The Candy Kisses Plant is a popular, low-maintenance choice for gardens and containers, known for its attractive foliage and delicate blooms. Understanding its specific needs ensures it thrives.
Discovering Candy Kisses Plant
The Candy Kisses Plant, scientifically known as Hemizygia ‘Candy Kisses’ (also Syncolostemon ‘Candy Kisses’), is a perennial shrub originating from Southern Africa. It features variegated foliage with matte-green leaves and creamy white edges, sometimes tinged pink. Its blooms are delicate spikes of lavender-pink, soft pink, lavender, and white flowers. This plant grows to about 18-24 inches in both height and spread, forming a dense, rounded, and bushy habit.
Caring for Candy Kisses Plant
Proper environmental conditions are essential for healthy growth and abundant flowering. Consistent attention to light, water, soil, and nutrients helps this plant flourish.
Light Needs
Candy Kisses Plants thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be less prolific. In regions with intense summer heat, afternoon shade can prevent foliage scorching. Morning sun with afternoon shade provides an optimal balance, ensuring sufficient light while protecting from harsh midday rays.
Watering Practices
Candy Kisses Plants prefer consistent, moderate moisture without becoming waterlogged. While established plants show some drought tolerance, regular deep watering, especially during dry periods, promotes better performance. Ensure well-draining soil to prevent standing water and root issues. For container plants, check the soil regularly and water when the top inch or two feels dry.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is crucial for Candy Kisses Plants to prevent root rot. Loamy or sandy soil types are recommended. This plant thrives in soil with a pH from slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5). Incorporating compost or other organic matter improves drainage and fertility.
Temperature and Humidity
Candy Kisses Plants prefer warm conditions and are hardy in USDA Zones 9-11. They are not tolerant of temperatures near freezing, especially with high humidity. In colder climates, grow them as annuals or overwinter indoors to protect from frost. The plant adapts well to outdoor humidity levels during its active growing season.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation, in spring to encourage new growth. During the active growing season (spring through summer), fertilize every four to six weeks to support healthy foliage and continuous blooming. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can promote lush green growth at the expense of flowers. Slow-release fertilizers also provide a steady supply of nutrients.
Pruning
Regular pruning maintains the plant’s shape and encourages abundant flowering. Deadheading, removing spent flowers, redirects energy towards new blooms instead of seed production. In late winter or early spring, cut back dead or damaged stems to promote fresh growth. Lightly prune leggy stems to maintain a compact form, but avoid excessive cutting to allow natural growth.
Addressing Common Issues
Even with proper care, Candy Kisses Plants can encounter challenges from environmental factors or common garden pests. Early recognition allows for timely intervention to restore plant health.
Aphids, small sap-sucking insects, may occasionally infest leaves and stems, causing stunted growth or yellowing foliage. A strong water spray or insecticidal soap controls them. Spider mites, thriving in dry or hot conditions, cause leaves to yellow or speckle and are managed with insecticidal soap. Whiteflies can also be an issue, especially in warm climates, and are addressed with insecticidal soap or natural predators.
Environmental stressors can also cause symptoms. Yellowing leaves indicate nutrient deficiencies or improper watering. A lack of blooms indicates insufficient light or incorrect feeding, such as too much nitrogen. Leggy growth, where stems become elongated and sparse, suggests the plant is not receiving enough light. Consistent care practices resolve these issues.
Propagating Candy Kisses Plant
Propagating Candy Kisses Plants is an effective way to create new plants, with stem cuttings being a common method.
Take softwood stem cuttings in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy stem and cut a 4-6 inch section just below a leaf node. Remove lower leaves, leaving a few at the top for photosynthesis. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a small container with well-draining potting soil, water thoroughly, and place in a warm, bright location. Once the cutting establishes a strong root system (after a few weeks), transplant it into a larger container or directly into the garden.
Ideal Placement and Uses
The Candy Kisses Plant’s versatility allows its use in various garden settings, enhancing aesthetic appeal and offering ecological benefits. Its growth habit and flowering display make it suitable for several landscape applications.
This plant is suited for borders, mass plantings, and rock gardens, where its dense, rounded form and vibrant flowers create continuous visual impact. It also performs well in containers and hanging baskets, making it ideal for patios, balconies, or as an annual accent in colder climates. Its attractive foliage and consistent blooms contribute to its appeal in mixed container arrangements. Beyond ornamental value, Candy Kisses Plants attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a beneficial addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.