Origin
Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. glabrata Torr. & Gray belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is native to North America.
Common names
The plant is commonly known as Tower rockcress, Smooth rockcress, and Hairy rockcress.
General appearance
The Tower rockcress is an annual or biennial herb that reaches up to 90 cm in height. The plant has a simple stem that usually branches in the upper part. The leaves are oblong, oval to lanceolate, and have coarse hairs on both surfaces. The basal leaves are up to 10 cm long, while the stem leaves are much smaller. The plant blooms from April to September with small white or pink flowers that are about 5 mm in diameter. The fruits are long, narrow, and slightly curved silicles, up to 40 mm long and 1.5 mm wide, containing seeds in two rows.
Uses
The Tower rockcress has several uses. It is used as a medicinal herb for treating chest congestion and coughs. The plant is also used in traditional medicine as an antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory. The leaves and flowers of the Tower rockcress are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are an excellent source of vitamin C. The plant is also used in landscaping and is a popular choice for rock gardens and landscaping designs due to its attractive appearance and easy care requirement.
Light Requirements
Arabis hirsuta var. glabrata prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to leggy growth and reduced flower production.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, but prefers temperate to cool conditions. It can withstand temperatures up to 90°F (32°C) for short periods, but prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering. It can tolerate frost and temperatures as low as -25°F (-32°C), making it a hardy plant.
Soil Requirements
Arabis hirsuta var. glabrata prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. It is not tolerant of waterlogged or extremely dry soils. The plant is also moderately tolerant of salt, making it suitable for coastal areas.
Cultivation Methods
Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. glabrata Torr. & Gray is a hardy plant that grows well in a wide range of soil types, including sandy soil, loam soil, and rocky soil. It thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
When planting Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. glabrata Torr. & Gray, it is best to choose a well-draining location with fertile soil. The plant can be grown from seeds or propagated by cuttings. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged when planting. Space the plants about 6-8 inches apart.
Watering Needs
Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. glabrata Torr. & Gray prefers a moderate amount of water. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not saturated. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging, which can cause root rot. During the summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering, especially if the weather is hot and dry.
Fertilization
Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. glabrata Torr. & Gray needs little to no fertilizer. However, you can use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring if necessary. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduce the number of blooms.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth. You can prune Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. glabrata Torr. & Gray after flowering has finished. Cut back the stems to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from getting too leggy. You can also trim the plant to maintain its desired shape.
Propagation of Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. glabrata Torr. & Gray
Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. glabrata Torr. & Gray, commonly known as hairy rockcress, is a hardy perennial herb that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is native to North America and is known for its beautiful pink or white flowers that bloom in the spring.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagation for Arabis hirsuta is through seed propagation. Seeds of this plant can be collected from the dried seedpods after they mature in the fall. The seeds must be stored in a cool and dry place until the next spring.
Before planting the seeds, it is important to scarify the seed coat to aid in germination. One way to do this is to soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours. Another way is to lightly sand the seed coat with sandpaper.
The seeds should be sown in the spring in a well-draining soil mix. Plant the seeds at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. Germination typically occurs within two to four weeks.
Once the seedlings have grown to a few inches in height, they can be transplanted to their permanent locations in the garden.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another method that can be used to propagate Arabis hirsuta. Softwood cuttings can be taken from the plant in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long and should be taken from the tips of the plant. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mix.
Place the cuttings in a bright, but shaded area and keep the soil moist. Rooting usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be planted in their permanent locations in the garden.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is another method that can be used to propagate Arabis hirsuta. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and replanting them in different areas of the garden.
The best time to divide the plant is in the spring before new growth emerges. Using a sharp knife or gardening shears, divide the plant into smaller sections, making sure each section has a good root system.
Replant the divided sections in well-draining soil and water thoroughly. It is important to keep the soil moist until the plant becomes established.
Conclusion
Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. glabrata Torr. & Gray is a beautiful plant that can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and division. Propagation is a simple process that can be done even by novice gardeners.
With proper care and maintenance, this plant can provide beauty and visual interest to any garden.
Disease Management
Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. glabrata Torr. & Gray is susceptible to various diseases that can significantly affect the growth and yield of the plant. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Clubroot: This is a fungal disease that causes the roots of the plant to swell. The infected plants may turn yellow and eventually wilt. To manage clubroot, avoid planting in infected soil, remove and destroy any infected plants, and practice crop rotation.
- Downy mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as yellow spots on the upper surface of the leaves. To manage downy mildew, avoid overhead irrigation, remove infected leaves, and apply fungicides.
- White rust: This is a fungal disease that causes white pustules on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage white rust, remove and destroy any infected plants, practice crop rotation, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. var. glabrata Torr. & Gray may also be affected by various pests that may damage the plant. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth. To manage aphids, remove them manually or apply insecticidal soap.
- Cabbage worm: This is a green caterpillar that feeds on the leaves of the plant. To manage cabbage worm, handpick the caterpillars or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide.
- Leaf miners: These are small insects that live inside the leaves and create tunnels. To manage leaf miners, remove and destroy any infected leaves, and apply insecticides if necessary.
