Origin and Common Names
Callirhoe involucrata (Torr. & Gray) Gray var. novomexicana E.G. Baker, commonly known as New Mexico Winecups, is a herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the mallow family (Malvaceae). It is native to North America, specifically in the southwestern United States, including Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah.
Appearance
The New Mexico Winecups plant typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet with a spread of 1 to 2 feet. It has a shallow taproot and a dense cluster of stems that emerge from a central rosette. The leaves are alternate, simple, and lobed with a palmate shape that is roughly circular. The flowers bloom from spring until fall, showcasing a vibrant and striking red-purple hue.
Uses
The New Mexico Winecups plant is often used to decorate rock gardens, planters, and borders. It requires minimal care and maintenance and has a high tolerance for heat and drought. The plant is also believed to have significant medicinal properties and has been used by various indigenous tribes for centuries to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and sore throat. The leaves and flowers can be made as a tea, and the roots can be used for making poultices and ointment. Additionally, the plant can attract pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a delightful addition to any garden.
Light Requirements
Callirhoe involucrata (Torr. & Gray) Gray var. novomexicana E.G. Baker typically grows in full sun to partial shade. It requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day to thrive. In areas with high temperatures, it is best to provide the plant with some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Callirhoe involucrata (Torr. & Gray) Gray var. novomexicana E.G. Baker is a plant that is native to North America and is adapted to a range of temperatures. It can tolerate hot and dry conditions, as well as cold and frosty climates. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 80°F. Extreme temperatures can cause stress to the plant and affect its growth rate.
Soil Requirements
Callirhoe involucrata (Torr. & Gray) Gray var. novomexicana E.G. Baker prefers well-drained and fertile soil. It can grow in a range of soil pH levels, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils between pH 6.0 and 7.5. Sandy loam soil with a mixture of organic matter is ideal. The plant does not thrive in heavy or clay soils, as they can cause waterlogging and root rot.
Cultivation
The Callirhoe involucrata (Torr. & Gray) Gray var. novomexicana E.G. Baker plant prefers well-draining, sandy loam soil. Plant it in a location with plenty of sun exposure and provide shade in hot summers.
Seeds should be started indoors early in the spring before the last expected frost or directly sown outside in late fall, as winter stratification is required to break their dormancy. This will help to ensure a strong and healthy plant in the coming growing season.
Watering Needs
Callirhoe involucrata (Torr. & Gray) Gray var. novomexicana E.G. Baker is drought tolerant and can withstand periods of prolonged dryness. However, it should be watered occasionally during prolonged periods of drought to maintain healthy growth.
Due to its sensitivity to root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Callirhoe involucrata (Torr. & Gray) Gray var. novomexicana E.G. Baker does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer can help supplement the needs of the plant, but too much can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.
Regularly adding organic matter to the soil can enhance its overall fertility, providing the necessary nutrients and minerals for healthy growth.
Pruning
Callirhoe involucrata (Torr. & Gray) Gray var. novomexicana E.G. Baker generally requires little to no pruning. Deadheading should be done regularly to encourage continued blooming of new flowers throughout the growing season.
Trimming back any damaged, diseased, or overgrown branches can help to maintain the plant's overall appearance and health.
Propagation of Callirhoe involucrata (Torr. & Gray) Gray var. novomexicana E.G. Baker
Callirhoe involucrata (Torr. & Gray) Gray var. novomexicana E.G. Baker, commonly known as New Mexico Poppy-mallow, is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the family Malvaceae. The plant is native to the southwestern United States and can be propagated by both seed and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of New Mexico Poppy-mallow from seeds is relatively easy and requires minimal effort. The seeds can be collected from mature capsules, which typically ripen in mid-August to early October, depending on the geographical location.
Once you have collected the seeds, sow them in a pot or seed tray. It is recommended that you add a layer of sand or perlite at the bottom of the container to ensure good drainage. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix, and then sprinkle the seeds evenly on top of the soil. The ideal temperature for germination is between 60-70°F.
Once the seeds have germinated, thin them out to ensure that there is enough space for them to grow. After four to six weeks, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Vegetative Propagation
New Mexico Poppy-mallow can also be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings. This method is best done in the spring when new growth appears.
To propagate the plant using cuttings, select healthy shoots from the parent plant that are approximately four to six inches long. Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut the stem just below a node. The node is the point where leaves emerge from the stem.
Remove the bottom leaves to expose the node and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. Plant the stem in a well-draining soil mixture and water it thoroughly. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or plastic wrap to create a humid environment for the cutting. Place the pot in a well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight, until roots develop.
After four to six weeks, the cutting should have developed roots and can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Disease Management
Callirhoe involucrata (Torr. & Gray) Gray var. novomexicana E.G. Baker is generally a hardy plant that does not suffer from serious diseases, but it may occasionally be affected by some fungal and bacterial diseases. Some common diseases that might affect the plant include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that causes circular or irregular brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy the infected plant parts and increase air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity levels. Fungicides may also be applied to protect the plant from further infection.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that forms a powdery white coating on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy the infected plant parts, increase air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides may also be applied to protect the plant from further infection.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or yellowish rust-like spots on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy the infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides may also be applied to protect the plant from further infection.
Pest Management
Callirhoe involucrata (Torr. & Gray) Gray var. novomexicana E.G. Baker is generally not seriously affected by pests, but it may occasionally be attacked by some common pests.
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this pest, it is recommended to spray the plant with a jet of water to knock off the insects or use insecticidal soap to kill them.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, reddish-brown insects that suck the sap from the leaves and spin webs on the plant. To manage this pest, it is recommended to spray the plant with a jet of water to knock off the insects or use insecticidal soap to kill them.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves, causing holes and skeletonization of the foliage. To manage this pest, it is recommended to remove and destroy the infected plant parts or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) to kill the caterpillars.
