Keckiella Lemmonii

Description

Keckiella Lemmonii, also known as Lemmon’s penstemon, is a flowering plant native to the western United States. It is a member of the snapdragon family and was named after John Gill Lemmon, a botanist who collected the first specimen in Arizona in 1884. The plant is known for its bushy growth habit and attractive flowers, which bloom in late spring to early summer.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Keckiella Lemmonii typically grows to be 1-3 feet tall and wide. Its leaves are a glossy green color and are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The flowers are tubular and come in shades of pink, lavender, or white with yellow throats. They are approximately 1 inch long and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem.

Care Guide

Keckiella Lemmonii is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:

• Water: Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the winter months.
• Fertilization: Fertilize 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: Keckiella Lemmonii prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Keckiella Lemmonii is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is not well-draining. Additionally, spider mites and aphids may occasionally infest the plant. These can be treated with insecticidal soap.

Habitat

Keckiella Lemmonii is native to the western United States, where it can be found growing in rocky or sandy soil in desert and mountain habitats. It is particularly common in Arizona and New Mexico.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Keckiella Lemmonii a good plant for attracting pollinators?

A: Yes, the plant’s tubular flowers are attractive to bees and hummingbirds.

Q: Does Keckiella Lemmonii require pruning?

A: The plant does not require regular pruning, but it can be pruned after flowering to maintain its shape.

Q: Can Keckiella Lemmonii be grown in containers?

A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.

Q: Is Keckiella Lemmonii toxic to pets?

A: There is no evidence that the plant is toxic to pets, but it is always a good idea to keep pets away from plants they are not familiar with.

Related Plants

• Keckiella Antirrhinoides
• Keckiella Cordifolia
• Keckiella Rostrata
• Penstemon Barbatus
• Penstemon Grandiflorus
• Penstemon Rydbergii

References

• “Keckiella lemmonii.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=KELE.
• “Keckiella lemmonii.” Arizona State University, askabiologist.asu.edu/plants/keckiella-lemmonii.
• “Keckiella lemmonii.” San Francisco Botanical Garden, www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/plants/keckiella-lemmonii.html.