Pratia

Garden Problems , Lawn Problems ,

Pratia (Lobelia) are a genus of small leaved,evergreen, low growing perennials often found as weeds in lawns and flowerbeds. However, they are often grown for their profusion of attractive small star shaped flowers.

Identify the problem
Pratia grows in moist soils in partial shade in lawns and flower beds it spreads easily via rhizomatous roots.. Flowering occurs during most of the year peaking November to February. The small, abundant flowers have five petals and are white to blue.
How to solve the problem
In lawns
- Apply a selective herbicide such as LawnPro Turfclean Ultra, LawnPro Prickle and Hydrocotyleor LawnPro Turfclean. They will effectively kill Pratia but leave the lawn grass unaffected.
- Other options include LawnPro Turfclean & Green and All-in-1.
- For best results apply spray in Spring and Autumn when weeds are growing.
In garden beds
- Use Weed Weapon Extra Strength or Rapid Action to kill off the top growth. It controls Pratia within 7-10 days and is an ideal product for use around established trees and shrubs. It is inactive in the soil so planting can be safely carried out soon after treatment.
- If you wish to more effectively prevent regrowth, apply Weed Weapon Preventer granules. This is a selective pre-emergent herbicide which penetrates deep into the soil so do not plant seeds or sensitive plants into treated soil within 3 months of application.
- For a fast acting organic solution use Kiwicare Weed Weapon Natural Power.
- For best results apply spray in Spring and Autumn when weeds are growing.
In Paths and Driveways
- For long term control on paths and driveways use Kiwicare Weed Weapon Long Term. This will kill a wide range of weeds and prevent regrowth for up to 12 months.
- For a fast acting organic solution use Kiwicare Weed Weapon Natural Power.
Did you know?
Panakenake(Pratia angulata) is a is fast growing wide spreading groundcover native, found throughout New Zealand from sea level to 1,300m. It prefers damp situations. It has small lush rounded leaves and masses of white flowers from spring onwards. It is sold in nurseries as Pratia pusila.