Contents
Description
Lycopsis is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. This plant is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. It is known for its beautiful blue flowers that bloom in the summer. Lycopsis is also commonly known as Bugloss, which comes from the Greek word “bouglós” meaning ox-tongued.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Lycopsis |
Appearance
Lycopsis is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 60 cm in height. It has lance-shaped leaves that are covered with stiff hairs. The flowers of Lycopsis are small and tubular, with five petals that are fused at the base. They are blue in color and form clusters at the top of the stem. The fruit of Lycopsis is a small nutlet that contains four seeds.
Care Guide
Lycopsis is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for Lycopsis:
Water: Lycopsis prefers well-draining soil and does not like to be over-watered. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.
Fertilization: Lycopsis does not require a lot of fertilizer. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil: Lycopsis prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but does best in slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Sunlight: Lycopsis prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but will not bloom as well.
Hardiness Zones: Lycopsis is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lycopsis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildew if it is over-watered or planted in poorly-draining soil. To prevent these issues, make sure to plant Lycopsis in well-draining soil and water it sparingly.
Habitat
Lycopsis is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. It can be found growing in meadows, fields, and along roadsides. Lycopsis prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Lycopsis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lycopsis can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives adequate sunlight.
Q: Is Lycopsis invasive?
A: Lycopsis is not considered invasive, but it can self-seed and spread in the garden if not managed properly.
Q: How often should I fertilize Lycopsis?
A: Lycopsis only needs to be fertilized once a month during the growing season.
Q: When is the best time to prune Lycopsis?
A: Prune Lycopsis in the spring before new growth appears.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that belong to the Boraginaceae family:
- Borago officinalis (Borage)
- Cynoglossum amabile (Chinese Forget-Me-Not)
- Echium vulgare (Viper’s Bugloss)
- Mertensia virginica (Virginia Bluebells)
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bugloss/growing-bugloss-plants.htm
- https://www.plantdelights.com/blogs/articles/bugloss-plant-care-and-growing-guide
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/16294/lycopsis-arvensis/details
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/lycopsis-arvensis
