Overview
Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. glaucomollis P.V. Wells is a flowering evergreen shrub plant that is native to California in the United States. The sub-species name "glaucomollis" comes from the Latin words "glauco" meaning blue-green and "mollis" meaning soft, which refers to the plant's leaves that have a bluish tint and soft texture.Common Names
Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. glaucomollis P.V. Wells has several common names, including Eastwood's manzanita and Mesa manzanita. Manzanita is a Spanish word meaning "little apple" which comes from the plant's small apple-like fruit.Appearance
This plant typically grows to be 3-6 feet in height and 4-6 feet in width. The leaves are ovate-shaped, have a bluish-green tint and are pubescent, soft to the touch. The plant blooms with small, urn-shaped white to pink flowers that are around 0.25 inches wide. These flowers bloom from January to May and attract bees and hummingbirds. The fruit is a red or orange drupe with a smooth surface and a diameter of 0.25 to 0.5 inches.Uses
Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. glaucomollis P.V. Wells is commonly used in the landscaping and gardening industry for its ornamental qualities. The plant's leaves can be used to make a tea, and its fruit can be eaten raw or used to make a jelly. In California, Native American groups historically used various parts of this plant for medicinal purposes, including treating stomach ailments and making poultices for wounds.Growth Conditions for Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. glaucomollis P.V. Wells
Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. glaucomollis P.V. Wells, commonly referred to as the Eastwood's manzanita, requires specific growth conditions to thrive. The plant is native to California and can be found in the Sierra Nevada foothills, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral ecosystems.
Light Requirements
Eastwood's manzanita requires full sun to partial shade to grow properly. In their natural habitat, they can be found growing on hillsides, rocky slopes, and in open woodlands that provide ample access to sunlight. In gardens, they grow well in areas with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil Requirements
The Eastwood's manzanita thrives in well-draining soil types that have unique characteristics. They need rocky or sandy soils, and they are highly adaptable to drought. The plant prefers soils with slightly acidic to neutral pH levels that range between 5.6 and 7.5.
Temperature Requirements
The Eastwood's manzanita can grow in areas with a temperate climate, making it an ideal choice for gardens in the coastal regions of California. The plant can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20°F to 110°F, but it can experience heat stress if exposed to extreme temperature and dry soil conditions.
Water Requirements
Eastwood's manzanita requires regular watering in its early years of growth but becomes drought-tolerant once established. Overwatering can harm the plant, therefore, ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging. Watering twice a month during the summer season is sufficient for this species of plant.
In conclusion, to ensure the healthy growth of the Eastwood's manzanita, gardens should have a well-draining soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, exposure to six hours of direct sunlight, and watering twice per month in summer months.
Cultivation of Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. glaucomollis P.V. Wells
Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. glaucomollis P.V. Wells is a low-growing evergreen shrub that is native to California and can be found in many different habitats throughout the state. It is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to cultivate in a garden or container.
Watering Needs of Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. glaucomollis P.V. Wells
This plant generally requires infrequent watering, and can even tolerate periods of drought once established. However, it is important to ensure that the soil does not become bone-dry, and watering once a week during the growing season should suffice. In cooler months, watering can be reduced to every two weeks.
Fertilization of Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. glaucomollis P.V. Wells
Provide the plant with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring, just before the growing season begins. Do not over-fertilize, as this may cause the plant to produce too many succulent branches and reduce overall plant health. Use a fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.
Pruning of Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. glaucomollis P.V. Wells
This plant does not require heavy pruning but can benefit from regular light pruning to maintain its shape. Pruning can be done in early spring just before new growth appears. Dead or damaged branches should be pruned back to the base of the plant. Any overgrown or crossing branches can also be cut back to their point of origin to keep the plant in shape.
Propagation of Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. glaucomollis P.V. Wells
Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. glaucomollis P.V. Wells, commonly known as sticky manzanita, can be propagated by a number of methods. These include seed propagation, softwood cutting propagation, and layering propagation.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. glaucomollis P.V. Wells can be done through seed propagation. The seeds can be collected during the fall from mature plants and can be sown directly in the ground or in pots. It is recommended to stratify the seeds in the refrigerator for 60 to 90 days before planting. Germination will usually occur in the spring, and the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after one to two years.
Softwood Cutting Propagation
Another method for propagating Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. glaucomollis P.V. Wells is through softwood cutting propagation. Softwood cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be four to six inches long and taken from the terminal growth of the plant. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Then, place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. In about a month, the cuttings should develop roots, and they can be transplanted after about four to six months.
Layering Propagation
Propagation of Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. glaucomollis P.V. Wells can also be done through layering propagation. In layering propagation, a low branch on the plant is selected and bent down to the ground. The branch should be scarred where it touches the ground and covered with soil and held down with rocks. The branch should start to develop roots in a few months. Once roots are established, the branch can be cut off from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.
Disease Management
The Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. glaucomollis P.V. Wells is a plant species that is generally resistant to diseases. However, some diseases might affect the plant, and it is crucial to manage them promptly to prevent their spread. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes small, circular spots on the leaves, which can lead to defoliation of the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and destroy them. Apply fungicides to protect the remaining foliage from infection.
- Phytophthora root rot: This disease is caused by fungal-like organisms that attack the roots and cause them to rot. The infected plant may exhibit wilting or death. To manage this disease, avoid planting in poorly drained soil, remove infected plants, and apply fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes white, powdery growth on the leaves, which can lead to stunted growth and defoliation. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves and branches, apply fungicides, and improve air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity.
Pest Management
The Arctostaphylos glandulosa Eastw. ssp. glaucomollis P.V. Wells is generally resistant to pests. However, some pests might affect the plant, and it is crucial to manage them promptly to prevent their spread. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Spider mites: These insects are common pests that can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and improve air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity.
- Scale insects: These insects attach themselves to the plants and suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, remove the scales by hand or with a soft brush, and apply insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: These insects also suck sap from the leaves, causing distorted growth and yellowing. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
