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Description
Diplacus Kelloggii, also known as Kellogg’s monkeyflower, is a flowering plant in the Phrymaceae family. This perennial herb is native to the western United States, particularly in California and Nevada. It can grow up to 1 meter tall and has showy, tubular flowers that come in shades of orange, red, and yellow. The plant prefers moist areas such as stream banks, seeps, and meadows.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Phrymaceae |
| Genus | Diplacus |
Appearance
The Diplacus Kelloggii plant has green, lance-shaped leaves that can grow up to 10 cm long. Its flowers are bell-shaped and can grow up to 3 cm long. They have two lips, with the upper lip being two-lobed and the lower lip being three-lobed. The flowers come in shades of orange, red, and yellow, and bloom from May to July. The plant can grow up to 1 meter tall and 0.6 meters wide.
Care Guide
Diplacus Kelloggii is relatively easy to care for. It prefers moist soil and partial shade, but can tolerate full sun as well. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Plant the Diplacus Kelloggii in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun as well.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Diplacus Kelloggii plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. To prevent these pests, make sure to keep the plant well-watered and fertilized. If you do notice pests, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Diplacus Kelloggii plant is native to the western United States, particularly in California and Nevada. It can be found in moist areas such as stream banks, seeps, and meadows. It is also commonly grown in gardens and landscapes as an ornamental plant.
Question and Answer
- Q: Can Diplacus Kelloggii 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 watered regularly.
- Q: How often should I fertilize Diplacus Kelloggii?
- A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
- Q: What is the blooming season for Diplacus Kelloggii?
- A: The plant blooms from May to July.
- Q: Is Diplacus Kelloggii deer-resistant?
- A: The plant is generally deer-resistant, but may be eaten by deer if there is a shortage of food.
Related Plants
- Diplacus aurantiacus
- Diplacus bigelovii
- Diplacus clevelandii
- Diplacus grandiflorus
References
- USDA Plants Database: Diplacus Kelloggii
- Las Pilitas Nursery: Diplacus Kelloggii
- Calflora: Diplacus Kelloggii
