Contents
Description
Beesia calthifolia, also known as heartleaf bergenia or Chinese hearts, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to the forests of China. It belongs to the Saxifragaceae family and is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties. The plant has a short, creeping rhizome with numerous roots that grow in a dense mat. The leaves are heart-shaped, glossy, and grow in a basal rosette. The flowers are small, pink, and bloom in early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus | Beesia |
Appearance
Beesia calthifolia has heart-shaped, glossy leaves that are dark green and grow in a basal rosette. The leaves are around 10-15 cm long and 5-10 cm wide. The flowers are small, pink, and grow on a 30-50 cm tall stem. The flowers bloom in early summer and have a sweet fragrance. The plant grows in a dense mat from its creeping rhizome and can spread up to 30 cm in width.
Care Guide
Beesia calthifolia is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial to full shade and can tolerate direct morning sun.
- Hardiness Zones: Beesia calthifolia is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Beesia calthifolia is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot and leaf spot if overwatered. It can also attract slugs and snails, which can damage the leaves.
Habitat
Beesia calthifolia is native to the forests of China and can be found growing in shaded areas with moist soil. It is commonly used as a groundcover in woodland gardens and can also be used in containers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Beesia calthifolia be grown indoors?
A: Beesia calthifolia prefers partial to full shade and can tolerate direct morning sun, but it is not suited for indoor growing.
Q: How often should I fertilize Beesia calthifolia?
A: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can Beesia calthifolia tolerate drought?
A: Beesia calthifolia prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought.
Q: How do I propagate Beesia calthifolia?
A: Beesia calthifolia can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes in spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Beesia deltophylla
- Bergenia cordifolia
- Saxifraga stolonifera
- Heuchera micrantha
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Beesia calthifolia. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j450
- RHS. (n.d.). Beesia calthifolia. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/221066/beesia-calthifolia/details
- Wikipedia. (2021, May 21). Beesia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beesia
