Prostrate Summer Cypress Care
Bassia prostrata
It loves full sun and is extremely tolerant of drought and salinity. It grows even in well-drained, poor soil; it is used for erosion control and as a forage plant.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Watering: Not needed; rainfall is sufficient (5 L/m² if the soil dries out completely).
- Frost risk: Protect the roots of young plants with dry leaves or mulch.
- Watering: Not needed; rainfall is sufficient.
- Pruning: At the end of the month, before new growth starts, remove dead and misshapen branches.
- General care: After pruning, remove plant debris.
- Pests & diseases: Check for winter damage.
- Frost risk: Continue protecting young plants.
- Watering: 1-2 times a month (as the soil dries out, 5-10 L/m²).
- Fertilizing: Mix slow-release balanced NPK (15-15-15) into the soil at 20-30 g per m² (do not overdo it).
- Pruning: If it has not been done, this is the last chance at the beginning of the month.
- Plant protection: Check the new shoots for aphids; apply neem oil if necessary.
- General care: An ideal time for propagation from seed; clear the weeds.
- Pests & diseases: If you see aphids, take action.
- Watering: Every 15 days (10 L/m²).
- Pruning: Remove only branches that spoil the appearance.
- Plant protection: Check the new shoots; if necessary, use a systemic insecticide (e.g. acetamiprid).
- General care: Hoe lightly to aerate the soil.
- Pests & diseases: Avoid overwatering. There is a risk of root rot.
- Watering: Once a week (10-15 L/m²).
- Fertilizing: If it is very weak, diluted liquid fertilizer (balanced NPK) can be given (do not overapply).
- Plant protection: Check for spider mites; use a suitable miticide if necessary.
- General care: Continue clearing weeds.
- Pests & diseases: If you see leaf spot, remove the affected parts.
- Watering: Once a week (15 L/m²); increase in hot weather.
- Plant protection: Be careful of spider mites and other sucking insects. Prefer evening hours for spraying.
- Pests & diseases: Watch for signs of drought stress.
- Watering: 1-2 times a week (15-20 L/m²), watering early in the morning or in the evening.
- Fertilizing: None; do not fertilize in the heat.
- Pruning: Remove only branches that are drying out or being damaged.
- Plant protection: Hot and dry weather increases the risk of spider mites; check.
- Pests & diseases: Watch for leaf scorch during extreme heat.
- Watering: 1-2 times a week (15-20 L/m²), reducing toward the end of the month.
- Plant protection: Continue the checks.
- Pests & diseases: Regular watering is important to avoid stressing the plant.
- Watering: Every 10-15 days (10 L/m²).
- General care: If its seeds have ripened, you can collect them.
- Pests & diseases: Increase ventilation against fungal diseases that can develop with the autumn rains.
- Watering: 1-2 times a month, depending on rainfall (5 L/m²).
- Pruning: One last cosmetic correction can be made before winter.
- General care: Clear fallen leaves.
- Pests & diseases: Carry out a general condition check.
- Watering: Not needed; rainfall is sufficient.
- General care: Add mulch (bark, dry leaves) to the root zone of young plants to protect it from cold.
- Pests & diseases: Keep the area around the plant clean going into winter.
- Frost risk: In very severe frosts, protection may be needed.
- Watering: Not needed; rainfall is sufficient.
- General care: Check the mulching and renew it if necessary.
- Pests & diseases: It is generally trouble-free in winter conditions.
- Frost risk: Generally hardy; protecting the roots is important for young plants.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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