Overview of Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck
Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck, commonly known as Many-glanded brickellbush, is a sub-species of the Calycadenia multiglandulosa plant. It is a shrub that belongs to the sunflower family, Asteraceae. The plant is native to California in the United States. It is commonly found in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Central Valley, and southern California.Description of Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck
Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck is a small, evergreen shrub that typically grows up to a height of 20-50 cm. The plant has narrow leaves that are around 1-3 cm long and 1-3 mm wide. The leaves are green and are covered with fine hairs on the upper surface. The plant produces numerous flowerheads that are around 1 cm in diameter. The flowerheads are yellow or white, and they bloom in the summer and fall.Uses of Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck
Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck has been used for medicinal purposes by several Native American tribes in California. The plant was used to treat coughs, colds, and skin irritations. The leaves of the plant were also used as a poultice to treat wounds and sores. The plant is primarily used as an ornamental plant in gardens, pots, and borders because of its attractive yellow and white flowerheads.General Appearance of Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck
Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck is a small shrub that has a dense growth habit. The leaves are narrow and green, covered with fine hairs. The plant produces numerous flowerheads that are yellow or white in color. The flowerheads are small, around 1 cm in diameter, and bloom in the summer and fall. The plant has a pleasant aroma and is often cultivated for its ornamental value.Light Requirements
Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck prefers full sun exposure and cannot tolerate excessive shade. The plant requires more than six hours of direct sunlight daily to encourage optimal growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive in low humidity and high-temperature conditions. However, it cannot tolerate severe frosts or temperatures below -10 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck grows well in well-draining, sandy, or loamy soils rich in nutrients. The plant is adapted to dry, rocky soils and can thrive in soils with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. The plant does not tolerate clay soils, waterlogged soils, or soils with poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck, commonly referred to as the White-rayed Goldfields, is native to California and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is a hardy plant that is easy to grow, and it has no particular soil preferences, as long as the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged. The plant grows best in a rocky or sandy soil with a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5.
Watering Needs
White-rayed Goldfields is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week rather than providing shallow watering more frequently to encourage deep root growth. The plant does well with infrequent, deep watering in comparison to frequent, shallow watering. Keep an eye out for signs of over-watering, such as yellowing foliage and root rot.
Fertilization
White-rayed Goldfields require moderate fertilization. However, too much fertilizer can encourage foliage growth over blooms. The ideal time to fertilize the plant is during the growing season, which is in spring. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 NPK ratio, is adequate. Over-fertilization can lead to burning the plant's roots and eventually killing the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for White-rayed Goldfields, but if you want to encourage compact growth and a more aesthetically appealing shape, a light pruning is recommended. Prune the plant after it has finished blooming, which is usually in late spring or early summer. Cut back the plant to one-third of its height, removing any dead or diseased foliage or stems. This will encourage the plant to grow bushier and denser. Avoid pruning in the winter or the fall, as this can disturb the plant's dormant period.
Propagation of Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck
Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck, commonly known as 'California Stars,' can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds of Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck can be collected from mature flower heads. The collected seeds should be cleaned and dried before sowing to ensure good germination rates. The seeds can be sown directly in the soil during fall or early winter. It is essential to provide good drainage and light soil mix to ensure a successful germination rate. The seeds usually take around two to four weeks to germinate.
Propagation by cuttings
Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck can be propagated by taking stem cuttings during the growing season. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants that have vigorous growth. The cuttings should have at least two nodes and should be about 3-4 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem, and apply a rooting hormone to the cut area and insert the cutting into a propagation mix. The cuttings should be kept slightly moist and in a warm, bright location. The rooting process takes around four to six weeks. After this, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots.
Disease and Pest Management for Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck
Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck is a relatively disease-resistant and hardy plant. However, it can still be affected by some diseases and pests. Effective disease and pest management is important for maintaining the plant's health and ensuring its continued growth and development. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Calycadenia multiglandulosa and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases That Might Affect Calycadenia multiglandulosa
1. Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant and can be fatal if left untreated. Overwatering or poorly-draining soil can lead to this disease. One way to manage root rot is to ensure that the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged.
2. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause yellowing and discoloration of the plant's leaves. This disease can be prevented by practicing good sanitation, such as removing diseased leaves and avoiding overhead watering.
Common Pests That Might Affect Calycadenia multiglandulosa
1. Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and leaf curling. One way to manage aphids is to spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. Alternatively, insecticidal soap can be used.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that appear as small red or brown dots on the leaves of the plant. These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. One way to manage spider mites is to spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap, ensuring to cover both the tops and undersides of the leaves.
By following good gardening practices such as proper fertilization and watering, keeping the plant's environment clean, and monitoring for diseases and pests, it is possible to maintain the health of Calycadenia multiglandulosa DC. ssp. bicolor (Greene) Keck.
