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Description
Leptosiphon Bicolor, also known as the Purple Chinese Houses, is an annual plant that belongs to the Polemoniaceae family. It is native to California and other western parts of the United States. The plant can grow up to 1-2 feet tall and wide, with green, narrow leaves and showy, purple flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Leptosiphon |
Appearance
The Leptosiphon Bicolor plant has narrow, green leaves that grow up to 2-3 inches long. The flowers are showy and funnel-shaped, with five petals that are fused at the base. The flowers are usually purple, but they can also be pink, magenta, or white. The plant blooms from spring to early summer, and the flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Water: Leptosiphon Bicolor prefers moist soil, but it can also tolerate some drought. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization. You can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil: Leptosiphon Bicolor prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not bloom as well in low light conditions.
Hardiness Zones: Leptosiphon Bicolor is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Leptosiphon Bicolor plant is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. You can prevent these diseases by providing good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and planting the plant in well-draining soil. The plant is also attractive to slugs and snails, which can be controlled by using organic slug bait.
Habitat
Leptosiphon Bicolor is native to California and other western parts of the United States. The plant prefers sunny, open areas such as meadows, hillsides, and along roadsides. It can also grow in disturbed areas such as abandoned fields and construction sites.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Leptosiphon Bicolor be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s size and provide good drainage.
Q: How often should I water Leptosiphon Bicolor?
A: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Does Leptosiphon Bicolor attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant’s showy flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Q: How do I propagate Leptosiphon Bicolor?
A: You can propagate the plant by collecting and sowing the seeds in the fall or early spring.
Related Plants
- Leptosiphon Androsaceus
- Leptosiphon Californicus
- Leptosiphon Ciliate
- Leptosiphon Drummondii
- Leptosiphon Grandiflorus
References
- “Leptosiphon Bicolor.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfinderdetails.aspx?kempercode=a675.
- “Leptosiphon Bicolor.” Calflora. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Leptosiphon+bicolor.
- “Leptosiphon Bicolor.” Dave’s Garden. Accessed September 2, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/96906/.
