Origin
Alyssum minus (L.) Rothm. var. strigosum (Banks & Soland.) Zohary, commonly known as Strigose Alyssum, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is native to the western Mediterranean region, including France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Common Names
Strigose Alyssum is commonly known by several names worldwide, such as Lesser Alyssum, Tiny Tim, Dwarf Alyssum, and Tiny Carpet Flower. It is also called Gold Dust Alyssum for its yellow-golden flowers.
Uses
Strigose Alyssum is a popular ornamental plant due to its evergreen foliage and bright yellow-golden flowers that bloom in summer. The plant is often used as a ground cover, edging plant, or in rock gardens. It is also suitable for container planting and hanging baskets. Strigose Alyssum attracts bees and butterflies to the garden, making it useful for pollinator-friendly landscapes.
General Appearance
Strigose Alyssum is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant that reaches a height of 10-15 cm and a spread of 20-30 cm. It forms a dense mat of evergreen leaves that are linear to oblong in shape, grey-green in color, and covered with fine hairs. Starting in late spring or early summer, the plant produces numerous small, four-petaled, bright yellow-golden flowers that cover the entire plant. The foliage emits a pleasant aroma when crushed, which adds to the plant's charm.
Light Requirements
The Alyssum minus (L.) Rothm. var. strigosum (Banks & Soland.) Zohary plant requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate some partial shade during the hottest parts of the day. The plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive and produce fragrant flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The Alyssum minus (L.) Rothm. var. strigosum (Banks & Soland.) Zohary plant is adapted to grow in cool climates. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 15°C and 25°C. The plant can tolerate brief drops in temperature to 0°C but is not frost hardy. If exposed to high temperatures, Alyssum minus can go dormant and stop flowering.
Soil Requirements
The Alyssum minus (L.) Rothm. var. strigosum (Banks & Soland.) Zohary plant thrives in well-drained soil with a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged or heavy soil, which can cause root rot. Alyssum minus can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Cultivation Method
Alyssum minus (L.) Rothm. var. strigosum (Banks & Soland.) Zohary, commonly known as the Dwarf Alyssum, prefers full sun to partial shade. It can grow in almost any type of well-drained soil, but it prefers a slightly alkaline soil. Therefore, adding limestone or wood ash can be beneficial for the plant.
Sow the seeds directly into the soil after the last frost when the ground has warmed up sufficiently. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil damp, but avoid over-watering, as this can lead to the development of fungi.
Watering Needs
Alyssum minus (L.) Rothm. var. strigosum (Banks & Soland.) Zohary requires moderate watering. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand dry conditions, but deep watering once a week is recommended. Avoid getting the leaves and flowers wet when watering, as this can contribute to the development of diseases.
Fertilization
A fertilizer low in nitrogen content but rich in phosphorus and potassium should be applied during the initial planting stage. This will promote root development and overall plant health. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied once a month after the plant has started blooming.
Organic fertilizers like compost and aged manure can also be used to nourish the plant, but they should be applied in smaller amounts to avoid over-fertilizing.
Pruning
Alyssum minus (L.) Rothm. var. strigosum (Banks & Soland.) Zohary does not require extensive pruning. However, deadheading, or removing the spent flower heads, can promote continued blooming throughout the growing season. It is also essential to remove any diseased or damaged leaves to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
Trimming back the plant's growth by one-third after the first flush of bloom can promote a second flush of new growth and blooms.
Propagation of Alyssum minus (L.) Rothm. var. strigosum (Banks & Soland.) Zohary Plant
Alyssum minus (L.) Rothm. var. strigosum (Banks & Soland.) Zohary, commonly known as the pale madwort, is a small flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is found throughout North America and is commonly propagated using either seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
The most common method of propagating Alyssum minus var. strigosum is through seed. This plant produces small, black seeds that are easy to collect. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors and then transplanted. Here are the steps to propagate Alyssum minus var. strigosum using seeds:
- Collect the seeds from a mature plant in the fall after the seed pods have dried.
- You can start the seeds indoors in the late winter for early summer blooming or directly sow them in the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
- Sow the seeds 1/16 inch deep in well-draining soil and lightly cover with soil.
- Water the soil regularly and keep it moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate.
- Thin the seedlings to about 6 inches apart once they are about an inch tall.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Another method of propagating Alyssum minus var. strigosum is through stem cuttings. This method is particularly useful if you want an exact copy of the parent plant. Here are the steps for propagating Alyssum minus var. strigosum using stem cuttings:
- Select a healthy stem from the parent plant, preferably with no flowers, and cut off a 2-3 inch piece.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem, leaving only two or three at the top.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant the stem in a pot filled with well-draining soil or directly in the garden.
- Water the soil and keep it moist but not waterlogged until the stem has rooted.
- Once the plant is established, transplant it to its permanent location.
Disease Management
Alyssum minus (L.) Rothm. var. strigosum (Banks & Soland.) Zohary is susceptible to many diseases. Common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Fungal leaf spots: They appear as small brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this, remove the infected leaves and avoid overcrowding of plants.
- Downy mildew: It appears as yellow patches or fuzz on the leaves of the plant. To manage this, remove the infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Powdery mildew: It is a white powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this, improve air circulation and avoid overcrowding of plants.
Additionally, practicing good hygiene practices such as regular cleaning of gardening tools can help prevent the spread of diseases.
Pest Management
Alyssum minus (L.) Rothm. var. strigosum (Banks & Soland.) Zohary is also vulnerable to pest infestations. Common pests that may affect this plant include:
- Aphids: They are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause yellowing and distortion of the leaves. To manage this, wash them off with a strong stream of water or apply an insecticidal soap.
- Cabbage loopers: They are green caterpillars that feed on the leaves of the plant. To manage this, handpick them from the plant or use an insecticidal spray.
- Spider mites: These are red or yellow pests that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing discoloration and webbing. To manage this, wash them off with a strong stream of water or apply a miticide.
Regularly inspecting the plant and taking prompt action against pests can help prevent severe damage to the plant.
