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Description
Hypochaeris Robertia, commonly known as the Robertia Hawkbit, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and North Africa, but can also be found in North America as it was introduced there. It has a rosette of basal leaves that are hairless and lobed. The plant can grow up to 30cm in height and produces yellow daisy-like flowers with five petals. The bloom time starts from June and ends in August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Hypochaeris |
Appearance
The Robertia Hawkbit is a beautiful plant with bright yellow flowers that bloom in the summer months. The flowers have five petals that surround a central disk. The basal leaves of the plant are hairless and lobed, with a width of 2-5cm and a length of 5-20cm. The stem of the plant is thin and upright, and can grow up to 30cm in height. The plant has a long flowering period, which makes it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping.
Care Guide
The Robertia Hawkbit is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of your plant:
- Water: The plant needs moderate watering. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat every six weeks until the end of the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it does best in loamy soil.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not flower as well.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Robertia Hawkbit is generally a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by the following:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause distortion and discoloration. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can eat the leaves of the plant. They can be controlled with slug bait or by handpicking.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can be controlled with fungicides or by removing infected leaves.
Habitat
The Robertia Hawkbit is native to Europe and North Africa, but can also be found in North America where it was introduced. It can be found in meadows, fields, and along roadsides. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 3-9.
Questions and Answers
Q: Is the Robertia Hawkbit toxic to pets?
A: No, the plant is not toxic to pets.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Robertia Hawkbit?
A: Fertilize the plant in the early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat every six weeks until the end of the growing season.
Q: Can I plant the Robertia Hawkbit in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container. Use a well-draining potting mix and make sure the container has drainage holes.
Q: How can I propagate the Robertia Hawkbit?
A: The plant can be propagated by division in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Hypochaeris glabra
- Hypochaeris radicata
- Hypochaeris uniflora
- Hypochaeris maculata
References
- “Hypochaeris Robertia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=g980
- “Hypochaeris Robertia.” PlantFiles. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/196080/
- “Hypochaeris Robertia.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/8752/Hypochaeris-robertia/Details
