Jepsonia

Description

Jepsonia is a small genus of flowering plants in the family Saxifragaceae, found in North America and Asia. The genus was named after Willis Linn Jepson, an American botanist. There are only two known species of Jepsonia: Jepsonia malvifolia and Jepsonia parryi.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Jepsonia plants are small, herbaceous perennials. The leaves are alternate and have a lobed or toothed margin. The flowers are small and white, pink, or purple in color. They typically bloom in the spring or early summer. Jepsonia malvifolia has a height of 15-35 cm, while Jepsonia parryi can reach a height of up to 60 cm.

Care Guide

Water

Jepsonia plants prefer moist but well-draining soil. Water them regularly, especially during dry spells, but do not over-water as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

Fertilize Jepsonia plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Soil

Jepsonia plants prefer well-draining, fertile soil. They can tolerate a range of soil types, but prefer slightly acidic soil.

Sunlight

Jepsonia plants prefer partial shade to full shade. They do not tolerate direct sunlight for extended periods of time.

Hardiness Zones

Jepsonia malvifolia is hardy in USDA zones 6-8, while Jepsonia parryi is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Jepsonia plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot if over-watered or grown in poorly-drained soil.

Habitat

Jepsonia plants are native to North America and Asia. They are found in moist, shaded areas such as forests, woodlands, and stream banks.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Jepsonia plants tolerate full sun?

A: No, Jepsonia plants prefer partial shade to full shade and do not tolerate direct sunlight for extended periods of time.

Q: How often should I water my Jepsonia plant?

A: Water Jepsonia plants regularly, especially during dry spells, but do not over-water as this can lead to root rot.

Q: What kind of soil does Jepsonia prefer?

A: Jepsonia plants prefer well-draining, fertile soil. They can tolerate a range of soil types, but prefer slightly acidic soil.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for Jepsonia parryi?

A: Jepsonia parryi is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Related Plants

• Saxifraga
• Heuchera
• Tiarella
• Astilbe

References

• Flora of North America. (n.d.). Jepsonia. Retrieved from https://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=117000
• RHS. (n.d.). Jepsonia. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/14034/Jepsonia/Details
• USDA. (n.d.). Jepsonia parryi. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=JEPA4