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Description
Heliophila suavissima, commonly known as the blue flax or sweet heliophila, is an annual flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to South Africa and is widely cultivated for its beautiful, delicate flowers.The plant grows up to 18 inches tall and has a spread of about 12 inches. It produces a profusion of small, light blue to lavender flowers that bloom from spring to summer. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and are arranged in loose clusters at the tips of the stems.Heliophila suavissima is an excellent choice for gardeners who want to add color and fragrance to their garden without too much effort. It is easy to grow and care for, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Heliophila |
| Species | Heliophila suavissima |
Appearance
Heliophila suavissima has a slender, upright stem that is covered with small, narrow leaves. The leaves are light green in color and have a slightly hairy texture. The flowers, which appear in clusters at the tips of the stems, are small and delicate, measuring about 1 inch in diameter. They are light blue to lavender in color and have a sweet fragrance.
Care Guide
To ensure that your Heliophila suavissima plant thrives, follow these care tips:Water: Water your plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Heliophila suavissima prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal.Sunlight: This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Heliophila suavissima can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Heliophila suavissima is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Heliophila suavissima is native to South Africa and is commonly found growing in open grasslands and rocky areas. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Heliophila suavissima an annual or perennial plant?A: Heliophila suavissima is an annual plant.Q: How tall can Heliophila suavissima grow?A: Heliophila suavissima can grow up to 18 inches tall.Q: What is the ideal soil pH for growing Heliophila suavissima?A: Heliophila suavissima prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5.Q: Does Heliophila suavissima require full sun or partial shade?A: Heliophila suavissima can thrive in both full sun and partial shade.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Heliophila suavissima:- Heliophila coronopifolia- Heliophila longifolia- Heliophila rigida- Heliophila pusilla
References
– “Heliophila Suavissima.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c177.- “Heliophila Suavissima.” PlantZAfrica, www.plantzafrica.com/plantgh/heliophilsuav.htm.
