Contents
Description
Draperia is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Polemoniaceae. It is native to North America and includes two species, namely Draperia systyla and Draperia copelandii. Draperia systyla is commonly known as Sierra draperia and is found in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, while Draperia copelandii is known as Copeland’s draperia and is found in the mountains of Arizona and New Mexico. These plants are herbaceous perennials that bloom in the spring and summer, producing beautiful clusters of lavender or pink flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Draperia |
Appearance
The leaves of Draperia are basal and form a rosette at the base of the plant. They are lanceolate or oblong in shape and grow up to 15 cm long. The flowers are borne in clusters at the top of a leafless stem and are pink or lavender in color. They have a tubular shape and are about 1 cm long. The fruit is a capsule that splits open when mature to release the seeds. Draperia systyla grows up to 40 cm tall, while Draperia copelandii grows up to 10 cm tall.
Care Guide
Draperia is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you care for your Draperia:
- Water: Water your Draperia regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your Draperia once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Draperia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Draperia prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Draperia grows best in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Draperia is generally pest and disease-free, but it may be susceptible to root rot and fungal diseases in poorly-drained soil. To prevent these problems, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering your plant.
Habitat
Draperia is native to the mountains of the western United States, where it grows in rocky, well-draining soil in open meadows and on mountain slopes. It is adapted to the harsh conditions of its habitat, including cold temperatures, low humidity, and intense sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Draperia be grown indoors?
A: Draperia is best grown outdoors in a well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. It is not well-suited for indoor growing.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Draperia?
A: Fertilize your Draperia once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Draperia difficult to grow?
A: Draperia is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow as long as it is planted in well-draining soil and receives adequate water and sunlight.
Q: Can Draperia tolerate drought?
A: Draperia is adapted to growing in dry, rocky soil and is fairly drought-tolerant. However, it still requires regular watering to thrive.
Related Plants
- Collomia
- Cobaea
- Gilia
- Ipomopsis
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/draperia_systyla.shtml
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=DRSY2
- https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/romo/flowers/fam33.htm
