Elephant Head Betony
Pedicularis groenlandica
zones 3-4
75 seeds
The intriguing, elongated flower clusters grow from the top half of its relatively tall, thick, ridged stalks (reddish when young, later green). The lower portions bear toothed, fern-like leaves. Individual flowers are characterized by a curved, projecting upper lip like the trunk of an elephant with a three-lobed lower lip; the side lobes resemble ears. A middle lobe lies beneath, somewhat hidden. The plant's habitats are mountain stream sides and boggy meadows.
Seeds require approximately 120 days cold stratification. Gibrellic acid treatment is recommended for Pedicularis. Seeds are lightly covered a growing media of 6 parts milled sphagnum peat to 1 part each perlite and vermiculite. Since Elephant Head Betony is a hemiparasite it is best to introduce a host plant to the growing container in order for seedlings to develop healthy root systems and vigorous growth. Host plants include Ribes sp., Castilleja sp., Streamside Arnica, Shooting Stars, Blue Camas, and meadow grasses.
Container plants should be watered regularly throughout the summer, gradually decreasing irrigation throughout September and October, giving plants one thorough soaking prior to winter dormancy.
It usually takes two years for Elephant Betony to bloom.
Pedicularis groenlandica
zones 3-4
75 seeds
The intriguing, elongated flower clusters grow from the top half of its relatively tall, thick, ridged stalks (reddish when young, later green). The lower portions bear toothed, fern-like leaves. Individual flowers are characterized by a curved, projecting upper lip like the trunk of an elephant with a three-lobed lower lip; the side lobes resemble ears. A middle lobe lies beneath, somewhat hidden. The plant's habitats are mountain stream sides and boggy meadows.
Seeds require approximately 120 days cold stratification. Gibrellic acid treatment is recommended for Pedicularis. Seeds are lightly covered a growing media of 6 parts milled sphagnum peat to 1 part each perlite and vermiculite. Since Elephant Head Betony is a hemiparasite it is best to introduce a host plant to the growing container in order for seedlings to develop healthy root systems and vigorous growth. Host plants include Ribes sp., Castilleja sp., Streamside Arnica, Shooting Stars, Blue Camas, and meadow grasses.
Container plants should be watered regularly throughout the summer, gradually decreasing irrigation throughout September and October, giving plants one thorough soaking prior to winter dormancy.
It usually takes two years for Elephant Betony to bloom.
Pedicularis groenlandica
zones 3-4
75 seeds
The intriguing, elongated flower clusters grow from the top half of its relatively tall, thick, ridged stalks (reddish when young, later green). The lower portions bear toothed, fern-like leaves. Individual flowers are characterized by a curved, projecting upper lip like the trunk of an elephant with a three-lobed lower lip; the side lobes resemble ears. A middle lobe lies beneath, somewhat hidden. The plant's habitats are mountain stream sides and boggy meadows.
Seeds require approximately 120 days cold stratification. Gibrellic acid treatment is recommended for Pedicularis. Seeds are lightly covered a growing media of 6 parts milled sphagnum peat to 1 part each perlite and vermiculite. Since Elephant Head Betony is a hemiparasite it is best to introduce a host plant to the growing container in order for seedlings to develop healthy root systems and vigorous growth. Host plants include Ribes sp., Castilleja sp., Streamside Arnica, Shooting Stars, Blue Camas, and meadow grasses.
Container plants should be watered regularly throughout the summer, gradually decreasing irrigation throughout September and October, giving plants one thorough soaking prior to winter dormancy.
It usually takes two years for Elephant Betony to bloom.