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Description
Downingia Elegans, also known as Elegant Calicoflower, is a flowering plant that belongs to the genus Downingia and family Campanulaceae. This native Californian plant is an annual herb that grows up to 12 inches tall. It blooms from March to June, producing tiny blue or lavender flowers that are about 1 cm wide. The plant has a taproot and a weak stem that can be easily broken.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Genus | Downingia |
Appearance
The Downingia Elegans plant has a grass-like appearance with narrow leaves that are 1-3 cm long. The leaves are green and arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers are small, ranging from blue to lavender in color, and have five petals. The plant has a delicate appearance, and the flowers bloom for a short period of time.
Care Guide
To care for Downingia Elegans, the following tips should be kept in mind:
Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during dry spells.
Fertilization: Fertilization is not necessary for this plant.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The plant thrives in partial to full sun.
Hardiness Zones: Downingia Elegans is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Downingia Elegans is susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. Aphids, spider mites, and thrips can also infest the plant.
Habitat
Downingia Elegans is native to California and can be found in open areas such as meadows, grasslands, and prairies. The plant prefers well-draining soils and partial to full sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Downingia Elegans a perennial plant?
A: No, Downingia Elegans is an annual plant.
Q: What is the best time to plant Downingia Elegans?
A: The plant should be sown in the fall or early spring.
Q: Can Downingia Elegans be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they have good drainage.
Q: How long does it take for Downingia Elegans to bloom?
A: The plant blooms from March to June, and the flowers last for a short period of time.
Related Plants
- Downingia Bacigalupii
- Downingia Concolor
- Downingia Depauperata
- Downingia Humilis
References
- https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Downingia+elegans
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=DOEL
- https://calscape.org/Downingia-elegans-()
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/downingia_elegans.shtml
