Contents
Description
Celmisia Rigida, commonly known as the New Zealand mountain daisy, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to the mountains and alpine regions of New Zealand. It is a beautiful plant that produces attractive white flowers that bloom in the summer months. The plant grows up to 20 cm in height and 30 cm in width, with a compact and rounded shape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Celmisia |
Appearance
The leaves of Celmisia Rigida are grey-green in color and have a leathery texture. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, with a length of up to 10 cm. The flowers of the plant are white in color and have a yellow center. They bloom in the summer months and are around 2 cm in diameter. The plant has a compact and rounded shape, which makes it an attractive addition to any garden.
Care Guide
Celmisia Rigida is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a range of conditions. Here are some care tips to help you keep your plant healthy:
- Water: The plant should be watered regularly, but not over-watered. It prefers well-draining soil and should not be allowed to sit in water.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilizer, but can benefit from a light feeding of a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but does best in a slightly acidic soil.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade. It should be protected from strong winds, which can damage the leaves and flowers.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Celmisia Rigida is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if over-watered. Other potential issues include aphids, slugs, and snails. These pests can be controlled with insecticides or by hand-picking them off the plant.
Habitat
Celmisia Rigida is native to the mountains and alpine regions of New Zealand. It can be found growing in rocky areas, tussock grasslands, and open shrublands. The plant is adapted to the cold and wet conditions of the alpine environment and can tolerate frost and snow.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Celmisia Rigida be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the plant is not over-watered.
Q: How often should Celmisia Rigida be fertilized?
A: The plant does not require much fertilizer and should only be fed lightly in the spring.
Q: How long do the flowers of Celmisia Rigida last?
A: The flowers of the plant can last for several weeks, depending on the weather conditions.
Q: Can Celmisia Rigida be propagated by cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by cuttings taken in the spring. The cuttings should be placed in well-draining soil and kept moist until they root.
Related Plants
- Celmisia Haastii
- Celmisia Hookeri
- Celmisia Spectabilis
- Celmisia Walkeri
References
- “Celmisia Rigida.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Accessed 8 June 2021. http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora_details.aspx?ID=1747
- “Celmisia Rigida.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 8 June 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/13025/Celmisia-rigida/Details
- “Celmisia Rigida.” The National Gardening Association. Accessed 8 June 2021. https://garden.org/plants/view/74650/New-Zealand-Mountain-Daisy-Celmisia-rigida/
