Erinus selaginoides Thunb.
Erinus selaginoides Thunb., commonly known as Fairy Foxglove, is a delightful and hardy plant that is native to South Africa. It is a member of the Scrophulariaceae family, which also includes snapdragons and foxgloves. It is an unusual plant that is not often encountered in cultivation, but it is a gem for those who manage to find and appreciate it.
General Appearance
Erinus selaginoides is a low-growing, spreading perennial that forms dense mats of foliage. It has small, oval leaves that are bright green and glossy, with a slightly fleshy texture. The foliage is evergreen in mild climates and semi-evergreen in colder regions. The plant produces delicate, fairy-like flowers that are usually blue, but can sometimes be white or pink. The flowers are star-shaped and have a distinctive yellow or white throat that is speckled with dark markings. They are arranged in loose, candelabra-like spikes that rise above the foliage. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer, but may also bloom intermittently throughout the year in mild climates.
Common Names
Erinus selaginoides is commonly known as Fairy Foxglove, Fairy Snapdragon, or Cape Fairy Foxglove. It is also sometimes referred to as Blue Erinus or Blue-Spangled Erinus.
Uses
Erinus selaginoides is primarily grown as an ornamental plant, particularly as a groundcover or rock garden specimen. Its dense growth habit and long-lasting blooms make it an excellent choice for adding interest and color to a garden. It is also effective when planted in containers or hanging baskets. The plant is not known to have any medicinal or culinary uses.
Light Requirements
Erinus selaginoides Thunb. requires bright, indirect light to grow actively. The plant thrives in partial shade, where it receives filtered sunlight during the day. Excessive direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching, so it is better to avoid placing the plant in direct sun.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers cool and moderate temperatures between 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). Erinus selaginoides Thunb. can tolerate mild frost or snow, although it requires protection in harsh winter conditions. In extremely hot and dry climates, the plants can go dormant to prevent damage and resume growth when the temperature drops.
Soil Requirements
Erinus selaginoides Thunb. thrives well in well-draining and nutrient-rich soils. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5-6.5. The plant can grow in a variety of soil types such as sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as it is well-draining. It is advisable to add organic compost to the soil to improve fertility and retain moisture.
Cultivation Methods for Erinus selaginoides Thunb.
Erinus selaginoides Thunb., commonly known as Bunny's ears or Cushion Borage, is a low growing herbaceous plant, and it needs specific cultivation methods to grow well. The Bunny's ears plant love to grow in a semi-shaded place outdoors as full sun may scorch leaves. The plant grows well in soils that are well-draining and rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic (pH 6.0 to 6.5) for optimal growth. As for temperature, Bunny's ears require a cool, moist climate with temperatures between 10 °C to 25 °C.
Watering Needs for Erinus selaginoides Thunb.
Bunny's ears should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. However, excessive watering should be avoided as it may lead to root rot. Watering should be done once a week, or more frequently during the hot summer period, especially if the plant is growing in a container. Avoid watering the plant from overhead so as not to accumulate water droplets on the delicate leaves, leading to fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Erinus selaginoides Thunb.
For healthy growth, Bunny's ears should be fertilized twice a year, during spring and autumn, with a low-nitrogen organic fertilizer. Excessive nitrogen may lead to excessive growth and reduce flowering. Fertilizers rich in potassium and phosphorus are ideal for maintaining good flower development.
Pruning of Erinus selaginoides Thunb.
Pruning Bunny's ears is necessary to keep it in shape and encourage bushier growth. Regular pruning will also remove any dead or yellow leaves that can potentially harbor pests and diseases. Pruning should occur at any time of the growing season, but after the blooming season, it should be reduced to allow for vegetative growth. Any pruning tools should be sterilized before use.
Propagation of Erinus selaginoides Thunb.
Erinus selaginoides Thunb. is propagated through various methods depending on the preference of the grower and the availability of resources. The plant can be propagated through seed, cuttings, and division.
Propagation from Seed
Propagation from seed is the most common method of propagating Erinus selaginoides Thunb. The seeds should be sowed in a well-draining soil mix with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not wet. It is recommended to cover the tray with plastic or a dome to retain moisture and warmth. Germination should occur within 10 to 14 days.
Propagation from Cuttings
Propagation from cuttings is a practical means of producing multiple plants. Cuttings should be taken from the terminal ends of the stem, and they should be approximately 2 to 3 inches long. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not wet. The cutting should have developed roots within 2 to 3 weeks.
Propagation from Division
Propagation from division is an efficient way of propagating mature Erinus selaginoides Thunb. plants. The plant should be dug up carefully, and the root ball should be gently separated into sections. Each section should have at least one stem and a good root system. The divided sections should be replanted in a well-draining soil mix and kept consistently moist until the plant is established.
Disease and Pest Management for Erinus selaginoides Thunb.
Erinus selaginoides Thunb., commonly known as Fairy foxglove, is a low-lying plant that is known for its robust nature and stunning flowers. However, like all plants, it can be affected by diseases and pests which can hamper its growth.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Erinus selaginoides Thunb. are root rot, fungal leaf spots, and powdery mildew. Root rot occurs when the soil is too damp, and the roots of the plant begin to rot. It can cause the plant to wilt, turn yellow, and eventually die. Fungal leaf spots are small, circular spots that appear on the leaves of the plant. They are usually not harmful unless they cover a large part of the plant, in which case they can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Powdery mildew is a white, powdery substance that appears on the leaves, stem, and flowers. It can stunt the growth of the plant and cause the flowers to die.
Managing Diseases
The best way to manage diseases in Erinus selaginoides Thunb. is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. This can be done by ensuring that the soil is well-drained and not overly damp. Planting the Fairy foxglove in a location with good air circulation and light can also help prevent the growth of fungal spores. Fungicidal sprays and treatments are also available for severe cases of fungal infections.
Common Pests
Erinus selaginoides Thunb. is not usually bothered by pests. However, it can be affected by spider mites, which are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause the leaves to turn yellow, and the plant to become weak and spindly.
Managing Pests
If spider mites are detected, it is best to use the least toxic method of control first. This can be done by spraying the plant with water to knock the mites off or by introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs, which can feed on the spider mites. If these methods do not work, a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can be used to control the mites.
