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Description
Loeselia Mexicana, also known as Mexican False Calico, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Polemoniaceae family. It is native to Mexico, and it can grow up to 1 meter in height. The plant produces beautiful red flowers with yellow centers, which bloom from May to September. The flowers are tubular and have five petals, and they attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Genus | Loeselia |
Appearance
Loeselia Mexicana has green, lance-shaped leaves that can grow up to 10 centimeters long. The plant produces elongated clusters of flowers that can grow up to 5 centimeters long. The flowers are bright red with yellow centers, and they bloom from May to September. The plant’s stem is green and slightly hairy, and it can grow up to 1 meter in height. The plant is an annual, and it dies after flowering.
Care Guide
Loeselia Mexicana is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It prefers well-draining soil and regular watering. Here are some tips for caring for Loeselia Mexicana:- Water: Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Loeselia Mexicana prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Loeselia Mexicana can grow in hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Loeselia Mexicana is resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant.
Habitat
Loeselia Mexicana is native to Mexico, where it grows in open fields, meadows, and disturbed areas. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
Questions and Answers
Q: Is Loeselia Mexicana a perennial or annual plant?
A: Loeselia Mexicana is an annual plant, which means it dies after flowering.
Q: What is the best soil for Loeselia Mexicana?
A: Loeselia Mexicana prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: Does Loeselia Mexicana attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Loeselia Mexicana produces beautiful red flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Loeselia Mexicana?
A: Loeselia Mexicana can grow in hardiness zones 8-11.
Related Plants
– Loeselia Coerulea- Loeselia Grandiflora- Loeseliastrum Mathezii- Loeseliastrum Schottii
References
– The Plant List. (n.d.). Loeselia Mexicana. Retrieved from http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2333867- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Loeselia Mexicana. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282025&isprofile=0&- University of Wisconsin-Madison. (n.d.). Loeselia Mexicana. Retrieved from https://wimastergardener.org/article/loeselia-mexicana/
