Blue Lace Flower
The Blue Lace Flower (Trachymene coerulea) is an evergreen perennial flowering herb native to Australia. It features an upright growing habit and a bushy appearance, making it an excellent addition to any flower bed, border or container. Its airy foliage is adorned with many stunning and delicate blue-lavender, fan-shaped blooms from late spring into early fall. It's very popular with bees and butterflies, forming a good ornamental plant choice for attractive landscaping in a temperate climate.
This plant is quite undemanding when it comes to watering as long as its roots never completely dry out. During the warmer months, water evenly and generously. Be careful to not overwater since this will cause root rot and could kill the plant. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out before you water it again.
Blue Lace Flower really thrives in full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade. It does best in cooler conditions and will require some protection from the hot summer rays. If you're planning to keep your plant outdoors, place it in an area that receives 6 to 8 hours of filtered sunlight each day.
The Blue Lace Flower plant is frost-hardy and can tolerate temperatures declined as low as 10° to 20° Fahrenheit (-12° to -6° Celsius). In temperatures between 30° and 40° Fahrenheit (-1° and 4° Celsius), it will form a dormant period that lasts from November to March. However, temperatures exceeding 80° Fahrenheit (27° Celsius) will cause the plant to discomfort.
This plant appreciates a moderate level of humidity. It prefers a relative humidity between 40% and 60%. To increase the humidity around your plant, use a humidity tray by placing several pebbles or stones on a plate and filling the plate up with water. Place your plant above the plate without touching the water.
Blue Lace Flower prefers a well-drained sandy and loamy soil rich with organic matter and an acid to neutral pH level (between 6.0 and 7.5). The soil should be light and airy so the plant can absorb the nutrients it needs without getting roots rot. A good soil mix can be created with equal parts of sphagnum peat moss, compost, and coarse sand.
During the growing season, you can feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks. When repotting your plant it's advisable to mix a slow-release fertilizer in the potting soil. This will provide nutrients to your plant throughout the growing season and will help promote strong flowers.
Fungal diseases, such as leaf spots, gray mold, and white rust, may occasionally be an issue with this plant when grown in shady or humid conditions. Mealybugs and aphids are also known to infest this plant. To prevent infestations, keep the foliage dry and free from any dead or decaying leaves. For more serious infestations, use natural or plant-safe insecticides.
Repotting your Blue Lace Flower isn't often necessary since it prefers a root-bound environment. The best time to do this is when the plant is in its dormant period, usually between November and March. If you do need to repot your plant, pick a pot that is slightly bigger than the current one. It should have good drainage holes so the soil does not remain waterlogged.
Pruning is an important part of caring for this plant. It encourages new growth and helps keep your plant looking its best. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before the plant starts to bloom. Cut off any dead or damaged branches and also remove any branches that are crossing. This will help to improve the overall shape and growth of your plant.
Mulching the soil around the plant is a great way to conserve moisture and keep the soil cool. It also prevents weeds from competing for your plant’s nutrients and water. Be sure to use an organic material such as bark mulch or compost.
The Blue Lace Flower can be propagated from cuttings taken in spring or early summer. Cut a 3-4 inch piece of stem and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a container filled with a light and airy potting mix. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once the cutting forms roots, it can be transplanted to its final location.
This plant is known for its upright growing habit and does not need any support in the garden. However, if providing support for potted plants, a stake or trellis can be used.
During the winter and early spring, your Blue Lace Flower will go into a dormancy period. This is a beneficial for your plant, as it allows it to rest and rejuvenate before the new growing season begins. During this period, reduce watering and minimize fertilizing.
No, the Blue Lace Flower is not toxic to pets.
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