Great Hound's Tongue (Adelinia grande)

Also known as: Pacific Hound's Tongue

Great Hound's Tongue (Cynoglossum grande) is an herbaceous perennial known for its large leaves and delicate blue flowers. It flourishes in shaded woodlands with moist, well-drained soils and is not invasive. Blooming in spring, this plant draws in bees and hummingbirds, thus supporting local pollinator populations.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Great Hound's Tongue

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

61 cm to 91 cm

Spread

15-20 meters

Leaf Color

Dark Green

Flower Size

1 cm to 1.5 cm

Flower Color

Blue

Images of Great Hound's Tongue

Quickly Identify Great Hound's Tongue

To identify Adelinia grande, look for a large tree with dense, green foliage and prominent flowers. The leaves are broad and the tree often has a wide crown.

Scientific Classification of Great Hound's Tongue

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Fabales

Family

Borage

Genus

Pacific Hound's Tongue

Species

Great Hound's Tongue

Planting and Growing of Great Hound's Tongue

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Great Hound's Tongue?

For Adelinia grande, you should aim to thoroughly soak the soil until water drains from the bottom of the pot, ensuring that each session delivers approximately 500ml of water. This allows the water to reach the root zone without oversaturating the soil.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Great Hound's Tongue? ›

What should I do if my Great Hound's Tongue is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Great Hound's Tongue? ›

How to save an overwatered Great Hound's Tongue? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Great Hound's Tongue?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 3-6 hours

Adelinia grande benefits from partial sun to full shade conditions, typically receiving three to six hours of indirect sunlight. Ideal lighting supports vigorous growth, fosters rich foliage colors, and ensures structural integrity.

What is the ideal lighting for Adelinia grande? ›

How can you ensure the plant gets ideal light? ›

What are the benefits of optimal light for this plant? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Great Hound's Tongue?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

Adelinia grande thrives in an ideal temperature range of 65-75°F. These conditions mimic the plant's native subtropical environment, providing the necessary warmth and humidity for optimal growth. By maintaining these temperatures, the plant can perform photosynthesis effectively, ensuring robust growth and vibrant foliage.

What Soil is Best for Great Hound's Tongue?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6 ~ 7.5

Adelinia grande thrives in nutrient-rich soil that provides essential minerals for healthy growth. This requirement ensures robust root development and vigorous plant health, contributing to lush foliage and vibrant blooms. Good drainage is crucial for Adelinia grande as it prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Well-drained soil keeps the roots oxygenated and prevents fungal infections, ensuring the plant remains healthy and vibrant. This plant prefers soil that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. Moderate moisture retention supports consistent nutrient absorption and helps the plant withstand periods of drought, promoting resilience and stability.

How to Fertilize Great Hound's Tongue?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Adelinia grande, fertilization should be generous yet mindful. Liquid fertilizers should be diluted to half the recommended strength to prevent root burn while ensuring nutrient intake. Apply 50-100ml of diluted liquid fertilizer for each application to young plants and increase gradually as the plant matures.

How to Prune Great Hound's Tongue?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by identifying dead or damaged areas of the plant, including any discolored, dry, or wilted leaves. Remove these parts first, cutting right above the healthy node, which encourages healthy regrowth and allows the plant to focus its energy on flourishing areas. After removing dead sections, focus on shaping the plant. Cut back any overgrown areas to create a balanced appearance while maintaining the natural shape of Adelinia grande. Keep an eye out for crisscrossed branches that might restrict growth. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Great Hound's Tongue plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Choose healthy and disease-free stems for cuttings, ideally from the plant's current year's growth. The cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches long with several nodes visible.

Trim any leaves from the lower half of the cuttings to reduce moisture loss and dip the cut ends in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development.

Insert the treated cuttings into a moist, well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least one node is buried. Water lightly to settle the soil and avoid compressing the planting medium.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Great Hound's Tongue plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Adelinia grande needs repotting when its roots start emerging from the pot's drainage holes, indicating that it has outgrown its current container. Another signal is slowed growth despite optimal care. Repotting during its active growing seasons, like spring or summer, ensures the plant adapts quickly to its new home.

Select a pot that is no more than 2 inches larger in diameter than the previous one. This prevents overwatering risks while providing enough space for root expansion. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to keep excess water from harming the roots by creating a soggy environment.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix with organic matter like coco coir or peat combined with perlite or pumice. This mixture ensures moisture retention while preventing waterlogging, thus promoting healthy root growth. The right soil mix balances water retention and drainage efficiently.