Origin
Helichrysum benguellense Hiern is a plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae and is native to Angola, a country located in Southwestern Africa.
Common Names
This plant species is commonly known as the Benguela strawflower, thanks to its place of origin and its strawflower-like appearance. It is also called the Angolan strawflower, and the yellow everlasting.
Uses
The Helichrysum benguellense Hiern plant has been traditionally used in Angola as a medicinal plant to treat various ailments such as fevers, headaches, stomach pains, and malaria. The plant contains various compounds that possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties, which make it effective in treating these conditions.
The species is also commonly used in the horticultural industry as an ornamental plant, thanks to its bright yellow flowerheads that bloom in autumn and winter.
General Appearance
The Helichrysum benguellense Hiern plant is a small, woody shrub that can reach up to one meter in height. Its stems are woody and covered in small hairs along their length. The leaves, which are oblong and slightly curved, grow between 2-5 cm long. The plant's flowerheads form clusters at the stem tips, and they are typically yellow or cream-colored. These flowers consist of tiny, scaly bracts and small yellow disc flowers that grow in the center.
Growth Conditions for Helichrysum benguellense Hiern
Helichrysum benguellense Hiern, commonly known as the Benguela everlasting, is a perennial plant found in Angola, Namibia, and Zambia. The plant requires specific growth conditions to thrive:
Light Requirements
The plant requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and flowering. It should be planted in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light will result in weak stems and stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
Helichrysum benguellense Hiern is adapted to hot and dry climates. The plant thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 4°C, but it may not flower as profusely. Extreme cold temperatures can kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Benguela everlasting prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be enriched with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve water retention and nutrient availability. The plant can tolerate sandy soils with low fertility but does poorly in clayey soils that retain too much water.
Roots of the plant should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and it should be watered sparingly during dry periods. Frequent watering can lead to root rot and plant death.
Cultivation
Helichrysum benguellense Hiern is a plant species that grows well in well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. It requires a warm and sunny climate and grows in areas with full sunlight exposure. The plant can adapt to various soil types, including sandy soils with low fertility levels. Propagation of Helichrysum benguellense Hiern can be done through seedlings or cuttings.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering depending on the climatic conditions and the stage of growth. During the dry season, the plant may require watering more frequently as the soil dries up fast, and the plant may lose its leaves. Overwatering may lead to root rot, whereas under-watering may cause the plant to wilt and stunt its growth. Irrigation should be done early in the day to reduce the chances of wetting the foliage and prevent fungus growth.
Fertilization
Helichrysum benguellense Hiern requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy plant growth. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer with sufficient amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied at the onset of the growing season and repeated after two months. Organic fertilizer is the best option as it improves soil health and fertility levels, which enhances plant growth and development. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning of Helichrysum benguellense Hiern is essential to maintain plant shape and improve flowering. Pruning involves removing old and faded flowers and stems to promote the growth of new and healthy ones. It is recommended to prune the plant after flowering. The pruning should be done using sterilized pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. Deadheading, which involves removing faded flowers, promotes plant growth and prolongs its flowering period.
Propagation of Helichrysum benguellense Hiern
Helichrysum benguellense Hiern is commonly known as a shrub that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a perennial plant that has yellow flowers and aromatic leaves. Proper propagation of Helichrysum benguellense Hiern is necessary to establish a successful garden. Here are some methods for propagating Helichrysum benguellense Hiern:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Helichrysum benguellense Hiern is through seed. You can start sowing the seeds indoors in spring, or directly in the garden soil after the last frost. Helichrysum benguellense Hiern prefers soil with good drainage and moderate moisture. The seeds will germinate in around two weeks and the plant will take around three months to reach maturity.
Cuttings propagation
Another way of propagating Helichrysum benguellense Hiern is through cuttings. Cuttings usually are of the stem or root. Stem cuttings should be taken in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Make the cuttings with a sharp and clean knife, around 4-6 inches long, and remove leaves from the bottom. Dip the bottom stem in rooting hormone, and place it into a pot with well-draining potting mix and water.
Root cuttings are taken in late autumn or winter when the plant is dormant. Dig up the plant, remove the roots and cut them into sections of around 2-3 inches. Place the cuttings in a pot with well-draining potting mix and water.
Division propagation
Division propagation is when the plant is lifted, separated into sections, and replanted. This method can only be done when the plant is relatively mature, and it can take some time for the plant to grow after it has been divided.
Propagation of Helichrysum benguellense Hiern can be done through different methods. Seeds are the most common way of propagating this plant. Cuttings and division are also successful, with cuttings being the most successful over time. Regardless of the method chosen, proper care and attention to the young plant ensures that it will grow to be a beautiful and healthy addition to any garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Helichrysum Benguellense Hiern
Helichrysum benguellense Hiern is a perennial plant that is susceptible to a few diseases and pests. Proper management of these diseases and pests is crucial to have healthy plants that can provide beautiful blooms.
Common diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Helichrysum benguellense is powdery mildew, which is caused by a fungal pathogen. This disease is characterized by a white powdery growth on the leaves and flowers. In severe cases, it can cause distorted growth and eventually lead to plant death. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to remove the infected leaves and flowers immediately to reduce the spread of the disease. Fungicides such as sulfur dust can also be applied to manage the disease.
Another common disease that affects Helichrysum benguellense is leaf spot, which is caused by a fungal pathogen as well. This disease causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove the infected leaves and apply fungicides such as copper-based products.
Common pests
One of the common pests that affect Helichrysum benguellense is aphids, which are small sap-sucking insects. These pests can cause distorted growth and reduce the quality of blooms. To manage aphids, it is important to remove the infested leaves and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Another effective method is the introduction of natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Thrips are another common pest that affect Helichrysum benguellense. These pests feed on the flowers, causing them to turn brown and distorted. To manage thrips, it is important to remove the infested flowers and apply insecticides such as neem oil or spinosad.
Preventive measures
To prevent diseases and pests from affecting Helichrysum benguellense, it is important to maintain proper sanitation practices. This includes removing dead and infected plant parts, keeping the plants well-spaced, and avoiding overhead watering, which can promote the spread of diseases. Also, it is important to give the plants adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients to keep them healthy and less susceptible to diseases and pests.
By implementing the above management practices, you can prevent and manage diseases and pests from affecting your Helichrysum benguellense, ensuring healthy plants that provide beautiful blooms.
