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Description
Arctotis Hybrida Flame, commonly known as African Daisy, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to South Africa and is widely grown as an ornamental plant for its bright and colorful flowers. The plant can grow up to 30cm in height and 45cm in width, with a bushy habit and a dense foliage of grey-green leaves.The flowers of Arctotis Hybrida Flame are daisy-like with a diameter of 7-10cm. The petals are in shades of orange and yellow, with a dark brown or black center. The plant blooms from spring to fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Arctotis |
| Species | Hybrida |
| Variety | Flame |
Appearance
Arctotis Hybrida Flame is a beautiful plant with vibrant orange and yellow flowers that can add a pop of color to any garden. The flowers are daisy-like with a diameter of 7-10cm, and the petals are in shades of orange and yellow, with a dark brown or black center. The plant blooms from spring to fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.The plant can grow up to 30cm in height and 45cm in width, with a bushy habit and a dense foliage of grey-green leaves. The leaves are deeply lobed and have a woolly texture, which helps the plant conserve water.
Care Guide
Arctotis Hybrida Flame is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy and thriving:- Water: Water your plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring to fall).- Soil: Arctotis Hybrida Flame prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A sandy loam soil mix is ideal.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may affect its blooming.- Hardiness Zones: Arctotis Hybrida Flame is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Arctotis Hybrida Flame is generally pest and disease-free. However, here are some common issues that you may encounter:- Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide.- Aphids: Small insects that suck the sap from the leaves. They can be removed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or treated with an insecticide.- Spider mites: Tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. They can be treated with an insecticide.
Habitat
Arctotis Hybrida Flame is native to South Africa and is commonly found in dry, rocky areas. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in harsh conditions, making it a great choice for xeriscaping.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Arctotis Hybrida Flame?
A: Water your plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: What kind of soil does Arctotis Hybrida Flame prefer?
A: Arctotis Hybrida Flame prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A sandy loam soil mix is ideal.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Arctotis Hybrida Flame?
A: Arctotis Hybrida Flame is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Q: How do I treat powdery mildew on my Arctotis Hybrida Flame?
A: Powdery mildew can be treated with a fungicide.
Related Plants
– Arctotis Grandis- Arctotis Stoechadifolia- Arctotis Venusta- Arctotis X Hybrida
References
– “Arctotis Hybrida ‘Flame'” by Missouri Botanical Garden- “Arctotis” by PlantZAfrica- “Arctotis Hybrida” by Royal Horticultural Society
