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Description
Echinops Spinosissimus is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Turkey and Caucasus and is widely cultivated in gardens and parks for its unique beauty. The plant can grow up to 1 meter tall and 60 cm wide. Its leaves are deeply lobed and gray-green in color. The flowers of Echinops Spinosissimus are spherical and blue in color. They bloom in mid-summer and last until fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Echinops |
Appearance
Echinops Spinosissimus has a unique appearance that makes it stand out in any garden. The plant has a spiny stem, and its leaves are deeply lobed and gray-green in color. The flowers of Echinops Spinosissimus are spherical and blue in color. They grow in clusters at the top of the stem and can reach up to 5 cm in diameter. The plant blooms in mid-summer and lasts until fall. Echinops Spinosissimus is a tall plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall and 60 cm wide.
Care Guide
Echinops Spinosissimus is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here is a detailed care guide for this plant:
- Water: Echinops Spinosissimus prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Fertilization: Echinops Spinosissimus does not require regular fertilization. However, you can feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Echinops Spinosissimus prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Sunlight: Echinops Spinosissimus prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Make sure the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Echinops Spinosissimus is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Echinops Spinosissimus is a relatively pest and disease-free plant. However, here are some common pests and diseases that may affect this plant:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the plant’s leaves and stems, causing them to wilt and yellow. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the plant’s leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. Use insecticidal soap to control spider mites.
- Root rot: This fungal disease causes the plant’s roots to rot, leading to stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant.
Habitat
Echinops Spinosissimus is native to Turkey and Caucasus and is often found growing in rocky areas and mountain slopes. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Echinops Spinosissimus is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°C.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Echinops Spinosissimus grow in containers?
A: Yes, Echinops Spinosissimus can grow in containers as long as the container is large enough and the soil is well-draining.
Q: How often should I water Echinops Spinosissimus?
A: Water Echinops Spinosissimus once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Q: How tall does Echinops Spinosissimus grow?
A: Echinops Spinosissimus can grow up to 1 meter tall and 60 cm wide.
Q: What is the blooming season of Echinops Spinosissimus?
A: Echinops Spinosissimus blooms in mid-summer and lasts until fall.
Related Plants
- Echinops ritro
- Echinops bannaticus
- Echinops sphaerocephalus
- Echinops exaltatus
References
- “Echinops Spinosissimus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j990.
- “Echinops Spinosissimus.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/10196/i-Echinops-spinosissimus-i/Details.
- “Echinops Spinosissimus.” Plants For A Future, www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Echinops+spinosissimus.
