Plant Description
Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. eschscholtziana (Andrz.) Rollins, also known as hairy rock-cress, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Brassicaceae. This plant is native to North America, specifically the western parts of the continent.
General Appearance
The plant features a rosette of leaves at the base and grows up to 60 cm tall. The hairy stem branches at the top, bearing small white to pinkish flowers with four petals. Its leaves are dark green, lance-shaped, and hairy, hence the name 'hairy rock-cress.'
Common Names
Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. eschscholtziana (Andrz.) Rollins is commonly referred to as hairy rock-cress, eschscholtz rock-cress, and woolly rock-cress.
Uses
Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. eschscholtziana (Andrz.) Rollins is often utilized in landscaping, rock gardens, and as a ground cover. Additionally, parts of the plant have been used in medicinal purposes by Native American tribes to treat coughs, colds, and other respiratory illnesses.
Light Requirements
Arabis hirsuta var. eschscholtziana prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and development. The plant can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in weaker stems and smaller flowers
Temperature Requirements
Arabis hirsuta var. eschscholtziana is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The plant grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8, which experience minimum temperatures between -30°F and 20°F. In spring, when the plant is actively growing, it prefers cool temperatures between 60°F to 68°F. In summer, when the plant is dormant, it can tolerate temperatures up to 80°F.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, and the plant can tolerate some drought conditions. The plant can grow on various types of soils, including sandy loam, loam, and clay soils. However, the soil should be rich in organic matter, and the addition of compost or other organic materials to the soil can help improve soil fertility and structure.
Cultivation Methods
Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. eschscholtziana (Andrz.) Rollins is a hardy plant, tolerant to varying environmental conditions. The plant has a preference for full sun exposure and well-draining soil, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can also thrive in partly shaded areas.
The plant is propagated by seeds, which can be sowed directly outdoors in the spring when the soil has warmed up. the seedlings should be spaced about 30cm apart. Alternatively, the seeds can be started indoors four to six weeks before the last frost. The young plants should be gradually exposed to outdoor conditions before planting in the ground.
Watering Needs
Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. eschscholtziana (Andrz.) Rollins has moderate watering needs. The plant requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots, which can lead to root rot. It is advisable to water the plant deeply once a week instead of frequent shallow watering. During dry periods, watering should be increased, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
The plant has moderate fertilizer needs. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied in the early spring when the plant is actively growing. Overuse of fertilizer can cause leggy growth with fewer flowers.
Pruning
Pruning Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. eschscholtziana (Andrz.) Rollins is not compulsory, but it can help to maintain a tidy appearance. Pruning should be done in late spring to early summer immediately after the plant has finished flowering. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage new blooms. To prevent woody growth, rejuvenate the plants by cutting them down to half their size every few years.
Propagation of Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. eschscholtziana (Andrz.) Rollins
Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. eschscholtziana (Andrz.) Rollins is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is commonly known as the hairy rockcress and is native to North America. The plant is an annual or biennial, and it grows to a height of 10-30 cm. The leaves are hairy and have a lanceolate shape. The flowers are white or pink and are arranged in inflorescences at the top of the stem. The plant is propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division.
Propagation through Seeds
The most common method of propagation for Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. eschscholtziana (Andrz.) Rollins is through seeds. The seeds are small and can be collected from the dried seed pods of the plant. To ensure successful germination, the seeds should be stratified before planting in the soil. This process involves placing the seeds in a container with moist soil and refrigerating them for four to six weeks. After stratification, the seeds can be planted in the desired location in the garden.
Propagation through Cuttings
Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. eschscholtziana (Andrz.) Rollins can also be propagated through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from a healthy plant and placing it in soil or water for rooting. The cutting should be taken from the new growth of the plant and should be at least 10 cm in length. Place the cutting in water or soil, and keep it moist until roots start to form. Once roots have formed, the cutting can be planted in its final location in the garden.
Propagation through Division
Another method of propagating Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. eschscholtziana (Andrz.) Rollins is through division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and replanting them in the garden. To divide the plant, carefully dig it up and separate the root ball into smaller sections, making sure that each section has roots and shoots. Plant the new sections in the desired location in the garden and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. eschscholtziana (Andrz.) Rollins
Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. eschscholtziana (Andrz.) Rollins, also known as Hairy Rockcress, belongs to the family Brassicaceae. This plant is relatively hardy and can tolerate drought and cold weather, but it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests. It is important to manage these diseases and pests promptly to ensure the plant's healthy growth.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Arabis hirsuta is Leaf Spot. This disease is caused by a fungus and usually occurs in wet and humid conditions. The symptoms include brown or black spots on the leaves, which eventually lead to leaf drop. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove the affected leaves and ensure that the plant has proper air circulation to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Another disease that Arabis hirsuta is susceptible to is Clubroot. Clubroot is caused by a soil-borne pathogen and can result in stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and misshapen roots. To manage this disease, it is important to practice crop rotation and avoid planting Arabis hirsuta and other Brassica crops in the same location repeatedly.
Common Pests
Aphids are one of the most common pests that affect Arabis hirsuta. These small insects feed on the plant's sap and can lead to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, it is essential to provide the plant with proper nutrition and ensure it is not stressed. Additionally, using insecticidal soap or a strong jet of water can be effective in getting rid of these pests.
Cabbage loopers are another pest that can affect Arabis hirsuta. These caterpillars feed on the leaves of the plant and can cause significant damage. To manage cabbage loopers, it is important to use biological controls such as Bacillus Thuringiensis or handpick the caterpillars as soon as they are spotted.
Finally, Spider Mites can be a problem in hot and dry weather. These small mites feed on the underside of the leaves and can cause the plant to lose its vigor. To manage spider mites, it is essential to ensure proper watering of the plant and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
