Contents
Description
Ammobium is a genus of flowering plants from the Asteraceae family that is native to Australia. The plants have a woody stem that grows to a height of 1-2 feet. The flowers of Ammobium are small and white, and they bloom from June to August. The flowers are used for dried flower arrangements as they retain their color and shape for a long time.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Ammobium |
Appearance
The leaves of Ammobium are silvery-gray and have a woolly texture. The flowers are small and white, with yellow centers, and are arranged in clusters at the ends of the branches. The plants grow to a height of 1-2 feet and have a woody stem that is covered in a layer of fine hairs. The flowers are harvested when they are in full bloom and then dried for use in flower arrangements.
Care Guide
Ammobium plants are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. They prefer well-draining soil and a sunny location. Water them regularly, but avoid overwatering or allowing the soil to become waterlogged. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Ammobium is hardy to USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ammobium plants are generally pest and disease-free. However, they may be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Root rot and powdery mildew are the most common diseases that affect Ammobium plants. These can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and providing good air circulation around the plants.
Habitat
Ammobium plants are native to Australia and are found in a variety of habitats, including sandy soils, coastal areas, and open woodlands. They prefer a sunny location and are drought-tolerant once established.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Ammobium be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Ammobium can be grown in containers as long as they are provided with well-draining soil and adequate sunlight.
Q: How often should I water my Ammobium plant?
A: Ammobium plants prefer regular watering, but avoid overwatering or allowing the soil to become waterlogged. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: Can Ammobium be grown from seed?
A: Yes, Ammobium can be grown from seed. Sow the seeds in the spring after the last frost and keep the soil moist until the plants germinate.
Q: Are Ammobium plants toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence that Ammobium plants are toxic to pets. However, it is always a good idea to keep plants out of reach of pets to avoid accidental ingestion.
Related Plants
- Helichrysum
- Gomphrena
- Statice
- Eucalyptus
References
- “Ammobium.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278584&isprofile=0&basic=Ammobium
- “Ammobium.” PlantZAfrica.com. http://pza.sanbi.org/ammobium
- “Ammobium.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/11678/Ammobium/Details
