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Description
Armeria Leucocephala, also known as white sea thrift, is a beautiful plant with white flowers that belong to the Plumbaginaceae family. It is a small evergreen perennial that grows up to 20 cm in height and 30 cm in width. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer, and they attract bees and butterflies. The plant is native to the Azores, Portugal, and it is commonly used as a groundcover, edging, or rock garden plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Plumbaginaceae |
| Genus | Armeria |
Appearance
Armeria Leucocephala has narrow, linear leaves that are green, fleshy, and grow in a tuft. The flowers are white, small, and grow in dense, rounded heads that are up to 3 cm in diameter. Each flower has five petals and five stamens. The plant blooms profusely in late spring and early summer, and the flowers last for several weeks. The foliage remains attractive throughout the year, and it turns bronze in the fall.
Care Guide
Armeria Leucocephala is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips on how to take care of it:- Water: The plant prefers dry to medium soil, and it does not tolerate wet soil. Water it only when the soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, sandy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Armeria Leucocephala is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if grown in wet soil for prolonged periods. The plant may also attract aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. To control these pests, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Armeria Leucocephala is native to the Azores, Portugal, where it grows in rocky coastal areas, cliffs, and dunes. The plant is adapted to the maritime climate and the salt spray. It can tolerate drought, wind, and salt spray.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Armeria Leucocephala deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the plant is deer-resistant.Q: Can Armeria Leucocephala grow in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can grow in containers, provided they have good drainage and are not overwatered.Q: Does Armeria Leucocephala attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant attracts bees and butterflies.Q: How often should I fertilize Armeria Leucocephala?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Armeria Leucocephala:- Armeria Maritima (Sea Thrift)- Armeria Pseudarmeria (False Thrift)- Armeria Juniperifolia (Juniper-leaved Thrift)
References
– “Armeria Leucocephala.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfindersearch.aspx?taxonid=277214.- “Armeria Leucocephala.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/15240/armeria-leucocephala/details.- “White Sea Thrift.” Monrovia, www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/5330/white-sea-thrift/.
