Crepis pulchra — a medium houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Crepis pulchra

Crepis Pulchra

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ON THIS PLANT

Crepis pulchra is a European species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae with the common name smallflower hawksbeard. It is widespread across much of Europe as well as in Morocco, Algeria, and western and central Asia. It has also become naturalized in the parts of the United States and in the Canadian Province of Ontario.Crepis pulchra is an annual herb up to 100 cm (40 inches) tall. One plant can produce as many as 40 flower heads, each with as many as 30 yellow ray florets but no disc florets. SubspeciesCrepis pulchra subsp. pulchra Crepis pulchra subsp. turkestanica Babc.

A note from PlantMom

Smooth hawksbeard shows strong resistance to disease and is typically not prone to illnesses. However, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its surroundings, though these problems are usually minor. In terms of care, the plant requires a moderate level of maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to maintain an attractive appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Smooth hawksbeard is appropriate for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive care experience. It may need more attentive care when grown indoors.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Crepis Pulchra.

Light

The smooth hawksbeard prefers spots that receive largely unobstructed sunlight for most of the day, which supports healthy growth. It can also prosper in areas with moderate light penetration. Its native habitat shapes this sunlight preference. Excessive or insufficient sun exposure can negatively affect its growth.

Water

Smallflower hawksbeard thrives in environments with moderate moisture and needs soil that remains consistently damp. It is important to water the plant weekly to prevent waterlogging. Although it is usually grown outdoors to take advantage of natural rainfall, maintaining soil moisture is crucial for its optimal growth, particularly during the growing season.

Temperature

Smooth hawksbeard originates from habitats where temperatures range from 68 to 95°F (20 to 35°C). The plant favors moderate warmth but can tolerate somewhat higher temperatures. In winter, a heated greenhouse is best.

Fertilizer

Smooth hawksbeard benefits from regular, dilute applications of fertilizer to encourage healthy leaf development. You should fertilize Smooth hawksbeard about once a month during the summer months. Nitrogen is essential for foliage, and adding nitrogen-rich sources helps Smooth hawksbeard thrive.

Pruning

To maintain the optimal health and shape of smallflower hawksbeard, it's best to prune during early to late spring. Focus on removing dead stems and trimming any overgrown parts. Avoid heavy pruning to preserve its delicate structure. By pruning at the right time, you can enhance flowering and reduce the risk of disease. Remember to always use clean, sharp tools for the best results.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual, Biennial, Perennial
Genus
Crepis
Family
Asteraceae
Hardiness Zone
3-9
Mature Height
10 cm to 91 cm
Mature Spread
10 cm to 49 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 1.52 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Autumn
Harvest Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Native Area
India, Austria, Sweden, Slovakia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Belarus, Russia, Germany, Romania, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Portugal, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Poland, Ukraine, Serbia, Lithuania, Norway, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, Albania, Ireland, United Kingdom, Hungary
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Hawk's-beard en Small-flower hawk's-beard en Smallflower hawksbeard en Small-flowered Hawk's-beard en Small-flowered hawksbeard en Handsome hawksbeard
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Smallflower hawksbeard plant?

To water Smallflower hawksbeard, you have several options for watering tools such as a garden hose with a spray nozzle or a watering can. The plant is not particular about the type of water it receives and can thrive with rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. It is best to avoid watering this plant from above as it can harm the leaves and flowers and potentially cause disease. Setting up a drip irrigation system is often the most effective method for watering Smallflower hawksbeard, as it allows for even and direct application of water to the soil. For a Smallflower hawksbeard in a container, you can use a cup, watering can, or tap to water it directly into the soil.

How much sunlight is required for Smallflower hawksbeard?

Smallflower hawksbeard thrives in environments with full sun, needing more than 6 hours of sunlight a day for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial sun, which means about 3-6 hours of sunlight daily, but prefers full sun to reach its full potential. Watching the sunlight's movement through your garden will help you find the perfect spots that offer a balance of light and shade, ensuring your plants grow healthy and happy.

What should I do if I give my Smallflower hawksbeard too much water or too little water?

To prevent underwatering Smallflower hawksbeard, it's recommended to water the plant regularly when you notice it lacks moisture. Overwatering, on the other hand, can be a more serious problem that may lead to diseases and decline of the plant. To avoid overwatering, choose a suitable location for growing the plant with ample sunlight and good drainage to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. If you have overwatered your Smallflower hawksbeard in a pot, consider changing it to a new pot with better drainage. Repot the plant using loose soil and an efficiently draining pot.

What are the effects of insufficient sunlight on Smallflower hawksbeard, and how can artificial lighting help?

When Smallflower hawksbeard, a plant known for its love of sunshine, is grown indoors or in conditions with inadequate light, it may show signs of struggle such as smaller leaves, sparse growth, early leaf drop, slowed or stopped growth, lighter-colored new leaves, and symptoms associated with too much sunlight like chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. To combat these issues, especially in less sunny spaces or during winter, artificial lighting can be a lifesaver. LED lights, which can be customized to provide specific wavelengths, mimic natural sunlight by ensuring the plants receive anywhere from 10-50W/sq ft of artificial light depending on their natural sunlight requirements, with the light source placed 12-36 inches above the plant for 8-12 hours a day to imitate natural daylight hours.

How frequently do I need to water my Smallflower hawksbeard?

To keep Smallflower hawksbeard healthy, it's important to water it regularly. In the spring, once a week should be sufficient. As the weather gets hotter, you may need to water it two to three times a week. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can harm the plant. Regardless of how often you water, make sure the soil stays moist but not overly wet. If you have Smallflower hawksbeard in a pot, you'll need to water it more often since the soil in pots tends to dry out faster. In most cases, watering a container-grown Smallflower hawksbeard a few times per week is necessary, compared to once per week for a plant in the ground.

What are some solutions for addressing symptoms of light deficiency in Smallflower hawksbeard?

To remedy symptoms of light deficiency in Smallflower hawksbeard, indoor plants should be gradually moved to sunnier locations until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, utilizing south-facing windows and keeping curtains open for maximum light. For plants that are large or hard to move, consider providing artificial light, keeping a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or investing in professional plant grow lights. Outdoors, plants should be moved to sunnier spots gradually to avoid shock. If trees or other obstructions limit sunlight, pruning or transplanting during the plant's dormant period may be necessary to ensure ample sunlight and good drainage, promoting healthy new growth in areas previously affected by low light.

How much water does my Smallflower hawksbeard plant need?

There are a few ways to decide how much water to give your Smallflower hawksbeard. Some gardeners prefer to gauge the soil moisture by feeling it, and suggest watering until the top six inches are moist. Another option is using a specific measurement, like roughly two gallons per week, adjusting for heat and soil dryness. However, following set guidelines might lead to overwatering if your plant needs less. When growing Smallflower hawksbeard in a container, a different method is needed. You should water until all soil layers are moist, which can be checked by sticking a finger in the soil or seeing water trickle from drainage holes.

How can I know if I am giving enough water to my Smallflower hawksbeard?

Avoiding overwatering your Smallflower hawksbeard can be a bit challenging. On one side, these plants need regular soil moisture due to their deep roots. However, they are highly prone to root rot and browning if overwatered. Underwatering is less of a concern as these plants can survive for a while without additional watering. But, if you go too long without giving them water, they will likely wilt and develop dry leaves.

How should I water my Smallflower hawksbeard plant throughout the year?

As the seasons progress, your Smallflower hawksbeard's water requirements will change. In spring, you should water once a week. However, as the summer heat sets in, you will need to increase the watering frequency to about three times a week, especially if your Smallflower hawksbeard is in a container which tends to dry out faster. In autumn, when the temperature drops and the sun is less intense, your Smallflower hawksbeard may need less water even though it is still blooming.

How do I water my Smallflower hawksbeard when it is growing at different stages?

Throughout the year, Smallflower hawksbeard goes through different growth stages that have varying water needs. Starting with the seed, it is important to provide more water during the germination stage. This means watering the plant frequently to maintain soil moisture. After a few weeks, when the Smallflower hawksbeard grows above the soil, it will require slightly less water than during the seedling phase. Once the plant is fully mature, regular watering once a week is sufficient. However, during flower development, it may be necessary to give slightly more water to support the process.

How does watering Smallflower hawksbeard indoors compare to watering it outdoors?

Most Smallflower hawksbeard prefer to grow outdoors rather than indoors for a few reasons. First, they tend to grow tall, which may be difficult to accommodate indoors. Second, these plants require more sunlight than most indoor locations can provide. However, if you can provide a suitable indoor growing location, be aware that you may need to water your Smallflower hawksbeard more frequently than you would outdoors. This is because indoor environments are generally drier due to HVAC units, and container soil can dry out quickly compared to soil in the ground.

PLATES
Crepis pulchra leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Crepis pulchra leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Crepis pulchra flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Crepis pulchra flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Crepis pulchra fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Crepis pulchra fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit
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