Origin
Calylophus tubicula (Gray) Raven is a flowering plant endemic to North America, specifically found in the southern and central regions of the United States. It belongs to the family Onagraceae and is commonly known as the Grey bar evening primrose.
Common Names
The plant is known by a variety of common names such as Grey bar evening primrose, Gray evening-primrose, trumpet yellow, and tube calylophus.
Uses
The plant is utilized for its ornamental purposes to add beauty to gardens and landscapes. It requires minimal maintenance and is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping in dry regions. In traditional medicine, the roots and leaves of the plant are used to treat respiratory ailments such as coughs and bronchitis.
General Appearance
Calophyllum tubicala (Gray) Raven grows up to a height of 1-2 feet with a width of 12-18 inches. It has a spreading habit with foliage that is silver-green in color and lance-shaped. The plant produces vibrant yellow flowers that are trumpet-shaped, about one inch in diameter and bloom from late spring to early fall. The blooms sit atop long stems and have a sweet fragrance, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Light Requirements
The Calylophus tubicula typically thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it an excellent choice for areas with varying light conditions. However, it prefers direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. Without enough sunlight, the foliage might grow less vibrant and the plant might not flower as well.
Temperature Requirements
The Calylophus tubicula is native to semi-arid regions, and it can tolerate drought and dry soil conditions. However, it is also heat-sensitive and can become distressed in dry, hot climates. It is also not frost-tolerant, so it should be planted in areas where temperatures do not fall below 20°F.
Soil Requirements
The Calylophus tubicula prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should also have a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate various soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. However, it doesn't like standing water, as its roots can rot if the soil is too wet for too long.
Cultivation Methods
Calylophus tubicula (Gray) Raven is a hardy perennial that is low-maintenance and easy to grow. This plant is ideal for a full sun exposure with well-draining soils. It is drought-tolerant and has the ability to thrive under poor soil conditions.
To cultivate Calylophus tubicula (Gray) Raven, propagation can be done either from seeds or cuttings. Growers should consider planting in the spring for seeds, and in the late spring to early summer for cuttings. Germination takes anywhere from 14 to 35 days.
Watering Needs
Calylophus tubicula (Gray) Raven prefers moderate watering during its growth period. It is important to ensure that there is no waterlogging around the roots. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant’s growth.
During very hot or dry conditions, watering should be increased to prevent wilting. A good way to check if the plant needs watering is to insert a finger into the soil and if the soil feels dry up to the first knuckle, the plant requires watering.
Fertilization
Calylophus tubicula (Gray) Raven requires nutrients to maintain its health. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal. It is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer since this plant cannot tolerate high amounts of nitrogen.
The application of fertilizer should be done three times annually. The first application should be in the early spring while the plant is still dormant. The second application should be in the summer, while the third application should be in the fall. Too much fertilizer can lead to the growth of lanky stems with few flowers.
Pruning
Calylophus tubicula (Gray) Raven does not require extensive pruning. However, if pruning is needed, it is best to do it in late fall or early spring. Deadheading is also recommended during the growing season to promote the growth of more flowers.
Trimming the plant back can help retain its compact shape. It is important to use sharp, clean tools when pruning to avoid damaging the plant’s stems. Pruning helps to improve the plant’s overall appearance and can promote the development of more flowers.
Propagation of Calylophus tubicula
Calylophus tubicula (Gray) Raven, also known as tubeleaf sundrops, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Onagraceae family. This plant is native to the Chihuahuan Desert region in Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods such as seed propagation, division, and stem cutting.
Seed propagation
Propagation of Calylophus tubicula through seeds is easy and inexpensive. Collect the seedpods from the plant when they turn brown and dry. Open the pods to collect the seeds. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil in a tray or small pots. Keep the soil moist and place it in a warm and bright location. The seeds will germinate in 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have started to grow, transplant them to a larger pot or directly into the garden bed.
Division
Division is a method of propagation where the plant is split into two or more sections that have roots and above-ground growth. For Calylophus tubicula, division can be done in early spring or fall. Dig up the entire plant and separate the clumps into smaller sections. Each section should have roots and healthy foliage. Replant the separated sections in a well-draining soil mix at the same depth as before. Water the newly planted sections well.
Stem cutting
Stem cutting propagation is a method in which you take a cutting from the parent plant and root it. Select a healthy stem from the parent plant that is at least six inches long, and make a clean cut with a sharp knife or scissors. Remove the leaves from the lower two-thirds of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant it in well-draining soil mix in a pot. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm and bright location. The cutting will root in a few weeks. Transplant the rooted cutting into a larger pot or directly into the garden bed.
By using these propagation methods, you can easily propagate Calylophus tubicula and enjoy its bright and cheerful flowers in your garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Calylophus tubicula (Gray) Raven Plant
Calylophus tubicula (Gray) Raven is a drought-tolerant plant that is relatively easy to grow. However, it is not immune to diseases and pests, some of which can cause serious damage to the plant if left untreated. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Calylophus tubicula and ways to manage them:
Diseases:
1. Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that causes the plant's roots to rot, leading to wilting and eventually death. The disease is common in plants grown in poorly-drained soils or those that are over-watered. To manage root rot, ensure that the plant is grown in well-drained soil, do not over-water, and avoid planting in areas with standing water.
2. Leaf Spots: This is a fungal disease that causes dark spots on the leaves, leading to premature leaf drop. The disease is spread by water, so avoid overhead watering and ensure that the plant has good air circulation. If leaf spots are detected, prune the affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Pests:
1. Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to curl and become distorted. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts other insects and can cause fungal growth. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them or treat with insecticidal soap.
2. Spider Mites: These are tiny, eight-legged pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to yellow and become speckled. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can quickly infest a plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or treat with insecticidal soap.
3. Whiteflies: These are small, white insects that feed on the undersides of the plant's leaves, causing them to yellow and become sticky. Whiteflies also excrete honeydew, which can cause fungal growth. To manage whiteflies, use yellow sticky traps to monitor their presence and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
By being vigilant and taking prompt action, you can manage diseases and pests that affect Calylophus tubicula, ensuring that your plant remains healthy and vibrant.
