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(Pycnostachys urticifolia)
Blue Witches Hat (Pycnostachys urticifolia)
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Salicyna
CC BY-SA 4.0
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Salicyna
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Salicyna | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Salicyna | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Pycnostachys urticifolia, commonly known as Blue Witches Hat, is an evergreen shrub native to the grasslands and open woodlands of Southeastern Africa, including countries like Tanzania and Mozambique. This plant typically grows to a height and width of 4-7 feet (1.2-2.1 meters), presenting a rounded, bushy appearance. The striking blue flowers, which bloom in the spring and winter, are tubular and arranged in dense, terminal spikes, providing a showy display that can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Blue Witches Hat is valued for its vibrant blue flowers and year-round foliage, making it a popular choice for tropical and subtropical gardens. It is often used in borders, as a specimen plant, or in butterfly gardens due to its attractiveness to pollinators. While it prefers full sun to part shade, it is adaptable to a range of light conditions. The plant is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in well-drained soils. It is not commonly plagued by diseases or pests, but it can be sensitive to frost and may require protection in cooler climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Blue Witches Hat is valued for its vibrant blue flowers and year-round foliage, making it a popular choice for tropical and subtropical gardens. It is often used in borders, as a specimen plant, or in butterfly gardens due to its attractiveness to pollinators. While it prefers full sun to part shade, it is adaptable to a range of light conditions. The plant is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in well-drained soils. It is not commonly plagued by diseases or pests, but it can be sensitive to frost and may require protection in cooler climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 4-7 feet
- Width: 4-7 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to grasslands and open woodlands of Southeastern Africa
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Pycnostachys urticifolia, Coleus livingstonei, Pycnostachys pubescens, Coleus urticifolius, Pycnostachys urticifolia var. pubescens,
GBIF Accepted Name: Pycnostachys urticifolia Hook.