Contents
Description
Hydrolea Ovata, commonly known as the water spiderwort, is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to the Americas. This herbaceous perennial plant belongs to the family Commelinaceae and is commonly found in wetlands, swamps, and along streams and rivers. The plant can grow up to 1 meter in height and has long, thin leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern on the stem. The flowers of the Hydrolea Ovata are small and bell-shaped with blue-purple petals. The plant blooms from July to September and is a popular choice for water gardens and wetland restoration projects.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Genus | Hydrolea |
Appearance
The Hydrolea Ovata has long, thin leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern on the stem. The leaves are dark green in color and can grow up to 20cm in length. The flowers of the plant are small and bell-shaped with blue-purple petals. The plant blooms from July to September and can grow up to 1 meter in height.
Care Guide
The Hydrolea Ovata is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for maintaining this beautiful plant:
- Water: The plant requires consistent moisture and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist.
- Fertilization: The plant benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The Hydrolea Ovata prefers a well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Hydrolea Ovata is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Hydrolea Ovata is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, the plant can be affected by spider mites and leaf spot. Spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil, while leaf spot can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Hydrolea Ovata is native to the Americas and can be found in wetlands, swamps, and along streams and rivers. The plant is a popular choice for water gardens and wetland restoration projects due to its ability to thrive in moist environments.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Hydrolea Ovata be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is kept consistently moist.
Q: Does Hydrolea Ovata attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant attracts a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Hydrolea Ovata?
A: The plant benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Q: Is Hydrolea Ovata toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that the plant is toxic to pets, but it is always best to keep pets away from any plants they may ingest.
Related Plants
- Hydrolea Aristata: A similar species of Hydrolea that also has blue-purple blooms.
- Commelina Diffusa: Another member of the Commelinaceae family that has small blue flowers.
- Tradescantia Spathacea: A popular indoor plant with large, variegated leaves.
References
- Bonnie, J. (2009). Hydrolea Ovata. Floridata.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Hydrolea Ovata. Missouri Botanical Garden.
- USDA NRCS. (n.d.). Hydrolea Ovata. United States Department of Agriculture.
