Contents
Description
Callirhoe, also known as winecups, is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae). This genus is native to North America and is commonly found in the Great Plains region of the United States. The name Callirhoe comes from the Greek words “kallos” meaning beauty and “rhoia” meaning flow, which describes the beauty of its flowers. The plant features deeply lobed leaves and bright, cup-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall. The flowers come in various shades of pink, purple, and red, and can grow up to 3 inches wide. Callirhoe plants are short-lived perennials, but they self-seed and come back year after year.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Callirhoe |
Appearance
Callirhoe plants have a unique appearance with deeply lobed leaves and showy, cup-shaped flowers. The leaves are green and can grow up to 3 inches long. The flowers come in various shades of pink, purple, and red, and have a diameter of up to 3 inches. The center of the flower is a darker shade than the petals, which creates a striking contrast. The flowers bloom from late spring to early fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant can grow up to 1-2 feet tall and spreads up to 2-3 feet wide, creating a beautiful ground cover.
Care Guide
To grow Callirhoe, you need to follow some basic care guidelines. Water: Callirhoe plants require moderate watering. Water them once a week or more often during hot weather. Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Callirhoe plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun or partial shade. Hardiness Zones: Callirhoe plants can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Callirhoe plants are generally disease-free and resistant to most pests. However, they may get infested by aphids or spider mites. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plant with water or insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Callirhoe plants are native to North America and are commonly found in the Great Plains region of the United States. They grow in meadows, prairies, and open woods.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Callirhoe a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Callirhoe is a short-lived perennial plant that self-seeds and comes back year after year.Q: What is the origin of the name Callirhoe?
A: Callirhoe comes from the Greek words “kallos” meaning beauty and “rhoia” meaning flow, which describes the beauty of its flowers.Q: How often should I water my Callirhoe plant?
A: Callirhoe plants require moderate watering. Water them once a week or more often during hot weather.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Callirhoe plants?
A: Callirhoe plants can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Callirhoe:
- Malva
- Sidalcea
- Alcea
- Lavatera
References
- “Callirhoe.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 15 September 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e422>
- “Callirhoe.” North Carolina State University. Accessed 15 September 2021. <https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/callirhoe/>
- “Callirhoe.” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Accessed 15 September 2021. <https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/callirhoe/>
