Garrettia

Description

Garrettia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, native to North America. It was named after Alice Eastwood’s brother, Samuel Garrett, who was a botanist. The genus includes only one species, Garrettia texensis, which is commonly known as Texas beeblossom.

Taxonomic Information

Here is the taxonomic information for Garrettia:

Appearance

Garrettia texensis is a small, herbaceous perennial that grows up to 30 cm tall and 60 cm wide. Its leaves are lanceolate, 2-7 cm long, and 0.5-1.5 cm wide. The flowers are small, pink or lavender, and are arranged in spikes at the end of the stems. They bloom from May to October and are very attractive to bees and butterflies.

Care Guide

Here are some tips for caring for Garrettia:

• Water: Garrettia prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering.
• Fertilization: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
• Soil: Garrettia prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
• Sunlight: Garrettia prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: Garrettia is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Garrettia is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.

Habitat

Garrettia texensis is native to Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. It grows in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Question and Answer

Here are some common questions and answers about Garrettia:

• Q: Is Garrettia drought-tolerant?
• A: Yes, Garrettia is fairly drought-tolerant once established.
• Q: Can I grow Garrettia in a container?
• A: Yes, Garrettia can be grown in a container as long as it has good drainage.
• Q: Does Garrettia need pruning?
• A: Garrettia does not require pruning, but you can trim it back after flowering to promote bushier growth.
• Q: Is Garrettia deer-resistant?
• A: Yes, Garrettia is deer-resistant.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Garrettia:

• Clarkia amoena
• Epilobium angustifolium
• Oenothera biennis
• Zauschneria californica

References

• Garrettia texensis. (n.d.). Retrieved September 13, 2021, from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=GATE2
• Garrettia texensis. (n.d.). Retrieved September 13, 2021, from https://www.gbif.org/species/2768903
• Garrettia texensis. (n.d.). Retrieved September 13, 2021, from https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/gartex/all.html