Origin
Blepharis bainesii S.Moore ex C.B.Clarke, commonly known as bush violet, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Acanthaceae family. It is native to southern Africa, specifically in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
Bush violet is also known as Blue Eyed Grass, Baines’ Blepharis, Ko-op, and Sandviooltjie in different regions of its native range.
Uses
In traditional medicine, different parts of the bush violet plant are used to treat a variety of ailments. Its roots are boiled and used as a fever reducer, while its leaves are crushed and used as a poultice for treating wounds and skin infections.
Bush violet’s beauty and hardy nature make it a popular ornamental plant, particularly in rock gardens and as a border plant. The plant is also used in Xeriscaping, which is a form of landscaping where water is conserved by using water-efficient plants.
Appearance
Bush violet is a dwarf perennial herb that grows up to 30 cm tall and 60 cm wide. The leaves are narrow, elongated, and covered in fine hairs. In the summer months, the plant produces small, tubular, pale blue to mauve flowers. The flowers have white centers with beautiful golden eyes, which give the plant its common name, Blue Eyed Grass. The seed heads are 2-3 cm long, while the capsules are 5-6 mm long and oval-shaped.
Light Requirements
Blepharis bainesii S.Moore ex C.B.Clarke requires full sun exposure to grow optimally.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures to grow, with a minimum of 15°C (59°F) and a maximum of 35°C (95°F). The plant is drought-tolerant and can grow well in hot and dry regions.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, and the soil should be moderately fertile. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant is tolerant of slightly alkaline soil conditions.
Cultivation methods
Blepharis bainesii S.Moore ex C.B.Clarke, also known as Baines' Mountain Zebra Plant, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to the rocky hillsides of South Africa. The plant thrives in sandy or rocky soils with excellent drainage and prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can withstand extreme heat and drought conditions, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping.
Propagation of Blepharis bainesii can be done through seed or cuttings. To propagate from seed, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture in early spring. Germination typically occurs within 2-4 weeks, and seedlings can be transplanted in the garden after they have grown to a reasonable size. To propagate from cuttings, take stem cuttings from healthy plants in early spring, using a sharp, sterile knife. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone to promote root growth, and plant them in a well-draining soil mixture.
Watering needs
Blepharis bainesii is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once every two weeks during the growing season, and allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency to once every three to four weeks.
Fertilization
Fertilize Blepharis bainesii once every three months during the growing season with a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12, and apply it at half-strength. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth and a reduction in the number of flowers produced.
Pruning
Blepharis bainesii requires minimal pruning. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves throughout the year to maintain the plant's appearance. In late winter or early spring, cut the plant back by one-third of its size to encourage new growth and a compact, bushy habit. Pruning can also be done after flowering to promote further blooms and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
Propagation of Blepharis bainesii S.Moore ex C.B.Clarke
Blepharis bainesii S.Moore ex C.B.Clarke is propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Propagation by seed
Seeds of Blepharis bainesii S.Moore ex C.B.Clarke are spread naturally by the wind, and they can also be collected for propagation. For propagation by seed, choose mature pods of the plant and extract the seeds. Once extracted, the seeds can be sown in well-draining soil that is mixed with sand or perlite to improve drainage. The soil should be kept moist throughout the germination period, which usually takes between two to three weeks. The seeds need to be kept in a warm place, with temperatures ranging between 20 and 25 degree Celsius. Once the seedlings have grown a few inches high, they can be transferred into individual pots or directly planted in a garden bed.
Propagation by division
Blepharis bainesii S.Moore ex C.B.Clarke can also be propagated by division, which involves separating the parent plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This method can be carried out during early spring, when the plant's growth is most active. To propagate through division, first, dig up the parent plant carefully, ensuring that the roots remain intact. Once you have the plant out, divide it into smaller sections using a clean and sharp knife, making sure that each section has both roots and shoots. The smaller sections can then be replanted in a prepared site with well-draining soil and watered properly.
Propagation by cuttings
Blepharis bainesii S.Moore ex C.B.Clarke can also be propagated by stem cuttings. This method is most effective during spring and summer when growth is active. To propagate by cuttings, choose a healthy branch, cut it from the parent plant, and remove the leaves on the lower half of the branch. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix with plenty of perlite or sand. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm, with temperatures ranging between 20 and 25 degree Celsius. You can transplant the cuttings into individual pots or directly into a garden bed once they develop roots and new leaves.
Disease and Pest Management of Blepharis bainesii S.Moore ex C.B.Clarke
Blepharis bainesii S.Moore ex C.B.Clarke, commonly known as the hairy eyeweed, is an evergreen shrub that usually grows up to 1-2 m tall. Based on its natural habitat and characteristics, this plant is generally hardy and resistant to most diseases and pests.
Common Diseases that Affect Blepharis bainesii S.Moore ex C.B.Clarke
Sometimes, however, this plant may suffer from fungal diseases like powdery mildew and Rust. Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that appears as a white or grayish powder on the leaves, often caused by poor air circulation and high humidity. Rust, on the other hand, shows as yellowish, rust-colored blisters on the foliage and is often caused by damp conditions.
Disease Management for Blepharis bainesii S.Moore ex C.B.Clarke
To manage fungal diseases, consider using a suitable fungicide, especially in damp or humid seasons. This can be done by spraying the leaves of the plant with a fungicide according to the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines. It is recommended to choose a fungicide specially formulated for powdery mildew and Rust, and consider applying it early in the morning or in the evening when the leaves are dry.
However, since prevention is better than cure, it is recommended to ensure that the plant has good air circulation, and avoid watering the foliage. Water the soil at the base of the plant instead of watering the leaves, as wet leaves often encourage fungal growth.
Common Pests that Affect Blepharis bainesii S.Moore ex C.B.Clarke
Although Blepharis bainesii S.Moore ex C.B.Clarke is not very susceptible to pests, sometimes it may be attacked by mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests often attack the underside of the foliage and sap the vital juices from the plant.
Pest Management for Blepharis bainesii S.Moore ex C.B.Clarke
To manage these pests, it is recommended to physically remove the infested part of the plant and discard it. This can be done by washing the affected area with a stream of water or by wiping it with a cloth soaked in insecticidal soap. Consider spraying the plant with neem oil, which is an effective, natural pesticide. Repeat spraying until the pests are completely eradicated.
It is essential to inspect the plant regularly to detect any signs of pest infestation. When buying a new plant, always inspect it to ensure that it doesn’t have any pests that could spread to the rest of your collection.
By observing good cultural practices and monitoring the plant’s health, it is possible to avoid and control most pest and disease problems that could affect Blepharis bainesii S.Moore ex C.B.Clarke.
