Lady's Dragon
dracocephalum ruyschiana
Also known as: ["Lady's Dragon","Dragon's Head"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with spikes of small, two-lipped flowers, typically lavender or pinkish in color.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","medicinal use"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Dracocephalum |
| Botanical Name: | Dracocephalum ruyschiana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or raised beds with good drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to bright indirect light; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day preferred, especially in cooler climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. Place in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with sand or perlite.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C). Tolerates cooler conditions but avoids extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength
Use a balanced fertilizer; dilute to half strength; fertilize only during active growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light and consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can 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 soil mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back stems to just above a leaf node or bud; remove dead or damaged growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or weak stems.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilized scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; shape the plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
Checklist
Check root boundness; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce in winter.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage. Water until it drains from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry out completely before the next watering.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks, depending on conditions.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in response to extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause leaf damage or dieback if exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures.
Solution: Protect from frost; move indoors or to a sheltered location in winter; provide a layer of mulch to insulate roots.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow or stop in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but still allow soil to dry between waterings.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growing season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest Dracocephalum ruyschiana. The plant's essential oils can irritate the feline digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Dracocephalum ruyschiana can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant's compounds may cause irritation to the dog's digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicDracocephalum ruyschiana contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and allergic reactions in some individuals. The plant's essential oils may irritate the digestive tract upon ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Dracocephalum ruyschiana edible?
A: While not commonly consumed, it has been used in traditional medicine and may have culinary applications in some cultures.
Q: How often should I water Dracocephalum ruyschiana?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Q: Does Dracocephalum ruyschiana attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its fragrant flowers are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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