Chiosya dumosa (Torr.) Gray var. mollis (Standl.) L. Benson: Overview
Chiosya dumosa (Torr.) Gray var. mollis (Standl.) L. Benson, commonly known as Desert Mexicn Orange or Smooth Arizona Choisya, is a shrub that belongs to the family Rutaceae. It is commonly found in the southwestern parts of the United States and northern Mexico. It is a popular plant that is well known for its ornamental purposes and aromatic leaves.
Appearance
The Desert Mexican Orange plant has an evergreen foliage that is characterized by a bright green and shiny leathery texture. The leaves are palmately compound, divided into three to seven leaflets, and approximately 1-3 cm long. The plant can grow to a height of 3-4 feet and can have a spread of up to 6 feet. Beautiful white flowers bloom during the summer months, transforming the shrub into a splendid ornamental plant.
Uses
Choisya dumosa is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant that is ideal for xeriscapes and arid habitats. The plant's vibrant green foliage and white flowers provide an attractive landscaping feature in private gardens, public parks, and commercial landscapes. In addition, the plant's leaves have a distinctive fragrance that makes it a popular ingredient in the perfume industry. The plant also has medicinal properties and is used as a herbal remedy for stomach ailments, rheumatism, and arthritis.
In summary, Choisya dumosa is a versatile shrub that is an excellent option for ornamental, landscaping, and medicinal purposes. With its green foliage, fragrant leaves, and beautiful flowers, this plant is a standout feature in any garden or landscape.
Light Requirements
Choisya dumosa (Torr.) Gray var. mollis (Standl.) L. Benson is a plant that prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but performs best when exposed to full sun. If grown in partial shade, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in areas with hot summers and mild winters. It is important to note that this plant is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures. Ideally, the temperature should not drop below 20°F (-6°C).
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Choisya dumosa (Torr.) Gray var. mollis (Standl.) L. Benson are not very specific as it is a adaptable plant. Ideally, the soil should be well-draining and fertile with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. When planting in soil with poor drainage, it is advisable to improve soil texture by adding organic matter such as peat moss, compost or leaf mold. A weekly blooming formulation of fertilizer significantly affects the growth of this plant.
Cultivation methods
Choisya dumosa var. mollis can be cultivated in USDA hardiness zones 8-10. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. The plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil mix during late winter or early spring. Stem cuttings should be taken during summer and rooted in a potting medium.
Watering needs
Choisya dumosa var. mollis requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant once or twice a week during the growing season and reduce watering during winter.
Fertilization
The plant does not require much feeding. However, you may apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring to provide nutrients for the growing season. Additionally, you may apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during summer to boost growth and a phosphorus-based fertilizer during fall to promote blooming.
Pruning
Choisya dumosa var. mollis requires minimal pruning. You may remove damaged or diseased branches during late winter or early spring. Additionally, you may prune the plant after blooming to maintain its shape and size. However, avoid pruning in fall or winter as this may reduce blooming the following season.
Propagation of Choisya dumosa var. mollis
Choisya dumosa (Torr.) Gray var. mollis (Standl.) L. Benson is a drought-tolerant shrub that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its attractive, fragrant white flowers make it a popular ornamental plant. If you're interested in propagating Choisya dumosa var. mollis, here are some methods you can try:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Choisya dumosa var. mollis is through seed propagation. In early spring, collect seeds from the plant's dried seed capsules. Sow the seeds in a sandy, well-draining soil mix and keep them moist. Germination should occur within several weeks to several months.
Cuttings Propagation
Another option for propagating Choisya dumosa var. mollis is through cuttings propagation. Take 4- to 6-inch long stem cuttings from the plant in late spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut ends into rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a mixture of perlite and peat moss and keep them moist. Roots should develop within several weeks.
Caring for Propagated Plants
Once your Choisya dumosa var. mollis plant cuttings or seeds have rooted and begun to grow, transplant them into well-draining soil in a sunny location. Water the plants regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet, and fertilize them once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Disease Management
Choisya dumosa var. mollis is generally a hardy plant with few disease problems, but it can be vulnerable to certain diseases under specific conditions. Here are some of the common diseases that affect this plant and the recommended disease management practices:
Bacterial Canker
Bacterial canker is one of the most prevalent diseases that affect Choisya dumosa var. mollis. The disease usually appears in early spring and is characterized by irregular shaped cankers on the stems and branches of the plant. To manage this disease, prune and remove the infected parts of the plant and dispose of any infected debris well away from the plant. Avoid overhead irrigation and instead, water the plant from the base.
Fungal Leaf Spots
Fungal leaf spots are another common disease that can affect this plant. The disease shows up as circular or irregular brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and avoid overhead irrigation. You can also apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Choisya dumosa var. mollis can also be susceptible to certain pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some of the common pests that affect this plant and the recommended pest management practices:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves and the production of sticky honeydew. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population. You can also introduce natural predators such as lady beetles or lacewings to control the aphid population.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the stem and leaves of the plant. They feed on the sap of the plant and produce a sticky substance that attracts ants. To manage this pest, prune and remove the affected parts of the plant and apply horticultural oil to the plant to suffocate the insects. You can also introduce natural predators such as parasitic wasps or lady beetles to control the scale insect population.
Implementing these disease and pest management practices will help keep your Choisya dumosa var. mollis healthy and thriving.
