Azorina vidalii

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Azorina vidalii
Light:Full Sun
Moisture:Xeric Mesic
Hardiness:9
Soil pH:5.6-8.4
Evergreen
Height:1'
Width:1'
Blooms:Early Summer-Mid Summer
Edible Rating:PFAF Edibility RatingPFAF Edibility RatingPFAF Edibility Rating
Tea:Yes
Poisonous

Azorina vidalii

Propagation: Seed - surface sow in mid spring in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 4 weeks at 18°c[1]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Cultivation: Requires a moist but very free-draining soil of medium fertility and a sunny position.

This species is not very hardy outdoors in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about 0°c[2]. It can possibly be grown outdoors in the mildest areas of the country if given the protection of a sunny wall.

A short-lived plant, tending to rot in humid conditions[2].

Flowers tend to be white on plants grown in greenhouses, but turn pink on outdoor plants[2].

Range: Azores.

Habitat: Sea cliffs[2].

Edibility: Leaves - raw. An excellent sweet flavour, the leaves can be used like lettuce in salads, though the plant is not very productive[K]. It is important to only harvest individual side leaves, if the growing tip is harvested the shoot will usually die off[K].

Pollinators: Insects

Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.

Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.

In Leaf: Evergreen

Seed Ripens: Mid Summer-Late Summer

Flower Type: Hermaphrodite

Links

References

  1. Bird, R. Growing from Seed Volume 3. Thompson and Morgan, 1989.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2. Pan Books, London, 1998.