying any additional fertilizer during the summer months, as this can lead to growth spurt and can cause the plant to become overly leggy.
Aphids and moths are some of the most common pests that can attack Henbit. If you notice any pests on your plants, attempt to remove them manually. If that does not work, spray the plant with a mild soap or neem oil spray. Avoid using any strong insecticides that may harm the beneficial insects in your garden such as bees and ladybugs. Keeping the area around your Henbit plant clean and free of debris can also make it less susceptible to pests.
Henbit should be repotted in the spring after the rains have stopped and night time temperatures are relatively warm. Use a standard potting mix or a soil-less growing mix. Plant Henbit in a pot that has adequate drainage, and the soil should be around one inch deeper than what it was planted in originally. A larger pot will allow more flexible watering and may need to be filled with extra soil to provide the proper depth.
Deadheading is the most common pruning method for Henbit plants. Pinch off the spent flowers to promote continued blooming. If your Henbit plant is getting too tall or is starting to spread out, you can trim it back even further. This will help maintain the plant's desired shape and size.
Mulching can prevent weeds, conserve water, maintain soil temperature, and improve the appearance of Henbit. Use organic mulches such as straw, grass clippings, wood chips, or shredded bark.
Henbit can be propagated from seed, division, or stem cuttings. To propagate from seed, sow seeds in a well-draining seed starting mix in mid-spring and keep moist. Division can be successful in late-spring or early-summer. To propagate from cuttings, snip 4-inch cuttings and insert into moistened potting mix (or soften the stem cuttings in rooting hormone). Rooting should take four to five weeks.
Henbit does not need any support, and in fact may become floppy with too much support. If you decide to use a stake or trellis to hold the stems upright, use a soft material such as cotton or yarn so that the plant won't get scratched.
In late autumn, the flowers and stems of Henbit begin to decline. Overwintering Henbit is possible, but requires the plant to be trimmed back so that it can enter a dormancy period in autumn. If Henbit is planted in pots, move the planters to a sheltered area, such as a porch or garage, before the winter weather hits.
Henbit is not toxic to pets, but as with all other plants, it is best to keep your pets away from the plant to prevent them from nibbling on the foliage or consuming the flowers.