What is Francoa?

Francoa is a plant genus from the Francoaceae family; previously, it was placed in the Saxifragaceae family. These types of plants are succulent perennials, and are native to Chile; they can be found growing in the lowlands, valleys and mountains of Chile. Named after the 16th century Spanish physician Francisco Franco, the plant species include Francoa appendiculata, which is known as Llaupangue and Vara de mármol in Chile, Francoa Ramosa, also known as Bridal Wreath, and Francoa sonchifolia, better known as Maiden's Wreath.

These plants are known to be medically important herbs as they have astringent properties. In addition, they make for excellent ornamental garden plants; they produce attractive blooms, they are easy to grow, and they require little maintenance. The leaves are dark green in color, with rounded, lobed shapes, scalloped edges, and a fuzzy surface. They grow in thick clumps close to the ground.

The Francoa blooms appear in the summer and are produced in clusters of tiny cup-like white or pink flowers on erect stalks; these stalks can reach up to 36 inches (91.44 cm) in height. Each flower has four petals, and each petal has a darker color spot at its base. The flower stalk can sometimes get too heavy for the plant, especially in windy conditions, and may need to be supported with a stick.

The propagation of these types of plants can be carried out via seeds, or by separating the clumps at the root from the main plant and replanting them. If growing from seeds, it is best to plant them in a tray or a plastic bag in the spring or in the autumn. Seed germination may take anywhere from two to four weeks. Once the seedlings appear, they can be transplanted outside. Since the plant grows in spreading clumps, a distance of at least 12 inches (30.48 cm) should be kept between two seedlings.

Francoa plants do not do very well in full sunlight and should preferably be planted in an area of partial shade. A moist, well-drained soil is ideal for these plants. Daily and plentiful watering is necessary, particularly in the summer months, but the plants are able to survive brief periods of drought. As far as maintenance requirements go, mulching around the plant and applying organic fertilizer once or twice a year will help. Pruning some of the old or dead stems in the spring may be necessary to promote new and better growth.