Overview
Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis (Greene) Rollins is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is commonly known by the names ‘Spreading Rockcress’ and ‘Garden Rockcress’, and is native to western North America.
Appearance
Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis is a low-growing evergreen perennial that typically reaches a height of 30 cm and spreads up to 1 meter. It has small, glossy green leaves that are about 2.5 cm long. The plant produces small, white or pink flowers that bloom in spring and early summer, creating a carpet of color in gardens and rockeries. The flowers are approximately 1 cm in diameter and have four petals.
Uses
Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis is a popular garden plant because of its evergreen foliage and pretty, delicate flowers. It is suitable for rock gardens, borders, and ground covers. It is also a useful plant for erosion control on slopes. In addition, the plant is said to have medicinal properties. The dried leaves and stems of the plant, when brewed as a tea, are believed to help with indigestion, coughs, and colds.
Origin
Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis is native to western North America, ranging from British Columbia in Canada, down to California in the United States. It can be found in rocky, mountainous areas, as well as in coastal grasslands and meadows. It is well-adapted to dry or rocky soils and can grow in areas with limited rainfall.
Light Requirements
Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis typically requires full sun to partial shade in order to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can do well in a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers mild to cool weather. In general, the ideal temperature range for this plant is 60-75°F (15-24°C).
Soil Requirements
When it comes to soil requirements, Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis thrives in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. It can tolerate a pH range of 6.0-8.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter and fertile. This plant can also adapt well to various types of soil, including sandy, loamy, and clay.
Cultivation Methods
Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis (Greene) Rollins, is a low growing perennial plant that is native to western North America and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires a well-drained soil and is tolerant of drought conditions.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. When planting seeds, it is recommended to plant them in soilless mix and moisten the soil lightly. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them at room temperature until they germinate.
When transplanting seedlings or cuttings, ensure the plants are spaced about 8 inches apart. Mulching around the plants helps to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Watering Needs
Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis (Greene) Rollins does not require frequent watering but requires the soil to be kept evenly moist during the growth period. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil is well-drained. Regular watering should be reduced during the dormant period.
Fertilization
The plant does not require frequent fertilization, but a light application of a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season can improve plant growth. Fertilizing should be reduced during the winter months.
It is important to avoid over-fertilizing as this may promote the growth of foliage, resulting in fewer flowers.
Pruning
Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis (Greene) Rollins requires minimal pruning. Deadheading the flowers after blooming can promote the growth of new blooms. The plant can be trimmed to maintain its shape or to remove any dead or diseased branches. It is recommended to prune the plant during the dormant period.
When pruning, use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant. Ensure to sterilize the tools before using them to prevent the spread of disease between plants.
Propagation of Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis (Greene) Rollins
Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis (Greene) Rollins is commonly known as low rockcress. It is a creeping subshrub that belongs to the mustard family (Brassicaceae) and is native to the western United States. The plant grows up to six inches tall and spreads up to three feet wide. Low rockcress produces small, white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer, followed by green seed pods.
Propagating Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis from Seeds
The most common method of propagating Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis is through seeds. Collect the seeds from mature seed pods when they turn brown and dry out. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant them. In the fall, after the first frost, sow the seeds in well-draining soil in a full sun to partial shade location. Alternatively, you can sow the seeds indoors in late winter and transplant the seedlings outside when the weather warms up in spring.
Propagating Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis from Cuttings
Another method of propagating Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis is through stem cuttings. This method is best done in late summer or early fall. Take a 2-3 inch cutting from the stem, making sure to include a few leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom third of the cutting and dip the end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist. It can take up to two months for the cutting to root and start establishing new growth.
Propagating Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis from Division
Low rockcress can also be propagated through division. This method is best done in the fall after the plant has finished flowering. Dig up the plant and separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have its own shoots and roots. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil in a full sun to partial shade location. Keep the soil moist, and new growth should start to appear within a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis (Greene) Rollins
Like any plant, Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis is also susceptible to diseases and pests. However, with proper management and care, it can be protected from most of them.
Common Diseases:
One of the most common diseases affecting Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis is powdery mildew. It is a fungal disease that appears as white or gray powdery patches on the surface of the leaves. To control this disease, it is best to remove and destroy the infected plant material.
Another common disease that affects this plant species is leaf spot. It shows signs of circular, brown or black spots on the foliage. Regular inspections and trimming of infected or dead plant material are recommended to prevent the spread of the disease. Applying a proper fungicide can also help to control the infection.
Common Pests:
One of the most common pests that affect Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis is aphids. They can damage the plant by sucking out its sap, causing the formation of curled or distorted leaves. Introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings can help to control the problem.
Another pest that can cause harm to this plant is the cutworm. They are known to cut through the base of the plant, thus causing it to wilt and die. Use of collars or barriers around the base of the plant or soil treatment with appropriate insecticides can be effective in controlling cutworms.
Preventative Measures:
Keeping a close eye on the plant is crucial for preventing the onset of disease or pest infestations. Appropriate watering and fertilization can help to keep the plant healthy and less susceptible to diseases. Regular pruning of dead or infected plant material is another way to prevent the spread of diseases.
In conclusion, a well-maintained Arabis suffrutescens S. Wats. var. horizontalis should remain relatively free of any pest or disease issues. Proper management, including regular maintenance, appropriate irrigation, proper fertilization, and pruning, goes a long way to protect the plant from most harms. However, if the plant is unlucky enough to be affected, appropriate intervention is necessary to prevent it from spreading.
