Long-leaved whorlflower Morina longifolia

Water

The Whorlflower should be watered thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not saturated. It's best to water the plant once a week, allowing the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings. In warmer and drier climates, this may mean watering every few days, while in cooler, damp climates, the plant may require less frequent watering. Adjust the schedule as necessary for the plant's environment, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Typically, use 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session.

Light

Whorlflower thrives in full sun to partial shade, so it's best positioned in a location where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If you're growing the plant indoors, place it near a south-facing window. Avoid deep shade locations, as too little light can hinder the growth and blooming of the Whorlflower.

Temperature

Whorlflower prefers temperate conditions and can tolerate a range from 50°F to 77°F. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about 32°F, but it's best to avoid prolonged exposure to such cold conditions. Ideal temperatures for this plant are between 60°F and 70°F, where it can grow healthily without stress from excessive heat or cold.

Pruning

Prune the Whorlflower to remove dead or faded flowers and to maintain its shape. This encourages new growth and more blooms. Pruning should be done after the flowering season ends, usually in the fall. Cut back the plant by about a third of its height, and remove any damaged or diseased stems to keep the plant healthy. Pruning once a year is typically enough to keep the Whorlflower looking its best.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Whorlflower, or Morina longifolia, thrives best in a soil mix that is rich, well-draining, and slightly acidic to neutral, with an ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix can be created using a blend of garden loam, peat or leaf mold, and sharp sand to improve drainage.

Repotting

Whorlflower does not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every two to three years as it prefers to be slightly root-bound. When repotting, handle the taproot carefully to prevent damage.

Humidity & Misting

Whorlflower prefers moderate humidity levels, akin to its native Himalayan habitat, but is tolerant of a range of humidity conditions as long as it is not too dry. Consistent moisture without waterlogging is key for its well-being.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, cool temps, and good air circulation for Whorlflower.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun to part shade, provide adequate space and well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  Whorlflower is suitable for USDA zones 5-8.

Life cycle

Morina longifolia, commonly known as whorlflower, begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires stratification or a period of cold to germinate effectively. Upon germination, a seedling emerges and establishes a rosette of basal leaves in its first year, followed by the development of a deep taproot. In its second year, the plant sends up a tall flowering stalk, which bears distinctive whorls of tubular flowers that are pink or white in color, attracting pollinators. After flowering and pollination, the plant sets seeds, which are distributed by wind or animals, allowing for the potential colonization of new areas. The parent plant may die after setting seed, exhibiting a biennial lifecycle, or it can persist as a perennial, producing new flowering stalks in subsequent years. As a perennial, Morina longifolia can also propagate vegetatively through its roots, expanding its growth clonally.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to summer

• Morina longifolia, commonly known as the Whorlflower, is typically propagated by seed. The most popular method involves sowing seeds as soon as they are ripe in late summer. Seeds should be scattered on the surface of well-draining seed starting mix, barely covered with soil, and kept moist. They require a cold period to germinate, so providing a winter stratification period either naturally by outdoor sowing or artificially by placing the seeded containers in a refrigerator (at about 40°F or 4.4°C) for approximately four to six weeks can be beneficial. After stratification, the seeds should be moved to a warmer environment where temperatures are around 60-70°F (15.6-21.1°C), which will encourage sprouting. Once seedlings are strong enough, they can be pricked out and transplanted into individual pots and later into their final position in the garden.