Arabis Retrofracta Graham - Overview
Arabis retrofracta Graham, also known as the Western wallflower, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to western North America. It was named after its unique curved fruit capsules that curve backward. This plant is an essential part of wildflowers and is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
Appearance
Arabis retrofracta is a small, compact plant that grows up to 3-9 inches tall. It has glabrous stems that are greenish-gray and basal leaves that are oblong and slightly toothed. Its flowers are four-petaled, white, and about 0.5 inches in diameter, and appear in clusters at the end of the stems. The fruit capsules, which curve backward, are about 0.5 inches long and contain many seeds.
Common Names
Arabis retrofracta is commonly known as the Western wallflower, Western rock cress, and Sicklepod rockcress.
Uses
Arabis retrofracta has several uses for humans and wildlife. It is used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens and landscapes due to its attractive appearance. It is also used to control soil erosion and soil compaction. This plant is essential for wildlife, as it provides food and habitat for several insects, including bumblebees, butterflies, and moths. Additionally, it serves as a food source for various mammals, including rodents and ungulates.
Light Requirements
Arabis retrofracta Graham thrives best in full sun to part shade. It requires ample amounts of sunlight to produce abundant blooms, but it may also tolerate some shade.
Temperature Requirements
Arabis retrofracta Graham prefers moderate temperatures ranging from 60-75°F (16-24°C), but it can survive a wide range of temperatures. It is relatively drought-tolerant and can withstand occasional frosts.
Soil Requirements
The Arabis retrofracta Graham plants prefer a well-draining, moist soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. They can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but they prefer a loamy soil. Additionally, they thrive in soils rich in organic matter and nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Arabis retrofracta Graham, commonly known as ‘spreading rockcress,' requires well-draining soil with a pH range from 6.0-7.5. The plant should be grown in an area with full sun to partial shade. The best time to plant Arabis retrofracta is in the fall or spring.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, especially in hot and dry periods. However, Arabis retrofracta does not tolerate overwatering, and care must be taken not to water too much. An effective watering technique is to water until the soil is evenly moist, and then wait until the top inch of soil dries out before watering again.
Fertilization
Arabis retrofracta does not require regular fertilization, but providing balanced nutrients can improve growth and flowering. A high-phosphorous fertilizer can be applied once in spring and once in fall to give the plant a boost. Care must be taken not to over-fertilize, as it can result in excessive growth and fewer flowers.
Pruning
The best time to prune Arabis retrofracta is immediately after flowering, usually in early summer. Pruning helps to keep the plant looking tidy, it reduces the risk of disease, and it promotes bushy growth. Use a sharp pair of gardening shears to cut back the stems by a third to a half of their length. If the plant becomes too leggy or unkempt, it can be pruned back harder.
Propagation of Arabis Retrofracta Graham
In order to propagate Arabis retrofracta Graham, you have a few different options depending on your level of experience and the resources you have available. Since this plant is a member of the brassicaceae family, it is known for being relatively easy to propagate. Below are a few methods you can consider:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Arabis retrofracta Graham is through seed propagation. This is a relatively easy process that can be done by even beginner gardeners. To do this, you will need to collect the seeds from the plant in late summer or early fall. Once you have the seeds, you should store them in a cool, dry location until the following spring when you can begin propagating them.
When it's time to plant the seeds, you will want to start them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Make sure to use a high-quality potting mix and keep the soil consistently moist. The seeds should germinate within 1-2 weeks, after which you can transplant them into larger containers or outside once all danger of frost has passed.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating Arabis retrofracta Graham is through cuttings. This is a great option if you want to create multiple plants with the same traits as your original plant, or if you want to propagate the plant in the middle of the growing season. To propagate through cuttings, you will want to begin by taking cuttings from healthy, established plants in the spring or early summer.
Make sure to take cuttings that are at least 6 inches long and have several nodes on them. Then, remove the lower sets of leaves and dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone powder. Place the cuttings in a container filled with potting soil, making sure to keep the soil consistently moist. After a few weeks, the cuttings should begin to take root and can be transplanted into larger containers or outside.
Division Propagation
If you already have an established plant of Arabis retrofracta Graham, you can also propagate through division. This method involves separating the plant into two or more smaller sections in order to create new plants. To do this, you will want to wait until the plant is dormant in either the spring or the fall.
Carefully dig up the plant and use a sharp knife to divide the root ball into smaller sections. Make sure each section has a portion of the root system and a healthy amount of foliage attached. Then, replant each section in its own container or location in the garden and keep the soil moist until the plant becomes established.
Overall, there are several methods of propagating Arabis retrofracta Graham to choose from. By selecting the method that works best for your needs and resources, you can quickly and easily increase the number of plants you have, or create new plants with the same traits as your original plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Arabis Retrofracta Graham
Arabis retrofracta Graham, commonly known as mountain rockcress, is a hardy, low-maintenance plant. However, it is still susceptible to disease and pest infestations. Here are some common issues and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Clubroot: This is a soil-borne disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae that affects plants in the brassica family, including Arabis retrofracta. Clubroot causes stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and distorted roots. To avoid this disease, plant in well-drained soil and avoid planting in the same spot for consecutive years.
Gray Mold: Also known as Botrytis blight, gray mold is caused by various Botrytis fungi. It appears as a gray fuzz on leaves, flowers, and stems and can lead to wilting and death of the plant. To control gray mold, avoid overhead watering, be sure to plant in well-drained soil, and remove any dead or infected plant debris promptly.
Pests
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on plant sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract ants or cause fungal growth. To manage aphids, blast the plants with water, prune infested areas, and introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings.
Cabbage Worm: These small, green caterpillars feed on the leaves of Arabis retrofracta, leaving holes and causing damage. To manage cabbage worms, physically remove the caterpillars (they are often found on the underside of leaves) or introduce natural predators like birds or parasitic wasps. You can also cover the plants with a lightweight row cover to prevent the adult moths from laying eggs on the plant.
By being vigilant and taking preventive measures, you can ensure that your Arabis retrofracta remains healthy and free from pests and diseases.
