The Andean cushion is a robust and evergreen cushion perennial. With proper care, you will quickly have a dense carpet in your garden.
The Andean cushion (Azorella trifurcata) forms dense cushions and has a wide range of uses in lawns or beds. The easy-care umbel plant is also convincing in the bucket or when planting on graves. The fine, grass-like foliage is reminiscent of the moss saxifrage and can serve well as a lawn substitute.
Andean cushion - small plant description
The evergreen Andean cushion grows up to 8 centimeters in height and can be about four times as wide. The perennial grows like a rosette. The glossy, dark green leaves do not lose their color and radiance even in winter.
Group planting is ideal for the compact and easy-care plants. Then the yellow-green flowers that appear in early summer come into their own. The fivefold umbel flowers serve insects as a food source. After flowering, fruits resembling small nuts form. These are referred to as Achaeans by botanists.
| Andean cushion (Azorella trifurcata) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | carpet-like, mat-like |
| Growth: | 5 - 8 cm |
| Growth: | 20 - 30 cm |
| Foliage: | evergreen |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | permeable, normal garden soil |
➔ Andean Pad Origin
The main distribution area of the Andean cushion is in Argentina. The robust plants grow more often on stony soil. Natural stocks of the plant genus, which has around 70 species, can also be found in the high mountain regions of Chile and Peru. Other distribution areas are in New Zealand and on some South Sea islands.
The Andean cushion was first described by Joseph Gaertner. The German botanist and natural historian lived and worked in the late 18th century. In 1805, Christiaan Hendrik Persoon made the classification into the system that is common today.
Planting Andean Cushions
➔ Find the right location
A sunny to partially shaded location is ideal for the Andean cushion. A stand that is too dry does not benefit the plant any more than a stand that is too damp. The plants do not tolerate waterlogging and should not be planted in places where rainwater accumulates.
➔ Choosing the ideal substrate
Plants develop best when their roots reach deep into the earth. A loose and permeable soil suits this. A fresh and humus-rich substrate creates the ideal basis for growth.
➔ Planting Andean cushions - step by step
1. Select location2. Loosen soil with sand or gravel
3. Enhance soil with horn shavings or compost
4. Dig planting hole
5. Planting distance of 25 centimetres note6. Planting
7. Filling up the substrate
8. Pressing down the soil
9. Watering the plant
The Andean Pad is a hardy and durable groundcover. The plant grows slowly. It is therefore advisable to plant them in groups if dense cushions are to be formed.
Suitable locations:
- Rock Garden
- Bed edging
- roadside
- Graves
- Paving Joints
Up to 17 plants can be planted at a distance of 25 centimeters per square meter. You should then protect the young roots and not work the soil too deeply.
Andean upholstery care
➔ Pour Andean cushions
During the growth phase, the Andean cushion needs regular watering. However, this requires a bit of finesse. Because the soil must not dry out completely, but it must not feel too damp either.
The Andean cushion is particularly prone to waterlogging in the winter months. This is why it is so important that you loosen up any compacted soil before planting the Andean Pad. You should also stop watering from autumn.
➔ Fertilize Andean cushion
When planting, you can enhance the soil with horn shavings or compost. Then you should fertilize the plants once in spring and one in summer. You can also use horn shavings or compost for this. You no longer need to fertilize in autumn.
An overview of the best planting and care tips
| Activity | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Select Location | • sun to semi-shade • bright • protected from moisture |
| Prepare the ground | • permeable •fresh • humos |
| Planting Andean Cushions | • Group planting advisable • Protect the roots of the young plants |
| Casting Andean cushions | • Soil must not dry out • Waterlogging is not tolerated |
| Fertilize Andean cushions | • Improve soil with natural fertilizer • Apply liquid fertilizer during flowering |
Cutting Andean Pads
The low cushion plant does not require regular pruning. If the plant has grown too far, it can tolerate pruning at any time. Remove diseased or wilted foliage immediately.
Increase Andean cushions
The multiplication of the Andean cushion is possible by division. The best time for this is spring.
➔ Propagation by division - step by step
1. Loosen the soil2. Remove the plant from the ground
3. Shake off the soil
4. Check the plant
5. Divide the root ball6. Put the plants in the desired location
7. Press down the soil well
8. Water the plant
Detecting and combating diseases in the Andean cushion
Occasionally the plants are afflicted by various diseases:
- gray horse
- Stem Rot
- Downy mildew
➔ Gray mold on Andean cushion
Gray mold is widespread on native garden plants. Injured and weakened plants are particularly vulnerable. Gray mold spreads quickly in a warm, humid environment.
Fungus infestation can be prevented by maintaining sufficient planting distance. Infected plant parts must be disposed of immediately.
Warning: Plant parts affected by gray mold do not belong in the compost. Fungal spores survive in the soil.
➔ Stem rot on Andean cushion
Stem rot is also a fungal disease. You can recognize them by the white spots on the leaves or by dark-edged spots on the leaf stalks. Infested plant parts must also be disposed of here immediately.
➔ Downy mildew on Andean cushion
If the cushion plants are covered by a gray layer of fungus and reddish leaf spots appear, an infestation with downy mildew is likely. The leaves then dry up and fall off.
In the event of an infestation, the plant is largely cut back and good ventilation is to be ensured. Too wet a location can often cause downy mildew.
» Reading tip: Recognize powdery mildew,combat and prevent
Winter Andean cushions
The plants come from harsh mountain regions and are therefore hardy. The evergreen leaves enrich the otherwise rather dreary garden in winter with their intensive colouring. Bald frosts can be dangerous for the Andean cushion. Protection from leaves or twigs is a good idea.