Contents
Description
Whytockia is a beautiful plant that belongs to the family of Asteraceae or Compositae. It is native to South America and has a range of colors from pink, red, orange, and yellow. This plant is also known as the Golden Cosmos or Cosmos sulphureus. The flowers of Whytockia are so beautiful that they attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden. The plant can grow up to three feet in height and has a spread of two feet. Whytockia is easy to grow and maintain, making it a popular choice for gardeners worldwide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae or Compositae |
| Genus | Whytockia |
Appearance
Whytockia has a beautiful appearance that makes it an ideal plant for gardens. The plant has leaves that are green and finely dissected. The flowers are large and have a range of colors, including pink, red, orange, and yellow. The flowers have a diameter of about two inches and are made up of both ray and disk flowers. The plant can grow up to three feet in height and has a spread of two feet. The plant blooms in the summer and fall, and the flowers can last for several weeks.
Care Guide
Whytockia is easy to grow and maintain. Here are some tips to help you take care of your Whytockia:
- Water: Whytockia requires regular watering. The plant should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Whytockia does not require much fertilization. You can add a balanced fertilizer to the soil once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Whytockia prefers well-draining soil. A sandy loam soil mix is ideal for this plant.
- Sunlight: Whytockia requires full sun to grow and bloom properly. It needs at least six hours of sunlight every day.
- Hardiness Zones: Whytockia can grow in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Whytockia is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some of the common pests and diseases that can affect Whytockia:
- Aphids: These insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.
- Spider Mites: These pests suck the sap of the plant, causing yellowing of leaves and webbing on the plant. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves and can stunt the growth of the plant. Use a fungicide to control powdery mildew.
- Leaf Spot: This disease causes brown spots on the leaves and can cause the plant to lose its leaves. Use a fungicide to control leaf spot.
Habitat
Whytockia is native to South America and can be found growing in open fields, meadows, and disturbed areas. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Whytockia can grow in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Whytockia an annual or perennial plant?
A: Whytockia is an annual plant.
Q: How often should I water my Whytockia?
A: Whytockia should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. Do not overwater the plant as this can cause root rot.
Q: Is Whytockia easy to grow?
A: Yes, Whytockia is easy to grow and maintain.
Q: What is the ideal soil mix for Whytockia?
A: Whytockia prefers well-draining soil. A sandy loam soil mix is ideal for this plant.
Related Plants
- Coreopsis
- Marigold
- Zinnia
- Sunflower
References
- “Cosmos Sulphureus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 10, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279618.
- “Golden Cosmos.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed September 10, 2021. https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/golden-cosmos.html.
- “Whytockia.” PlantFiles. Accessed September 10, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/208927/.
