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Description
Putterlickia Pyracantha is a plant species that belongs to the family of Rosaceae. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 4 meters tall and 2 meters wide. This plant is native to South Africa and is well-known for its bright orange or red berries that appear in autumn and winter. The leaves of Putterlickia Pyracantha are dark green and glossy, and they have an oval or elliptical shape with serrated edges.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Putterlickia |
| Species | Pyracantha |
Appearance
The Putterlickia Pyracantha is an evergreen shrub with a dense and bushy growth habit. It has a rough and scaly bark, and its leaves are dark green and glossy, with an oval or elliptical shape and serrated edges. The flowers of this plant are small and white, and they bloom in spring and summer. The plant’s most distinctive feature is its bright orange or red berries, which appear in autumn and winter, and can remain on the plant for several months.
Care Guide
The Putterlickia Pyracantha is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: This plant prefers well-draining soil, so water it thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
- Fertilization: Feed the Putterlickia Pyracantha with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer to encourage growth and flowering.
- Soil: This plant thrives in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH level.
- Sunlight: The Putterlickia Pyracantha prefers full sun to partial shade, but it can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Putterlickia Pyracantha is generally not prone to serious pest or disease problems. However, it may occasionally suffer from the following issues:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the plant’s leaves, causing them to curl and turn yellow. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.
- Fire blight: This bacterial disease can cause the plant’s leaves and branches to turn brown and wilt. Prune affected branches and destroy them immediately to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellow stippling on the plant’s leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.
Habitat
The Putterlickia Pyracantha is native to South Africa and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including rocky hillsides, forests, and coastal areas. This plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought, making it well-suited to dry and arid environments.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Putterlickia Pyracantha toxic to pets?
A: Yes, the plant’s berries are toxic to cats and dogs, so it is best to keep pets away from the plant.
Q: How often should I water my Putterlickia Pyracantha?
A: Water the plant thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Q: Can I grow Putterlickia Pyracantha in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container, but make sure the container has good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix.
Q: How tall can a Putterlickia Pyracantha grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 4 meters tall and 2 meters wide.
Related Plants
- Cotoneaster horizontalis
- Ilex aquifolium
- Crataegus monogyna
- Euonymus japonicus
References
- “Pyracantha.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279364.
- “Pyracantha.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/5807/pyracantha/details.
- “Putterlickia.” PlantZAfrica, www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/putterlick.htm.
