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Description
Jamesia Americana, commonly known as waxflower, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. It is a member of the Hydrangeaceae family and is prized for its fragrant, showy blooms. The plant grows up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide and has a rounded shape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Genus | Jamesia |
Appearance
The waxflower has green foliage that turns yellow in the fall. The leaves are small, oval-shaped, and serrated. In the spring, the plant produces clusters of fragrant, white flowers that resemble small roses. The flowers have five petals and a yellow center. The blooms are followed by small, brown seed pods.
Care Guide
Jamesia Americana is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for.
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
- Soil: Plant the waxflower in well-draining soil.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Jamesia Americana is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The waxflower is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can still be affected by the following:
- Aphids: These small insects can damage the plant by sucking sap from the leaves.
- Canker: This fungal disease can cause the plant to develop cankers on the branches.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating to develop on the leaves.
Habitat
Jamesia Americana is native to North America and can be found in the western United States and Canada. The plant grows in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, open woods, and dry, rocky areas.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I prune my Jamesia Americana?
A: Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Q: Can I grow the waxflower in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Jamesia Americana in a container as long as it has well-draining soil and receives adequate sunlight.
Q: How long does it take for the waxflower to bloom?
A: Jamesia Americana blooms in the spring and typically flowers for several weeks.
Q: Can I propagate the waxflower from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate Jamesia Americana from softwood cuttings in the early summer.
Related Plants
- Hydrangea macrophylla
- Philadelphus coronarius
- Kerria japonica
- Spiraea x vanhouttei
References
- “Jamesia americana.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e845. Accessed 17 June 2021.
- “Waxflower.” FineGardening, www.finegardening.com/plant/waxflower-jamesia-americana. Accessed 17 June 2021.
- “Jamesia americana.” PlantFiles, www.plantfiles.com/plant/Jamesia_americana. Accessed 17 June 2021.
