Schavleria (Schaueria Flavicoma)
Schavleria
Schaueria flavicoma, commonly known as golden plume, is a shrubby flowering perennial of the Acanthus family that typically grows on branched stems to 2-4’ tall. It is native to tropical areas of Brazil. Glossy, shiny, narrow, undivided, toothless, undulate, minutely hairy, opposite green leaves grow to 6” long. Tubular, pale yellow flowers (each to 1 1/2” long) are borne in erect, feathery, shaggy, terminal panicles. Flowers have whitish-glandular-hairy calyxes and hairless corollas with a notched upper lip and three-lobed lower lip. Flowers bloom spring to fall, but may bloom year round in some tropical areas.
Justicia flavicoma is a former name for this plant and is considered by many to be a synonym. However, the name Schaueria flavicoma is considered by a number of botanical authorities at this point to be an unresolved name.
Genus name honors Johann Conrad Schauer (1813-184- , professor at Greifswald, Germany, who specialized in the study of Myrtaceae and Verbenaceae.
Specific epithet comes from the Latin flavicomus meaning yellow-haired in reference to the tufted flower clusters.
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-12 where it is best grown in somewhat coarse, peaty, fertile, consistently moist but well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun in the tropics, but part shade elsewhere. Best performance occurs in humid climates where temperatures rise to 75-80°F. during the day but drop to a minimum of 60°F. at night. Totally intolerant of frost. Propagate by cuttings and seed. Prune to shape at the conclusion of the flowering season.
May be grown as an indoor houseplant in warm, humid areas in bright part shade. Plants may be taken outdoors to sheltered locations in summer.
Hardiness zone | 10 - 12 |
Sun light | Full Sun To Part Shade |
Water | Medium |
Maintenance | Low |
No serious insect or disease problems.
Where winter hardy, golden plume is an attractive ornamentals for border fronts, flower beds and other sun to part shade landscape locations. My be grown in containers.
Common name | Schavleria |
Botanical name | Schaueria Flavicoma |
Plant type | Herbaceous Perennial |
Family | Acanthaceae |
Hardiness zone | 10 - 12 |
Water | Medium |
Maintenance | Low |
Flower color | Yellow Flowers |
Flowering period | Flowers Freely |
Height | 2 - 4 Ft. |
Width | 2 - 4 Ft. |