Overview
Arabis selbyi Rydb. is a small herbaceous plant that belongs to the mustard family, Brassicaceae. It is native to the western United States, specifically found in Arizona, Nevada, and California. Arabis selbyi is known for its small size and delicate, white flowers.
Common Names
The common names for Arabis selbyi include Selby’s Rockcress and Selby’s Tower-mustard.
Uses
Due to the plant’s aesthetically pleasing appearance, Arabis selbyi is often used decoratively in rock gardens or as a small landscape plant. In addition, Arabis selbyi is known to be a potential source of genetic resources for the development of crop varieties and ornamental plants.
Appearance
Arabis selbyi is a small plant, typically growing to a height of 4 to 8 inches with a spread of 6 to 8 inches. It has bright green leaves that are lance-shaped, and the stems are thin and wiry. The plant produces delicate small flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. The flowers have four petals that are white and small in size. The fruits produced by Arabis selbyi are elongated and thin, with a curved shape.
Light
The Arabis selbyi Rydb. plant typically grows in areas with plenty of sunlight. Therefore, it requires exposure to full sun or partial shade to facilitate optimal growth and development. It can tolerate some degree of shading, but it may hinder its full potential and may lead to spindly plants.
Temperature
Arabis selbyi Rydb. plants grow best in regions with cool summers and mild winters. Generally, they prefer temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. However, they may tolerate temperatures slightly outside this range, given that they are not extreme. During winter, they require some chill hours, which are vital for sprouting and fruiting
Soil requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils with ample moisture retention capacity. The soil pH range for optimal growth is between 5.5 and 7.5. Arabis selbyi Rydb. plants prefer soils with moderate fertility, with plenty of organic matter content. They are also sensitive to high salt content in the soil. Therefore, they do well in soil with low salinity.
Cultivation methods for Arabis selbyi Rydb.
Arabis selbyi Rydb. is a native plant that thrives well in well-draining soil. The plant requires direct sunlight exposure daily to encourage healthy growth. It is best to grow it in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8, where the temperature ranges between -40 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to -6 degrees Celsius) in winter.
It is recommendable to plant on slightly acidic to neutral soils that have a pH value of 6.0 to 7.0. The plant prefers average to dry soil conditions. Therefore, add coarse sand, gravel, or perlite to the soil to enhance drainage.
Watering needs of Arabis selbyi Rydb.
The watering frequency may vary depending on the region's climate and soil condition. Watering should be done moderately. Overwatering is harmful to this species since they are adapted to dry conditions. Water the plant when the topsoil is dry, and the soil feels dry about an inch below the surface. The frequency of watering should decrease during winter or rainy seasons.
Fertilization techniques for Arabis selbyi Rydb.
Arabis selbyi Rydb. is not a heavy feeder. It can thrive reasonably well without consistent fertilization. However, adding a slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer may enhance faster growth, especially during the first growing season. It is recommendable to apply a light dose of balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in spring or fall.
Pruning guide for Arabis selbyi Rydb.
Pruning the Arabis selbyi Rydb. plant is not necessary; it prefers growing without disturbance. However, it would be best to remove dead, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems using sterile pruning shears. If the plant becomes too dense, thin the branches from time to time, leaving enough space between the branches to allow airflow and sunlight penetration. Such measures ensure the plant grows healthy and lush.
Propagation Methods of Arabis selbyi Rydb.
Arabis selbyi Rydb. is a herbaceous perennial species with a short lifespan. This plant is native to North America and grows best in moist and rocky areas. Propagation of Arabis selbyi Rydb. is best done through seeds rather than vegetative parts because it does not have a robust root system.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the most common method used to grow Arabis selbyi Rydb. This plant produces a large number of seeds that are easy to collect during the harvesting season. Seeds can be directly sown into the soil where they will germinate the following spring or fall. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination.
If starting the seeds indoors, they should be planted in seed trays or small pots. The container should be filled with a well-draining soil mix and the seeds should be lightly covered with soil. The container should be kept moist and placed in a warm, sunny area until germination. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the garden.
Propagation by Division
Arabis selbyi Rydb. does not typically propagate well through division. The plant does not have a robust root system making it difficult to divide. Attempting to divide the plant may cause damage to the roots, leading to the death of the plant. Therefore, propagation by seed is the recommended method for growing Arabis selbyi Rydb.
Disease and Pest Management for Arabis Selbyi Rydb.
Arabis selbyi Rydb., also known as Selby's Wallcress, is a short-lived perennial plant that is commonly grown for its bright yellow flowers. However, like any other plant, it can be susceptible to various diseases and pests that can impact its health and appearance. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Arabis selbyi Rydb. and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including Arabis selbyi Rydb. It appears as a whitish-gray powdery coating on the leaves, flowers, and stems. To prevent powdery mildew, maintain good air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and remove and destroy any infected plant parts. You can also use fungicidal sprays, like neem oil or sulfur-based fungicides.
2. Verticillium Wilt: Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves and stems of Arabis selbyi Rydb. There is no cure for this disease, but you can prevent it by planting resistant cultivars and avoiding over-fertilization and over-watering. Remove and destroy any infected plant parts, and do not plant susceptible crops in the same soil.
Common Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that can cause curling and yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth of Arabis selbyi Rydb. To control aphids, you can spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or pyrethrin-based pesticides. You can also introduce natural predators, like ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps.
2. Snails and Slugs: Snails and slugs are common pests that can feed on the foliage and flowers of Arabis selbyi Rydb. To prevent them, avoid watering in the evening and remove any debris or hiding places around the plant. You can also use baits made of iron phosphate or copper sulfate, or handpick the pests and dispose of them.
By implementing these disease and pest management practices, you can help your Arabis selbyi Rydb. plant stay healthy and thrive.
