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Description
Gagea Bohemica, also known as Early Star-of-Bethlehem, is a perennial plant that is a member of the Liliaceae family. It is native to Europe and is found in meadows, pastures, and woodland areas. The plant has a bulbous base and produces long, narrow leaves that are up to 20cm long. The stem is thin and can grow up to 15cm high, with a cluster of yellow flowers at the end of each stem.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Gagea |
Appearance
Gagea Bohemica has a unique appearance with long, narrow leaves growing from a bulbous base. The stem is thin and can grow up to 15cm high, with a cluster of yellow flowers at the end of each stem. Each flower is about 1.5cm in diameter and has six petals. The flowers bloom in early spring, usually in March or April, and last for several weeks. The leaves are green and can be up to 20cm long.
Care Guide
Gagea Bohemica is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to take care of it:
- Water: Water the plant regularly but make sure the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil, so make sure to plant it in a location with good drainage.
- Sunlight: Gagea Bohemica prefers full sun to partial shade, so plant it in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in hardiness zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gagea Bohemica is generally not prone to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by some common garden pests and diseases, such as:
- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant.
- Botrytis: A fungal disease that can cause the plant to wilt and die.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by waterlogged soil and can cause the plant to die.
Habitat
Gagea Bohemica is native to Europe and is found in meadows, pastures, and woodland areas. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can grow in hardiness zones 4 to 8. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate cold temperatures and can grow in full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Gagea Bohemica grow in containers?
A: Yes, Gagea Bohemica can grow in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is placed in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Q: How often should Gagea Bohemica be fertilized?
A: Fertilize the plant in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Gagea Bohemica be grown in full shade?
A: While Gagea Bohemica prefers full sun to partial shade, it can grow in full shade, but it may not produce as many flowers.
Q: How often should Gagea Bohemica be watered?
A: Water the plant regularly but make sure the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Gagea genus include:
- Gagea lutea
- Gagea minima
- Gagea granulosa
- Gagea bohemica
References
- “Gagea Bohemica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a436.
- “Gagea Bohemica.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:527441-1.
- “Gagea Bohemica.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/28266/Gagea-bohemica/Details.
