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Description
Phacelia Crenulata Var. Minutiflora is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the borage family. It is a small, annual plant that is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The plant produces clusters of small, lavender-blue flowers that bloom from March to May. The flowers are bell-shaped and have a sweet fragrance. The plant is also known as the cleftleaf wildheliotrope or notchleaf phacelia.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Phacelia |
Appearance
Phacelia Crenulata Var. Minutiflora is a small plant that grows up to 12 inches tall and 6 inches wide. The leaves are deeply cleft and have a fern-like appearance. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem and are about 1/4 inch in diameter. The petals are fused at the base and form a trumpet-shaped corolla. The flowers have a sweet fragrance that attracts bees and other pollinators. The plant blooms from March to May and produces seeds that can be collected for propagation.
Care Guide
Phacelia Crenulata Var. Minutiflora is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is kept moist but not wet. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently if the soil is dry.- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not produce as many flowers.- Hardiness zones: The plant is hardy in zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phacelia Crenulata Var. Minutiflora is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:- Spider mites: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To control spider mites, spray the plant with a solution of water and dish soap.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating to form on the leaves of the plant. To control powdery mildew, remove infected leaves and spray the plant with a solution of baking soda and water.
Habitat
Phacelia Crenulata Var. Minutiflora is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It can be found growing in rocky, sandy soils in desert and chaparral ecosystems. The plant is well adapted to hot, dry conditions and can tolerate drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Phacelia Crenulata Var. Minutiflora be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.
Q: How often should I prune Phacelia Crenulata Var. Minutiflora?
A: The plant does not require pruning, but you can deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Q: Can Phacelia Crenulata Var. Minutiflora be grown indoors?
A: The plant prefers full sun and is not well suited for indoor growing. It is best grown outdoors in a sunny location.
Q: How long does it take for Phacelia Crenulata Var. Minutiflora to bloom?
A: The plant typically blooms from March to May, but the exact timing can vary depending on growing conditions.
Related Plants
– Phacelia campanularia (California bluebell)- Phacelia crenulata (notch-leaved phacelia)- Phacelia distans (common phacelia)- Phacelia minor (wild heliotrope)
References
– “Phacelia crenulata var. minutiflora.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.- “Phacelia crenulata var. minutiflora.” USDA Plants Database.- “Phacelia crenulata var. minutiflora.” Calflora.- “Phacelia crenulata var. minutiflora.” DesertUSA.
