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Description
Iberis Amara, also known as bitter candytuft, is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and can grow up to 18 inches tall. The plant has a bitter taste and produces small white flowers that bloom in clusters from late spring to summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Iberis |
Appearance
Iberis Amara has a bushy growth habit with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are dark green in color. The plant produces small white flowers that are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. The flowers have four petals and are about 1 cm in diameter. The blooms are followed by small seed pods that contain several seeds.
Care Guide
Iberis Amara is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. The plant can tolerate drought conditions but requires regular watering during the growing season. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The plant is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Common pests that can affect Iberis Amara include aphids and spider mites. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. To prevent fungal diseases, avoid overwatering and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Iberis Amara is native to Europe and Asia but can now be found in many parts of the world. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, rocky slopes, and open woodlands. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Iberis Amara a perennial or an annual?
A: Iberis Amara is a perennial plant.
Q: Does Iberis Amara require full sun?
A: Yes, Iberis Amara prefers full sun exposure.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Iberis Amara?
A: Iberis Amara is hardy in zones 4-8.
Q: How often should I fertilize Iberis Amara?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Iberis sempervirens
- Iberis umbellata
- Iberis gibraltarica
References
- “Iberis Amara.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h800
- “Iberis Amara.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/3284/iberis-amara/details
- “Iberis Amara.” Plant Finder. https://www.plantfinder.co.uk/plants/iberis-amara
