Hylotelephium Telephium Subsp. Telephium: A Comprehensive Guide
Contents
Description
Contents
Description
Hylotelephium Telephium Subsp. Telephium, commonly known as Orpine, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. This plant is native to Europe and Asia and is widely cultivated in gardens all over the world. It has a clump-forming growth habit and can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide. The leaves of Orpine are fleshy, oval-shaped, and grayish-green in color. The flowers are pinkish-red or purple and bloom in late summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Hylotelephium |
| Species | Telephium |
| Subspecies | Telephium |
Appearance
Orpine has a unique appearance and is easy to recognize. The plant has a stout stem that is covered with grayish-green leaves. These leaves are oval-shaped, fleshy, and have a powdery coating. The flowers of Orpine are star-shaped and come in various shades of pinkish-red or purple. They bloom in late summer and are held in clusters on top of the stem. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, making it a great addition to any garden.
Care Guide
Taking care of Orpine is relatively easy. Here are some tips to help you care for this plant:Water: Orpine prefers well-draining soil and does not like to be over-watered. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.Fertilization: Orpine does not require a lot of fertilizer. You can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and again in mid-summer.Soil: Orpine prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can add compost or other organic matter to the soil to improve its quality.Sunlight: Orpine prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy.Hardiness Zones: Orpine is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Orpine is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can still be affected by some common garden problems, such as:Pests: Aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites can sometimes attack Orpine. You can control these pests by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.Diseases: Orpine can be affected by root rot and powdery mildew. These diseases can be prevented by providing good drainage and proper air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Orpine is native to Europe and Asia and can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, rocky slopes, and open woodlands. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Orpine a good plant for beginners?A: Yes, Orpine is an easy plant to care for and is a great choice for beginners.Q: How often should I water my Orpine plant?A: Water your Orpine plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.Q: Can Orpine tolerate shade?A: Orpine prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy.Q: What is the best time to fertilize Orpine?A: You can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and again in mid-summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Orpine:
- Hylotelephium spectabile
- Hylotelephium ‘Autumn Joy’
- Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’
- Hylotelephium telephium ‘Matrona’
References
- “Hylotelephium telephium subsp. telephium.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b540.
- “Orpine.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/56104/hylotelephium-telephium-subsp-telephium/details.
- “Orpine.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/orpine-plant-profile-5072154.
- “Orpine (Hylotelephium telephium subsp. telephium).” Gardenia, www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/hylotelephium-telephium-subsp-telephium-orpine.
