Origin
Felicia aethiopica (Burm.f.) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. aethiopica is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is native to South Africa and can be found in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Northern Cape provinces of the country.
Common Names
The common names for Felicia aethiopica (Burm.f.) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. aethiopica include Blue Marguerite, Kingfisher Daisy, and Bloumadeliefie.
Uses
Felicia aethiopica (Burm.f.) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. aethiopica is a popular garden plant because of its attractive blue flowers and ability to tolerate a wide range of soil types and growing conditions. It is also often used in commercial flower arrangements.
General Appearance
Felicia aethiopica (Burm.f.) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. aethiopica is a compact, rounded shrub that grows up to 60 cm tall. It has small, narrow leaves and produces solitary blue, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers from spring to autumn. The flowers are about 3 cm in diameter and are held above the foliage on long stems.
Light Requirements
Felicia aethiopica typically thrives in full sun conditions, which would require six or more hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant can tolerate some shade, but if grown in completely shaded areas, the growth may become spindly and leggy.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers cool to mild temperature conditions and can thrive well at an average temperature of 50 to 68°F. While it can tolerate high temperatures and drought to some extent, prolonged exposure to hot weather would adversely affect its growth.
Soil Requirements
Felicia aethiopica thrives in well-drained, sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter. Ideal soil pH ranges from 6.0 to 7.0. The plant has low tolerance for wet, acidic, and poorly-drained soil conditions, which can lead to root rot and other soil-borne diseases.
Cultivation methods
Felicia aethiopica is a hardy perennial that can grow up to 60 cm tall. It is best grown in well-draining soils that are slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. The plant prefers full sun exposure, but it can tolerate partial shade in hot climates. To propagate the plant, you can either use seeds or divide the root mass. Sow the seeds in spring or autumn in a seed tray and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist and don't let it dry out. Once the seedlings are large enough, transplant them to a larger pot or directly to the ground.Watering needs
Felicia aethiopica requires moderate watering throughout the growing season. Water the plants deeply once a week or when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil drains well. In winter, reduce the frequency of watering to allow the plant to go dormant.Fertilization
During the growing season, Felicia aethiopica benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Apply the fertilizer once a month, following the instructions on the package.Pruning
Felicia aethiopica requires pruning once a year to maintain its shape and promote bushy growth. The best time to prune the plant is after the flowering season is over, around late autumn or early winter. Cut back the stems to one-third of their length, making sure to leave some leaves on each stem. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth and more flowers in the following season.Propagation of Felicia aethiopica (Burm.f.) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. aethiopica
Felicia aethiopica (Burm.f.) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. aethiopica can be propagated by various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by seeds
Felicia aethiopica (Burm.f.) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. aethiopica can be propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, covering them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm, bright location. The seeds should germinate within two to four weeks.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another option for Felicia aethiopica (Burm.f.) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. aethiopica. Take a cutting that is about six inches long and remove the leaves from the bottom two inches of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a potting mix that has good drainage. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a bright, warm location. The cutting should root within four to six weeks.
Propagation by division
Propagation of Felicia aethiopica (Burm.f.) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. aethiopica can also be done through division. Dig up the plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have some roots and shoots. Replant the sections in a well-draining potting mix and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a bright, warm location. The divisions should establish themselves within a few weeks.
Disease Management
Felicia aethiopica can be affected by different diseases such as powdery mildew, root rot, and botrytis blight. Here are some ways to manage these diseases:
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that can appear on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage it, remove severely affected plant parts, and use fungicides such as neem oil or potassium bicarbonate. Ensure adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Root rot: Overwatering and poorly drained soil can cause root rot, which can be identified by yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage it, reduce watering frequency, prune affected roots, and apply fungicides such as copper-based sprays or hydrogen peroxide.
- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause blight on the leaves, flowers, and stems. To manage it, remove diseased plant parts, increase air circulation, and avoid overhead watering. Use fungicides such as sulfur or copper-based sprays.
Pest Management
Felicia aethiopica can also be affected by different pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Here are some ways to manage these pests:
- Aphids: These pests can cause damage by sucking the sap out of the leaves and flowers, causing wilting and stunted growth. To manage them, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, prune affected plant parts, and encourage natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves, which can progress to defoliation. To manage them, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, increase humidity, and prune affected plant parts.
- Whiteflies: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage them, use insecticidal soap, prune affected plant parts, and encourage natural predators such as lacewings.
