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Description
Dracocephalum Parviflorum, commonly known as small-flowered dragonhead, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to the mountainous regions of central Asia, specifically found in China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, and Russia.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Dracocephalum |
Appearance
The small-flowered dragonhead grows up to 12-18 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are green and slightly hairy. The flowers are small and tubular, with a bluish-purple color and white markings on the lower lip. They bloom from late spring to early summer and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Water: The small-flowered dragonhead prefers moderate watering and well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. Adding organic matter can help improve soil quality.
Sunlight: The small-flowered dragonhead prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not bloom as well.
Hardiness Zones: It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The small-flowered dragonhead is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. Regular monitoring and treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control these pests.
Habitat
The small-flowered dragonhead is native to the mountainous regions of central Asia. It grows in rocky slopes, meadows, and open forests at elevations of 5,000 to 11,500 feet.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the small-flowered dragonhead deer-resistant?
A: Yes, it is considered deer-resistant.
Q: Can the small-flowered dragonhead be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as they have good drainage and are not too small.
Q: How often should I fertilize the small-flowered dragonhead?
A: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How do I propagate the small-flowered dragonhead?
A: It can be propagated by division in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Dracocephalum argunense
- Dracocephalum moldavicum
- Dracocephalum nutans
References
- The Plant List (2021). Dracocephalum parviflorum. Retrieved from http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-64510
- Missouri Botanical Garden (2021). Dracocephalum parviflorum. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286897&isprofile=0&
- RHS (2021). Dracocephalum parviflorum. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/196415/i-Dracocephalum-parviflorum-i/Details
