Arabis rigidissima Rollins var. demota Rollins
Arabis rigidissima Rollins var. demota Rollins, commonly known as the Low Rockcress, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to the western hemisphere of the United States. It can be found growing in the rocky alpine and subalpine regions of the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada.
Appearance
The Low Rockcress grows in a clump with gray-green leaves that average about an inch long. The plant produces a dense cluster of white flowers with four petals that are about a quarter inch long. Its dense growth habit provides a showy and attractive appearance, especially when in bloom during the summer months.
Uses
The Low Rockcress is used both for landscaping and as a source of food for wildlife. It is commonly used in rock gardens and alpine gardens due to its small size and attractive appearance. Additionally, the plant is a popular source of food for bighorn sheep, deer, and other wildlife that inhabit its native range.
Light Requirements
Arabis rigidissima Rollins var. demota Rollins grows best with full sun exposure, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A site with southern exposure that receives full sun all day long promotes the optimal growth and flowering of the plant. This plant can tolerate some partial shade, but excessive shade leads to spindly, weak growth and fewer flowers blooming.
Temperature Requirements
The var. demota Rollins version of Arabis rigidissima Rollins is a cold-hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures ranging from -40 degrees F to 90 degrees F. However, it prefers cool and mild temperatures. Extreme heat leads to leaf scorching and a decrease in flowering. Thus, it is essential to protect it from the hot afternoon sun and provide adequate irrigation to ensure that soil moisture is maintained.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soil and generally prefers a fertile, sandy loam soil type with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Most soils are suitable for growing Arabis rigidissima Rollins var. demota Rollins, provided it remains well-drained and not soggy. This plant tolerates growing in a wide range of soils, including clay, loamy, and sandy. In addition, the plant is drought tolerant, but it prefers regular irrigation to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Cultivation Methods
Arabis rigidissima Rollins var. demota Rollins is a hardy, evergreen plant that grows well in a variety of conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade. This plant can be grown from seeds or stolons and should be planted in the spring or fall.
Watering Needs
Watering needs for Arabis rigidissima Rollins var. demota Rollins vary depending on the climate and soil conditions. In general, plants should be watered deeply once or twice a week during the growing season. It is better to water deeply and infrequently than to water lightly and frequently. During the winter months, reduce watering, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Fertilization
Arabis rigidissima Rollins var. demota Rollins does not require much fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring and mid-summer is sufficient. Be careful not to apply too much fertilizer, as this can lead to weak, leggy growth and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning can help maintain the shape and health of Arabis rigidissima Rollins var. demota Rollins. Dead or damaged branches should be pruned back to healthy tissue as soon as possible. Lightly pruning the plant after flowering can encourage bushier growth and more compact habit.
Propagation of Arabis rigidissima Rollins var. demota Rollins
Arabis rigidissima Rollins var. demota Rollins, also known as the Demotte Mountain rockcress, can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The plant produces seeds after flowering, and these seeds can be used to propagate new plants. The seeds of Arabis rigidissima Rollins var. demota Rollins require a stratification period to break their dormancy and stimulate germination. This can be achieved by mixing the seeds with moist sand or peat moss and putting them in a container in the refrigerator for six to eight weeks. After this period, the seeds can be sown in a container, and the container can be kept in a sunny location or under grow lights.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagating Arabis rigidissima Rollins var. demota Rollins through cuttings involves taking stem cuttings from a mature plant and placing them in a rooting hormone. Once the cuttings have been treated with rooting hormone, they can be planted in a container filled with potting soil. The container should be kept in a spot with bright, indirect light and high humidity. Regular misting can help maintain high humidity levels. The cuttings should develop roots within a few weeks, after which they can be transplanted to a larger container or directly into the ground.
In summary, the Demotte Mountain rockcress can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Both methods are relatively easy to perform and can result in successful propagation of new plants.
Disease Management
Arabis rigidissima Rollins var. demota Rollins is considered a relatively hardy plant. However, there are several diseases that can affect it, including:
- Downy mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage downy mildew, it is important to remove any infected leaves and to ensure good air circulation around the plant.
- Black spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular black spots on the leaves. To manage black spot, it is important to remove any infected leaves and to ensure that the plant is not overwatered.
- Root rot: This is a disease caused by fungi that affects the roots of the plant, leading to plant death. To manage root rot, it is important to ensure that the plant is not overwatered and to remove any infected plant material.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can affect Arabis rigidissima Rollins var. demota Rollins, including:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the leaves and can cause leaf deformation and discoloration. To manage aphids, it is important to remove any infected leaves and to introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny and can be difficult to detect, but they can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is important to ensure that the plant is not overwatered and to introduce natural predators such as predatory mites.
- Leafminer: These pests burrow into the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting. To manage leafminer, it is important to remove any infected leaves and to introduce natural predators such as parasitic wasps.
