Origin:
Arabis fendleri (S. Wats.) Greene var. fendleri, commonly known as Fendler's rockcress, is a perennial herb that is native to the Western United States, particularly in states like Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico.
Common Names:
Fendler's rockcress is commonly referred to as Fendler's mustard, mountain rockcress, and Rocky Mountain rockcress.
Uses:
The Fendler's rockcress plant is popular among horticulturists and gardeners due to its attractive foliage and long-lasting flowers that bloom from April to June at elevations above 10,000 feet. It is also used in landscapes and naturalistic gardens. In traditional medicine, the entire plant of Fendler's rockcress has been used to treat coughs, colds, and respiratory issues. The plant is also known for providing food and habitat to pollinating insects, which is beneficial to the ecosystem.
General Appearance:
Fendler's rockcress is a mat-forming plant that grows up to 8 inches in height and can spread about 24 inches in width. The plant has dark green spade-shaped leaves that grow up to 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. The flowers of the plant are white, pink, or lavender, and they bloom in dense clusters at the top of the stems. The fruits of Fendler's rockcress are long, slender, and curved pods that contain numerous tiny seeds.
Light Requirements
Arabis fendleri var. fendleri typically thrives in areas with partial shade but also tolerates full sun exposure. It is best to avoid planting this species in excessively shaded areas since it can lead to reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The species is native to high-elevation areas that experience cool and wet conditions throughout the year. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°C and as high as 30°C. However, it grows best in areas where the temperatures range from -10°C to 20°C.
Soil Requirements
Arabis fendleri var. fendleri typically grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can survive in a range of soil types, including sandy loam, silt loam, and clay loam. However, the plant prefers slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It is essential to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
Cultivation
Arabis fendleri var. fendleri is a hardy perennial plant that thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. It prefers full sun and can tolerate moderate shade.
The plant is propagated through seed or division in early spring, and seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent locations after the last frost. The root system of Arabis fendleri var. fendleri is shallow, so it should be planted in a shallow hole with the root ball spread out.
Watering Needs
Arabis fendleri var. fendleri requires regular watering, especially during its first growing season. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, rather than receiving light, frequent watering. However, over-watering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant does not require excessive fertilizer, but it benefits from a light application of compost or a balanced fertilizer in the early spring before new growth appears. Additional fertilization should be avoided as it can encourage weak and leggy growth.
Pruning
Arabis fendleri var. fendleri generally does not require heavy pruning, but it benefits from occasional light pruning to remove dead or damaged branches, promote bushier growth, and encourage flowering. The plant can be pruned immediately after flowering has completed, and any yellow or brown leaves should be removed throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Arabis Fendleri (S. Wats.) Greene var. Fendleri
Arabis fendleri, commonly known as Fendler's rockcress, is a beautiful perennial plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is native to North America, where it is widely distributed in rocky areas. The plant is admired for its showy pinkish-white flowers and glossy green leaves.
There are several ways to propagate Arabis fendleri, including:
1. Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method of propagating Arabis fendleri. You can collect seeds from the mature capsules of the plant during late summer or early fall. Ensure that the seeds are fully developed, dry, and clean before sowing.
You can sow the seeds directly into the garden bed or in a container filled with compost-enriched soil. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep it moist until germination. The seeds usually germinate within two to four weeks.
2. Division
Division is another way to propagate Arabis fendleri. You can divide the plant in early spring before new growth emerges. Gently dig up the plant and separate the clumps into small sections. Replant the divided plants immediately in a well-draining soil mixture.
Ensure that you keep the newly divided plants thoroughly moistened after replanting until they establish. Divided Arabis fendleri may take a little longer to become established than seedlings.
3. Cuttings
You can propagate Arabis fendleri using cuttings taken in spring or early summer from non-flowering shoots. Cut a few 10 cm long sections from the non-flowering stem, remove the lower leaves, and make a diagonal cut about 1 cm below a leaf node. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place them in the rooting medium (sand and peat mixture). Keep the cuttings moist by spraying them daily and ensure that they are kept under low light.
Arabis fendleri is a stunning and easy to propagate perennial plant that will give you an excellent addition to your garden. Choose any of the propagation methods described above that best suits your need, and you will be rewarded with a beautiful, healthy, and vibrant plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Arabis fendleri (S. Wats.) Greene var. fendleri
Arabis fendleri (S. Wats.) Greene var. fendleri is generally considered a low-maintenance plant. However, it can still fall prey to several diseases and pests. Being alert and taking timely measures can help to prevent or minimize damage from these threats.
Common Diseases
Arabis fendleri is susceptible to fungal diseases, such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. Leaf spot appears as circular, brownish-black lesions on the leaves. Powdery mildew creates a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems.
To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy all infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also help to control the spread of the disease. As for powdery mildew, ensure that the plant has adequate air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides.
Common Pests
The primary pests that affect Arabis fendleri are aphids and flea beetles. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing wilted, distorted leaves. Flea beetles, on the other hand, chew small holes in the leaves, causing a characteristic shot-hole appearance.
To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or other insecticides. Alternatively, you can introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to feed on the aphids. To manage flea beetles, use insecticides or cover the plants with a floating row cover to prevent the flea beetles from reaching the plant.
Regular monitoring of the plant can help to identify and manage any diseases or pests promptly. Prevention is always the best strategy, so always maintain good plant hygiene and general care practices.
