Alpine Lousewort
pedicularis gyroflexa
Also known as: ["Alpine Lousewort"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial plant native to alpine regions, known for its distinctive hooded flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus: | Pedicularis |
| Botanical Name: | Pedicularis gyroflexa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or raised beds with good drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly gritty soil with organic matter; cactus mix or alpine soil works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Lightly prune after flowering; more intensive pruning in late winter or early spring if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to avoid scorching; provide afternoon shade in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Monitor for leaf scorch; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity; avoid deep shade for prolonged periods.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogging, especially in winter; ensure good drainage to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; amend with organic matter for better structure.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); thrives in cooler climates and may struggle in excessive heat.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; adjust watering based on seasonal changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to prevent nutrient buildup; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt accumulation; stop fertilizing in fall.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pots within 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; remove dead or damaged stems; deadhead spent flowers promptly.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead growth; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot one size larger (1–2 inches in diameter increase).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining mix; ensure proper drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; may need repotting if growth slows or drainage is poor.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply until water drains from the bottom but avoid wetting foliage; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth (spring/summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or root rot in cold, damp conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage, especially if combined with wet soil; may enter dormancy in winter.
Solution: Ensure well-drained soil to prevent cold-induced root rot; protect from frost with mulch or frost cloth; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering; may go dormant if conditions are too hot.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting; water deeply but infrequently to maintain root health.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; monitor for nutrient burn.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply monthly during active growth (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are susceptible to the pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Pedicularis gyroflexa, which can result in liver toxicity and related complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Pedicularis gyroflexa can lead to hepatic veno-occlusive disease in dogs, causing liver dysfunction over time.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicPedicularis gyroflexa contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage upon ingestion. The effects are cumulative and may not manifest immediately.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pedicularis gyroflexa toxic to pets?
A: Reliable information on toxicity to pets is not available.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Pedicularis gyroflexa?
A: It thrives in alpine conditions with well-drained soil and partial sunlight.
Q: Does Pedicularis gyroflexa attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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