White buttercup (Turnera subulata)
Care, watering, light and tips for White buttercup on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Turneraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About White buttercup
Turnera subulata, commonly known as 'Chevalier onze heures', is a beautiful perennial herbaceous plant from the Turneraceae family, native to South America. It is characterized by its delicate white flowers with a purple center that open in the morning and close at dusk, hence its name. It is ideal for garden borders, hanging baskets, or as ground cover in warm climates, adding a touch of ephemeral yet constant elegance and color.
Native range
Tropical South America
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure for abundant flowering, although it tolerates some partial afternoon shade in very hot climates. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate slightly moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering periods. It prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Avoid overwatering in winter, as it can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying White buttercup
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or browning leaves, wilting, bud drop. Poor flowering or weak blooms.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. Move to partial shade if in intense sun. Prune dry branches.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot) or prolonged direct sun and dryness. Does not tolerate frost.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted. It's quite resilient and recovers with good care.