Contents
Description
Cymbopappus Adenosolen, also known as the rock daisy, is a perennial plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is known for its spectacular daisy-like flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Cymbopappus |
Appearance
The rock daisy has a compact, rounded shape and can reach up to 30cm in height and 50cm in width. Its leaves are small, narrow, and grayish-green in color, while its flowers are bright yellow and have a diameter of about 2cm. The plant blooms profusely in spring and summer and can be used to add color to rock gardens, borders, and containers.
Care Guide
The rock daisy is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you grow it successfully:
- Water: The rock daisy is drought-tolerant and can survive on very little water. Water it only when the soil is completely dry.
- Fertilization: The rock daisy doesn’t need much fertilizer. You can feed it lightly with a balanced fertilizer in spring.
- Soil: The rock daisy prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can grow in poor soil, but it will perform better in soil that is enriched with organic matter.
- Sunlight: The rock daisy needs full sun to thrive. Make sure it gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: The rock daisy is hardy to USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The rock daisy is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can sometimes be attacked by aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. It may also develop root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent these problems, make sure you provide proper care and avoid overwatering the plant.
Habitat
The rock daisy is native to South Africa and can be found growing in rocky areas and on hillsides. It is well-suited to hot and dry climates and can tolerate poor soil conditions. It has been introduced to other parts of the world as an ornamental plant and can be grown in rock gardens, borders, and containers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the rock daisy a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, the rock daisy is a great plant for beginners because it is easy to care for and requires minimal watering and fertilization.
Q: Can the rock daisy be grown indoors?
A: The rock daisy is best grown outdoors in full sun. It can be grown indoors in a sunny window, but it may not bloom as profusely as it would outdoors.
Q: How often should I prune the rock daisy?
A: The rock daisy doesn’t need much pruning. You can remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms, but otherwise, leave the plant alone.
Q: Can the rock daisy tolerate frost?
A: The rock daisy is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Related Plants
- Cymbopappus Juncifolius
- Cymbopappus Tenuifolius
- Cymbopappus Grandiflorus
References
- “Cymbopappus Adenosolen.” PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2021, www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/cymbopaden.htm.
- “Cymbopappus Adenosolen.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280306&isprofile=1&basic=cymbopappus%20adenosolen.
