Origin and Common Names
Cleome stricta (Klotzsch) R.A.Graham, commonly known as Rocky Mountain Beeplant or Yellow Spiderflower, is a flowering plant species native to North America. It is widespread across the United States, found in 44 states, from Texas to Montana, and as far west as California.
Uses
The plant has several uses, including being a source of food and shelter for a variety of insects and birds. It is particularly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and is often used to attract them to gardens or in the creation of pollinator habitats. In addition, the plant is recognized for its medicinal properties, and is used to treat a range of ailments, including respiratory infections, fever, and headache. It is also used in the cosmetic and perfume industries, due to its fragrant flowers.
General Appearance
The Rocky Mountain Beeplant is an annual herbaceous plant, growing up to 4ft tall. It has a branched stem with multiple leaflets, and the flowers are clustered in tall spikes at the top of the plant. The flowers themselves are small, yellow, and shaped like a spider, with long stamens extending from the center of the flower. The plant blooms in late summer and early fall, and the flowers are replaced by long, slender seed pods that can reach up to 5in long. The leaves, stems, and seed pods of the plant are covered in fine hairs, giving them a fuzzy texture.
Overall, Cleome stricta is a resilient and useful plant, enjoyed by pollinators and people alike for its bright flowers and multitude of uses.Light Requirements
Cleome stricta requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. They can tolerate some shade, but too much can affect their flowering capacity. They thrive in areas with direct and uninterrupted sunlight, which is essential for their photosynthesis process.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm temperatures, with an optimal range of 18-25°C. The temperatures should remain above 10°C for the plant to survive. In regions with temperatures exceeding 30°C, the plant may struggle to flourish and may require additional care, such as regular watering to keep the soil moist.
Soil Requirements
Cleome stricta does well in a well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6-7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, with added compost that enhances fertility. The plant prefers a loamy soil type with moderate to low fertility. It can grow poorly in heavy clay soil and compacted soils that affect its root growth.
Cultivation of Cleome stricta
Cleome stricta, also known as Rocky Mountain beeplant, is traditionally a native plant of North America. It is a hardy annual that can thrive in different types of soil with good drainage.
The plant grows well in full sunlight and moderate to hot temperatures. Ensure the seedlings get enough sunlight by placing them in an open area at a temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius.
When transplanting, ensure you space the plants 30 to 60cm apart with a row distance of 60 to 90cm. This spacing allows for good air circulation and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
Watering Needs of Cleome stricta
Cleome stricta prefers moist soil; thus, it is crucial to monitor the soil moisture level regularly. During the first three weeks, keep the soil moist until the roots are established. Once established, reduce watering to prevent rotting of the roots, and only water when the soil has started to dry up.
Fertilization of Cleome stricta
Cleome stricta requires a nutrient-rich soil to thrive. Before planting, apply a slow-release granular fertilizer, high in potassium and nitrogen, to provide a steady supply of nutrients for the plant. Add a liquid fertilizer, high in phosphorus, every two weeks to encourage blooming.
Pruning Cleome stricta
Pruning is critical to maintain the health of the plant. Deadhead the plant by cutting off spent or faded flowers to encourage more blooming. Pinch back the tips of young plants to encourage bushier growth. Do not prune the plant once it starts to produce seed pods as this will prevent reseeding for the next season.
Propagation of Cleome stricta (Klotzsch) R.A.Graham
Cleome stricta (Klotzsch) R.A.Graham, commonly known as Rocky Mountain beeplant, is a hardy annual plant that is native to North America. The plant is an excellent addition to gardens as it requires minimal maintenance and blooms prolifically throughout the summer and fall seasons.
Propagation Methods
Cleome stricta (Klotzsch) R.A.Graham can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seeds
The most common propagation method is through seeds. The seeds are readily available in nurseries or can be collected from the matured plants. The seeds should be sown directly in the garden bed or in pots during the spring season. The optimal soil temperature for germination ranges from 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds will germinate within 7-21 days, depending on the soil temperature and moisture levels.
Cuttings
Cuttings are taken from the matured plant and are planted in soil or rooting medium to develop roots and establish the new plant. It is essential to take cuttings during the early morning or late evening hours to avoid heat stress to the cuttings. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches in length and should be taken from the stem's terminal end. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before planting in the soil. The rooting hormone powder helps in developing roots faster and increases the chances of success.
Division
Division is a propagation method that involves dividing the mature plant into smaller plants. This method should be done during the early spring or fall season when the plant is dormant. It is essential to dig the plant carefully and separate the roots into sections, ensuring that each section has enough roots and foliage to grow independently.
Overall, Cleome stricta (Klotzsch) R.A.Graham is a low maintenance plant that can be easily propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division. With proper care and maintenance, this plant will continue to bloom profusely year after year.
Disease Management for Cleome stricta (Klotzsch) R.A.Graham
Cleome stricta (Klotzsch) R.A.Graham is generally a healthy plant, but it can still be susceptible to various fungal diseases. The most common ones that might affect the plant include root rot, downy mildew, powdery mildew, and leaf spots.
To manage root rot, it is crucial to prevent waterlogging around the roots by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering. If the plant displays symptoms of root rot, it should be removed from the soil and the affected roots pruned back to healthy tissue before replanting in fresh, well-drained soil. Avoid over-fertilizing or under-fertilizing the plant, as both can promote root rot.
Downy mildew is a disease that occurs in humid or wet conditions, so it is crucial to avoid over-watering and maintaining good air circulation around the plant. Affected leaves should be promptly removed and discarded, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that often appears in hot and dry conditions. To prevent it, ensure adequate watering and good air circulation around the plant. If the plant is affected, prune back affected branches, increase air circulation, and apply a fungicide to prevent further growth.
Leaf spots are recognized as irregularly-shaped, brown-colored spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaf tissue and avoid splashing water on the foliage when irrigating. If the spots increase, it may be necessary to use a fungicide to protect the plant from further damage.
Pest Management for Cleome stricta (Klotzsch) R.A.Graham
Although not typically affected by pests, the plant can still be vulnerable to some insects such as aphids and spider mites. Both of these pests typically feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing discoloration, stunted growth, and overall plant decline.
To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or a strong stream of water to dislodge the pests from the plant. Avoid the application of broad-spectrum insecticides that can harm beneficial insects and other wildlife in the garden.
Spider mites can be managed by washing the leaves with a forceful jet of water or by introducing predatory mites, which feed on the spider mites and their eggs. Additionally, the application of insecticidal soap can control spider mites present on the plant.
In conclusion, Cleome stricta (Klotzsch) R.A.Graham is generally a low-maintenance plant, but proper disease and pest management practices are still necessary for optimal growth and development.
