Contents
Description
Selago Canescens is a plant species that belongs to the family of Scrophulariaceae. It is a small, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 30cm tall. The plant has small, narrow leaves that are covered with fine hairs, giving them a greyish-green appearance. The Selago Canescens produces small flowers that are white or purple in color and bloom in mid-summer. The plant is native to South Africa and is commonly found in rocky areas and on mountain slopes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————–|————-|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Tracheophyta|| Class| Magnoliopsida|| Order| Lamiales|| Family| Scrophulariaceae|| Genus| Selago|| Species| Canescens|
Appearance
The Selago Canescens is a small, evergreen shrub that has a bushy growth habit. The plant has narrow leaves that are greyish-green in color and covered with fine hairs. The Selago Canescens produces small, white or purple flowers that bloom in mid-summer. The plant can grow up to 30cm tall and 50cm wide.
Care Guide
The Selago Canescens is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. It thrives in well-draining, sandy soil and requires moderate watering. The plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The Selago Canescens is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 23°F (-5°C). Fertilization is not necessary, but a light feeding of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Selago Canescens is not commonly affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. The plant can also attract spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids, which can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Selago Canescens is native to South Africa and is commonly found in rocky areas and on mountain slopes. The plant prefers well-draining, sandy soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Selago Canescens?
A: The Selago Canescens prefers moderate watering, so water it when the soil is dry to the touch.Q: Can the Selago Canescens tolerate cold temperatures?
A: Yes, the plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 23°F (-5°C).Q: Does the Selago Canescens require fertilization?
A: Fertilization is not necessary, but a light feeding of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth.Q: What pests and diseases can affect the Selago Canescens?
A: The plant can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. It can also attract spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Scrophulariaceae family:- Verbascum thapsus- Digitalis purpurea- Penstemon digitalis- Mimulus guttatus
References
– “Selago Canescens.” PlantZAfrica, 2021, www.plantzafrica.com/plantqrs/selagocanesc.htm.- “Selago Canescens.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h190.- “Selago Canescens.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, 2021, kewscience.kew.org/science/tropamerica/imagedetail.do?imageid=128562.
