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Description
Carlina Lanata, commonly known as the woolly carline thistle, is a plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The plant has a unique appearance, with its large, spiky, and spherical flower heads that bloom in summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Carlina |
Appearance
The Carlina Lanata plant grows up to 60cm tall and has a rounded shape. Its leaves have a woolly texture, with a silver-gray color and spiky edges. The flower head is large and spherical, measuring up to 8cm in diameter. It has a central disk that is surrounded by a ring of spiky bracts. The flower head blooms in summer and has a pale yellow color. The plant’s seeds are small and brown.
Care Guide
The Carlina Lanata plant is easy to care for and can be grown in most gardens. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly, especially during dry weather.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization but can benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate sandy or clay soils but does not like to be waterlogged.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Carlina Lanata plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by the following:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant’s leaves and cause them to wilt. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with soapy water or insecticidal soap.
- Slugs and snails: These pests can feed on the plant’s leaves and damage the flower head. They can be controlled by handpicking or using slug pellets.
- Root rot: This fungal disease can be caused by over-watering or poorly-draining soil. It can be prevented by ensuring the plant’s soil is well-draining and not waterlogged.
Habitat
The Carlina Lanata plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It can be found growing in dry and rocky habitats, such as meadows, heathlands, and rocky slopes. It prefers soils that are well-draining and rich in organic matter.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Carlina Lanata plant poisonous?
A: No, the plant is not poisonous and is safe to handle.
Q: Can the Carlina Lanata plant be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s size.
Q: How long does it take for the Carlina Lanata plant to bloom?
A: The plant blooms in summer and its flower head can last for several weeks.
Q: Can the Carlina Lanata plant be propagated by cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in spring or autumn and rooting them in well-draining soil.
Related Plants
- Carlina acanthifolia
- Carlina acaulis
- Carlina biebersteinii
- Carlina corymbosa
References
- Flora Europaea (2015) Carlina Lanata.
- Royal Horticultural Society (2021) Carlina Lanata.
- Plants for a Future (2021) Carlina Lanata – L.
