Contents
Description
Napaea, commonly known as the glade mallow, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is native to North America and can be found in moist, shady areas such as woodlands, meadows, and swamps. The plant produces large, showy, pink or white flowers that bloom in mid to late summer, attracting birds and butterflies. It is a great addition to any garden, especially those with a natural or wildflower theme.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Napaea |
Appearance
The glade mallow grows up to 4 feet tall and spreads up to 2 feet wide. It has a clump-forming habit and produces a rosette of leaves at the base of the plant. The leaves are heart-shaped and toothed, and can grow up to 6 inches long. The flowers are 2-3 inches wide and have five petals arranged in a cup-like shape. They bloom from June to August and have a sweet fragrance. The plant is a great addition to any garden due to its bright and showy appearance.
Care Guide
Water: Napaea prefers moist soil, so it is important to keep the soil consistently moist. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often during periods of drought.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Soil: The glade mallow prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels.
Sunlight: Napaea prefers partial shade to full sun, but can tolerate full shade. It is important to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent the leaves from wilting.
Hardiness Zones: Napaea is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The glade mallow is generally pest and disease resistant, but can be affected by leaf spot and rust. These diseases can be prevented by keeping the plant dry and providing good air circulation. Aphids and spider mites may occasionally infest the plant, but can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Napaea is native to North America and can be found in moist, shady areas such as woodlands, meadows, and swamps. It prefers soil that is rich in organic matter and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels. The plant is a great addition to any garden, especially those with a natural or wildflower theme.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Napaea a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Napaea is a great plant for beginners as it is easy to grow and care for.
Q: Can Napaea be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Napaea can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.
Q: How often should Napaea be fertilized?
A: Napaea should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.
Q: Does Napaea attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the showy flowers of Napaea attract birds and butterflies.
Related Plants
- Malva
- Hibiscus
- Alcea
- Abutilon
- Sidalcea
References
- “Napaea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 20 May 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285530&isprofile=0&basic=Napaea>
- “Glade Mallow.” The Spruce. Accessed 20 May 2021. <https://www.thespruce.com/glade-mallow-plant-profile-5071560>
- “Napaea.” PlantFiles. Accessed 20 May 2021. <https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/86968/>
