Origin
Armeria labradorica Wallr. var. submutica (Blake) H.F. Lewis, commonly known as Labrador Sea Thrift or Labrador Sandwort is a plant species that belongs to the family Plumbaginaceae. It is native to Labrador and Newfoundland in Canada and can also be found in the northeastern United States.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Labrador Sea Thrift or Labrador Sandwort due to its origin and preferred habitat.
Uses
Armeria labradorica Wallr. var. submutica has various uses in gardening and landscaping, including rock gardens, borders, and as a ground cover. It is an ideal plant for coastal areas due to its ability to tolerate salt and its resistance to wind. The plant is also used in erosion control programs to stabilize sandy soils.
General Appearance
The Labrador Sea Thrift is a small perennial plant that grows up to 4 inches in height and can spread up to 12 inches in width. It has a dense, mounded habit and grows in dense clumps of narrow, grass-like leaves. The long-lasting flowers are held on short stems above the foliage and are typically pink, lavender, or white in color, blooming from May to July. The plant prefers well-draining sandy soils and full sun exposure.
Light Requirements
Armeria labradorica var. submutica prefers full sun to partial shade, and it does well in coastal and alpine areas with cool summers.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from -40 °C to 30 °C, but it prefers cool temperatures. During the growing season, the optimal range is between 15 and 20 °C. The plant can withstand frost to -37 °C, making it suitable for planting in areas with cold winters.
Soil Requirements
Armeria labradorica var. submutica needs well-drained soils, and it tolerates a wide range of soil types, from acidic to alkaline. It does well in sandy and gravelly soils, and it tolerates soils with low fertility. The plant requires full access to water, but it does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
Cultivation of Armeria labradorica Wallr. var. submutica
Armeria labradorica Wallr. var. submutica is commonly known as subalpine thrift, is a perennial plant native to Greenland and North America. It's an easy-to-grow plant with a compact growth habit, making it suitable for both ground cover and container gardening. Here are some cultivation guidelines to help you grow healthy and vibrant subalpine thrift:
Soil Requirements
Subalpine thrift grows well in well-drained, fertile soil. Ideal soil pH range is between 6.5 to 7.5. To ensure good drainage, amend the soil with sand or perlite before planting.
Watering Needs
This plant requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. Avoid over watering as it can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions.
Fertilization
Armeria labradorica Wallr. var. submutica does not require heavy feeding. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, and avoid over-fertilization as it can damage the plant.
Pruning
Subalpine thrift does not require much pruning. However, it would be best if you removed any dead or damaged leaves throughout the growing season to prevent the spread of disease. You can also trim back the plant once blooming is finished to promote fuller growth and more flowers in the next season.
Propagation of Armeria labradorica Wallr. var. submutica (Blake) H.F. Lewis
Armeria labradorica Wallr. var. submutica (Blake) H.F. Lewis, commonly known as Arctic Thrift, is a herbaceous plant native to Northern America. It is a popular garden plant due to its attractive pink flowers and ability to tolerate cold temperatures. The plant can be propagated via seeds, cuttings or division.
Propagation via Seeds
The most common method of propagating Armeria labradorica is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the dried flower heads once they have turned brown. The seeds are small and can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors in pots. The best time to sow seeds is late spring or early autumn. The soil should be well-draining, and the seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3mm. Germination usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Propagation via Cuttings
Armeria labradorica can also be propagated via cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in early spring when the plant is just beginning to grow. Take 5-10cm long cuttings from the plant's stem, making sure to include a few leaves. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant in a light, well-draining soil. Ensure that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and place it in a shaded area. In 4-6 weeks, roots should form, and the plant can be moved to its permanent location.
Propagation via Division
Another method of propagation for Armeria labradorica is through division. The best time to divide the plant is in early spring or late autumn. Dig up the plant and gently separate the roots into smaller clumps. Replant each clump in a well-draining soil and water thoroughly. Division can also be used to rejuvenate older plants that have become too woody or congested.
Disease Management
Armeria labradorica Wallr. var. submutica (Blake) H.F. Lewis is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, it may occasionally face some diseases that can affect its growth and development. One of the common diseases that can affect this plant is root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. To manage root rot, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and to avoid overwatering the plant. Additionally, removing severely infected plants from the garden is necessary to prevent the spread of the disease to nearby plants.
Another disease that can affect Armeria labradorica Wallr. var. submutica is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To prevent and manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid watering foliage. If the disease has already affected the plant, it is recommended to remove the infected parts and apply fungicides to control the spread of the fungus.
Pest Management
Armeria labradorica Wallr. var. submutica is also a relatively pest-resistant plant. However, some pests may still target this plant and need to be managed to prevent damage and stunted growth.
One common pest that can affect this plant is aphids. These tiny insects suck the sap from the plant's foliage resulting in curling and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, it is important to inspect the plant regularly and remove any colonies found using a strong jet of water or insecticidal soaps.
Another pest that may target Armeria labradorica Wallr. var. submutica is slugs and snails. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant's foliage by feeding on it. To manage slugs and snails, it is recommended to handpick them at night or early morning when they are most active or use copper tape around the base of the plant to prevent their movement towards it.
