Contents
Description
Delavaya is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caprifoliaceae. It is native to Asia, particularly in China, Korea, and Japan. The genus was named in honor of French botanist, Jules Delavay. Delavaya is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 2 meters tall. It has opposite, simple, oval-shaped leaves with a pointed tip. The plant produces clusters of small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers in the late spring to early summer. The fruit that follows is a small, round, black berry.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus | Delavaya |
Appearance
Delavaya is a beautiful plant that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. The shrub has a rounded, upright form and grows up to 2 meters tall. It has opposite, simple, oval-shaped leaves with a pointed tip. The leaves are dark green and measure around 7.5 cm long and 4 cm wide. The plant produces clusters of small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers in the late spring to early summer. The flowers are around 2 cm in diameter and have a sweet scent. The fruit that follows is a small, round, black berry.
Care Guide
Delavaya is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Here are some tips on how to care for it:- Water: Delavaya prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring before new growth appears.- Soil: Delavaya prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. It grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Delavaya prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but it blooms best in full sun.- Hardiness Zones: Delavaya is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Delavaya is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It can be treated with fungicides. Leaf spot is a bacterial disease that appears as brown spots on the leaves. It can be treated with copper fungicides.
Habitat
Delavaya is native to Asia, particularly in China, Korea, and Japan. It grows in woodlands and forests, often on hillsides and slopes. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Delavaya tolerate drought?
A: Delavaya prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought. It is important to water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.
Q: When is the best time to prune Delavaya?
A: Prune Delavaya in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged wood and shape the plant as desired.
Q: How often should I fertilize Delavaya?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring before new growth appears. You can also apply a slow-release fertilizer in the fall.
Q: Can Delavaya grow in containers?
A: Yes, Delavaya can grow in containers. Use a well-draining soil mix and make sure the container has drainage holes.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Delavaya:- Lonicera fragrantissima- Viburnum opulus- Weigela florida- Philadelphus coronarius
References
– “Delavaya” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j820– “Delavay’s Bush” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/23138/delavay-s-bush/details– “Delavaya” Plant Delights Nursery, www.plantdelights.com/products/delavaya
