❄️ Icicles Plant – Description

❄️ Icicles Plant – Description

The Icicles Plant (Solenostemon scutellarioides) is a stunning, eye-catching perennial with a cascading form, perfect for adding a splash of color and elegance to your garden, patio, or balcony. With its long, slender, frosty-like white blooms that resemble shimmering icicles, this plant brings a wintery touch to any garden setting, no matter the season. Known for its unique, delicate flowers and vibrant green foliage, the Icicles Plant stands out as a perfect plant for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, high-impact addition to their landscapes.

True to Wrights Market’s commitment to locally-grown, fresh, and sustainable gardening, this plant is ideal for gardeners of all levels. Whether grown in containers, hanging baskets, or as part of a mixed border, the Icicles Plant adds texture, depth, and seasonal beauty. It is a great way to brighten up your garden with minimal effort while also supporting pollinators and other beneficial insects.

• Type: Perennial flowering plant

• Flower Color: Pure white, icicle-like blooms

• Foliage: Bright green, vibrant and lush

• Growth Habit: Trailing or cascading, ideal for containers and hanging baskets

• Mature Size: 12–18 inches tall, 18–24 inches wide (with spreading growth)

• Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall

• Attracts Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

🌱 How to Care for the Icicles Plant

The Icicles Plant is a resilient, easy-care plant that offers beauty with minimal effort. It’s the perfect choice for Wrights Market customers who want to add a touch of frosty elegance to their spaces without the need for constant maintenance.

☀️ Sunlight:

• Prefers full sun to partial shade

• Ideally, the plant should receive 6–8 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth and blooming

• Can tolerate some light shade but may produce fewer flowers if grown in full shade

🌾 Soil:

• Thrives in well-draining soil, ideally a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0)

• Prefers soil enriched with organic matter or compost for added nutrients and healthy growth

• Ensure that the soil is loose and not compacted, which can hinder root development

💧 Watering:

• Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy

• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch

• Be cautious of overwatering; the Icicles Plant prefers evenly moist soil, but not waterlogged conditions

• In the hotter months, you may need to water more frequently, especially in containers

🌿 Pruning:

• Prune in early spring before new growth appears to remove dead or damaged growth

• During the blooming season, pinch back spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance

• Light pruning after the flowering season will keep the plant’s shape and promote healthy regrowth

🍃 Fertilizing:

• Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring through summer)

• Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers

• Reduce feeding during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth slows down

🐛 Pest & Disease Care:

• Generally pest-resistant, but keep an eye out for aphids or spider mites, especially if growing in containers or close to other plants

• For best results, ensure good airflow around the plant to prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew

• Slugs and snails may also be attracted to the plant—use organic pest control methods, such as diatomaceous earth or natural predators like birds, to manage infestations

❄️ Cold Sensitivity:

• Hardy in USDA Zones 9–11, making it a great plant for warmer climates

• In colder areas, grow the Icicles Plant as an annual, or bring container-grown plants indoors during the winter months to protect them from frost

• If grown in the ground in colder regions, apply mulch around the base in late fall to protect the roots from freezing

🏷️ Why Icicles Plant is Perfect for Wrights Market:

• Low Maintenance with High Impact: This plant provides striking beauty with minimal care, making it a great option for busy gardeners

• Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts a variety of pollinators, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem

• Sustainable Gardening: As a perennial, the Icicles Plant comes back year after year, reducing the need for replanting and supporting sustainable practices

• Versatile and Beautiful: Perfect for hanging baskets, containers, or as part of a garden border, this plant adds elegance and color to any space

• Year-Round Appeal: Even when not in bloom, the plant’s vibrant green foliage provides visual interest throughout the growing season