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Description
Gilia Tricolor is a native wildflower in California, USA. It is commonly known as bird’s eye gilia or tricolor gilia due to its three-color flowers. The flowers have a trumpet-like shape, with three petals that are usually purple, white, or blue. The plant can grow up to 20 inches tall and 12 inches wide, with multiple stems that produce clusters of flowers. It typically blooms from late spring to early summer, attracting bees and butterflies with its nectar.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Gilia |
Appearance
Gilia Tricolor has a slender stem with lance-shaped leaves that are usually green or grayish-green. The leaves can grow up to 2 inches long and 0.5 inch wide. The flowers of the plant have a trumpet-like shape with three petals that are usually purple, white, or blue. The petals are fused at the base, forming a tube that is about 1 inch long. The flowers bloom in clusters at the top of the stem, with each cluster containing up to 10 flowers. The plant can grow up to 20 inches tall and 12 inches wide, producing multiple stems with clusters of flowers.
Care Guide
Gilia Tricolor is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some care tips for this plant:
Water: Water the plant regularly, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gilia Tricolor is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can also cause root rot, which can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
Gilia Tricolor is native to California, USA, and can be found in open grasslands, meadows, and along roadsides. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Gilia Tricolor be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Gilia Tricolor can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives adequate sunlight.
Q: How often should I water Gilia Tricolor?
A: Water the plant regularly, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Can Gilia Tricolor tolerate drought?
A: Yes, Gilia Tricolor is drought-tolerant once established.
Q: How can I propagate Gilia Tricolor?
A: Gilia Tricolor can be propagated by seed or by dividing the plant in the spring.
Related Plants
- Gilia Capitata
- Gilia Achilleifolia
- Gilia Diegensis
- Gilia Modesta
References
- Baldwin, B. G. (2012). Gilia tricolor. In Jepson Flora Project (eds.) Jepson eFlora. Regents of the University of California.
- Calflora. (2021). Gilia tricolor. Retrieved from https://www.calflora.org/entry/description.html?crn=2071
- USDA. (2021). Gilia tricolor. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=GITR2
