Lasianthaea

Description

Lasianthaea is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is a small genus, comprising only two species: Lasianthaea podocephala and Lasianthaea macrocephala. These plants are native to Chile and Argentina, where they grow in rocky or sandy soils in the Andes Mountains.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Lasianthaea plants are small, herbaceous perennials that grow up to 30 cm in height. They have basal leaves that are hairless, with lobed or toothed margins. The flowers are borne on erect stems and are typically yellow, orange, or red in color. The flower heads are large and showy, with a diameter of up to 6 cm.

Care Guide

Lasianthaea plants are easy to care for and make great additions to rock gardens or sunny borders. Here are some tips for caring for your Lasianthaea plant:

• Water: Lasianthaea plants prefer well-drained soil and should be watered moderately. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Fertilization: Fertilize Lasianthaea plants once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
• Soil: Lasianthaea plants prefer sandy or rocky soil that is well-drained. Amend heavy clay soils with sand or gravel to improve drainage.
• Sunlight: Lasianthaea plants require full sun to grow and bloom. Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Hardiness Zones: Lasianthaea plants are hardy in USDA zones 7-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Lasianthaea plants are relatively pest-free, but they can be susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:

• Gray Mold: Caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, gray mold can cause brown spots on the leaves and flowers of Lasianthaea plants. Remove infected plant material and improve air circulation to prevent the spread of the disease.
• Root Rot: Lasianthaea plants can be susceptible to root rot in poorly-drained soil. Avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage to prevent this disease.
• Aphids: Aphids can be a problem on Lasianthaea plants. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.

Habitat

Lasianthaea plants are native to the Andes Mountains of Chile and Argentina, where they grow in rocky or sandy soils at elevations of up to 4,000 meters. They are adapted to the harsh, arid conditions of this region and can grow in full sun or partial shade.

Question and Answer

Q: What is the blooming period for Lasianthaea plants?

A: Lasianthaea plants typically bloom from late spring to early summer, producing large, showy flower heads.

Q: Can Lasianthaea plants be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Lasianthaea plants can be grown in containers as long as they are provided with well-draining soil and adequate sunlight.

Q: Are Lasianthaea plants drought-tolerant?

A: Yes, Lasianthaea plants are adapted to arid conditions and can tolerate drought once established. However, they should be watered regularly during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.

Q: How do I propagate Lasianthaea plants?

A: Lasianthaea plants can be propagated from seed or by division in the spring or fall.

Related Plants

• Aster
• Coreopsis
• Echinacea
• Helianthus
• Rudbeckia

References

• Flora of Chile (2011) by G. M. Rodríguez, M. Onofri & P. M. Uribe.
• Lasianthaea macrocephala (https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/173688/lasianthaea-macrocephala/details) – Royal Horticultural Society
• Lasianthaea podocephala (https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/173689/lasianthaea-podocephala/details) – Royal Horticultural Society
• The Plant List (http://www.theplantlist.org/) – Lasianthaea