Contents
Description
Heliophila Elongata, also known as Blue Flax, is a biennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to South Africa and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The plant grows up to 60cm tall and has a slender stem with blue flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped. Heliophila Elongata is an easy-to-grow plant and can be grown in containers, borders, or rock gardens.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Heliophila |
Appearance
Heliophila Elongata has slender stems with blue flowers that grow up to 2cm in diameter. The flowers have four petals and a yellow center. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, growing up to 5cm long. The plant grows up to 60cm tall and has a bushy appearance. The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer and attract bees and butterflies to the garden. The plant is an excellent choice for adding color to rock gardens, borders, and containers.
Care Guide
Heliophila Elongata is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires moderate watering and fertilization. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11 and can tolerate light frost. To care for Heliophila Elongata, water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5.
Common Pests & Diseases
Heliophila Elongata is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. To prevent these issues, keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid overwatering. If the plant is infested with pests, spray it with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Heliophila Elongata is native to South Africa and is found in rocky areas and grasslands. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It is an adaptable plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. The plant is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Heliophila Elongata?
A: The ideal soil pH for Heliophila Elongata is 6.0 to 6.5, slightly acidic.
Q: How often should I water Heliophila Elongata?
A: Water Heliophila Elongata deeply once a week during the growing season.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Heliophila Elongata?
A: Heliophila Elongata is generally free from pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Heliophila Elongata?
A: Heliophila Elongata is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Related Plants
- Heliophila Pinnatifida
- Heliophila Coronopifolia
- Heliophila Argyrosphaera
- Heliophila Juncea
References
- “Heliophila elongata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 9, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=292515&isprofile=0&basic=Heliophila%20elongata.
- “Heliophila elongata.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed September 9, 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org/heliophila-elongata.
- “How to Grow and Care for Heliophila Elongata.” Garden Guides. Accessed September 9, 2021. https://www.gardenguides.com/14067767-how-to-grow-and-care-for-heliophila-elongata.html.
