Contents
Description
Brachyglottis Sciadophila, also known as Pachystegia insignis var. insignis, is a shrub native to New Zealand. It grows up to 2 meters tall and 1.5 meters wide. The leaves are thick, leathery, and green on top with a silvery underside. In the summer, it produces yellow daisy-like flowers with a diameter of 3 cm. It is a hardy evergreen plant that can withstand strong winds and salt spray.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Magnoliophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida || Order| Asterales || Family| Asteraceae || Genus| Brachyglottis || Species| Sciadophila |
Appearance
Brachyglottis Sciadophila has thick, leathery leaves that are green on top and silvery on the underside. The leaves are ovate with a length of 7-15 cm and a width of 3-7 cm. The edges are slightly toothed. The shrub produces yellow daisy-like flowers with a diameter of 3 cm in the summer. The flowers are grouped in clusters at the end of the branches.
Care Guide
Brachyglottis Sciadophila prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in hardiness zones 8-10. Water the plant regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. After that, water only when the soil is dry to the touch. Fertilize the plant in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Prune the shrub in the late winter to remove dead wood and promote new growth.
Common Pests & Diseases
Brachyglottis Sciadophila is susceptible to root rot if the soil is poorly drained. The plant can also be attacked by aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These pests can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Brachyglottis Sciadophila is native to rocky coastal areas of New Zealand’s South Island. It grows well in sandy soil and can tolerate salt spray and strong winds.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Brachyglottis Sciadophila be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives full sun exposure.
Q: How often should I water Brachyglottis Sciadophila?
A: Water the plant regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. After that, water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Brachyglottis Sciadophila?
A: Brachyglottis Sciadophila can survive in hardiness zones 8-10.
Q: How often should I fertilize Brachyglottis Sciadophila?
A: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Brachyglottis ‘Sunshine’
- Brachyglottis ‘Otari Cloud’
- Brachyglottis ‘Rotundifolia’
References
- Brachyglottis Sciadophila. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/brachyglottis-sciadophila/
- Brachyglottis Sciadophila. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/brachyglottis-sciadophila
