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Description
Dimorphotheca Pluvialis, commonly known as the Cape Marigold, is a fast-growing annual plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is widely cultivated for its beautiful and colorful flowers. The Cape Marigold can reach up to 20 inches in height and can spread up to 12 inches. It has a bushy and compact growth habit, with numerous branches covered by thin, hairy leaves. The flowers are daisy-like and come in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, red, and white. They bloom profusely from late spring to early fall, attracting bees and butterflies to your garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Dimorphotheca |
Appearance
The Cape Marigold is a beautiful annual plant that can add color and vibrancy to any garden. It has a bushy and compact growth habit, with numerous branches covered by thin, hairy leaves. The leaves are dark green and have a lanceolate shape, measuring up to 2 inches in length. The flowers are daisy-like and come in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, red, and white. They have a diameter of 2-3 inches and bloom profusely from late spring to early fall. The Cape Marigold can reach up to 20 inches in height and can spread up to 12 inches.
Care Guide
The Cape Marigold is an easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in a wide range of conditions. Here are some tips to help you keep your Cape Marigold healthy and beautiful:- Water: The Cape Marigold prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly. However, make sure not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: The Cape Marigold does not require frequent fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.- Soil: The Cape Marigold prefers well-drained soil with a neutral pH. You can add organic matter to the soil to improve its texture and fertility.- Sunlight: The Cape Marigold requires full sun to partial shade. Make sure to plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: The Cape Marigold is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11. If you live in a colder climate, you can grow it as an annual or in a container that can be brought indoors during the winter.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cape Marigold is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. To prevent infestations, you can spray the plant with a mild soap solution or neem oil. The Cape Marigold can also be affected by fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and root rot. To prevent these diseases, make sure to water the plant properly and avoid over-fertilization.
Habitat
The Cape Marigold is native to South Africa, where it grows in sandy soils in coastal regions. It can tolerate heat and drought and is often used as a ground cover in rock gardens and borders. The Cape Marigold is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and containers around the world.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Cape Marigold?
A: The Cape Marigold prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly. However, make sure not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.
Q: Can I grow Cape Marigold in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Cape Marigold in a container as long as it has well-drained soil and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Q: How do I fertilize my Cape Marigold?
A: You can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Q: What hardiness zones are suitable for Cape Marigold?
A: The Cape Marigold is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11. If you live in a colder climate, you can grow it as an annual or in a container that can be brought indoors during the winter.
Related Plants
– Dimorphotheca Aurantiaca- Dimorphotheca Ecklonis- Dimorphotheca Pluvialis (White)- Dimorphotheca Pluvialis (Pink)
References
– “Dimorphotheca Pluvialis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed June 15, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=272511.- “Dimorphotheca Pluvialis.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed June 15, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/304001/dimorphotheca-pluvialis/details.
