Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson
Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson is a small, herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the Western United States, specifically California, Nevada, and Oregon. It is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes mustards, cabbages, and radishes.
Common Names
Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson is commonly known as Greene's rockcress or Nevada rockcress. Rockcress is a reference to the plant's preference for rocky, well-draining soil conditions.
Uses
Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson is primarily known for its ornamental value, due to its attractive flowers and foliage. It is commonly used in rock gardens, border plantings, and wildflower plantings. The plant is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. In addition to its ornamental value, some Native American tribes reportedly used extracts from various Arabis species for medicinal purposes, including treating coughs, colds, and respiratory ailments.
General Appearance
Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson is a low-growing, clump-forming plant that typically reaches only 6-12 inches in height and spreads up to 2 feet in width. The plant produces a rosette of basal leaves that are dark green and toothed. From mid-spring to early summer, it produces an abundance of small, four-petaled white flowers that are arranged in loose clusters at the end of each stem. The flowers are followed by long, slender seed pods that contain small, black seeds. The plant prefers dry to moist, rocky soils and full to partial sun exposure.
Light Requirements
Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson typically grows in areas with full sun exposure. This species thrives in open areas with plenty of direct sunlight. If planted in a shaded area, growth may be stunted.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson is between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures outside of this range may slow growth or cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
This species prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 is best. Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson can tolerate some drought, but consistent moisture is necessary for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that thrives in a wide range of soils and climates. The best time to plant these perennials is in the early spring season or the beginning of autumn. Depending on the size of the plant, dig a hole twice as deep and wide as the root ball. Place the plant in the hole and cover it with soil that has been enriched with organic matter.
Watering Needs
Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson requires moderate watering. They don't tolerate drought conditions well, so make sure the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be reduced in winters to prevent the water from freezing and damaging the roots.
Fertilization
In the absence of organic matter, a slow-release all-purpose fertilizer should be used during planting to boost plant growth. However, once established, Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson doesn't require much fertilization. Avoid applying excessive amounts of nitrogen as it can increase the plant's susceptibility to disease. You can add compost or mulch to the surface of the soil area to encourage healthy growth.
Pruning
Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson doesn't require pruning; however, removing spent flowers and trimming any leggy or overcrowded stems in summer or autumn will encourage a more compact and bushy growth. Deadheading also helps preserve the plant's energy and eliminate the likelihood of reseeding. The plant's foliage remains dense, so removing any damaged or diseased leaves will help keep the plant healthy and aesthetically pleasing.
Propagation Methods for Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson
Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is commonly known as spreading rockcress and is native to California. The plant produces small, white, and pink flowers that bloom in the spring. Propagating the Arabis repanda plant can be achieved through a variety of methods:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson through seeds is relatively simple. Collect the seeds from the plant after the flowering season has ended. Sow the seed in a seed tray or a pot and cover it with a light layer of compost. Water regularly and keep the tray in a warm, bright location. The seedlings should emerge within two weeks. Once the seedlings reach a suitable size, transplant them into pots or the garden bed.
Division Propagation
The propagation of Arabis repanda can be achieved through division. Dig up an established Arabis repanda plant and carefully divide it into several smaller clumps. Make sure each clump has a healthy root system and some of the stem. Transplant the clumps into new locations, either in a pot or the garden bed. Keep the newly planted clumps well-watered until they establish in their new environment.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings are one of the ways to propagate Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson. Cut off a section of the plant stem, making sure the cutting is at least 6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cutting's lower end into a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot or directly in the garden bed, covering it with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Make sure to keep the cutting moist, and wait for the roots to develop before removing the plastic bag.
Tissue Culture Propagation
Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson can be propagated through tissue culture. This method involves plant tissue culture carried out in a sterile laboratory environment. It is more complicated and requires a higher level of skill and specialized equipment. In this method, plant tissue is taken and regenerated in a nutrient medium in a sterile environment. Once the tissue develops roots, it can be transplanted into pots or the garden bed.
Disease and Pest Management for Arabis Repanda S. Wats. Var. Greenei Jepson
Like any other plant, Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson is susceptible to several diseases and pests. These can negatively affect the growth of the plant as well as its yield potential. Therefore, it is important to be aware of some of the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Clubroot: This is a soil-borne disease caused by the Plasmodiophora brassicae fungus that can lead to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, wilting, and eventual death. The infected roots get swollen, and this reduces their ability to absorb water and nutrients.
Crown gall: This is a bacterial disease caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The bacterium affects the tissues and causes the formation of galls or tumors on the stem and roots. These galls restrict the flow of water and nutrients, leading to stunted growth and wilting.
Downy mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes yellowing of leaves and the formation of a grayish coating on the underside of the leaves. It favors damp and cool conditions, and its spread can be prevented by reducing humidity around the plant and improving air circulation.
Pest Management
Aphids: These are small pests that suck sap from the plant's tissue and cause curling of leaves, stunted growth, and yellowing of leaves. The best way to manage them is by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. These products suffocate the pests and prevent them from feeding on the plant.
Slugs: These are mollusks that feed on the leaves of Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson, causing holes and disfigurement. They like damp conditions and can be controlled by reducing the humidity around the plant, using slug baits, or placing copper strips around the bed.
Cabbage worms: These are larvae of the cabbage moth that feed on the leaves of Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson. The damage caused includes small holes and distortion of leaves. They can be managed by using Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide, which affects the larvae's digestive system and kills them.
By being aware of these common diseases and pests, it is possible to keep Arabis repanda S. Wats. var. greenei Jepson healthy and productive. Early detection of these issues and prompt action can prevent the spread of diseases and damage caused by pests.
