Origin
Felicia cymbalariae (Aiton) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. cymbalariae, commonly known as blue oxeye daisy, is a flowering plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to the southwestern Cape Province of South Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as blue oxeye daisy due to its vibrant blue flowers that resemble the eyes of an ox. It is also commonly called cymbal daisy, blue daisy, and dainty felicia.
Uses
The blue oxeye daisy is a popular plant in gardens and landscapes due to its striking beauty and low maintenance requirements. It is a hardy perennial that can tolerate a wide range of climatic conditions and requires minimal care to thrive. The plant is also used in traditional medicine in South Africa to treat a variety of ailments such as stomach issues, coughs, and colds.
General Appearance
The blue oxeye daisy typically grows to a height of 30-60cm and has a sprawling, shrubby growth habit. The plant features narrow, grey-green leaves that are arranged in a rosette at the base of the stem, and larger leaves that are alternately arranged along the stem. The flowers of the blue oxeye daisy are the most distinguishing feature of the plant, with vibrant blue petals that surround a yellow center. The flowers bloom from late spring to summer and are particularly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Growth Conditions for Felicia cymbalariae (Aiton) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. cymbalariae
Felicia cymbalariae (Aiton) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. cymbalariae is an herbaceous plant that grows well in full sunlight and well-drained soils. Below are the specific growth conditions that this plant needs to thrive:
Light Requirements
Felicia cymbalariae (Aiton) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. cymbalariae requires full sunlight for optimal growth. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, though it may not produce as many flowers in this condition.
Temperature Requirements
The sub-species of Felicia cymbalariae (Aiton) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. cymbalariae prefers mild to moderate temperatures, ranging between 10 to 25°C. Temperatures below 10°C or above 25°C can cause stunted growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The Felicia cymbalariae (Aiton) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. cymbalariae favors well-drained soils that are slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant can grow on various types of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as the soil's texture is well-draining.
It's important to note that the soil must be kept moist but not water-logged. Over-watering can lead to root rot, which can eventually kill the plant. Additionally, the plant cannot tolerate saline soils, so it's essential to avoid planting it in such conditions.
Cultivation of Felicia cymbalariae (Aiton) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. cymbalariae
Felicia cymbalariae (Aiton) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. cymbalariae is an attractive, easy-to-grow plant that is perfect for container gardening or as an accent in your landscape. It is a fast-growing plant that requires minimal maintenance and care.
The best time to plant Felicia cymbalariae (Aiton) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. cymbalariae is in the spring or early summer when the temperatures are warm enough. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Planting should be done in a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
Watering Needs of Felicia cymbalariae (Aiton) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. cymbalariae
Felicia cymbalariae (Aiton) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. cymbalariae requires moderate watering. The soil should be moist, but not wet. Watering should be done thoroughly, but infrequently. During the summer months, it may be necessary to water more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
It is important to note that overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. To avoid this, ensure that the soil is well-drained and that excess water is able to drain away from the plant.
Fertilization of Felicia cymbalariae (Aiton) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. cymbalariae
Felicia cymbalariae (Aiton) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. cymbalariae does not require frequent fertilization. However, during the growing season, it may benefit from a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every two weeks or monthly.
It is important to avoid using a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, as this can cause the plant to produce more foliage than flowers.
Pruning of Felicia cymbalariae (Aiton) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. cymbalariae
Felicia cymbalariae (Aiton) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. cymbalariae does not require extensive pruning. Deadheading spent flowers can help to promote additional blooming. Pinching back the tips of the stems can also encourage a bushier, more compact growth habit.
If the plant becomes too leggy or overgrown, it can be pruned back by up to one-third of its total size in the spring before new growth begins.
Propagation of Felicia cymbalariae subsp. cymbalariae
Felicia cymbalariae subsp. cymbalariae is a perennial plant that can be propagated in different ways depending on the grower's preference and the availability of resources. Here are some of the propagation methods for this plant:
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds are the easiest and commonly used method to propagate Felicia cymbalariae subsp. cymbalariae. To do this, the grower needs to collect the seeds from the ripe flowerheads in late summer or early autumn. The selected seeds should be stored in a dry and cool place until the next planting season.
The grower needs to sow the seeds in well-draining soil during autumn or early winter. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist by misting it regularly. The seedlings will germinate in two to three weeks, after which they can be thinned and transplanted into their final containers or pots.
Propagation by Cuttings
Felicia cymbalariae subsp. cymbalariae can also be propagated by cuttings, which is a faster method than propagating by seeds. To do this, the grower needs to take cuttings from the parent plant in spring or early summer.
The cuttings should be taken from the non-flowering shoots that are semi-hardwood. Bury two-thirds of the cutting into a well-draining rooting medium, such as perlite or sand. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or a plastic wrap to keep the humidity high. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area and the rooting medium should be kept moist.
The cuttings will develop roots in four to six weeks. At this time, the plastic bag or wrap should be removed and the cutting should be transplanted into their final container or pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Felicia cymbalariae (Aiton) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. cymbalariae
Like any other plant species, Felicia cymbalariae (Aiton) Bolus & Wolley-Dod ex Adamson & T.M.Salter subsp. cymbalariae is also vulnerable to several diseases and pests. Here are some of the common ones:
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: The fungus causes small, dark circular spots on leaves and later enlarge to form larger blotches. To manage this, remove all infected plant debris and provide good airflow by pruning any carless branches.
Rust: Rust appear as yellow, orange or brown powdery masses on the foliage. The best way to prevent rust is by providing adequate spacing and ensuring the plant grows in well-draining soils.
Root Rot: Root rot is caused by fungi that live in soil, causing roots to be brown, soft, and mushy. The best way to prevent this disease is by ensuring well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering.
Common Pests
Aphids: Small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of young shoots. The best way to control them is by using a strong stream of water to dislodge and 'systemic neonicotinoids.'
Caterpillars: Caterpillars chew leaves and can cause massive defoliation. To control them, handpick or use Bacillus thuringiensis which is a biological insecticide.
Spider Mites: These pests are not insects but relatives of spiders and feed by piercing leaf cells and sucking plant juices. Use water regularly to prevent spider mites from populating and spread soap solution for effective control.
