Zenobia

Plant Characteristics
Habit		shrub
Lifespan:	⌛	perennial
Origin:	✈	SE USA

Cultivation

Exposure:	☼	part-sun
Water:	◍	moist
Features:	✓	flowers, fragrance

Scientific Names
Ericacea >	Zenobia >

Read about Zenobia in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture
Zenobia (after Zenobia, queen of Palmyra, who lived in the third century; a fanciful allusion to her having been chained as was Andromeda, whose name is commemorated by a closely allied genus). Ericaceae. Ornamental shrub grown for its handsome white flowers, and also for the foliage which is covered with a bluish white bloom in one form. Deciduous or half-evergreen: lvs. alternate, short-petioled, crenulate or entire: fls. in axillary clusters forming terminal racemes on the upper part of last year's branches; calyx 5-lobed, with short valvate lobes; corolla campanulate, as broad as high, obtusely 5-lobed; stamens 10; anthers with 4 slender awns: caps. depressed-globose, obscurely 5-lobed, somewhat carinate at the dorsal sutures, loculicidally 5-valved; seeds numerous, small, oval, angled.—One species in N. Amer., closely allied to Andromeda and Pieris but chiefly distinguished by the open-campanulate fls. and 4-awned anthers. Zenobia is a low bush with medium-sized short-petioled leaves entire or nearly so and with handsome white nodding flowers in clusters along the upper part of last year's branches. It is hardy as far north as Massachusetts, and a very handsome shrub for borders of shrubberies, particularly when in bloom; the glaucous form is one of the most conspicuous shrubs with light-colored foliage. After flowering, the flower-bearing part of the shoots should be cut off. Zenobia is also recommended for forcing. It thrives best in a sandy or peaty soil. Propagation is by seeds and by layers; also by cuttings of half-ripened wood in July placed in gentle heat, or by greenwood cuttings from forced plants. See, also, Andromeda and Pieris for culture. The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.

The single species in this genus in the heath (Ericaceae) family is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub found naturally in southeastern USA. Found on open heathland and in pine forest clearings. Notable for beautiful flowers and their pleasant scent. Foliage sometimes develops red tints in autumn.

Cultivation

Grow well in humus-rich, acidic soil. Keep roots cool and moist. Like part shade. Can take strong frosts. Prune after flowering if desired.

Propagation

Seeds or cuttings. Alteror summer cuttings. Layering or suckers should work as well.

Pests and diseases

Do you have pest and disease info on this plant? Edit this section!

Species

Species include:

Zenobia pulverulenta

Gallery

If you have a photo of this plant, please upload it! Plus, there may be other photos available for you to add.

photo 1
photo 2
photo 3

References

Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture, by L. H. Bailey, MacMillan Co., 1963
Flora: The Gardener's Bible, by Sean Hogan. Global Book Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0881925381

External links

w:Zenobia. Some of the material on this page may be from Wikipedia, under the Creative Commons license.
Zenobia QR Code (Size 50, 100, 200, 500)