Origin
Collomia debilis var. integra Payson, commonly known as Integrated Collomia, is native to North America. The plant is found in many regions of the United States and Mexico, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah. It typically grows in dry, sandy or rocky soils in grasslands, sagebrush, or pinyon-juniper woodlands.
Common Names
Integrated Collomia is also known as Wholeleaf Collomia or Debilis Collomia. The name "Collomia" was given in honor of the American botanist Peter A. Collom (1824-1913), who was one of the first collectors of plant specimens in California and Nevada.
Uses
Collomia debilis var. integra Payson has been traditionally used by indigenous peoples to treat various ailments, including indigestion, headaches, and fever. The plant contains saponins, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Integrated Collomia also has horticultural uses. It is often used in wildflower and rock gardens to add color and texture. The plant blooms from May to August with pink, purple, or white flowers, which attract many species of insects, including bees and butterflies.
General Appearance
Collomia debilis var. integra Payson is a small herbaceous annual plant that grows up to 40 cm tall and 20 cm wide. The plant has long, thin stems and narrow leaves that are arranged alternately along the stem. The leaves are entire and up to 18 mm long. The flowers are small and tubular-shaped, with five petals that range in color from pink to purple or white. The fruit is a capsule that contains many small seeds.
Growth conditions for Collomia debilis var. integra Payson
Light: Collomia debilis var. integra Payson requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. However, it can tolerate some shade in hotter climates.
Temperature: This plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from 10°C to 25°C. It grows best in a temperature range of 15°C to 20°C, which is typical of its native habitat in North America.
Soil: Collomia debilis var. integra Payson prefers moist, well-draining soils. It can grow in a wide variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are not waterlogged. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, between 6.0 and 7.5.
Water: This plant prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate some drought conditions. Watering should be done regularly, especially during dry spells.
Fertilizer: Fertilization is not required but can be beneficial. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, can be applied once or twice a year during the growing season.
Propagation: Collomia debilis var. integra Payson can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in the fall or early spring, while cuttings can be taken in the early summer. Plants grown from cuttings may flower earlier than those grown from seed.
Pruning: This plant does not require pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can promote prolonged blooming.
Pests and diseases: Collomia debilis var. integra Payson is generally pest and disease-free, but it may be susceptible to powdery mildew and spider mites in dry conditions. It is important to maintain consistent moisture to prevent these issues.
Cultivation Methods:
Collomia debilis (S. Wats.) Greene var. integra Payson, commonly known as the pale collomia or mountain trumpets, is a native plant to the Western United States. It can be cultivated in either a partially shaded or sunny area, but it thrives best in well-drained soil. Plant them in the early spring or mid-to-late summer when the weather is mild.
Watering Needs:
The pale collomia needs regular watering, and the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. Overwatering should, however, be avoided as it can lead to root rot. To maintain an adequate level of moisture, you should water the plant weekly, particularly during the summer months. When watering, aim at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves.
Fertilization:
Collomia debilis (S. Wats.) Greene var. integra Payson does not require a lot of fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer is sufficient, preferably in the spring during the active growing season. Overfertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth and result in reduced flowering.
Pruning:
When it comes to pruning pale collomia, only minimal care and attention are needed. You can remove any dead or damaged stems at the base of the plant, and cut back spent flowers to encourage the development of new blooms. However, too much pruning can be detrimental to the growth of the plant. As such, be careful not to overdo it.
Propagation of Collomia debilis var. integra Payson
Collomia debilis var. integra Payson, also known as the Pale-spurred collomia, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Polemoniaceae family. This plant is perennial and is native to the western United States. Its delicate, pale pink to lavender flowers bloom from June to September and attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Propagation Methods
The propagation of Collomia debilis var. integra Payson can be achieved through a variety of methods including seed propagation, cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation: The easiest and most common method of propagating Collomia debilis var. integra Payson is through seed propagation. The seeds should be sown directly in the garden in the spring. They should be sown about a quarter inch deep, and the soil should be kept moderately moist until the seedlings emerge in a couple of weeks.
Cuttings: Softwood cuttings taken in late spring and summer can also be used to propagate Collomia debilis var. integra Payson. The cuttings should be around 3-4 inches long and taken from the new growth on the plant. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be planted in a pot with a potting mix that drains well. Cuttings should be kept shaded and moist until they develop roots, which should take several weeks.
Division: Division is another option for propagating Collomia debilis var. integra Payson. The best time to divide the plant is in the fall once it has finished blooming. The plant should be lifted from the ground and gently divided into smaller clumps. The new clumps should be immediately replanted in prepared holes that are slightly larger than the root balls.
With all propagation methods, it's important to keep the soil or growing medium moist until new growth emerges. It's also important to be patient as it can take a few weeks to several months for new plants to establish and grow.
Disease Management
Collomia debilis is generally a healthy plant that is free from diseases. However, if environmental conditions are not favorable, it can be vulnerable to some diseases. Here are some of the common diseases that affect Collomia debilis and how to manage them:
Leaf rust
Leaf rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing yellowish-brown spots. To manage this disease, you can use a copper-based fungicide or remove infected leaves and destroy them to prevent the disease from spreading.
Root rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot and turn brown or black. Overwatering and poor drainage are the common causes of this disease. To manage this disease, improve the drainage system of the soil and avoid overwatering. Also, you can use a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Collomia debilis is also free from pests attack, however, like any other plant, it can be attacked by pests, which can damage the leaves, stem, and roots. Here are some common pests that might attack Collomia debilis and how to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are tiny sap-sucking insects that can cause distortion of leaves and stunting of plant growth. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the spread of aphids. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs can also help manage aphids.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that can cause damage to the leaves. You can manage caterpillars by handpicking and destroying them or by using a natural insecticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that thrive in dry and dusty conditions. They cause yellowing of leaves and webbing on the plant. You can manage spider mites by using a miticide or by spraying the plant with water to remove dust and keep the environment humid.
