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Description
Phtheirospermum Japonicum, also known as the Japanese mazus, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Phrymaceae. It is native to Japan and Korea and is commonly found in wetlands, meadows, and forests. The plant grows up to 30 cm in height and produces beautiful violet-blue flowers that bloom in the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Phrymaceae |
| Genus | Phtheirospermum |
Appearance
Phtheirospermum Japonicum has a low-growing, spreading habit, and forms a mat of foliage that is covered in violet-blue flowers in the summer. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, dark green, and have a slightly toothed margin. The flowers have a tubular shape and are arranged in dense spikes at the top of the stems. They are about 1 cm long and have a beautiful violet-blue color, which fades to a pale shade as they age.
Care Guide
To care for Phtheirospermum Japonicum, keep the following in mind:Water: This plant prefers moist soil, so water it regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade and can tolerate some morning sun. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phtheirospermum Japonicum is generally not affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
Habitat
Phtheirospermum Japonicum is native to Japan and Korea and is commonly found in wetlands, meadows, and forests. It prefers moist, fertile soil and partial shade to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Phtheirospermum Japonicum a good ground cover?
A: Yes, Phtheirospermum Japonicum is a great ground cover due to its low-growing, spreading habit and beautiful flowers.Q: Can Phtheirospermum Japonicum tolerate full sun?
A: No, Phtheirospermum Japonicum prefers partial shade to full shade and can only tolerate some morning sun.Q: How often should I water Phtheirospermum Japonicum?
A: Water Phtheirospermum Japonicum regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.Q: What hardiness zones is Phtheirospermum Japonicum suitable for?
A: Phtheirospermum Japonicum is hardy to USDA zones 7 to 10.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Phtheirospermum Japonicum:- Phryma leptostachya (Lopseed)- Mimulus ringens (Allegheny Monkey Flower)- Diplacus aurantiacus (Sticky Monkey Flower)
References
– “Phtheirospermum japonicum”, Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=261034- “Phtheirospermum japonicum”, Plant Delights Nursery, https://www.plantdelights.com/products/phtheirospermum-japonicum- “Phtheirospermum japonicum (Japanese Mazus)”, Gardenia, https://www.gardenia.net/plant/phtheirospermum-japonicum-japanese-mazus
