Origin and Common Names
Agalinis decemloba (Greene) Pennell, also known as ten-lobed false foxglove, is a native North American plant species that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. It is commonly found in eastern and midwestern regions of the United States and Canada, growing in dry savannas, sand prairies, and open woods.
The plant has several common names, including ten-lobed agalinis, prairie agalinis, and smooth foxglove.
General Appearance
The ten-lobed false foxglove has a unique appearance, characterized by its numerous narrow leaves that are usually 1-2 inches long and less than ¼ inch wide. The stems are slender, ranging from 8-40 inches tall, and have a smooth texture with green or brown coloring. The flowers of this species are pink, tubular-shaped, and ½ inch long, with ten oblong to linear lobes on the corolla. The blooms grow in clusters along the upper half of the stem and usually bloom from August to October.
Uses
The ten-lobed false foxglove is an important pollinator plant species and supports the survival of other plant species and wildlife. The nectar and pollen of the plant attract many insect species, including bees and butterflies, which help to pollinate the flowers. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various health problems by Native American tribes, including fevers, coughs, and sore throats.
In modern times, the plant is also cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its distinctive appearance and vibrant pink blooms. It is a popular addition to prairie gardens and rock gardens, as well as used in naturalistic landscaping designs.
Light Requirements
Agalinis decemloba requires full sun to grow healthily and produce the maximum amount of flowers. Therefore, it should be planted in places where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant may also grow in partially shaded areas, but the amount of sunlight must be sufficient to ensure that the plant can grow and develop fully.
Temperature Requirements
Agalinis decemloba is a hardy annual plant. It grows well in a temperature range of 60-85°F (15.6-29.4°C). However, the plant can also tolerate high temperatures of up to 90°F (32°C). It should be noted that this species is not frost tolerant, and thus cannot be planted outdoors until after the last frost date for your area.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining loamy soils, but it can still grow well in rocky or sandy soils. The pH range should be between 5.5 to 7.5. It should be noted that the plant does not grow well in highly fertile soil, and thus, the application of organic fertilizers should be minimal. Additionally, the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogging can lead to root rot and the eventual death of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Agalinis decemloba prefers to be planted in well-drained soil and full sunlight. It also has a preference for sandy or loamy soils with a pH level of 5.0 to 7.0. The plant can be propagated by seed and should be planted outdoors in the spring once the soil temperature reaches 60°F. The seeds should be sown on the soil surface and lightly covered with soil. It is recommended to space each seed 6 inches apart in the planting area.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to establish itself in the soil. A deep soaking once a week is necessary until the plant becomes well established. During the summer months, the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. However, overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot. The amount and frequency of watering should be adjusted according to the specific weather conditions of the area where the plant is located.
Fertilization
Agalinis decemloba is a self-sufficient plant that does not require a lot of fertilization. However, incorporating organic matter, such as compost, into the soil before planting can help provide the necessary nutrients for the plant to grow. Additionally, a light application of a balanced fertilizer during the early stages of growth can be beneficial. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer and avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
Agalinis decemloba does not require a lot of pruning. However, it is recommended to deadhead the flowers as they fade to promote additional blooms throughout the growing season. Deadheading helps prevent seed production, which can cause the plant to divert energy away from growing new flowers. Additionally, if the plant begins to look leggy or overgrown, it can be pruned back by 1/3 of its height in the late summer.
Propagation of Agalinis decemloba (Greene) Pennell
Agalinis decemloba (Greene) Pennell, commonly known as Tenlobed False Foxglove, can be propagated through both seed and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Agalinis decemloba. Seeds are usually sown in early spring in a well-draining soil mix consisting of sand, peat, and perlite. To increase germination rates, the seeds require stratification for a period of 2-3 weeks at low temperatures between 4-10°C. The seeds can be sown indoors in pots or trays, or directly sown into the soil in the desired planting location. The seeds typically germinate within 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted when they have grown 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves the use of plant cuttings to produce new plants. Cuttings should be taken in mid to late summer when the plant is in active growth. Cuttings should be 5 to 10 cm in length and taken from healthy, disease-free plants. The cuttings should be taken from the non-flowering stems and should be stripped of any lower leaves. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining soil mix consisting of sand, peat, and perlite. The cuttings can be kept in a warm, humid environment to encourage rooting. Roots should form in 3 to 4 weeks, and the rooted cuttings can be transplanted to their final location in spring.
Both seed and vegetative propagation methods can be used to propagate Agalinis decemloba to produce new plants for the garden or to restore populations in the wild.
Disease and Pest Management for Agalinis decemloba (Greene) Pennell
Agalinis decemloba (Greene) Pennell is a herbaceous perennial commonly known as tenlobed false foxglove. It is native to the eastern United States and grows in sandy soils of open fields, meadows, and woodlands. While this plant is known for its showy flowers, it is prone to disease and pest infestations that can reduce its vigor and decrease the aesthetic value. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect Agalinis decemloba, along with suggestions on how to manage them.
Diseases
Root rot: Root rot is caused by several fungal species that attack the roots of the plant, leading to wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant. Avoid over-watering and provide good drainage to prevent this disease. Apply a fungicide to the soil and roots of affected plants.
Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. It is caused by a fungal infection that thrives in humid conditions. Improve air circulation around the plant by spacing them adequately and avoid overhead watering. Apply a fungicide to the affected areas.
Rust: Rust appears as small, rust-colored spots on the leaves of the plant that can cause leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. It is caused by a fungal infection that spreads through airborne spores. To prevent rust, keep the plant dry and apply a fungicide on the affected areas.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap out of the plant, causing stunted growth and deformation of leaves and flowers. Spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap or release beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings to control aphids.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck out the plant sap, causing yellowing and leaf drop. They are visible as tiny specks on the undersides of leaves and produce fine webbing. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of various moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing defoliation. Control caterpillars by manually picking them off or spraying the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a naturally occurring bacteria that kills caterpillars.
By implementing the above disease and pest management techniques, you can ensure the health and beauty of your Agalinis decemloba (Greene) Pennell plants.
