Contents
Description
Aethionema Armenum, also known as Armenian stonecress, is a species of herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is native to the rocky mountain slopes of Armenia and Georgia, where it grows up to 30-40 cm tall. The plant produces fragrant pink or lilac flowers in spring and early summer, which attract bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Aethionema |
Appearance
Aethionema Armenum has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are gray-green in color and hairy. The leaves grow in a basal rosette and are arranged in pairs along the stem. The plant produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers that are pink or lilac in color and have four petals. The flowers bloom in spring and early summer, and are followed by small, elongated seed pods.
Care Guide
Aethionema Armenum is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Aethionema Armenum prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Aethionema Armenum is generally pest-resistant and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot if it is grown in poorly-drained soil or in humid conditions. To prevent these problems, make sure the plant is grown in well-draining soil and is not overwatered. If necessary, treat the plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
Aethionema Armenum is native to the rocky mountain slopes of Armenia and Georgia, where it grows in dry, rocky soil at elevations up to 2,000 meters. The plant is adapted to a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Aethionema Armenum a good choice for a rock garden?
A: Yes, Aethionema Armenum is an excellent choice for a rock garden because it is adapted to dry, rocky soil and is low-growing, making it perfect for filling in gaps between rocks.
Q: How often should I fertilize Aethionema Armenum?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Q: Can Aethionema Armenum be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Aethionema Armenum can be grown in a container as long as the container has good drainage and the plant is watered regularly.
Q: How do I propagate Aethionema Armenum?
A: Aethionema Armenum can be propagated from seed or by dividing the plant in early spring.
Related Plants
- Aethionema grandiflorum
- Aethionema pulchellum
- Aethionema saxatile
- Aethionema warleyense
References
- “Aethionema Armenum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed April 22, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a416.
- “Aethionema Armenum.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed April 22, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/12434/aethionema-armenum/details.
- “Aethionema Armenum.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed April 22, 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:280320-1.
