Overview
Cleome serrulata Pursh, commonly referred to as Rocky Mountain beeweed, is a flowering herbaceous plant belonging to the Capparaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found on rocky plains, grasslands, and forest edges. It is a popular garden plant due to its attractive, showy flowers.
Appearance
The Rocky Mountain beeweed plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and spread across approximately 1 foot. It has a clump-forming habit and produces alternate leaves that are divided into three leaflets, similar to clover leaves. The leaves are green, serrated, and have a hairy texture. The flowers are pink, purple, or white and bloom from July to September, producing inflorescences of five-petaled flowers. The fruits are cylindrical pods and contain numerous seeds.
Uses
Rocky Mountain beeweed has been used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic plant. The Navajo people used it to treat colds, fever, and inflammation. In modern times, it is mainly used as a garden plant due to its showy flowers, drought tolerance, and ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Light Requirements
The Cleome serrulata Pursh, also known as Rocky Mountain beeplant or stinking clover, prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but growth and flower production will be reduced. Therefore, to achieve optimal growth, it is recommended to plant it in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Cleome serrulata Pursh is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 10. The ideal temperature for its growth is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can also withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit during the dormant phase.
Soil Requirements
Cleome serrulata Pursh can grow in a variety of soil types. However, it prefers well-draining soils that are fertile and moist. The soil pH range should be between 6.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate soils that are slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Adding organic matter such as compost or manure to the soil before planting can improve soil fertility and drainage.
Cultivation Methods for Cleome serrulata Pursh
Cleome serrulata Pursh is a hardy plant and will grow well in most garden settings. The plant prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained, loamy soil. It is best to plant seeds in late spring to early summer when the soil is warm. It can also be propagated through stem cuttings.
When planting the seeds, they should be planted in rows that are spaced at least 12 inches apart. The seeds should be sown at a depth of ΒΌ inch and watered gently until the soil is moist. It is essential to keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering since waterlogged roots can rot.
Watering Needs
Cleome serrulata Pursh requires regular watering to thrive. It is best to water the plants deeply once a week, rather than giving them shallow waterings frequently. The key to success with this plant is to avoid watering too much or letting it dry out completely.
It is also essential to water the plants at the base instead of spraying water on the leaves. Wet leaves can lead to fungal diseases that may harm the plant.
Fertilization
Fertilizing is typically only required for Cleome serrulata Pursh if the soil is poor in nutrients. The plant thrives in moderately fertile soils, and fertilizing it can help it grow larger and healthier. It is best to use organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure rather than chemical fertilizers.
Fertilize the plants in the spring before the blooming season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, following the manufacturer's instructions. Over-fertilizing can harm the plant, so it is essential to use the fertilizer in moderation.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for Cleome serrulata Pursh, but it can help to keep the plant healthy and looking its best. Removing dead, diseased, or damaged leaves and stems can help prevent insect infestations and fungal infections that may harm the plant. When pruning, use sterile pruning shears or scissors, and cut just above a healthy leaf node.
If the plant becomes leggy or too tall, it can also be pruned to promote bushier growth. Cut back the top of the plant by up to 1/3 its length. This will encourage the plant to produce more side branches, leading to a fuller, more compact appearance.
Propagation of Cleome serrulata Pursh
Cleome serrulata Pursh, also known as Rocky Mountain beeplant or stinking-clover, is a native plant that grows in open areas, meadows, and prairies in the western United States and Canada. This species is an annual or biennial plant that blooms from July to September with spikes of pink to lavender flowers.
Propagation methods
The propagation of Cleome serrulata Pursh can be done by seed or cuttings.
Seed propagation
The most common propagation method for Cleome serrulata Pursh is growing it from seed. The seeds can be collected from the plant in the fall and stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring when they can be planted. To encourage germination, the seeds can be soaked in water for a few hours prior to sowing.
Sow the seeds in the prepared soil in late spring after the last frost. Preparing the soil involves loosening it and mixing it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. The seeds should be planted about 1/4 inch deep and 6-12 inches apart. Water the seeds regularly, keeping the soil moist until germination.
Once established, thin the seedlings to about 12-24 inches apart to allow each plant to develop fully. Rocky Mountain beeplant prefers full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade.
Cutting propagation
Cleome serrulata Pursh can also be propagated from stem cuttings. Cuttings are taken in early to midsummer when the plant is in its prime growth stage. Use a sharp, clean knife to take a cutting from the stem, about 6 inches in length. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top of the cutting.
Dip the cutting in rooting hormone, then plant it in a container or in the prepared soil, keeping the soil moist and out of direct sunlight. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to create a humid environment, which promotes rooting. After a few weeks, check for roots by gently pulling on the cutting. If there is resistance, roots have formed, and the cutting can be transplanted into the ground.
Keep in mind that Cleome serrulata Pursh may not come true to seed and can cross-pollinate with other related species, producing offspring with variable characteristics.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome serrulata Pursh
Cleome serrulata Pursh, also known as Rocky Mountain bee plant, is a hardy perennial plant that can be affected by various diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management practices are crucial in maintaining healthy and thriving plants. Below are some common diseases and pests that can affect Cleome serrulata Pursh and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that can affect Cleome serrulata Pursh is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that forms a white, powdery coating on the foliage, causing the leaves to curl and distort. To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy infected plant material, maintain proper spacing between plants to allow for good air circulation, and use fungicides at the first sign of infection.
Another disease that can affect Cleome serrulata Pursh is leaf spot. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes dark brown or black spots on the leaves, leading to leaf defoliation. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected plant material, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides at the first sign of infection.
Common Pests
Cleome serrulata Pursh can also be affected by various pests, such as aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing the leaves to curl and distort. Spider mites are tiny insects that cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves, causing defoliation. To manage these pests, use insecticidal soaps or oils, release natural predators, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, and encourage beneficial insects by planting companion plants, such as dill and fennel.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management practices are essential in maintaining healthy and thriving Cleome serrulata Pursh plants. By identifying common diseases and pests and implementing appropriate management practices, gardeners can enjoy the beauty of this hardy plant for years to come.
