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Description
Navarretia Pubescens, commonly known as the Foothill Navarretia, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the phlox family (Polemoniaceae). It is native to California and can be found in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges. This plant has a small and delicate stature and is a perfect addition to a rock garden or a wildflower meadow. It blooms in late spring or early summer and produces clusters of small, bright blue to purple flowers that are about 0.5 inches in diameter. The flowers are tubular with five lobes and have a sweet fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Navarretia |
| Species | Pubescens |
Appearance
Navarretia Pubescens has a small and delicate stature, growing up to 10 inches in height and 12 inches in width. It has thin, branching stems that are covered with small, green leaves. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, measuring about 0.5 inches in length. The flowers of the Foothill Navarretia are the main attraction of this plant. They are small, measuring about 0.5 inches in diameter, and have a bright blue to purple color. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the top of the stems and have a sweet fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Navarretia Pubescens is an easy plant to care for and requires minimal attention. Here are some care tips to help your Foothill Navarretia thrive:- Water: Navarretia Pubescens prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. Water the plant once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.- Fertilization: Fertilize Navarretia Pubescens once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss before planting to improve drainage and soil structure.- Sunlight: Navarretia Pubescens prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant it in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Navarretia Pubescens is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, here are some common ones to watch out for:- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the plant and can cause leaf curling and distortion. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent powdery mildew.- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and poorly draining soil. Make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Habitat
Navarretia Pubescens is native to California and can be found in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges. It grows in open, sunny areas with well-draining soil, such as grasslands, meadows, and rocky slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Navarretia Pubescens an annual or perennial plant? A: Navarretia Pubescens is a perennial plant.Q: Can Navarretia Pubescens tolerate drought? A: Yes, Navarretia Pubescens is drought-tolerant once established.Q: Does Navarretia Pubescens attract pollinators? A: Yes, Navarretia Pubescens attracts bees and butterflies with its sweet fragrance.Q: What is the blooming season of Navarretia Pubescens? A: Navarretia Pubescens blooms in late spring or early summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Navarretia Pubescens:- Navarretia Leucocephala- Navarretia Mitracarpa- Navarretia Propinqua- Navarretia Spp.
References
– “Navarretia Pubescens – Plant Finder.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279842.- “Navarretia Pubescens (Foothill Navarretia).” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:300883-2.
