Overview
Cleome lutea Hook. var. jonesii J.F. Macbr., commonly known as Yellow spiderflower or Jones' spiderflower, belongs to the family Cleomaceae and is native to the western United States, particularly in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. This plant is a herbaceous biennial or perennial species that produces bright yellow flowers and has numerous uses.
Appearance
The Yellow spiderflower plant has a height of up to 3 feet and a spread of up to 1.5 feet. The plant features green leaves that are palmate and divided into 3-7 leaflets. It produces bright yellow flowers that bloom from May to July and have four petals, six stamens, and a prominent pistil. The flowers grow in clusters and have an appealing fragrance. The seedpods, which are produced after flowering, are similar to long capsules that contain several seeds.
Uses
Yellow spiderflowers have various medicinal uses. Infusions prepared from the plant are used to treat conditions such as fever, coughs, chest pains, and rheumatism. The plant has also been used to control vermin and insects in the garden. Further, the flowers of this plant attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Yellow spiderflowers are also a great addition to gardens, rock gardens and borders due to their beauty and overall aesthetic appeal.
Cultivation
Yellow spiderflowers require full sun and well-drained soil for proper growth. They can tolerate drought conditions but may not grow as fast. These plants produced self-seeding seed pods in the fall, and it's best to leave the pods until they begin to split before collecting seeds. When planting or transplanting, it's advisable to do so in early spring or fall. This plant can become invasive in some areas, and so it's necessary to keep it in check, but easy to remove control in small gardens.
Light Requirements
The Cleome lutea Hook. var. jonesii J.F. Macbr. prefers to grow in full sunlight to partial shade. Therefore, the plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to promote growth and flowering. However, it can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, but inadequate light may lead to poor growth and inadequate flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The Cleome lutea Hook. var. jonesii J.F. Macbr. grows well in a temperature range of 20 to 30°C. Extreme temperatures can significantly affect plant growth, and it cannot tolerate frost or cold winters. It is essential to plant the Cleome lutea Hook. var. jonesii J.F. Macbr. when the soil temperature reaches a minimum of 15°C.
Soil Requirements
The Cleome lutea Hook. var. jonesii J.F. Macbr. prefers well-drained soil that is enriched with organic matter. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil pH, but it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is optimal for the plant's growth. Additionally, the soil should have a good water drainage system and regular watering is essential to maintain the soil's moisture.
Cultivation methods:
Cleome lutea Hook. var. jonesii J.F. Macbr. is a small flowering plant that grows best in warm, sunny areas with good drainage. It can be grown in containers or in garden beds. The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Sandy soils with added peat moss and compost can work well for growing Cleome lutea Hook. var. jonesii J.F. Macbr.
Plant the seeds in the spring, after the last frost has passed. The seeds can be direct seeded or started indoors and transplanted. Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 6-8 inches apart. Water the seeds regularly until they emerge.
Watering needs:
Cleome lutea Hook. var. jonesii J.F. Macbr. requires moderate watering, particularly during hot and dry spells. The plant needs moist soil to thrive, but over-watering can be detrimental to the plant's growth. It is best to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening, as this allows the plant enough time to absorb the water before it evaporates.
Fertilization:
Fertilize Cleome lutea Hook. var. jonesii J.F. Macbr. regularly to encourage vibrant growth and blooming. Fertilizers high in phosphorus and potassium work best for the plant. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to aid in strong root development and blooming. Avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen, as this can cause the plant to grow more foliage than flowers.
Pruning:
Cleome lutea Hook. var. jonesii J.F. Macbr. requires pruning to maintain its shape and promote a longer blooming period. Remove any yellow or dead leaves regularly as they can be a breeding ground for pests and diseases. Pinch the tips of the plant regularly to encourage bushiness and to prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. After the plant has finished blooming, cut it back to 4-6 inches above the ground to promote new growth and blooming the next season.
Propagation of Cleome lutea Hook. var. jonesii J.F. Macbr.
Cleome lutea Hook. var. jonesii J.F. Macbr, commonly known as Jones's spiderflower, is a flowering herbaceous plant native to Mexico. It is a rare perennial plant that grows up to 20–40 cm tall. The plant produces yellow flowers that bloom in late spring and summer. Propagation of Cleome lutea Hook. var. jonesii J.F. Macbr. can be achieved through seed collection and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Cleome lutea Hook. var. jonesii J.F. Macbr is through seed propagation. The plant produces small, spherical pods that contain numerous seeds. The pods will split open when they are mature, exposing the seeds. The seeds are small and black and have a hard seed coat. The seeds can be planted in the fall or early spring in well-drained soil and kept moist until germination. Germination can take up to two weeks, depending on the soil temperature.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is a possible method of propagating Cleome lutea Hook. var. jonesii J.F. Macbr but is often not as successful as seed propagation. Vegetative propagation techniques include stem cuttings and division. Stem cuttings are taken in the spring or summer from healthy plants and planted in rooting hormone and well-drained soil, keeping the soil moist until root development is established. Division can be done in early spring or fall by separating the plant into smaller pieces, each piece with roots and one or more stems. Divisions should be replanted immediately in well-drained soil and kept moist until established.
Disease Management
Cleome lutea Hook. var. jonesii J.F. Macbr is generally a hardy plant, and it is resistant to most fungal, viral, and bacterial infections. However, some diseases can still affect the plant, including:
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It can be controlled by removing infected leaves and treating the plant with a fungicide.
- Leaf spot: This bacterial disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves. It can be controlled by removing infected leaves and treating the plant with a copper-based fungicide.
- Root rot: This fungal disease affects the roots, causing them to rot and eventually killing the plant. It can be prevented by planting the plant in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering.
Pest Management
Cleome lutea Hook. var. jonesii J.F. Macbr is also relatively pest-resistant, but certain pests may still cause damage to the plant, including:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or by treating the plant with insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that spin webs on the plant and suck the sap from the leaves. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or by treating the plant with insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval forms of butterflies and moths. They can eat the leaves of the plant and cause significant damage. They can be controlled by manually removing them from the plant or by treating the plant with a Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) pesticide.
