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Description
Patersonia Umbrosa Var. Xanthina, commonly known as the Yellow Rock Lily, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Australia. It typically grows up to 60 cm tall and has narrow, grass-like foliage that emerges from an underground rhizome. In the spring and summer, it produces striking yellow flowers with six petals that bloom for several weeks.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Patersonia |
Appearance
The Yellow Rock Lily has narrow, grass-like foliage that grows up to 60 cm tall. Its leaves are typically bright green and can reach up to 50 cm long and 5 mm wide. In the spring and summer, it produces striking yellow flowers with six petals that bloom for several weeks. Each flower is up to 6 cm in diameter and has a bright yellow center with darker yellow petals. The flowers are followed by seed pods that split open to release small black seeds.
Care Guide
The Yellow Rock Lily is a hardy plant that requires little care once established. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to part shade. It can tolerate drought conditions but will perform better with regular watering. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and can be grown as a container plant or in the ground.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Yellow Rock Lily is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases if grown in poorly-draining soil or in areas with high humidity. Spider mites and aphids can also be a problem if the plant is stressed or growing in unfavorable conditions.
Habitat
The Yellow Rock Lily is native to Australia and can be found growing in rocky areas, open woodlands, and grasslands. It is well-suited to growing in dry conditions and is often found growing in sandy or rocky soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Yellow Rock Lily poisonous?
A: No, the Yellow Rock Lily is not poisonous to humans or animals.
Q: Can the Yellow Rock Lily be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Yellow Rock Lily can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives adequate water and sunlight.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Yellow Rock Lily?
A: Fertilize your Yellow Rock Lily with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall.
Q: How do I propagate my Yellow Rock Lily?
A: The Yellow Rock Lily can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. Simply dig up the plant and separate the rhizomes, then replant in well-draining soil.
Related Plants
- Patersonia Occidentalis
- Patersonia Sericea
- Patersonia Glabrata
- Patersonia Longifolia
References
- “Patersonia umbrosa var. xanthina.” Australian National Botanic Gardens. Accessed 10 June 2021. https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2009/patersonia-umbrosa-var-xanthina.html.
- “Patersonia umbrosa var. xanthina.” PlantNET – NSW Flora Online. Accessed 10 June 2021. http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=in&name=Patersonia~umbrosa+var.+xanthina.
- “Patersonia umbrosa var. xanthina Yellow Rock Lily.” San Marcos Growers. Accessed 10 June 2021. https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3682.
