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Description
Scaevola Plumieri, also known as the Beachberry, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Goodenia family. It is native to coastal areas of the Caribbean, Florida, and South America. The plant is often used for landscaping purposes due to its attractive blue or violet flowers that bloom throughout the year.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Goodeniaceae |
| Genus | Scaevola |
Appearance
Scaevola Plumieri is a low-growing, spreading plant that can reach up to 2 feet in height and 4 feet in width. It has succulent, green leaves that are about 1-2 inches long and 0.5-1 inch wide. The flowers are small and fan-shaped, with five petals that are fused at the base. They are usually blue or violet, but can also be pink or white. The plant blooms throughout the year, but the peak bloom season is from late spring to early fall.
Care Guide
To ensure the health and growth of Scaevola Plumieri, follow these care tips:
Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. Too much water can lead to root rot, while too little can cause the plant to wilt.
Fertilization: Use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and mid-summer to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Soil: The plant prefers sandy, well-draining soil. If the soil is too heavy, add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Sunlight: Scaevola Plumieri prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much can affect its flowering.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Scaevola Plumieri is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can still be affected by some common problems:
Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
Whiteflies: These small, white insects can cause yellowing leaves and a sticky residue on the plant. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
Crown rot: This fungal disease can cause the plant to wilt and die. To prevent it, avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage.
Habitat
Scaevola Plumieri is native to coastal areas of the Caribbean, Florida, and South America. It grows in sandy soils and is often found in dunes, beaches, and coastal scrublands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Scaevola Plumieri a good plant for landscaping?
A: Yes, Scaevola Plumieri is often used for landscaping purposes due to its attractive flowers and low-maintenance nature.
Q: Can Scaevola Plumieri tolerate salt spray?
A: Yes, the plant is salt-tolerant and can tolerate salt spray.
Q: How often should I fertilize Scaevola Plumieri?
A: Use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and mid-summer.
Q: Can Scaevola Plumieri be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container has drainage holes.
Related Plants
- Scaevola Aemula
- Scaevola Taccada
- Scaevola Sericea
- Scaevola Gaudichaudii
- Scaevola Koenigii
References
- “Scaevola Plumieri.” Floridata. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://www.floridata.com/plant/1173.
- “Scaevola Plumieri.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp099.
- “Scaevola Plumieri.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 25, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c139.
