Arabis Shortii (Fern.) Gleason var. Phalacrocarpa (M. Hopkins) Steyermark
Arabis Shortii (Fern.) Gleason var. Phalacrocarpa (M. Hopkins) Steyermark is a species of the Brassicaceae family, commonly known as Short’s Rockcress. It originated in the eastern part of the United States, primarily in states such as Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and Tennessee.
Appearance
Arabis Shortii (Fern.) Gleason var. Phalacrocarpa (M. Hopkins) Steyermark has a rosette growth habit and typically reaches a height of 4-6 inches. It has an erect stem, with small and narrow lanceolate leaves that are hairy underneath. The flowers of Short’s Rockcress are white to pale pink and have a diameter of approximately 1-2 cm. They appear in the early spring and bloom April through May.
Uses
Arabis Shortii (Fern.) Gleason var. Phalacrocarpa (M. Hopkins) Steyermark is often grown as an ornamental plant because of its unique appearance and early bloom period. It is commonly used in rock gardens, border plantings, and as a ground cover. Additionally, this plant species is known to attract butterflies and bees that aid in the pollination process of surrounding plants.
Light Requirements
Arabis shortii var. phalacrocarpa grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade may lead to leggy, weakened growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the central United States and thrives in a temperate climate. It prefers temperatures between 60°F and 80°F during the growing season. The roots can survive temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 100°F, but the plant will go dormant and stop growing during periods of extreme heat or cold.
Soil Requirements
Arabis shortii var. phalacrocarpa prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate some periods of drought, but the soil should be kept moist. Alternatively, the soil should not be waterlogged for extended periods of time. Enriching the soil with organic compost or fertilizer at the beginning of each growing season will help the plant thrive.
Cultivation Methods
Arabis shortii var. phalacrocarpa requires well-draining soil in a sunny location that receives partial shade in hotter climates. The soil should be enriched with organic materials such as compost, leaf mold, or well-aged manure. The plant needs moderate watering, ensuring soil moisture is consistent. It is best grown from seed, which should be sown in the late fall or early spring.
Watering Needs
Arabis shortii var. phalacrocarpa needs moderate watering to ensure the soil moisture is consistent. Over-watering or leaving the plant in standing water can cause root rot. It is essential to check the soil moisture often and water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Watering should be reduced in winter to prevent waterlogging and damage to the roots.
Fertilization
Arabis shortii var. phalacrocarpa needs a balanced slow-release fertilizer once per month during the growing season. Too much fertilizer can lead to excess leaf growth and poor flower production. Fertilizing should be stopped during winter.
Pruning
Arabis shortii var. phalacrocarpa requires minimal pruning. Deadheading spent flower stalks encourages additional flowering and maintains a tidy appearance. Any dead or diseased foliage should be removed, ensuring the plant's health is maintained. Pruning should not be done in the winter when the plant is dormant.
Propagation of Arabis Shortii var. Phalacrocarpa
Arabis Shortii var. Phalacrocarpa can be propagated both sexually and asexually.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds to grow new plants. The seeds of Arabis Shortii var. Phalacrocarpa should be harvested when they are matured and dry. They are then sown in a well-drained soil mixture and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seeds require light for germination, so they should be placed in an area with bright but indirect sunlight. Germination time can take about a week or two.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation involves the use of vegetative parts of the plant to grow new plants.
One method of asexual propagation is through root division. This method involves taking a mature plant and carefully digging up the root system. The roots are separated into sections, and each section is planted in individual pots filled with well-drained soil. The plants should be watered immediately and placed in a shaded area.
Another method of asexual propagation is through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from a healthy plant and planting it in moist soil. The cutting should have at least one node, and the leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the cutting. The cutting should be watered well and placed in a shaded area until it forms roots.
Arabis Shortii var. Phalacrocarpa can also be propagated through layering. This method involves bending a low-growing stem to the ground and covering it with soil. The stem will root at the point of soil contact, and a new plant can be separated from the parent plant once rooted.
Disease and Pest Management for Arabis shortii (Fern.) Gleason var. phalacrocarpa (M. Hopkins) Steyermark
Arabis shortii (Fern.) Gleason var. phalacrocarpa (M. Hopkins) Steyermark, also known as limestone rockcress, is a wildflower that is native to Kentucky and Tennessee. This plant is low-maintenance and does not typically suffer from many diseases or pest problems, but it is still important to be aware of potential issues and take appropriate measures to prevent or manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Arabis shortii is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white or grayish powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant, which can eventually cause them to wilt and die. To prevent powdery mildew, it is important to ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. If powdery mildew does appear, it can be treated with a fungicide spray.
Viral diseases such as cucumber mosaic virus and tomato spotted wilt virus can also affect Arabis shortii. These diseases are spread by insects and can cause deformities in the plant's leaves and stunted growth. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral diseases, so it is important to prevent them by controlling the insect vectors and removing infected plants.
Common Pests
The most common pest that attacks Arabis shortii is the flea beetle. These small, shiny black beetles can cause significant damage to the plant's leaves by chewing small holes in them. To prevent flea beetle damage, it is recommended to use a physical barrier such as row cover or a floating row cover over the plants. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective in controlling flea beetles.
Another pest that can affect Arabis shortii is the aphid. These small, soft-bodied insects can cluster on the underside of leaves and suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to wilt and droop. To control aphids, it is recommended to use a strong stream of water to knock them off the plant, or to use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
In conclusion, although Arabis shortii is a hardy plant, there are still potential diseases and pests that can affect it. By following these preventive measures and managing the pests and diseases that do appear, gardeners can enjoy the beauty of this wildflower without worry.
