Description of Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. galpinii (Gürke) Sebald
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. galpinii (Gürke) Sebald is a hardy, aromatic, perennial shrub that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to South Africa and is commonly known as Wild Basil, Galpin's Wild Basil or False Buchu. This variety of plant was first discovered by Robert William Gürke, a German botanist, in 1907 and was later named after his colleague, Ernest Galpin.
General Appearance of Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. galpinii (Gürke) Sebald
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. galpinii (Gürke) Sebald typically grows to a height of 1 meter and has a spread of about 50 cm. The plant has dark green, lance-shaped leaves that are slightly hairy. The stems are woody and have a reddish-brown tinge to them. The flowers of this plant are large and showy, with a tube-like structure of the calyx which is deep red or purple in colour. The corolla is two-lipped, with a tube that is long and a throat that has four lobes. The flowers are produced in whorls on the stem, with each whorl having up to 20 flowers. Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. galpinii (Gürke) Sebald blooms from late spring to early summer.
Uses of Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. galpinii (Gürke) Sebald
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. galpinii (Gürke) Sebald has various uses. Its essential oils contain compounds such as cineol, camphor and pinene that are used for their medicinal properties. Traditionally, this plant has been used to treat coughs, colds and fever. The leaves of the plant have also been used in a herbal steam bath to relieve respiratory distress. The plant has a pleasant smell and is used to make potpourri and scented oils. It is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a bee and butterfly attractant. Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. galpinii (Gürke) Sebald is drought-resistant and grows well in the full sun with well-drained soil.
Light Requirements
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. galpinii (Gürke) Sebald generally requires full sun to grow optimally. They can tolerate partial shade but won't thrive in dark conditions. The plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If grown indoors, place it near a south-facing window to provide it the necessary sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C during the day and 10°C to 20°C at night. The plant can tolerate temperatures as high as 40°C during the day and as low as 0°C at night. However, it's advisable to avoid exposing it to extreme temperature conditions.
Soil Requirements
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. galpinii (Gürke) Sebald thrives best in well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers sandy loam soils that are rich in organic matter. When planting, ensure you mix some compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to enhance nutrients levels. The pot or container should have a drainage hole at the bottom to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Becium Grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. Galpinii (Gürke) Sebald
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. galpinii (Gürke) Sebald is a hardy shrub that is drought-resistant and prefers full sunlight. When planting, it is essential to consider the soil type, which should be well-draining, as the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6-7).
You can plant the shrub in containers or directly in the ground, depending on the available space. Planting during the rainy season is recommended as it ensures that the plant establishes well. The spacing should be at least 2-3 feet apart when planting in the ground, or you can use a 10-12 inch wide pot for container planting.
Watering Needs for Becium Grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. Galpinii (Gürke) Sebald
The plant is drought-resistant, and overwatering can lead to root rot. Watering should be done weekly, and you should avoid getting water on the leaves as it may lead to fungal infections. During the rainy season, watering may not be necessary, and you should skip it when the soil feels damp to the touch. Container plants may need more frequent watering, so you should monitor the soil moisture levels regularly.
Fertilization for Becium Grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. Galpinii (Gürke) Sebald
The plant does not require much fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season (spring to fall) once a month. Alternatively, you can add well-rotted compost or manure to the soil to improve its fertility. Over-fertilization may cause the plant to produce more leaves than flowers, so it is essential to follow the recommended application rates.
Pruning for Becium Grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. Galpinii (Gürke) Sebald
Pruning should be done during the winter months when the plant is dormant. You should remove any dead or damaged branches and cut back up to one-third of the plant's overall height to promote bushy growth. If the plant becomes leggy or spindly, pruning can be done during the growing season to encourage a more compact shape. Avoid over-pruning, as it may reduce the plant's ability to produce flowers.
Propagation of Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. galpinii (Gürke) Sebald
Becium grandiflorum (Lam.) Pic.Serm. var. galpinii (Gürke) Sebald is mainly propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Becium grandiflorum can be collected when the flowers become dry and the capsules turn brown. The seeds are small and can be easily dispersed by wind. To propagate through seeds, the seeds can be sown directly in the soil or in seed trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Germination occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Becium grandiflorum can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take 5-7 cm long semi-hardwood cuttings during the growing season. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, keeping the soil moist. The cuttings should root within 3-4 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Becium grandiflorum var. galpinii
Becium grandiflorum var. galpinii is a popular garden plant, also known as the bushy dwarf sage. It is an ideal plant for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. However, like any other plant, it can suffer from certain diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management techniques are necessary to maintain healthy and vigorous plants.
Common Diseases
1. Leaf Spot Disease: This disease is caused by different fungal species. It is characterized by brown or black spots on the leaves. The disease can spread to other parts of the plant if not managed properly.
Management: Control measures include using disease-resistant cultivars, avoiding overhead watering, applying fungicides, and removing infected leaves.
2. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many garden plants, including Becium grandiflorum. The disease is characterized by a powdery white substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers.
Management: Control measures include removing infected plant parts, improving air circulation, and applying fungicides.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems. They can cause curling and distortion of the leaves, and may also transmit viruses.
Management: Control measures include removing the affected leaves, applying insecticidal soap, and introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
Management: Control measures include improving humidity levels, removing infested leaves, and applying insecticidal soap.
It is important to note that prevention is key in pest and disease management. By keeping the plants healthy and stress-free, they are less vulnerable to pest and disease attacks. Regularly inspecting the plants for signs of pests and diseases is also important in early detection and management.
