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Description
Helianthemum Lunulatum Mrs C.W. Earle, also known as Mrs C.W. Earle Sunrose, is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that belongs to the rock-rose family Cistaceae. It is native to the western Mediterranean region and can grow up to 20cm tall and 50cm wide. The plant is known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer and its silver-green leaves that provide a beautiful contrast. The flowers are cup-shaped and have five petals with a dark yellow center. The plant is drought-tolerant and attracts bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Cistaceae |
| Genus | Helianthemum |
Appearance
Helianthemum Lunulatum Mrs C.W. Earle has silver-green leaves that are oblong to elliptical in shape and grow up to 2cm long. The leaves are covered with fine, white hairs that give them a fuzzy texture. The stems are woody and have a reddish-brown color. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that are cup-shaped and up to 3cm wide. The flowers have five petals and a dark yellow center. They bloom from late spring to early summer and attract bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Helianthemum Lunulatum Mrs C.W. Earle is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you take care of your plant:
- Water: The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require much water. Water it when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization. You can feed it with a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate poor soil, but it grows best in fertile soil.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade will reduce the number of flowers.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Helianthemum Lunulatum Mrs C.W. Earle is not susceptible to many pests and diseases. Here are some of the common ones:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. You can control them by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the plant’s sap and can cause yellowing leaves and webbing. You can control them by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap.
- Root rot: This fungal disease can occur if the plant is in poorly-draining soil or if it is overwatered. It can cause the plant to wilt and die. You can prevent it by ensuring that the soil is well-draining and not overwatering the plant.
Habitat
Helianthemum Lunulatum Mrs C.W. Earle is native to the western Mediterranean region and grows in rocky, dry habitats such as cliffs, slopes, and scrublands. It is adapted to drought and can grow in poor soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Helianthemum Lunulatum Mrs C.W. Earle deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the plant is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Helianthemum Lunulatum Mrs C.W. Earle be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.
Q: Can Helianthemum Lunulatum Mrs C.W. Earle be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from cuttings taken in the spring or summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil.
Q: How often should Helianthemum Lunulatum Mrs C.W. Earle be pruned?
A: The plant does not require much pruning. You can prune it in the spring after it has finished flowering to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Related Plants
- Helianthemum nummularium
- Helianthemum apenninum
- Helianthemum oelandicum
- Helianthemum salicifolium
References
- “Helianthemum Lunulatum.” RHS Gardening, Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/8248/Helianthemum-Lunulatum/Details.
- “Helianthemum Lunulatum.” Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f234.
- “Helianthemum Lunulatum Mrs C.W. Earle.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/190805/.
