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Description
Sphaeralcea Laxa, commonly known as Loose Globemallow, is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico and can be found in arid and semi-arid regions. The plant features attractive orange to reddish-orange flowers that bloom from spring to fall. It is a drought-tolerant plant and can thrive in poor soils with minimal care. Sphaeralcea Laxa is often used in xeriscaping and as a decorative plant in gardens, parks, and landscapes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Sphaeralcea |
Appearance
Sphaeralcea Laxa can grow up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. The plant has a woody stem and gray-green leaves that are approximately 2 inches long. Its flowers are cup-shaped and vary in color from orange to reddish-orange. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems and can be up to 1 inch in diameter. The plant produces fruit that is a small, round ball-shaped capsule with seeds inside.
Care Guide
Sphaeralcea Laxa is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in poor soils and drought conditions. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant sparingly during the growing season. Avoid over-watering, as it can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a low-nitrogen fertilizer.
- Soil: Sphaeralcea Laxa can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-draining, sandy soils.
- Sunlight: The plant needs full sun to thrive. It can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer flowers.
- Hardiness Zones: Sphaeralcea Laxa can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sphaeralcea Laxa is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, keep the plant healthy and avoid over-watering. If necessary, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or fungicide.
Habitat
Sphaeralcea Laxa is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It can be found in arid and semi-arid regions, including deserts, grasslands, and rocky slopes. The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and soil conditions and can thrive in harsh environments.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Sphaeralcea Laxa a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, Sphaeralcea Laxa is a drought-tolerant plant that can thrive in poor soils with minimal care.
Q: What is the blooming period of Sphaeralcea Laxa?
A: Sphaeralcea Laxa blooms from spring to fall.
Q: What is the ideal growing condition for Sphaeralcea Laxa?
A: Sphaeralcea Laxa prefers full sun, well-draining, sandy soils, and low-nitrogen fertilizers.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect Sphaeralcea Laxa?
A: Sphaeralcea Laxa can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew.
Related Plants
- Sphaeralcea Ambigua
- Sphaeralcea Coccinea
- Sphaeralcea Munroana
- Sphaeralcea Parvifolia
References
- “Sphaeralcea Laxa.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 4 Nov. 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SPHL2.
- “Sphaeralcea Laxa.” Arizona State University. Accessed 4 Nov. 2021. https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php?genus=Sphaeralcea&species=laxa.
- “Sphaeralcea Laxa.” Calflora. Accessed 4 Nov. 2021. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Sphaeralcea+laxa.
