Origin
Cyanea quercifolia (Hbd.) F. Wimmer var. atropurpurea F. Wimmer belongs to the family of Campanulaceae and is native to Hawaii. It grows at elevations between 3,000 and 7,000 feet on the island of Maui.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Purple Cyanea, Hawaiian Jingle, or Oakleaf Cyanea. The name "jingle" comes from the sound that its bell-shaped flowers make when they are moved by the wind.
Uses
Cyanea quercifolia var. atropurpurea has no known medicinal or culinary uses. However, it is an essential part of Hawaii's flora and provides food for the native birds and insects. The Purple Cyanea is also used for ornamental purposes due to its striking appearance.
General Appearance
Cyanea quercifolia var. atropurpurea is a large herbaceous plant that can grow up to 14 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It has a single stem with large clusters of leaves at the base. The leaves are deeply lobed, resembling the shape of an oak leaf, and can be up to 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. The flowers of the Purple Cyanea bloom from late summer to early fall. They are tubular, bell-shaped, and grow in clusters at the top of the stem. The intense purple color of the flowers makes them stand out amongst the green foliage.
Growth Conditions for Cyanea quercifolia var. atropurpurea
Light: This plant thrives in the shade or partial shade and prefers to be shielded from direct sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch or develop yellow or brown marks. Therefore, it is best to grow it indoors or in a shaded outdoor location that receives dappled light.
Temperature: Cyanea quercifolia var. atropurpurea prefers warm and humid conditions. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and does not tolerate freezing temperatures well. It is important to keep the plant away from cold drafts during the winter months to prevent the soil from freezing and to maintain the required temperature range.
Soil Requirements: This plant prefers rich, well-draining soil that is high in organic matter. It should be planted in a soil mix that is composed of a blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The soil should be kept moist at all times but not waterlogged. The best soil pH range for Cyanea quercifolia var. atropurpurea is between 5.5 and 6.5.
Fertilization: It is recommended to fertilize the plant every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer that is high in nitrogen during the growing season (spring and summer). However, avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to the burning of the plant's roots and cause damage. During the winter months, it is best to fertilize once every two months to give the plant a rest period.
Cultivation Methods
Cyanea quercifolia var. atropurpurea grows well in a well-draining, potting mix and requires good water retention. They thrive in high humidity, with an ideal temperature range of 60-80°F. Provide them with bright, indirect light, but avoid exposing them to direct sunlight.
Watering Needs
The plants require consistently moist soil, but not waterlogged. Therefore, it is advisable to water them once the top inch of soil gets dry. During the growing season, water more frequently, and reduce the watering frequency in the dormant season.
Fertilization
Cyanea quercifolia var. atropurpurea grows vigorously when fertilized with balanced fertilizer, and it needs feeding every four to six weeks throughout the growing season. It is advisable to fertilize them with a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
Pruning
Cyanea quercifolia var. atropurpurea is not a big fan of trimming or pruning, but it is essential to remove any yellow, diseased, or damaged leaves. Trim them with a clean, sanitized pair of garden scissors. Additionally, you can give them a tidy look by removing any overgrown leaves that seem to overshadow the other parts of the plant.
Propagation of Cyanea quercifolia var. atropurpurea
Cyanea quercifolia var. atropurpurea, commonly known as the Hawaiian Lobeliad, is a tropical plant that is native to the Hawaiian Islands. It is a perennial plant that is commonly grown for its beautiful, purple flowers.
There are several methods for propagating Cyanea quercifolia var. atropurpurea, including:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Cyanea quercifolia var. atropurpurea. Seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown in a well-draining soil mixture. Seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept consistently moist. Seeds typically take three to six weeks to germinate.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another propagation method that can be used to propagate Cyanea quercifolia var. atropurpurea. Cuttings should be taken from the softwood growth of the plant, and they should be approximately four inches in length. The bottom half of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining soil mixture. Cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots begin to develop.
Division
Division is another propagation method that can be used for Cyanea quercifolia var. atropurpurea. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections with a sharp knife or spade. Each section should have its own roots and leaves. The divided sections should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept consistently moist until new growth develops.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to keep the new plants consistently moist and to provide them with a warm, humid environment until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management of Cyanea quercifolia (Hbd.) F. Wimmer var. atropurpurea F. Wimmer
Cyanea quercifolia (Hbd.) F. Wimmer var. atropurpurea F. Wimmer is a stunning perennial plant that belongs to the Lobeliaceae family. While the plant's appearance is quite visually attractive, it is no stranger to certain pests and diseases.
Common Diseases that Affect Cyanea Quercifolia (Hbd.) F. Wimmer var. Atropurpurea F. Wimmer
The most common diseases that might affect Cyanea quercifolia (Hbd.) F. Wimmer var. atropurpurea F. Wimmer include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that results in substantial white powdery growth on the leaves. Leaf spot, another fungal disease, creates significant brownish-black circular lesions on the leaves. Lastly, root rot, caused by fungi, bacteria, or waterlogging, leads to discolored, mushy roots, and leaves.
To prevent these diseases, try to ensure that your plant is growing in a location that has adequate drainage and air circulation. Additionally, ensure that you are not overwatering your plant, as excessive moisture could encourage diseases.
Common Pests that Affect Cyanea Quercifolia (Hbd.) F. Wimmer var. Atropurpurea F. Wimmer
Cyanea quercifolia (Hbd.) F. Wimmer var. atropurpurea F. Wimmer is vulnerable to pests like aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips. Aphids and mealybugs are insects that feed on the sap of the plant, leading to distortions in the leaves. Spider mites and thrips, on the other hand, damage the leaves by sucking out the sap; the leaves eventually wilt and turn yellow.
Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil to affected plants could help protect them from pests. It would be best also to hose down or gently wipe down leaves to help remove pests. Furthermore, be mindful of plants you bring into your garden, as they could potentially infect your Cyanea quercifolia (Hbd.) F. Wimmer var. atropurpurea F. Wimmer with pests.
