Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins is a subspecies of the Arabis lemmonii plant. It belongs to the Mustard family (Brassicaceae) and is native to North America. It is commonly found in parts of South-central Alaska, British Columbia, and the Rocky Mountains of the United States. The plant thrives in wetlands, open meadows and rocky slopes.
Common Names
The Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins is commonly known by several names, including Lemmon's rockcress, rockcress or alpine rockcress. The name rockcress was derived from the plant's association with rocky habitats.
Appearance
The Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins plant grows up to 15cm in height, with a basal rosette that typically measuring 5-20cm in width. The leaves are dark green and are spoon-shaped, with jagged margins. Its inflorescence is typically a raceme, which produces clusters of white to pale pinkish-white flowers that bloom between May and August. Each flower is small, measuring around 3-6mm in diameter. The fruit is a long, narrow pod, with seeds that are oval in shape and dark brown in color.
Uses
The Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins plant is primarily used for medicinal purposes by indigenous peoples in Alaska and British Columbia. The plant may be used to treat various ailments such as coughs, colds, and sore throats. Additionally, the plant's seeds may be used as a spice to flavor food. Due to its attractive appearance, the Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins is sometimes used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens or alpine gardens due to its tolerance to cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions.
Light Requirements
The Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It cannot survive in shaded areas and prefers bright light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
This plant variety grows best in cool temperatures ranging from 8 to 18°C, making it ideal for cultivation in temperate regions. It cannot survive in very high temperatures and may wilt or die when exposed to extreme heat.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil type for Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins is well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged as excessive moisture may cause root rot or fungal diseases.
The plant can adapt to a range of soil types, including loam, sandy, or clay soils, provided that it is well-draining and has the right nutrient content. Regular soil testing and addition of organic matter are necessary to maintain proper soil fertility and pH levels.
Cultivation Methods
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins is a hardy perennial plant that is best grown in full sun. It prefers well-drained soil and moderate moisture levels. The plant can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or division of established clumps. It is ideal for rock gardens, borders, and alpine gardens.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, but excess water should be avoided. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly between watering intervals. Overwatering may cause root rot and other problems. During the winter months, it is important to reduce watering to prevent waterlogging and freezing of the roots.
Fertilization
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins does not require heavy fertilization, but can benefit from a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring when new growth appears. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize, as this can result in excessive vegetative growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Deadheading spent flowers can prolong the blooming period, and encourage the growth of new flowers. Pruning should be done after the blooming season to remove any damaged, diseased, or dead stems. It is also recommended to trim back any overgrown or leggy stems to maintain a tidy appearance. Cutting the plant back by half in the fall can aid in overwintering and promote healthy regrowth in the following spring.
Propagation of Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins, commonly known as Paddo rockcress, is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. This species is known for its attractive rosette of basal leaves and showy pink flowers that bloom in the spring. Propagating this plant can be done through various methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest methods to propagate Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins is through seed propagation. Seeds can be collected from the dried seed pods of mature plants and sown in a suitable potting mix during the fall season. The seeds can be sown in flats or trays and covered with a thin layer of soil. The best temperature range for germination is between 50 to 60°F (10 to 15.5°C), and the seedlings should emerge in 2-3 weeks.
Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into individual pots or containers and later planted in the garden. Seed propagation is an effective method for creating new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Vegetative Propagation
Another propagation method is through vegetative propagation. One can propagate Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins through stem cuttings or by division.
Stem cuttings should be taken during the summer season from a healthy and mature plant. Cuttings should be approximately 3-4 inches (7.6 to 10.1 cm) long and should be taken from the top of the stem. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting and dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone. The cuttings can then be planted in a suitable potting mix and placed in a shaded area. If the cuttings are kept moist, they will root within 3-4 weeks.
Division can be done during the spring or fall season. Dig up the root clump of a healthy and mature plant, and then separate the clump into smaller portions. Be sure that each portion has roots and several healthy shoots. Replant these portions into suitable pots or containers and later into the garden.
Both seed propagation and vegetative propagation are effective methods for propagating Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins. By using these methods, one can create healthy new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins Plant
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins, commonly known as Lemon's rockcress, is a beautiful and hardy plant that is resistant to many pests and diseases. However, certain pests and diseases may still affect this plant, including:
Diseases
1. Downy Mildew: This disease is caused by a fungus that causes leaves to have a downy, white growth on the underside. It can be managed by planting in well-drained soils and avoiding overhead watering, which provides a wet environment perfect for growth. Fungicides such as copper sprays can also be applied to manage downy mildew.
2. White Rust: White rust infection manifests as yellowing and wilting of leaves. It is caused by a fungus and can be managed through removal of infected leaves, and, if necessary, the application of fungicides. Using drip irrigation rather than overhead watering can also help prevent the spread of white rust.
Pests
1. Aphids: These insects suck sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to the environment to control aphids naturally.
2. Moth larvae: These larvae can chew holes into the leaves and damage plant growth. Placing sticky traps near the plant can help catch the adult moths, while a Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray can be used to manage the larvae.
By regularly monitoring the plant for signs of disease and pests, promptly removing infected leaves or dead plant matter, and using prevention methods, gardeners can keep their Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. paddoensis Rollins plants healthy and beautiful.
