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Ask a Gardening QuestionBeginner Gardening Questions & Guides: First time gardener questionsWhat is this mesh on my plant?

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What is this mesh on my plant?

#1 · 20th March 2022, 4:52 pm

Hi everyone, my daughter called round today with a plant query, so I thought I'd ask on here to see if anyone can give any advice that can can pass on to her? She has a Lantana ' Tutti Frutti' in a pot, which has been stored in her shed over winter. She has cut it back, but it has a 'white mesh' sort of material round the base of the plant and it seems to be lifting up out of the pot, so the white mesh is visible. Can anyone tell me what this is and what my daughter can do ( if anything) before it hopefully flowers again? Thank you.

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#2 · 23rd March 2022, 7:24 am

Hi Tiny Garden,

The plant in question is a half hardy annual. So will survive year in year our in hot tropical climates. Unless overwintered as your daughter has done. However in the UK this plant won’t last longer than a couple of years in reality with a lot of overwinter tlc and babysitting.

The mesh you see is used on what we call plug plants. It breaks down over time.

It’s used to grow these tiny plants and keep their roots contained and help keep water/compost in. It means the nursery can grow thousands of these in smaller spaces and then they get potted on with this mesh in place which they usually grow out of as it breaks down.

Hope that helps!

Lee

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