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Description
Ipomopsis Pumila, also known as dwarf scarlet gilia, is a flowering plant in the phlox family Polemoniaceae. It is native to western North America and can be found in many areas such as dry slopes, sagebrush, and coniferous forests. This plant usually grows up to 4-12 inches tall and has a spread of 4-6 inches. It produces bright red tubular flowers and has basal leaves that are linear and roughly 1-3 inches long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Ipomopsis |
Appearance
The Ipomopsis Pumila plant has a unique and attractive appearance. The bright red tubular flowers are the main attraction of this plant, and they usually bloom from May to August. The basal leaves are linear and roughly 1-3 inches long. The stem of the plant is slender and green, and it grows up to 4-12 inches tall. The plant has a spread of 4-6 inches, and it can grow in clumps or individually.
Care Guide
Ipomopsis Pumila is a low-maintenance plant, and it is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:
- Water: This plant tolerates drought well, and it doesn’t require much watering. Water only when the soil is dry.
- Fertilization: The plant doesn’t require heavy fertilization. You can use a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil. You can add sand or perlite to the soil to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not bloom as well.
- Hardiness zones: The plant is hardy in zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ipomopsis Pumila is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that you may encounter:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing leaves and webbing. Use a miticide to control them.
- Crown rot: This fungal disease can cause the plant to wilt and die. To prevent it, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Ipomopsis Pumila is native to western North America, and it can be found in many areas such as dry slopes, sagebrush, and coniferous forests. It grows well in rocky and sandy soils and can tolerate drought and low-nutrient soils.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Ipomopsis Pumila grow in containers?
A: Yes, Ipomopsis Pumila can grow in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Does Ipomopsis Pumila attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the bright red tubular flowers of Ipomopsis Pumila attract hummingbirds and bees.
Q: Can Ipomopsis Pumila tolerate frost?
A: No, Ipomopsis Pumila is not frost-tolerant and may die if exposed to frost.
Q: How often should I fertilize Ipomopsis Pumila?
A: You only need to fertilize Ipomopsis Pumila once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Ipomopsis aggregata (scarlet gilia)
- Ipomopsis tenuifolia (slender-leaved gilia)
- Ipomopsis longiflora (long-flowered gilia)
References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Ipomopsis pumila (Nutt.) V. Grant. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=IPPUL
- Native Plant Database. (n.d.). Dwarf Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis pumila). Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=IPPUL
