Overview of Cleome Serrulata Pursh Var. Angusta
Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta (M.E. Jones) Tidestrom is a flowering plant that belongs to the Capparaceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found growing in various regions of the United States. It is known by several common names, including Rocky Mountain Beeplant, Narrowleaf Beeplant, and Skunkweed.
Identifying Characteristics
The Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta plant can grow up to 5 feet tall and has narrow, serrated leaves that are around 2 inches long and ¼ inch wide. The plant produces small, white to pink flowers that have four petals and are clustered together in a spike-like formation. The flowers are very fragrant and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant blooms from July to October and produces a fruit that looks like a long, slender pod.
Uses of Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta
The Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta plant has several uses, both medicinal and cultural. Native American tribes used the plant to treat various ailments, including stomach pain, constipation, and fever. They also used it as a liniment for sore muscles and joints. In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant has cultural significance to some Native American tribes, who consider it to be a sacred plant that can be used in ceremonies and rituals.
The plant also has ecological importance as it provides nectar and pollen for pollinators, including bees and butterflies. It is also sometimes planted as a crop cover because of its ability to improve soil quality and attract beneficial insects.
Growing Conditions
The Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta plant prefers full sun and well-drained soils. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions, making it a good choice for xeriscaping. It is also easy to grow from seed and can reseed itself in favorable conditions.
Overall, the Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta plant is a valuable species with ecological and cultural significance. Its striking appearance and fragrant flowers make it an attractive addition to any garden, while its medicinal properties and cultural importance make it a valuable plant to various communities.
Light Requirements
The Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta (M. E. Jones) Tidestrom, also known as Rocky Mountain Beeplant, thrives in environments with a moderate amount of sunlight. This species requires full sun to partial shade to grow.
Temperature Requirements
The Rocky Mountain Beeplant can withstand a variety of temperature ranges, making it a hardy species. This plant grows well in regions with cool to cold winters and warm to hot summers. It is known to grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. The ideal temperature range for germination and growth is between 60°F and 80°F with higher nighttime temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Rocky Mountain Beeplants grow best in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil. The species is known to grow in soils with a pH range of slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. The ideal soil pH range is between 6.0 and 7.5. This plant prefers soil with moderate fertility and can survive in nutrient-poor soils. The Rocky Mountain Beeplant can tolerate drought-like conditions but needs moderate watering to ensure proper growth.
Cultivation Methods
When cultivating Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta (M.E. Jones) Tidestrom, it is important to select an appropriate site that receives full sun to partial shade. The plant prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH level, and it can tolerate drought conditions once established.
Seeds can be sown directly into the ground in late spring, or they can be started indoors a few weeks prior and then transplanted outside after the danger of frost has passed. The seeds should be planted at a depth of ¼ inch, and the soil should be consistently moist until germination occurs.
When the plants are young, they may benefit from being staked or trellised to encourage upright growth. Mature plants can reach a height of 2 to 3 feet and a spread of 1 to 2 feet.
Watering Needs
Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta (M.E. Jones) Tidestrom prefers to be kept evenly moist, but it can tolerate short periods of drought once established. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, so it is important to be mindful of the soil moisture level.
Water should be applied directly to the base of the plant and not onto the foliage, as wet leaves can encourage fungal growth and other diseases. During periods of high heat or low rainfall, extra watering may be necessary to keep the plant hydrated and healthy.
Fertilization
Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta (M.E. Jones) Tidestrom does not have high fertilizer needs. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied once in the spring and again in mid-summer to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and be sure to water the plant afterward to help the nutrients reach the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is not strictly necessary for Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta (M.E. Jones) Tidestrom, but it can help maintain a neat, tidy appearance and encourage branching and fuller growth.
Deadheading spent blooms can promote continued flowering throughout the season. Any damaged or diseased branches should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of issues to the rest of the plant. Pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta
Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta, also known as Rocky Mountain beeplant, is a native plant commonly found in the western United States. It is a hardy, drought-tolerant annual that produces showy pink to lavender flowers in the summer months. Propagation of this plant can be accomplished through a variety of methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta is through the use of seeds. Seeds should be sown directly into the ground in the spring or fall, once the soil temperature reaches around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds should be planted about an inch deep and spaced 8 to 12 inches apart. Germination typically occurs within 10 to 14 days.
Alternatively, seeds can be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. They should be sown in pots filled with a well-draining potting mix and covered with a thin layer of vermiculite. Water regularly and keep the pots in a warm location. Once the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted into the garden.
Cutting Propagation
Another method of propagating Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta is through the use of cuttings. Take 3 to 4 inch stem cuttings from the plant in the summer when the plant is actively growing. Strip the leaves from the bottom few inches of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them consistently moist. The cuttings should root within a few weeks and can be transplanted into the garden once they have developed a strong root system.
Division
Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta can also be propagated through division. Dig up the entire plant in the spring or fall and gently separate the roots into several clumps. Each clump should have several stems and a healthy root system. Replant the clumps in the garden at the same depth they were growing previously and water thoroughly.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta (M.E. Jones) Tidestrom
Cleome serrulata Pursh var. angusta (M.E. Jones) Tidestrom is a resilient plant and is generally resistant to many diseases and pests. However, it is still important to keep an eye out for any possible issues and take appropriate action to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that Cleome serrulata can be affected by is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune any infected parts of the plant and to provide good air circulation around the plant. Applying a fungicide can also be helpful in managing powdery mildew.
Another disease that can affect Cleome serrulata is rust. Rust usually appears as orange or rust-colored blisters on the leaves of the plant. Removing any infected leaves and providing good air circulation can help manage the spread of rust. Applying a fungicide can also be effective in managing rust.
Common Pests
Cleome serrulata is generally not heavily affected by pests. However, aphids and spider mites can occasionally be a problem. Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of plants and can cause damage to the leaves of Cleome serrulata. To manage aphids, it is recommended to use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spider mites are tiny pests that are difficult to see with the naked eye. They can cause damage to the leaves of the plant and can eventually lead to the death of the plant. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to apply a miticide or to introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
In conclusion, Cleome serrulata is a hardy plant that is generally resistant to many diseases and pests. However, it is important to monitor the plant for any possible issues and take appropriate action to manage them. By following these tips, you can ensure that your Cleome serrulata is healthy and thriving.
