Origin of Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright
Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright, commonly known as Johnston's hound's-tongue, is a plant species from the Boraginaceae family native to China. The plant grows in various provinces within China such as Sichuan, Guizhou, and Yunnan. It prefers to grow in open and arid regions, especially around rocks and cliffs.
Common Names of Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright
The plant is known by different names depending on which part of China you are in. Some of the most common names for Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright include Qian Bei Long Dan (Chinese), Mi Dian Cao (Chinese), and Johnston's hound's-tongue (English).
Uses of Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright
Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright has various medicinal properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to lower fever, strengthen the lungs, and eliminate phlegm. The roots of the plant are used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and treat bone fractures. Additionally, it can also be used as a natural dye. The plant produces blue-violet flowers that can serve as a source of natural-color for clothes and textiles.
General Appearance of Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright
Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright is a small herbaceous plant that grows up to 50-100cm tall. It has oval-shaped leaves that are covered in small hairs, giving them a rough texture. The flowers are small, arranged in clusters, and range in color from blue to blue-purple. The plant produces fruit that resembles a burr and is covered in sharp spines.
Light Requirements
Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright thrives in full sun to partial shade. The plant requires good light exposure for proper growth and development. Inadequate light exposure may lead to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a cool and moderate temperature range for optimal growth. The temperature range for Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright is between 10 to 25 °C. The plant cannot withstand high temperatures above 30°C, which may cause the plant to wilt or dry up.
Soil Requirements
Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright prefers well-drained soils that are high in organic matter and have a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as the soil is well-drained. The plant requires regular moisture, so it is essential to maintain adequate soil moisture levels.
Cultivation Methods
Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright is a great addition to any garden. This plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH value between 6.0 to 7.5. It grows best in full sun but can also tolerate light shade. The ideal temperature for this plant ranges from 15 to 25°C. It is essential to keep the plant dry and protect it from frost in winter.Watering Needs
The Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered thoroughly once a week in the growing season. However, during the winter, it is essential to reduce watering to prevent root rot. The soil should be allowed to dry out before watering again.Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the growth of Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright. Adding a slow-release granular fertilizer to the soil during the growing season will ensure robust growth. Another option is to add a balanced liquid fertilizer to the plant once every two weeks. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to leggy growth and reduced flower production.Pruning
Pruning is necessary to keep the Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright looking neat and tidy. The best time to prune is in spring before new growth starts. Deadheading the flowers regularly will prolong flowering. Additionally, pruning will help to prevent diseases and pests.Propagation of Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright
Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright is commonly propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds of Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii (Baker) Baker & C.H.Wright require stratification to germinate. The seeds should be sown in autumn or early winter under light shade or direct sunlight. The soil should be well-drained and porous with a pH of 6.1 to 7.5. The seeds require a temperature range of 0°C to 5°C for 4 to 6 weeks for stratification. Germination usually occurs in spring or early summer, and the seedlings should be transplanted after the last frost.
Propagation by cuttings
Cuttings should be obtained from healthy and disease-free parent plants. The cuttings should be taken during the growing season in spring or early summer. The cuttings should be around 4 to 6 inches long and should be taken from the middle or lower part of the stem. The leaves of the lower half of the cutting should be removed. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mixture. The soil temperature should be maintained around 20°C to 25°C, and the cuttings should be kept under high humidity. Rooting usually occurs in 2 to 3 weeks, and the rooted cuttings should be transplanted to their permanent location after the last frost.
Disease Management for Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii
Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii is generally a hardy plant species that is not susceptible to a wide range of diseases. However, it can still be affected by certain diseases that can limit its growth or cause premature death of the plant. One of the most common diseases that can affect this plant is powdery mildew.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause white or grayish-white powdery spots on the foliage and stems of the plant. The spots can merge to form a large blanket over the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy the infected plant parts as soon as they are noticed. Fungicide application may also be necessary to control the disease.
Pest Management for Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii
Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. var. johnstonii is also susceptible to certain pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. The common pests that attack this plant include aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars.
Aphids are small insects that can cause leaves to curl and turn yellow. If left unchecked, they can spread viruses that can negatively impact the plant’s growth. To manage aphids, it is recommended to remove and destroy the affected plant parts and to use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
Spider mites are other pests that can cause severe damage to the plant, especially during hot and dry conditions. They feed on the plant sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and look dried out. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to keep the plant well-watered to increase the humidity and to use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
Caterpillars can also be a significant problem for this plant, as they can eat large portions of the foliage, causing the plant to look unsightly. To manage caterpillars, it is recommended to remove and destroy the affected plant parts and to use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide to control their population.
