Origin and Common Names
Calylophus drummondianus Spach ssp. berlandieri (Spach) Towner & Raven, commonly known as Berlandier's sundrops, is a plant species that belongs to the family Onagraceae. This perennial plant is native to the United States, particularly in the southern regions such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. It is commonly found in prairies, woodlands, and along roadsides.
General Appearance
The Berlandier's sundrops can grow up to 1 to 2 feet tall and spreads up to 1 to 2 feet wide. It has thin stems that carry small, bright yellow flowers. The flowers typically have four petals that are arranged in the shape of a cross. The leaves are narrow, green, and lance-shaped. They grow in a basal rosette and along the stems. Berlandier's sundrops bloom from March to June and are self-fertile.
Uses
Berlandier's sundrops have several uses. They are often grown as ornamental plants in gardens and landscapes due to their bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Additionally, the plant is drought-tolerant and low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. The leaves of the plant have also been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat conditions such as kidney stones and stomach aches.
Growth Conditions for Calylophus drummondianus ssp. berlandieri
Light: Calylophus drummondianus ssp. berlandieri requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering. It can tolerate some shade but too much shade can result in leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Temperature: This plant is native to Texas and can tolerate both extreme heat and cold temperatures. It can survive in USDA hardiness zones 6a to 9b, withstanding temperatures as low as -10°F (-23°C) to as high as 110°F (43°C).
Soil: Calylophus drummondianus ssp. berlandieri prefers well-draining soils that are slightly alkaline, with a pH between 7.0 and 8.0. It can tolerate soils with low fertility and low organic matter content, as long as they are well-drained. This plant is also tolerant of drought conditions and can survive in areas with low rainfall.
Water: Although Calylophus drummondianus ssp. berlandieri is drought-tolerant, it still requires regular watering during its establishment period. After it has established, it only needs to be watered during prolonged periods of dry weather.
Fertilizer: This plant does not typically require fertilizer, but it can benefit from an application of a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Too much fertilizer can result in leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Cultivation
Calylophus drummondianus Spach ssp. berlandieri (Spach) Towner & Raven can be grown in well-drained soil with slightly alkaline to neutral pH levels. The plant prefers full sun and is tolerant of high temperatures and humidity. It is adapted to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. It is an excellent choice for xeriscape landscaping, as it is drought-tolerant and requires relatively little maintenance.
Watering Needs
Calylophus drummondianus Spach ssp. berlandieri (Spach) Towner & Raven has moderate water requirements and is drought-tolerant once established. It is important to allow the soil to dry out between watering to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water deeply but infrequently during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months to prevent cold damage.
Fertilization
Calylophus drummondianus Spach ssp. berlandieri (Spach) Towner & Raven is a low-maintenance plant and does not require frequent fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth and flowering. However, be mindful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Calylophus drummondianus Spach ssp. berlandieri (Spach) Towner & Raven generally requires little pruning but can benefit from occasional maintenance to promote healthy growth and a more attractive shape. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease and insect infestations. Prune lightly after the flowering season to remove any spent flower heads and to shape the plant.
Propagation of Calylophus Drummondianus Spach ssp. Berlandieri (Spach) Towner & Raven
Calylophus Drummondianus Spach ssp. Berlandieri (Spach) Towner & Raven can be propagated through different methods. Some of the most common propagation methods for this plant are through seed, stem cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Calylophus Drummondianus Spach ssp. Berlandieri (Spach) Towner & Raven from seed is considered one of the easiest propagation methods. The seeds can be collected from the plant when they ripen, and they should be sown in spring in well-draining soil. Before sowing the seeds, it is advisable to soak them in water overnight to help speed up the germination process.
The seeds should be sown at a depth of around 1/8 inch and spaced at least 6 inches apart. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, until the seedlings appear, which typically takes around 2 to 3 weeks. The young plants can be transplanted to their permanent location once they have developed a few true leaves.
Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Calylophus Drummondianus Spach ssp. Berlandieri (Spach) Towner & Raven through stem cuttings is another effective method. This method involves taking a cutting from the plant and rooting it to produce a new plant.
The stem cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer from the current year's growth. The cuttings should be around 2 to 3 inches long and stripped of their lower leaves. They should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining propagating mix.
The cuttings should be covered with a plastic bag or placed inside a propagating tray to maintain humidity. The soil should be kept moist until the cuttings have rooted, which typically takes around 4 to 6 weeks. The new plants can be transplanted to their permanent location once they have developed a good root system.
Division
Propagation of Calylophus Drummondianus Spach ssp. Berlandieri (Spach) Towner & Raven through division is another method that allows the gardener to produce many plants from one. This method involves dividing the plant into several smaller sections and replanting them.
The best time to divide this plant is in early spring or fall. The root ball should be carefully removed from the soil, and the plant should be divided into smaller sections with a sharp knife or spade. Each section should have a few shoots and a healthy root system.
The new plants should be planted in well-draining soil and watered thoroughly. It is advisable to keep the soil moist until the plants have established themselves in their new location.
Disease management
Several diseases can affect Calylophus drummondianus Spach ssp. berlandieri (Spach) Towner & Raven. Here are some of the most common:
- Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the roots of the plant, causing decay. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunting. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage. You can also treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that forms a white, powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. It can cause leaf drop and stunted growth. To manage powdery mildew, remove and dispose of affected plant parts and treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, dark spots on the leaves of the plant. It can cause defoliation if left untreated. To manage leaf spot, remove and dispose of affected plant parts and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Pest management
Several pests can affect Calylophus drummondianus Spach ssp. berlandieri (Spach) Towner & Raven. Here are some of the most common:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and bronzing of the leaves, as well as webbing. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These larvae can chew on the leaves of the plant, causing defoliation. To manage caterpillars, pick them off by hand or treat the plant with a biological insecticide.
