Hovea Chorizemifolia

Description

Hovea Chorizemifolia is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, endemic to Australia. It is also known as the Snake Bush due to its thin, wiry stems that resemble a snake. This plant grows up to 2 meters tall and has blue or purple flowers that bloom from July to October. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and hardy nature.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Hovea Chorizemifolia plant has thin, wiry stems that grow up to 2 meters tall. The leaves are small, narrow and have a grey-green colour. The flowers are blue or purple in colour and bloom from July to October. The flowers have five petals and are shaped like a tube. The plant has a bushy, shrub-like appearance and requires regular pruning to maintain its shape.

Care Guide

Water: Hovea Chorizemifolia requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It should be watered deeply once a week, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Soil: Hovea Chorizemifolia prefers well-drained soil with a neutral pH. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but may require additional nutrients to thrive.

Sunlight: The plant should be placed in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as well.

Hardiness Zones: Hovea Chorizemifolia is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C).

Common Pests & Diseases

The Hovea Chorizemifolia plant is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Aphids, spider mites and whiteflies may also infest the plant, but these can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Habitat

Hovea Chorizemifolia is native to Australia and can be found in a variety of habitats including heathland, shrubland and woodland. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought conditions.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Hovea Chorizemifolia be grown indoors?

A: No, Hovea Chorizemifolia is an outdoor plant and requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.

Q: How often should Hovea Chorizemifolia be pruned?

A: Hovea Chorizemifolia should be pruned once a year in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape.

Q: Will Hovea Chorizemifolia attract bees and butterflies?

A: Yes, Hovea Chorizemifolia is attractive to bees and butterflies due to its blue or purple flowers.

Q: Can Hovea Chorizemifolia tolerate salt spray?

A: Yes, Hovea Chorizemifolia is tolerant of salt spray and can be planted near the coast.

Related Plants

• Hovea acutifolia
• Hovea elliptica
• Hovea longifolia
• Hovea linearis
• Hovea pungens

References

• “Hovea Chorizemifolia.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), n.d., www.anpsa.org.au/h-cho.html.
• “Hovea Chorizemifolia.” PlantNet, National Herbarium of New South Wales, plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Hovea~chorizemifolia.
• “Hovea Chorizemifolia.” Gardening With Angus, Angus Stewart, n.d., www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/hovea-chorizemifolia-snake-bush/.