Bassia prostrata, the forage kochia, is a Eurasian plant in the subfamily Camphorosmoideae of the family Amaranthaceae (formerly treated as Chenopodiaceae), introduced to the United States as rangeland forage and for fire control.
Prostrate summercypress has strong resistance to disease and is usually not susceptible to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is relatively low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only light watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be trimmed after they finish blooming. Prostrate summercypress is appropriate for anyone who has an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and it does not demand extensive gardening experience.
How to keep Bassia Prostrata.
Light
Prostrate summercypress is native to open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest edges, which provide abundant light. It flourishes in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adapting well to a range of sunlight conditions.
Temperature
Prostrate summercypress shows strong adaptability to a variety of climate conditions, whether facing scorching summers or chilly winters. However, it still has an ideal temperature range for growth. When temperatures become too high, the plant can suffer heat and humidity stress, which may cause it to die. In areas where temperatures near the lower limit of its cold tolerance, taking insulating measures to protect the plant is important.
Fertilizer
To encourage healthy growth, fertilize your Prostrate summercypress in early spring. Regular feeding improves overall health, producing vigorous growth, increased tolerance of difficult conditions, and enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. Keep to a consistent fertilization schedule for your Prostrate summercypress to preserve vibrant, deeply colored foliage and a lush appearance.
Pruning
Prostrate summercypress is a drought-tolerant, low-growing plant known for its dense, cushion-like shape. To encourage healthy growth, prune it in early spring to shape the plant and remove any damaged branches. Light trimming helps maintain its compact form and improve airflow, which reduces the risk of disease and enhances the aesthetics of your landscape.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Bassia
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 4-9
- Mature Height
- 30 cm to 76 cm
- Mature Spread
- 49 cm to 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green Yellow, Light Green
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Green
- Flower Size
- 0.20 cm to 0.25 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Mid fall, Late fall, Early winter
- Native Area
- Turkey, Austria, Bulgaria, Pakistan, Greece, Morocco, Ukraine, China, Uzbekistan, Russia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Spain, Switzerland, Iran, Albania, Algeria, Hungary, Turkmenistan, France
Other names.
