Origin
Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin, commonly known as Champlain Rockcress, is a native plant found in the northeastern region of North America. It is native to the United States and Canada and grows up to an altitude of 2400 metres.
Common Names
Besides Champlain Rockcress, Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin is also commonly known as De Champlain's Rockcress, De Champlain's Tower Mustard, and Towering Wallcress.
Uses
Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin has both ornamental and medicinal uses. It is a short-lived perennial plant that is a popular choice for rock gardens and wildflower gardens. The Champlain Rockcress is often used to add a splash of color and luscious greenery to any garden. Medicinally, it is believed to have analgesic, antipyretic, and hemostatic properties.
General Appearance
Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin is a small perennial herb that grows up to 50 cm tall and 30 cm wide. It has a basal rosette of elongated, light green leaves that are up to 7 cm long. The stem is hairy and bears a few small leaves. The flowers are small, about 1.5 cm wide, and white with four petals. The plant blooms from May to June and produces several flowers that grow in dense, upright terminal clusters.
Light Conditions
Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. This plant requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The typical growth conditions for Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin involve moderate temperatures. This plant generally thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night. It is important to note that extreme temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental to its growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires moist, well-draining, and moderately fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range (between 6.0 and 7.5). Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin prefers soil that is rich in organic matter and can tolerate a range of soil types, including loam, sandy, or clay soils. However, it is essential to avoid waterlogged conditions, as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin
Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin is a perennial plant that prefers a moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can grow up to 1-2 feet tall and wide.
It is best to plant Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin in the spring or fall. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and place the plant in the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil. Water the plant thoroughly after planting.
Watering Needs for Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin
Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin prefers a consistently moist soil, but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and the moisture level of the soil. Watering in the morning is best to allow any excess water to evaporate before evening.
Fertilization for Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin
Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin does not require frequent fertilization if planted in nutrient-rich soil. However, if the soil is lacking in nutrients, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Be sure to follow the package instructions and water the plant well after fertilizing.
Pruning for Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin
Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin does not require much pruning, but it can benefit from a light trim after it has finished blooming. This will encourage new, bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. Use clean, sharp pruning shears and make cuts just above a leaf or bud.
Propagation of Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin
Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin, commonly known as rockcress, is a low-growing perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is native to Canada and is primarily found growing in rocky areas and dry woodlands.
Propagation Methods
The propagation of Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin can be done through different methods such as:
- Seed propagation: Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin can be propagated from seeds. While collecting seeds, it's important to pick out the matured seed pods and let them dry for a week or two before removing the seeds. Once the seeds are collected, they can be planted either in spring or fall. The seeds must be sown on the surface of the soil, slightly covered with soil, and watered well.
- Division: The clumps of Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin can be divided and transplanted to other locations. This method is best done in the spring or early fall. Dig up a clump of the plant and then divide it into smaller sections. Each section should have leaves, roots, and shoots. Replant the divisions in well-drained soil.
- Cuttings: Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin can be propagated from cuttings. Take a 2-3 inch cutting from the mother plant that has some leaves, and cut off the lower pair of leaves. Dip the cutting into rooting hormone and plant it into a pot filled with pre-moistened soil mix. Keep the pot in a bright location but out of direct sunlight, and keep the soil moist at all times. In a few months, the cutting will have rooted successfully, and can be transplanted into a permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin
Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin, commonly known as rockcress, is a beautiful plant that is highly drought-tolerant, making it a popular choice for gardeners. However, like all plants, it is prone to various diseases and pests that can adversely affect its growth. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them:
Diseases
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is a fungal disease that shows up as yellow or pale green blotches on the leaves of the plant. In severe cases, the leaves can turn brown and fall off. To manage this disease, you can remove the affected leaves and dispose of them properly. If the infection is severe, you can use a fungicide that is recommended for downy mildew on brassica family plants.
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum fungus. It causes the leaves of the plant to wilt and curl and eventually die. To manage this disease, you should practice crop rotation and avoid planting the plant in the infected soil. You can also use a fungicide that is recommended for Fusarium wilt.
Pests
Cabbage Looper
Cabbage loopers are green caterpillars that feed on the leaves of the plant and cause extensive damage. To manage this pest, you can handpick them or use a biological insecticide that contains Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that specifically targets cabbage loopers. You can also use sticky traps to catch the adult moths before they lay eggs.
Cabbage Aphids
Cabbage aphids are small insects that suck the sap out of the plant. They can also transmit viruses to the plant. To manage this pest, you can spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge the insects. You can also use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control them.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage the diseases and pests that might affect your Arabis divaricarpa A. Nels. var. dechamplainii Boivin plant and ensure that it flourishes in your garden.
