Contents
Description
Jasione, commonly known as sheep’s-bit, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Campanulaceae. This perennial plant is native to Europe and Asia, and it is a popular choice for gardens due to its beautiful blue flowers. The plant grows up to 1 foot tall and 1 foot wide, and it blooms from June to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Genus | Jasione |
Appearance
Jasione has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are about 2 inches long. The leaves are green and hairy, and they grow in a basal rosette. The plant produces numerous flower stems that are topped with clusters of small, blue, star-shaped flowers. The flowers are about 1 inch wide and have five petals. The plant’s seeds are small and brown.
Care Guide
Jasione is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow in most garden conditions. Here are some tips for caring for Jasione:
Water: Jasione prefers well-draining soil and does not like to be waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering.
Fertilization: Jasione does not need much fertilizer. You can feed the plant with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring if desired.
Soil: Jasione grows best in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. The plant can tolerate poor soil conditions, but it will not thrive in heavy clay or waterlogged soil.
Sunlight: Jasione prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as well in low light conditions.
Hardiness Zones: Jasione is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. It can tolerate cold winters and hot summers.
Common Pests & Diseases
Jasione is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust if grown in damp or humid conditions. To prevent these diseases, make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Aphids and slugs may also attack the plant, but these pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or slug bait.
Habitat
Jasione is native to Europe and Asia, where it grows in meadows, rocky slopes, and open woods. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun, but it can tolerate a range of growing conditions. In gardens, Jasione is often planted in borders, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Jasione?
A: Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering. Jasione prefers well-draining soil and does not like to be waterlogged.
Q: Can Jasione tolerate shade?
A: Jasione prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as well in low light conditions.
Q: What is Jasione’s hardiness zone?
A: Jasione is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. It can tolerate cold winters and hot summers.
Q: What pests and diseases are common on Jasione?
A: Jasione is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust if grown in damp or humid conditions. Aphids and slugs may also attack the plant, but these pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or slug bait.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Jasione:
- Campanula
- Platycodon grandiflorus
- Lobelia
- Trachelium
References
- “Jasione,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed October 6, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276466&isprofile=0&basic=jasione
- “Jasione,” Royal Horticultural Society, accessed October 6, 2021, https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/10037/Jasione/Details
- “Jasione,” Plant Finder, accessed October 6, 2021, https://www.plantfinder.com/Plant-Details/Jasione
