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Description
Ipomopsis Spicata, also known as Spiked Ipomopsis, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Phlox family. It is native to North America and can be found growing in rocky or gravelly areas, as well as in open woods and meadows. This plant blooms in the summer and produces stunning spikes of bright red or pink tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Ipomopsis |
Appearance
Ipomopsis Spicata can grow up to 3 feet tall and 1 foot wide. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, with a gray-green color. The flowers are arranged in long, slender spikes that can reach up to 1 foot in length. The individual flowers are tubular and measure about 1 inch in length, with five petals that flare out at the end. The flowers can be bright red or pink, with a white throat.
Care Guide
Ipomopsis Spicata is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy and thriving:- Water: Water your plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause the plant to wilt.- Fertilization: Feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).- Soil: Plant your Ipomopsis Spicata in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant prefers slightly acidic soil (pH of 6.0 to 6.5).- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause it to become leggy and weak.- Hardiness Zones: Ipomopsis Spicata is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ipomopsis Spicata is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust. To prevent these diseases, make sure you provide good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. If you notice signs of disease, treat your plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
Ipomopsis Spicata is native to North America and can be found growing in rocky or gravelly areas, as well as in open woods and meadows. This plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate dry conditions.
Questions and Answers
Q: Is Ipomopsis Spicata a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Ipomopsis Spicata produces tubular flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.
Q: Can Ipomopsis Spicata grow in containers?
A: Yes, Ipomopsis Spicata can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Ipomopsis Spicata?
A: You should fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Q: Does Ipomopsis Spicata need to be pruned?
A: No, Ipomopsis Spicata does not require pruning. However, you can deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you might be interested in:- Ipomopsis Aggregata- Ipomopsis Tenuifolia- Phlox Paniculata- Phlox Subulata- Lupinus Perennis
References
– “Ipomopsis Spicata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b779- “Ipomopsis Spicata.” North Carolina State University. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ipomopsis-spicata/- “Spiked Ipomopsis.” Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=IPSP2
