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Description
Dracocephalum Ruyschiana, commonly known as Ruysch’s dragonhead, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to the Caucasus Mountains in Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. The plant is known for its beautiful blue-purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Dracocephalum |
| Species | Ruyschiana |
Appearance
The Dracocephalum Ruyschiana plant grows up to 60 cm in height and 50 cm in width. It has a bushy habit and green, lance-shaped leaves that are 3-6 cm long. The flowers are tubular and range in color from light blue to purple. They are arranged in whorls around the stem and have two lips, with the upper lip being hooded.
Care Guide
Dracocephalum Ruyschiana is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow in gardens or containers. Here are some care guide tips:
Water
The plant prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and avoid over-watering.
Fertilization
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid using too much fertilizer, as it can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy or clay soils.
Sunlight
Dracocephalum Ruyschiana prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to reduced flowering and leggy growth.
Hardiness Zones
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dracocephalum Ruyschiana is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests, and remove infected leaves to prevent the spread of diseases.
Habitat
Dracocephalum Ruyschiana is native to the Caucasus Mountains in Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. It grows in rocky, mountainous areas and can tolerate cold temperatures and high altitudes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Dracocephalum Ruyschiana an annual or perennial plant?
A: Dracocephalum Ruyschiana is a perennial plant that comes back year after year.
Q: Can Dracocephalum Ruyschiana be grown from seeds?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown from seeds sown indoors in early spring or directly in the garden in late spring.
Q: How often should Dracocephalum Ruyschiana be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Q: How can I propagate Dracocephalum Ruyschiana?
A: The plant can be propagated by division in spring or fall, or by taking stem cuttings in late summer.
Related Plants
- Dracocephalum moldavica
- Dracocephalum argunense
- Dracocephalum parviflorum
- Dracocephalum grandiflorum
References
- “Dracocephalum Ruyschiana.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287676.
- “Dracocephalum Ruyschiana.” Plant Database, www.plantdatabase.co.uk/Dracocephalum-ruyschiana.
- “Dracocephalum Ruyschiana.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/117018/Dracocephalum-ruyschiana/Details.
