Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh. var. furcatipilis M. Hopkins
Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh. var. furcatipilis M. Hopkins belongs to the family of Brassicaceae. It is native to North America and commonly found in the northeastern parts of the United States. The plant is known by several common names including Tower rockcress, Forktip tower-mustard, and Spearhead rockcress.
The plant has a few uses. It is mostly grown for ornamental purposes. Tower rockcress can be grown in containers, mixed borders, rock gardens and also in walls. They prefer well-drained soil and bright sunlight. Besides, they add a unique color and structure to your garden. In addition to being an ornamental plant, some species of Arabis plants are used for medicinal purposes.
The general appearance of Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh. var. furcatipilis M. Hopkins is that they grow in a clump formation that displays a succession of blue-green leaves. The leaves are long, narrow, and glossy with a slightly serrated edge. The plant produces small, white, four-petal flowers that bloom in mid to late spring.
The Tower Rockcress grows to a height of about 10 inches and a width of about 1.5 feet. They have a well-branched, bushy habit and a compact nature. The plant has an average growth rate and has a lifespan of two to five years.
Light Requirements
Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh. var. furcatipilis M. Hopkins requires a moderate amount of sunlight for growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best at cool temperatures ranging from 10-18°C (50-64°F) and can tolerate temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-drained soils with a neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It prefers sandy or loamy soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. It can tolerate some amount of drought stress but prefers to be regularly watered.
Cultivation Methods
Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh. var. furcatipilis M. Hopkins is a hardy plant species that is relatively easy to grow. It thrives in a wide range of soils and climatic conditions.
The plant prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and full sun or partial shade. It can be grown in containers or directly in the ground.
When planting, ensure enough space between plants for proper growth and airflow. Young plants should be watered regularly until they become established.
Watering Needs
Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh. var. furcatipilis M. Hopkins requires adequate water to grow well, but it is important not to over-water them. Watering too frequently can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
The frequency of watering will depend on the soil type and climate. In general, the plant needs water when the soil around it feels dry to the touch. Deep watering once a week to maintain soil moistures is ideal.
Fertilization
A moderate fertilization approach is suitable for Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh. var. furcatipilis M. Hopkins. Do not over-fertilize the plant as that will lead to poor growth and susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Add a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10:10:10 to the soil before planting, and then top-dress with compost twice a year in the growing season.
Pruning
Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh. var. furcatipilis M. Hopkins requires little pruning. However, prune back the plant after flowering to maintain its shape, promote bushier growth, and prevent it from becoming leggy.
Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut back old stems to low points on the plant where new growth is evident. This will encourage fresh growth and improve flowering.
Propagation of Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh. var. furcatipilis M. Hopkins
Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh. var. furcatipilis M. Hopkins is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows in rocky areas and takes up to two years to produce its seeds. Therefore, propagation of Arabis glabra can be done through seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Arabis glabra. It is a relatively easy process that involves harvesting the mature dry seeds and planting them in well-prepared soil in either a greenhouse or a garden bed. To increase germination rates, the seeds should be stratified for one to two weeks in a moist medium, or they can be soaked overnight to break their dormancy. The planting depth should be twice the size of the seed, and the soil should be kept moist until germination, which usually takes between 3 to 4 weeks. Young plants should be thinned to prevent overcrowding.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Arabis glabra can be done through stem cuttings or root cuttings. Stem cuttings can be taken from younger plants, and the parent plant should be well-established. Stem cuttings should be taken in the early morning or late evening when the plant is least stressed. The cuttings should be about 10cm in length with a few leaves attached to them. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and plant in a well-prepared soil and keep them in a greenhouse or shade them during the hot days. Root cuttings involve propagating the plant from root sections. The roots should be dug out, cleaned, and cut into 2-3cm sections. These sections should then be planted in soil, and young plants will emerge from the cuttings within four to six weeks.
Disease Management for Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh. var. furcatipilis M. Hopkins
Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh. var. furcatipilis M. Hopkins is generally considered to be a hardy plant, but it is still susceptible to disease in certain circumstances. Some common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Crown rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant. Symptoms include wilting and yellowing of the leaves, as well as rotting at the base of the stem.
- Downy mildew: This disease is caused by a fungus that thrives in cool, damp conditions. Symptoms include a white, powdery coating on the leaves, and yellowing or stunted growth.
- Clubroot: This disease is caused by a soil-borne pathogen. Symptoms include swelling and distortion of the roots, stunted growth, and yellowing of the leaves.
To manage these diseases, it is advisable to practice good sanitation. Remove any diseased plant material, and avoid over-watering to prevent cool, damp conditions. Additionally, it may be helpful to rotate crops to prevent the buildup of pathogens in the soil. Fungicides may also be used in severe cases, but it is important to follow the label instructions carefully.
Pest Management for Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh. var. furcatipilis M. Hopkins
Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh. var. furcatipilis M. Hopkins is generally not heavily targeted by pests, but it may still fall prey to some of the following:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause leaves to wilt, and may spread disease.
- Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and bronzing of the leaves.
- Slugs and snails: These mollusks can chew holes in the leaves, and may damage the stems as well.
To manage these pests, it is advisable to start with non-chemical methods such as handpicking or using traps. Natural predators such as ladybugs may also be introduced to the area. If necessary, chemical control methods such as insecticides or molluscicides may be used, but again, it is critical to follow label instructions to ensure safety and efficacy.
