Pontechium maculatum
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Pontechium maculatum

Capul șarpelui

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
5–35 °C
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 4–9
Click count
30
Observations
49

Description

Source: wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Pontechium maculatum is a species of flowering plant in the borage family, Boraginaceae. It is the sole species in genus Pontechium. It is a biennial native to parts of Europe and western Asia, ranging from Poland and Austria through the Balkans and Ukraine to eastern European Russia, the Caucasus, Turkey, and Turkmenistan.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Pontechium maculatum, a plant native to Mediterranean climates, thrives in well-drained, dry soils and needs deep weekly watering to stay healthy. It adapts well to outdoor environments, benefiting from seasonal rains that align with its growth cycles. These conditions promote strong root development and overall robust vigor.

☀️ Light Full sun

Pontechium maculatum is a sun-loving perennial herbaceous plant native to open habitats, commonly found in meadows and grasslands. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C

Pontechium maculatum can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be restricted by particular combinations of moisture and heat. It grows best in warm summer conditions with sufficient rainfall or watering. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather, as well as prolonged high temperatures, increase the chance of Pontechium maculatum dying. In winter, shielding the plant from cold can enhance its survival.

Ideal temperature: 5–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

Early spring, when Pontechium maculatum is breaking dormancy and starting active growth, is the best time to fertilize. Fertilizing supplies essential nutrients for healthy development. Although Pontechium maculatum has fairly low fertilizer requirements, an annual application can boost its survival and encourage better, longer-lasting blooms.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Pontechium maculatum, known for its distinctive spotted leaves, benefits greatly from pruning in the spring. Start by removing dead stems to improve airflow, and trim any overgrown branches to maintain a pleasing shape. Pruning during periods of active growth not only enhances flowering but also promotes overall plant health. To prevent the spread of disease, always use sharp, sterilized tools.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Pontechium
Family
Boraginaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-9
Mature Height
30 cm to 91 cm
Mature Spread
40 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Gray, Silver
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
Red
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 1.52 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall
Native Area
Egypt, Turkey, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Armenia, Poland, Croatia, Ukraine, Lebanon, Russia, Serbia, Syria, Albania, Hungary

Tags (6)

Common Names (1)

en Capul șarpelui