Arabis boivinii G. Mulligan
Arabis boivinii, also referred to as Boivin's rockcress or Boivin's arabis, is a herbaceous perennial plant that comes from the family Brassicaceae. This plant is native to the Canadian Prairies, specifically in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Appearance
Arabis boivinii grows up to 40cm in height and 30cm in spread. The plant produces basal leaves that are lanceolate and lobed with hairy edges. The stem of the plant is hairless and produces pink or white flowers that grow in clusters.
Common Uses
Due to its attractive appearance, Arabis boivinii is commonly used as an ornamental plant in landscaping and gardening. The plant thrives in rocky soils and can tolerate drought and partial shade.
Arabis boivinii is also known for its medicinal properties. The plant has been traditionally used by the Cree people of Canada to alleviate respiratory issues and chest congestion.
The plant is also a source of nectar for several pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Other Names
Arabis boivinii is also commonly referred to as Boivin's arabis or Boivin's rockcress.
Light Requirements
Arabis boivinii requires a moderate amount of sunlight to thrive. The plant can tolerate partial shade but grows best when exposed to full sun. If grown indoors, it requires bright light or fluorescent light for at least six hours per day. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can lead to leaf burn, so it's important to provide some shade during hot summer months.
Temperature Requirements
Arabis boivinii is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can withstand frost and freezing temperatures down to -10°C. However, it grows best in moderately cool temperatures between 10°C to 20°C. High temperatures can cause the plant to go dormant and stop growing. In regions where summers are hot, it's advisable to plant the Arabis boivinii in a shaded area.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0). The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capabilities. Arabis boivinii grows well in rock gardens, crevices, and other well-draining soils with good drainage. The soil should not be allowed to dry out, but the plant can tolerate short periods of drought. Avoid planting in heavy soils with poor drainage as it can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Arabis boivinii G. Mulligan is an easy-to-grow plant, making cultivation quite simple. This plant prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. During the planting process, incorporate organic matter such as compost or aged manure into the soil, which will improve soil fertility and drainage. Plant the seedlings in a sunny location, spaced approximately 6-8 inches apart, to allow the plants enough space to grow.
Watering Needs
Watering Arabis boivinii G. Mulligan is not complicated since the plant prefers well-draining soil. These plants do not tolerate waterlogging, so avoid overwatering the plants. They require moderate moisture, especially during the hot weather, which means you should water them deeply but infrequently.
Fertilization
To ensure healthy growth of Arabis boivinii G. Mulligan, fertilization is necessary. Feed the plants with a balanced fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season to replenish soil nutrients. You can also opt for a slow-release fertilizer, which releases nutrients to the soil gradually for up to 6 months. This will provide enough nutrients for the plant's growth, and avoid the risk of over-fertilizing, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Arabis boivinii G. Mulligan is vital for an attractive-looking plant. To help maintain the shape of the plant, prune after the blooming period to encourage new growth. Cut back old, diseased or broken stems to help reduce the spread of diseases on the plant. To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the tips of the stem after blooming to stimulate new growth.
Propagation of Arabis boivinii G. Mulligan
Arabis boivinii G. Mulligan, also known as Boivin’s rockcress, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found growing in dry, rocky areas, such as cliffs and scree slopes. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through several methods, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and division.
Seed propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate Arabis boivinii is through seeds. Seeds can be collected from mature pods in the late summer or fall, or purchased from commercial seed suppliers. The seeds should be sown in seed trays or pots filled with a well-draining soil mix. They should be covered lightly with soil and watered thoroughly.
Seed trays or pots should be kept in a warm, bright location, and the soil should be kept moist. Germination usually occurs within 1-2 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown on until they are large enough to be planted in their permanent location.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are another method of propagating Arabis boivinii. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be around 3-4 inches long and should have at least two nodes. The leaves on the lower half of the stem should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix.
The cuttings should be kept moist, and a plastic bag or propagator can be used to help maintain humidity. After about 4-6 weeks, roots should begin to form, and the young plants can be transplanted into individual pots and grown on until they are large enough to be planted in their permanent location.
Division
Division is a method of propagating Arabis boivinii that involves separating the plant into smaller sections. This method is best done in the early spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the root ball should be gently separated into smaller sections with a sharp knife or garden tool. Each section should have a good root system and a few stems and leaves.
The sections can be replanted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they become established. Division may take longer than seed propagation or stem cuttings, but it is a reliable method of ensuring that the new plants are identical to the parent plant.
Disease Management for Arabis boivinii
Arabis boivinii is generally resistant to most diseases. However, the plant might be affected by fungal diseases under unfavorable conditions, which may cause leaf spots. The best approach for disease prevention is to maintain the plant's health and vigor through proper cultivation practices such as adequate watering, fertilization, and soil management. It is also important to remove and destroy infected plant parts to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Arabis boivinii
Arabis boivinii is susceptible to some pests, including aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant and reduce its overall health and aesthetic appeal. It is essential to take measures to control pests to ensure the plant's optimal growth and development.
Manual removal of pests is the first step in controlling small infestations. Regularly checking the plants for signs of pests is necessary to keep pest populations under control. Introducing predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can help to control aphids. Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil spray is effective in managing mealybugs and spider mites. It is crucial to follow the instructions on the labels and apply the treatments as directed to minimize environmental risks.
While Arabis boivinii is generally hardy and easy to care for, taking appropriate measures to manage pests and diseases is crucial to maintain the plant's optimal health and appearance.
