Origin
Calylophus berlandieri Spach ssp. pinifolius (Engelm. ex Gray) Towner is native to the southwestern United States. It can be found in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Common Names
Common names for Calylophus berlandieri Spach ssp. pinifolius include Pineleaf Sundrops, Pinyleaf Primrose, Berlandier's Sundrops, and Texas Sundrops.
Uses
Some Native American tribes used Calylophus berlandieri Spach ssp. pinifolius for medicinal purposes, specifically for treating skin conditions and digestive issues. The plant is also used for landscaping and gardening due to its bright yellow flowers, and is known to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
General Appearance
Calylophus berlandieri Spach ssp. pinifolius is a perennial plant that typically grows to be about 12-18 inches tall and 12 inches wide. The leaves are narrow and pine-like in appearance, measuring about 1-2 inches long. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers have four petals and measure about 1 inch in diameter. The plant prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure.
Light
Calylophus berlandieri Spach ssp. pinifolius requires full sun exposure to thrive. It cannot tolerate shady areas, and inadequate lighting can reduce growth and flowering.
Temperature
This plant is well adapted to hot and dry environments. It can tolerate high temperatures of up to 100°F during the day and 60°F at night. However, it cannot survive in freezing temperatures and requires winter protection in colder regions.
Soil Requirements
Calylophus berlandieri Spach ssp. pinifolius prefers well-drained soils with a pH level of between 6 and 8. It can survive in rocky or sandy soils that are nutrient-poor. However, adding organic matter to the soil can enhance its growth and flowering.
Cultivation
Calylophus berlandieri Spach ssp. pinifolius is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, and it prefers well-drained soils.
When planting this species, it is important to prepare the soil adequately by digging the hole to twice the size of the root ball and loosening the soil's bottom to allow for proper drainage.
It is advisable to keep the plants about 2 feet apart to guarantee sufficient airflow and prevent overcrowding during growth.
Watering needs
Calylophus berlandieri Spach ssp. pinifolius is drought-tolerant, and overwatering is not required. When planting in areas that regularly receive rainfall, very little watering is necessary.
If grown in areas with little rainfall, it may require watering once a week. It is essential to avoid over-watering, especially during the winter months, when there is a higher risk of root rot due to the soil's saturation.
Fertilization
Calylophus berlandieri Spach ssp. pinifolius requires a well-draining soil with low to medium fertility. It is important to avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers.
A slow-release granular fertilizer with an analysis of 10-10-10 would be beneficial when planting. It is advisable to apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1/4-1/2 cup per plant, mixed with the soil at the time of planting.
After the first year's growth, it is advisable to apply the same fertilizer but at a rate of 1/2-1 cup per plant in early spring when the new growth begins to emerge.
Pruning
Calylophus berlandieri Spach ssp. pinifolius requires minimal pruning. It is advisable to wait for the first blooms to pass before pruning to ensure that the plant's overall structure is maintained.
Removing the spent blooms promotes repeat blooming and keeps the plant tidy. It is recommended to prune off the dead wood and shape the plant lightly in the spring before new growth begins.
Propagation of Calylophus berlandieri Spach ssp. pinifolius
Calylophus berlandieri Spach ssp. pinifolius, commonly known as Berlandier's sundrops, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the southwestern United States. Propagation of this plant can be done using various methods, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
The most commonly used method of propagating Berlandier's sundrops is through seed propagation. Seeds can be collected from the plant after the flowering season and stored for later use. To increase the success rate of seed germination, it is recommended to stratify the seeds by storing them in a cold environment for a few weeks before planting.
To plant the seeds, mix them with a well-draining soil mix and lightly cover them with soil. Water the soil well and place the container in a bright and warm location. The seeds typically take around two to four weeks to germinate.
Stem Cuttings
Propagating Berlandier's sundrops through stem cuttings is another effective method. Select a healthy stem from the parent plant and cut it into four to six-inch sections. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder.
Place the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix and place it in a warm and bright location. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and in a few weeks, the cutting will form roots.
Division
Propagation of Berlandier's sundrops can also be done through division. This method is best done in the spring before new growth appears or in the fall after the plant has finished flowering. Dig up the parent plant and divide the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a healthy shoot and root system.
Plant the divided sections into pots filled with a well-draining soil mix and water well. Keep the pots in a bright and warm location and water as needed. The plant will form new roots and begin to grow in a few weeks.
Disease Management
Calylophus berlandieri Spach ssp. pinifolius is a hardy plant that is not usually affected by diseases. However, the following diseases may occasionally affect the plant:
- Crown Rot: This fungal disease affects the roots of the plant and causes wilting and death of the plant. The infected plant should be removed and destroyed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. The soil should be treated with a fungicide before planting a new plant in the same area.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes yellowing and browning of the leaves of the plant. It can be managed by removing the infected leaves and treating the plant with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Calylophus berlandieri Spach ssp. pinifolius is usually not affected by pests. However, the following pests may occasionally be a problem:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests feed on the leaves of the plant and cause yellowing and webbing. They can be controlled by regularly spraying the plant with water to remove them or using insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: The caterpillars of certain moths and butterflies can feed on the leaves of the plant and cause defoliation. They can be controlled by handpicking or using a biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
