Plant Description
Bartlettina R.M. King & H. Robinson is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It grows up to 2 meters tall and produces showy, violet-purple flowers that bloom in late summer and fall.
Origin
Bartlettina R.M. King & H. Robinson is native to the mountainous regions of Mexico and Central America. It is found primarily in the states of Veracruz, Puebla, and Oaxaca in Mexico, and in Guatemala and Honduras in Central America.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including Mexican bush sage, purple bush sage, and velvet bush sage. In Spanish, it is known as "Cordoncillo", "Salvia", or "Costilla de Adan".
Uses
Bartlettina R.M. King & H. Robinson is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and public spaces due to its attractive foliage and showy flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including digestive problems and respiratory issues. The plant is rich in antioxidants and is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
General Appearance
The plant has lance-shaped leaves that grow up to 30 cm long and 5 cm wide. The leaves are dark green and velvety to the touch. The flowers are borne in dense, terminal clusters that are usually about 40 cm long and 15 cm wide. Each flower head is about 2 cm in diameter and consists of many individual flowers.
Light Requirements
Bartlettina R.M. King & H. Robinson plant needs to be grown in areas that receive partial sunshine to full sunshine. Partial sunshine can be defined as the plant receiving 3-6 hours of sunshine per day, while full sunshine can be defined as the plant receiving 6 or more hours of sunshine per day.
Temperature Requirements
The Bartlettina R.M. King & H. Robinson plant is typically grown outdoors in the tropical regions and subtropical regions. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature for the growth of the plant is between 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
The Bartlettina R.M. King & H. Robinson plant thrives in soils that are well-drained, rich in organic content, and slightly acidic. The soil pH range must be between 6.0 and 7.0. The soil must be moist but not waterlogged. The plant is susceptible to root rot if the soil is waterlogged for an extended period.
Cultivation Methods
Bartlettina R.M. King & H. Robinson, also known as the Mexican bush sage, is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall. It thrives in warm climates and prefers full sun to partial shade. The plant requires fertile, well-drained soil, and planting should be done during the spring season when there is no more threat of frost. When planting, it's essential to ensure proper spacing as the plant can spread up to 4-5 feet wide.
Watering Needs
The Mexican bush sage plant requires moderate watering. Too much water can cause root rot, while inadequate watering can cause the leaves to dry out and fall off. To avoid this, water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the climate and temperature. Ensure the soil is moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Fertilization is critical to the growth and development of the Mexican bush sage plant. The plant requires regular feeding, especially during its growing season. Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Ensure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding the plant.
Pruning
To maintain the shape and size of the Mexican bush sage plant, regular pruning is necessary. Pruning should be done during the early spring season before new growth appears. Cut back the stems to approximately 12-18 inches from the base, leaving some healthy buds. Additionally, deadhead the plant by cutting off the spent flowers and stems to encourage more vigorous growth and bloom.
Propagation of Bartlettina R.M. King & H. Robinson
Bartlettina R.M. King & H. Robinson is a beautiful plant that can be propagated by several methods. Some of the common methods of propagation for this plant include division, stem cuttings, and seed propagation.
Division
The division is a simple and effective method of propagation for Bartlettina R.M. King & H. Robinson. It involves separating the plant into smaller pieces, each with their own roots and stems. This method can be done during the spring or fall when the plant has become overcrowded or large.
First, the plant should be carefully dug up from the ground and roots should be separated by gently untangling them by hand or using a sharp, clean knife to cut through the roots. The divided plant can then be replanted in a new location, ensuring that each part is planted at a similar depth to the original plant. Water the plant well and keep it in a sheltered location until it establishes new roots.
Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Bartlettina R.M. King & H. Robinson through stem cuttings is also possible and can produce several new plants from a single parent plant. This method is best done during the spring or summer months when the plant is actively growing.
Take a stem cutting of around 6 inches long with a sharp, clean knife or scissors and remove the lower leaves. The cutting should be healthy and mature enough to develop roots. Next, place the cutting in a pot with moist soil and position it in a shady spot. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or a glass jar to create a mini greenhouse and keep the soil moist until the roots form.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Bartlettina R.M. King & H. Robinson from seed is also another option, although it can be more time-consuming than the other methods. This method is typically used for breeding new cultivars, and the process requires more attention and patience.
When the plant begins to produce seed heads, allow them to mature until they are brown and dry. Next, extract the seeds from the head and store them in a dry, cool place until planting time. When the time for planting arrives, sow the seeds in a pot filled with well-draining soil and cover lightly with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and place in a warm location with gentle sunlight.
In conclusion, propagation by division, stem cuttings, and seed propagation are all viable methods for propagating Bartlettina R.M. King & H. Robinson. It is important to choose the method that best suits your needs and skill set. The different methods offer varying degrees of success, but with proper care and attention, anyone can successfully propagate this beautiful plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Bartlettina R.M. King & H. Robinson
Bartlettina R.M. King & H. Robinson, commonly known as Mexican bush sage, is a beautiful perennial plant loved by many gardeners. However, just like any other plant, it can fall victim to various diseases and pests. Here are some common problems and how to manage them:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Mexican bush sage is root rot. This is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. To manage root rot, ensure that the plant is not sitting in water and that the soil is well-drained. You can also use a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Mexican bush sage can also be affected by powdery mildew, a fungal disease that causes white powdery patches on leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, adopt good garden practices such as spacing out plants to allow air circulation, watering the plant at the base, and applying fungicides when necessary.
Pests
Aphids can infest Mexican bush sage, causing deformity in leaves and stunted growth. These pests can be managed by physically removing them from the plant using a strong jet of water or spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites can also attack the plant, causing yellow spots and webbing on the leaves. To manage spider mites, remove any affected leaves and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Also, ensure that the plant is well-watered as dry conditions favor spider mite infestations.
Finally, Mexican bush sage can be attacked by whiteflies which suck sap from the leaves, causing pale leaves and stunted growth. These pests can be managed by using sticky traps or spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
By adopting good garden practices such as proper watering, adequate spacing of plants, and regular inspection of the plant, you can prevent and manage most diseases and pests that affect Mexican bush sage.
