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Description
Ourisia Macrocarpa Subsp. Calycina, also known as Chilean Blue Star, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. This beautiful plant is native to the southern Andes in Chile and Argentina, where it grows in rocky and moist areas at elevations of up to 3,000 meters.The plant has long, slender stems that can grow up to 15 inches tall, and it produces clusters of bright blue, star-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The leaves are small, oval-shaped, and slightly hairy, and they grow in opposite pairs on the stems.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Ourisia |
Appearance
Chilean Blue Star is a stunning plant that can add a pop of color to any garden. The bright blue, star-shaped flowers are the main attraction, and they can grow up to 1 inch in diameter. The flowers have five petals that are slightly curved, and they are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems.The leaves of the plant are small, oval-shaped, and slightly hairy. They grow in opposite pairs on the stems and have a bright green color. The stems are long and slender, and they can grow up to 15 inches tall. The plant can spread up to 12 inches wide, making it a great addition to any garden bed or container.
Care Guide
To ensure that your Chilean Blue Star thrives, it is important to provide it with the right care. Here are some tips to help you take care of your plant:Water: This plant prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Chilean Blue Star prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well.Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not flower as much.Hardiness Zones: Chilean Blue Star is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Chilean Blue Star is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones:Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects can suck the sap out of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves.Slugs and Snails: These pests can eat holes in the leaves and flowers of the plant.Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves and flowers of the plant.Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and can cause the roots of the plant to rot.
Habitat
Chilean Blue Star is native to the southern Andes in Chile and Argentina. It grows in rocky and moist areas at elevations of up to 3,000 meters. The plant is well adapted to its environment and can tolerate cold temperatures and high altitudes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Chilean Blue Star grow in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as it is provided with the right soil, water, and sunlight.Q: How often should I fertilize my Chilean Blue Star?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Chilean Blue Star?
A: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9.Q: What is the best soil for Chilean Blue Star?
A: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants that are related to Chilean Blue Star:- Ourisia Coccinea- Ourisia Alpina- Ourisia Odorata- Ourisia Caespitosa
References
– “Ourisia Macrocarpa Subsp. Calycina.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2021. – “Ourisia Macrocarpa Subsp. Calycina.” Royal Horticultural Society. n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2021.- “Ourisia Macrocarpa Subsp. Calycina.” Pacific Bulb Society. n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2021.
