Origin
Arctostaphylos nummularia Gray var. sensitiva (Jepson) McMinn, is a subspecies of the manzanita plant native to California, particularly in the northern and central parts of the state. It belongs to the Ericaceae family and is a typical chaparral plant with evergreen foliage.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as sensitive manzanita or a coin-leaved manzanita due to its small, round foliage that resembles coins. It is also sometimes referred to as the ghost manzanita, due to its pale bark and twisted shape, which give it an eerie appearance.
Uses
The sensitive manzanita is mainly grown for ornamental purposes, due to its unique appearance and low-maintenance nature. It is suitable for landscaping, as it requires little watering and can tolerate a variety of soil types. The plant is also important in the ecosystem of its native habitat, providing food and shelter for various species of birds, insects, and mammals.
General Appearance
The sensitive manzanita is a small, multi-stemmed shrub that can grow up to 10 feet in height. It has pale, smooth bark that peels in thin layers, revealing a reddish brown layer underneath. The leaves of the plant are small, about the size of a coin, and are a dark green color. The flowers of the sensitive manzanita are small, white, urn-shaped, and bloom in the winter and early spring.
Light Requirements
Arctostaphylos nummularia Gray var. sensitiva requires a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day in order to grow and thrive. The plant grows well in full sunlight but can also tolerate shade.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in a moderate temperature range between 50-75°F (10-24°C). However, it can withstand both hot and cold temperatures, making it adaptable to various climates.
Water Requirements
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during periods of drought, in order to prevent wilting or drying out. However, it is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5-7.5. It can grow in a variety of soils, including sand, loam, and clay, but will not tolerate soils that are constantly wet or waterlogged.
Fertilizer Requirements
The plant does not typically require fertilizer, but can benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied during the growing season. It is important to avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excessive growth and other problems.
Cultivation methods
The Arctostaphylos nummularia Gray var. sensitiva (Jepson) McMinn plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is typically found in coastal areas but can also be grown inland in Mediterranean or dry regions. The plant is adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy or loamy soil with moderate to low fertility.
Watering needs
Although the plant is drought-tolerant, it will benefit from irrigation during the hot, dry summer months. It is essential to ensure that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the summer months and reduce watering during the winter months.
Fertilization
The Arctostaphylos nummularia Gray var. sensitiva (Jepson) McMinn plant does not require much fertilizer and can grow well in poor soil. However, you can fertilize the plant once a year during the spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Arctostaphylos nummularia Gray var. sensitiva (Jepson) McMinn plant, but it can benefit from occasional shaping to maintain its appearance. If you need to prune the plant, do so during the winter months when it is dormant. Lightly prune back any dead or damaged branches and shape the plant as desired. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant's height or width at once.
Propagation of Arctostaphylos nummularia Gray var. sensitiva (Jepson) McMinn
The Arctostaphylos nummularia Gray var. sensitiva (Jepson) McMinn, commonly known as the 'Pebble beach manzanita', can be propagated through various methods like seed propagation, cutting, layering, and division. Here is a detailed description of each method:
Seed propagation
Seeds from ripe fruits can be collected from the plant during late summer or fall. They should be cleaned to remove any flesh. The seeds should then be stratified for at least four weeks to help mimic the natural cold climate before they can be sown in a container or directly in well-drained soil.
Cutting
The cutting method involves cutting a healthy stem of the plant, placing it in a rooting hormone, and planting it in a suitable potting mix. The cutting should be taken during the growing season and after the plant has completed its annual growth cycle. Cuttings should be maintained in high humidity and low to moderate light until the roots are established.
Layering
The layering method involves bending a branch of the plant and securing it to the ground. The branch should then be covered with soil, and roots will form at the point where the branch touches the ground. Once roots are well established, the new plant can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted.
Division
In the division method, an established mature plant is divided into sections with a sharp and clean tool. Each division should contain roots and some stems. The new plants are then potted into a suitable soil mix. This method is suitable for plants that have outgrown their containers or have become too crowded in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Arctostaphylos nummularia Gray var. sensitiva:
Arctostaphylos nummularia Gray var. sensitiva, commonly known as sensitive manzanita, is a small evergreen shrub that is native to California. As with all plants, sensitive manzanita is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests. Fortunately, there are several measures that can be taken to manage these issues and keep the plant healthy.
Common Diseases:
Sensitive manzanita can be affected by several diseases, including:
- Phytophthora root rot: This soil-borne disease can cause wilted leaves and brown or black roots. It can be prevented by planting in well-draining soil and avoiding over-watering.
- Bacterial blight: This disease can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and dieback. It can be prevented by avoiding overhead irrigation and pruning infected branches.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a powdery white coating on leaves. It can be prevented by promoting good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead irrigation.
Pest Management:
Sensitive manzanita can also be affected by several pests, including:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing leaves and a web-like coating on the plant. They can be managed by spraying the plant with water and using insecticidal soap.
- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing leaves and a sticky substance on the plant. They can be managed by pruning and using insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These pests can cause holes in the leaves and defoliation. They can be managed by hand-picking or using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
In conclusion, it is important to monitor sensitive manzanita for diseases and pests and to take appropriate measures to manage them. By following good cultural practices and using appropriate management techniques, the plant can thrive and be a beautiful addition to any garden.
