Origin and Common Names
Helichrysum formosissimum (Sch.Bip.) Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. var. volkensii (O.Hoffm.) Hedberg, commonly known as the Volkens' everlasting or the purple everlasting, is a plant species that belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). The plant is native to East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania, where it grows naturally in grasslands, shrublands, rocky hills, and open woodlands.
Description and General Appearance
The Volkens' everlasting is a perennial herb that grows up to 80 cm in height. The plant has numerous branches with yellow-green leaves that are linear and covered with fine hairs. The flower heads are small and are clustered into inflorescences that form at the tips of the branches. The flower heads are typically reddish-purple or pink, with prominent golden-yellow disk florets that give it a distinct appearance. The plant produces small seeds that are dispersed through wind or insects.
Uses
The Volkens' everlasting has several medicinal properties and has been used traditionally in African medicine to treat various ailments, including respiratory infections, stomach problems, and wounds. Extracts from the plant have also been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The plant is also valued for its ornamental purposes, where it is grown in gardens for its beautiful and long-lasting flowers.
In conclusion, the Volkens' everlasting is a beautiful and valuable plant species that has a diverse range of uses, including medicinal and ornamental purposes. Its distinct appearance and cultural significance make it an important part of East African flora.
Light Requirements
Helichrysum formosissimum var. volkensii grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate high levels of light, but it may not perform as well in areas with intense heat or overly bright sunlight. In partial shade, it grows more slowly but tends to produce more flowers and maintain its color.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from 50°F to 86°F (10°C to 30°C). It prefers moderate temperatures between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), but it can tolerate extreme temperatures above or below what it prefers. However, it may suffer from frost damage if exposed to temperatures below 32°F (0°C) for extended periods.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Helichrysum formosissimum var. volkensii should be well-draining, with a pH between 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate soils with lower or higher pH levels, but it may stunt its growth and cause nutrient deficiencies. Sandy loam to loamy soils are preferred for this plant, as they enable better root development and hold sufficient moisture. However, it can adapt to a range of soil types as long as they do not become waterlogged or too dry.
Cultivation Methods
Helichrysum formosissimum var. volkensii is a perennial plant that prefers growing in well-drained soils with good organic matter content. The plant requires full sunlight exposure to thrive and is therefore recommended for outdoor gardening. Planting can be done through the division of roots or through seed germination. The best planting time is during early spring when the soil temperature is at least 60°F.
Watering Needs
The plant prefers moderate watering, and it is best to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged. Always check the soil moisture content before watering and give the plant a good, deep soak around the roots when the top inch of soil is dry. In the mid-summer, when temperatures are high, it may be necessary to water the plant more frequently, ensuring that excess water drains quickly.
Fertilization
For optimal growth and flowering, It is recommended that you fertilize the plants once every two weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it may lead to excessive foliage growth but fewer flowers. Applying compost to the soil before planting or as a top dressing is also highly beneficial.
Pruning
Pruning helps to maintain the shape of the plant and promote bushy growth. When the plant reaches six inches in height, pinch off the top two inches to encourage lateral branching, which increases the number of flowers in the long run. Pruning should be done just after the flowering period. Remove all dead flowers and any damaged leaves to promote healthy growth. Pruning helps to control the plant's height and spread while promoting a bushy structure.
Propagation Methods for Helichrysum formosissimum (Sch.Bip.) Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. var. volkensii (O.Hoffm.) Hedberg
Helichrysum formosissimum (Sch.Bip.) Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. var. volkensii (O.Hoffm.) Hedberg, also known as the Silver plant or African strawflower, is a beautiful perennial plant with purple or pink flowers. This plant is native to Africa and can be propagated through different methods.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest way to propagate Helichrysum formosissimum (Sch.Bip.) Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. var. volkensii (O.Hoffm.) Hedberg is by sowing seeds. The best season to sow seeds is during the spring. Before sowing, the soil should be loosened up, and the seeds should be sown at a depth of about 2 mm. The spacing between the seeds should be around 20-30 cm apart. The germination period for the seeds is between 2 to 3 weeks.
Propagation by cuttings
Helichrysum formosissimum (Sch.Bip.) can also be propagated through cuttings. It is preferable to take cuttings during the growing season (spring to summer) when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be around 10 cm in length, and the leaves at the base should be removed. The cuttings should then be planted into a rooting medium and placed in a warm, humid environment to promote rooting. Once the roots are established, cuttings can be transplanted to a different location.
Propagation by division
Propagating Helichrysum formosissimum (Sch.Bip.) can also be done by dividing the rhizome during the springtime. The plant should be lifted carefully without damaging the rhizome system. The rhizomes should then be divided into smaller sections, and each section should have at least one shoot. These sections can then be planted into a new location or container.
Helichrysum formosissimum (Sch.Bip.) Sch.Bip. ex A.Rich. var. volkensii (O.Hoffm.) Hedberg is a wonderful plant to have in the garden or indoors. With the different propagation methods listed above, you can easily propagate and grow this plant on your own.
Disease Management
Helichrysum formosissimum var. volkensii is prone to various diseases, including:
- Botrytis: This fungal disease causes grey mold to form on the leaves and stems. It is usually brought about by high humidity and plant overcrowding.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. It causes the roots to rot, leading to wilting and eventually death.
- Leaf spot: This disease causes dark spots to form on the leaves, which can lead to defoliation if not treated.
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene. This includes removing any diseased plant matter, providing good air circulation, and avoiding overcrowding plants. In addition, fungicides and bactericides can be used to treat infected plants. However, prevention is always better than cure, so it is important to follow good plant care practices.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, Helichrysum formosissimum var. volkensii can also be affected by various pests, including:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They can be controlled through the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and distortion of the leaves. They can be managed by keeping the humidity levels low and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Thrips: These small insects feed on the flowers and leaves, causing distortion and browning. They can be controlled through the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
It is important to catch pest infestations early to prevent damage to the plant. Regular inspection and good plant hygiene can help prevent pest problems. In addition, using biological controls such as ladybugs or lacewings can help manage pest populations.
