Origin
Gilia capitata Sims ssp. abrotanifolia (Nutt. ex Greene) V. Grant, commonly known as Fragrant Gilia, is a perennial herb that is native to the Western United States, specifically in California and Nevada.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as Fragrant Gilia due to its pleasant smell. It is also known as Pine Gilia, Pine-flower Gilia, and Clustered Gilia.
Uses
The plant has historically been used by indigenous people as a medicinal herb for treating colds and coughs. It is also used by some for its aesthetic value in gardens and landscaping due to its attractive appearance and fragrant flowers.
General Appearance
The Fragrant Gilia plant typically grows up to 1-2 feet tall and spreads to about 1-3 feet wide. It has slender, erect stems and small, green leaves that are linear or lance-shaped. The plant produces clusters of fragrant, small blue to lavender flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months. The flowers are surrounded by small bracts that resemble pine needles. The Fragrant Gilia plant requires well-drained soil and full sun exposure to thrive.
Growth Conditions for Gilia capitata Sims ssp. abrotanifolia (Nutt. ex Greene) V. Grant
Gilia capitata Sims ssp. abrotanifolia (Nutt. ex Greene) V. Grant, commonly known as bluehead gilia, prefers to grow in areas receiving full sun to partial shade. The plant can tolerate high levels of light exposure, but it cannot survive in areas with complete shade.
Temperature Requirements
The bluehead gilia prefers relatively warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. The plant grows best in areas where the average temperature ranges from 60°F to 80°F.
Soil Requirements
The bluehead gilia requires soil that provides good drainage, as it cannot survive in waterlogged soil. Additionally, the plant thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and nutrients, as this will help the plant grow faster and healthier.
Overall, the bluehead gilia is well-adapted to grow in a wide range of soil types, from clay to sand, as long as the soil is well-draining and has the necessary nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Gilia capitata Sims ssp. abrotanifolia requires a well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It grows best in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. This plant can be grown either from seeds or from cuttings, but growing from cuttings will ensure that the plant remains true to its parent.
Watering Needs
Gilia capitata Sims ssp. abrotanifolia prefers moderately moist soil. It is important to water it regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry periods. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can cause root rot and other fungal problems.
Fertilization
During the growing season, Gilia capitata Sims ssp. abrotanifolia benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month, or a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season. Avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen, as they can promote foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Gilia capitata Sims ssp. abrotanifolia does not require much pruning. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage further blooming, and removing any dead or damaged foliage will help to keep the plant healthy. If necessary, the plant can be lightly pruned in late fall or early spring to remove any damaged or diseased branches.
Propagation of Gilia capitata Sims ssp. abrotanifolia
Gilia capitata Sims ssp. abrotanifolia, commonly known as bluehead gilia, is a flowering plant that belongs to the polemoniaceae family. It is native to North America and thrives in dry, rocky soils that are well-drained and receive plenty of sunlight. The plant is relatively easy to propagate through both seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seeds
Bluehead gilia can be propagated by seed, which is readily available from many seed suppliers. The best time to collect seed is after the plant has finished flowering, usually in late summer or early fall. The collected seed should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dry place until it is ready to be planted.
When planting the seed, it is important to create a well-draining soil mix that is low in nutrients. Sow the seeds into the soil and than lightly cover with the mix. The planted seeds should be watered well while avoiding overwatering. Seedlings from these seeds should emerge within one to two weeks. Once they have established, they should be planted in well-draining soil in a sunny location.
Propagation by Divisions
Propagation through dividing mature plants is one of the most straightforward methods to make many plants of bluehead gilia. Divide plants when it reaches maturity or when the plant has become too large, usually in the fall or early spring.
To divide bluehead gilia, gently dig up the plant’s entire root ball and carefully separate the clumps into smaller pieces. Each new plant should have a portion of the roots as well as enough shoots to encourage growth. Replant the separated sections in well-draining soil in sunny spots and water it adequately. This method encourages a faster vegetative growth of the plant as they have an intact root system that is not disturbed by sowing and germination.
Both seed and vegetative propagation methods are effective and relatively easy to carry out. With appropriate care, propagation through either method will result in a thriving garden of bluehead gilia greens.
Disease Management
Gilia capitata Sims ssp. abrotanifolia (Nutt. ex Greene) V. Grant is generally a healthy plant, but it can still be vulnerable to a few diseases.
One of the most common diseases that can affect this plant is powdery mildew, which appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. It can be managed by avoiding overhead watering, removing infected plant parts, and applying a fungicide like sulfur or neem oil regularly.
Sclerotinia stem rot is another fungal disease that can be harmful to Gilia capitata. It causes the lower stem and foliage of the plant to wilt and turn brown. To manage this disease, try to rotate your crops and avoid planting in soil that has been previously contaminated. Additionally, you can cut and remove any infected plant parts, and apply a fungicide like copper sulfate or captan.
Pest Management
Gilia capitata Sims ssp. abrotanifolia (Nutt. ex Greene) V. Grant can also be attacked by a few pests that can cause damage to the plant.
One of the most common pests that can attack this plant is aphids. These small, green insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. You can manage aphids by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
The plant can also be affected by spider mites, which are tiny insects that can cause the leaves to become stippled with yellow or brown spots. To manage spider mites, you can try spraying the plant with a strong stream of water, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introducing natural predators like predatory mites or lacewings.
Cabbage loopers are another pest that can attack the plant and cause damage to the leaves. These caterpillars feed on the foliage of the plant and can cause large, irregular holes to appear. To manage cabbage loopers, try removing them by hand, introducing natural predators like parasitic wasps or braconid wasps, or spraying the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).
