Origin
Phacelia mutabilis Greene, commonly known as Tansy-leaf phacelia, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Boraginaceae. It is native to the western North America region, including California, Arizona, and Utah.
Common Names
Tansy-leaf phacelia is also commonly known as Tansy phacelia, Tansy-leaved phacelia, or Tansy scorpionweed.
Uses
Phacelia mutabilis Greene is a popular ornamental plant that is widely cultivated for its showy flowers. It is also known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional herbal medicine to treat various ailments such as arthritis, pain, and inflammation. Additionally, it is also used as a cover crop in agriculture to improve soil health and prevent erosion.
General Appearance
The Tansy-leaf phacelia is a small, annual plant that typically grows 15-50 cm tall. It has a single erect stem with multiple branches and is covered with soft white hairs. The leaves are fern-like and have a distinctive tansy-like odor, which is where it gets its common name. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and bloom in clusters from April to July, ranging in color from purple, lavender, and blue to white.
Light Requirements
Phacelia mutabilis Greene is a sun-loving plant and requires ample amounts of sunlight to grow well. Therefore, it should be planted in an area that receives full sun for most of the day. In inadequate light conditions, the plant may grow weakly, and the flowers may be fewer and smaller.
Temperature Requirements
Phacelia mutabilis Greene can tolerate a range of temperatures; however, it thrives in moderate temperatures. It grows well in temperatures ranging between 18°C to 27°C. Temperatures above 30°C can cause flower buds to abort. Frost and freezing temperatures can severely damage or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Phacelia mutabilis Greene prefers well-drained soils and thrives in soils that contain organic matter. The soil should be fertile, loose, and well-aerated. The pH of the soil should range between six and seven for optimal growth. Avoid planting the plant in heavy clay soils or soils that are poorly drained since this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation Methods for Phacelia Mutabilis Greene
Phacelia mutabilis Greene, also known as the butterfly phacelia, is an annual wildflower that is native to California. It's a low-maintenance plant that grows well in a range of soil types and climatic conditions. To cultivate this plant, the following methods should be considered:
- Planting: The seeds of Phacelia mutabilis Greene should be planted in the early spring when the soil is moist. They can be direct sown into the garden bed or started indoors and later transplanted outdoors. The planting depth should be shallow, about 1/8 inch deep.
- Sunlight: This plant thrives in full sunlight, so it should be planted in an area that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.
- Soil: Phacelia mutabilis Greene grows well in a range of soil types, but it performs best in well-draining soils with organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Spacing: The spacing between plants should be about 12 inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
Watering Needs of Phacelia Mutabilis Greene
Phacelia mutabilis Greene has moderate water needs and can tolerate some drought, but it needs to be watered regularly to maintain healthy growth. Here are some watering tips:
- Watering: Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water. This will help the roots develop deep into the soil.
- Drainage: Ensure that the soil has good drainage to prevent standing water, which could lead to root rot.
- Moisture: Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and ultimately kill the plant.
Fertilization of Phacelia Mutabilis Greene
Phacelia mutabilis Greene does not require much fertilization since it has low nutrient requirements. However, adding some compost or organic matter to the soil can improve plant growth and increase flowering. Here are some fertilization tips:
- Timing: Fertilization should be done at the time of planting or during the growing season when the plant shows signs of slowing growth.
- Amount: Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10, or use compost as a natural alternative. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Frequency: Fertilize once a month during the growing season.
Pruning of Phacelia Mutabilis Greene
Phacelia mutabilis Greene does not typically require pruning, but you can pinch back the tips of the new growth to encourage bushier growth and more flowering. Here are some pruning tips:
- Timing: Pinch back the tips of new growth when it reaches about 6 inches tall to promote branching.
- Tools: Use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
- Frequency: Pinch back the tips of new growth every few weeks throughout the growing season to encourage bushy growth and more blooms.
Propagation of Phacelia Mutabilis Greene
Phacelia mutabilis Greene is a relatively easy plant to propagate. There are two main methods of propagating Phacelia mutabilis Greene: through seeds and through cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest and most common way of propagating Phacelia mutabilis Greene is through seeds. The seeds of Phacelia mutabilis Greene can be sown directly into the ground in the fall or early spring. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix in an area that receives full sun. The seedlings should emerge within 10-14 days and the plants should be thinned to about 6-12 inches apart.
When collecting seeds from Phacelia mutabilis Greene, it is best to wait until the seed heads have turned brown and have started to open. Collect the seeds by gently shaking the seed heads into a paper or cloth bag. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until ready to be sown.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation of Phacelia mutabilis Greene can also be done through cuttings. Cuttings are taken from the plant during the growing season. It is best to take the cuttings in the morning while the plant is still cool and moist.
Take cuttings about 6-8 inches long from the top of the stem, making sure to include several nodes. Remove the lower leaves from the stem and dip the end of the cutting in a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist but not too wet. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity until roots have formed. Once roots have formed, the new plant can be transplanted into the garden.
Overall, the propagation of Phacelia mutabilis Greene is relatively easy and can be done through either seeds or cuttings.
Disease Management for Phacelia mutabilis Greene
Phacelia mutabilis Greene is generally disease-resistant, but it can sometimes be affected by fungal infections such as damping off, powdery mildew, and rust.
To manage damping off, it is important to use well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. Applying a fungicide to the soil can also help prevent the disease.
Powdery mildew can be managed through good air circulation and planting in areas with full sun exposure. Fungicide applications can also be effective.
Rust can be managed through the removal and disposal of infected plants. Fungicide applications can also be effective.
Pest Management for Phacelia mutabilis Greene
Phacelia mutabilis Greene can be affected by pests such as aphids, thrips, and spider mites.
To manage aphids, it is important to inspect the plants regularly and remove any infested leaves. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be applied to control aphids.
Thrips can be managed through the removal and disposal of infested plant parts. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be applied to control thrips.
Spider mites can be managed through good air circulation, preventing drought stress, and regular monitoring. If infestations occur, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied to control spider mites.
