Overview
Collomia tinctoria Kellogg is a herbaceous annual plant native to western North America, ranging from British Columbia to California and east to Montana. It is commonly known as stinking collomia or purple-stemmed collomia.
Description
The plant has an upright habit, reaching a height of up to 60 cm. It has sticky, glandular hairs that cover the branches, foliage, and flowers. The leaves are 2-10 cm long and deeply lobed, with pointed tips and a rough texture. The flowers are pink to purple and small, with five petals and five stamens. They grow in clusters at the ends of the stems and bloom from June to September.
Uses
The Native American tribes used Collomia tinctoria Kellogg for a variety of medicinal purposes. The leaves and flowers were used to make an infusion for treating coughs, cold, and fevers. A lotion made from the plant was used to treat skin irritations and insect bites. The plant was also used as a dye plant, with its roots yielding a reddish-brown color when boiled.
Today, Collomia tinctoria Kellogg is primarily used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a wildflower in naturalistic landscapes. It is best grown in full sun to partial shade and in well-drained soil. The plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden and is an excellent choice for those interested in creating a wildlife habitat.
Light requirements
Collomia tinctoria Kellogg can thrive either in full sun or partial shade. However, to achieve the optimal growth, it is essential to provide it with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light can cause the plant to become leggy and weak, whereas too much sunlight can cause the leaves to wilt and burn.
Temperature requirements
The plant is a native of North America and can grow in a range of temperatures. Collomia tinctoria Kellogg can tolerate hot summers and cold winters. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 40? and 80?. However, the plant can also adapt to higher temperatures by going dormant and surviving on stored moisture until the conditions become more favorable.
Soil requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. Additionally, Collomia tinctoria Kellogg requires soil rich in nutrients. You can improve the soil's fertility by adding compost, manure, or organic fertilizers. It is also essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as stagnant water can cause the plant's roots to rot.
Cultivation Methods for Collomia Tinctoria Kellogg
Collomia tinctoria Kellogg, commonly known as stainer or stain color, is an annual herb that grows in the western part of North America. It has bright red or pink flowers and can grow up to a height of 1 to 3 feet. The following are some of the cultivation methods for Collomia tinctoria Kellogg:
- Collomia tinctoria Kellogg prefers a well-draining soil with good moisture retention. It thrives in sandy, loamy soils with a pH range of 4 to 7.5.
- Sow seeds of Collomia tinctoria Kellogg in the spring or fall. Ensure that the seeds are sown in well-prepared soil that is free from weeds and debris.
- Water the seeds immediately after planting and then regularly after germination. This plant requires consistent moisture to grow and bloom properly.
- Collomia tinctoria Kellogg can tolerate full sun to partial shade. It’s best to protect it from hot afternoon sun in warmer climates.
- Thin the seedlings once they reach a height of 2-4 inches to allow for proper spacing. The ideal spacing is 6-12 inches apart.
Watering Needs for Collomia Tinctoria Kellogg
Collomia tinctoria Kellogg, like many species of plants, requires water to grow and thrive. Here are some guidelines for watering needs of this plant:
- Collomia tinctoria Kellogg prefers consistent moisture levels but does not like to be in standing water. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
- After germination, water seedlings lightly and frequently. Gradually decrease frequency as the plants mature but maintain consistent moisture levels.
- During periods of drought or hot weather, water the plant deeply and less frequently to avoid water stress.
- It’s best to water the plant in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid evaporation and water waste.
Fertilization for Collomia Tinctoria Kellogg
Collomia tinctoria Kellogg does not require heavy fertilization. However, a light dose of a balanced fertilizer can provide necessary nutrients to the plant as it grows. Here are some tips for fertilizing this plant:
- Fertilize Collomia tinctoria Kellogg once in the spring using a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or lower.
- Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plant base and follow the recommended dosage instructions on the package.
- After fertilization, water the plant well to allow the nutrients to penetrate the soil fully.
Pruning for Collomia Tinctoria Kellogg
Pruning is not necessary for Collomia tinctoria Kellogg but can promote a fuller, bushier appearance. Here are some tips for pruning this plant:
- Pinch back the tips of the plant stems when the plant is 4-6 inches tall.
- Pinching encourages the plant to branch and can lead to denser foliage and more flowers.
- If the plant becomes leggy or spindly, cut it back by about 1/3 of its height to encourage new growth from the base of the plant.
- Deadhead spent flowers throughout the blooming season to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Propagation of Collomia Tinctoria Kellogg
Collomia tinctoria Kellogg, commonly known as stoneseed, is a Western North American native, flowering, herbaceous plant. The plant produces pinkish to bluish-purple flowers that bloom during spring and summer. It is a plant that attracts various wildlife such as butterflies and bees due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Collomia tinctoria is through seed. Harvest mature seeds from the plant during autumn since that is when the seed pods are fully developed and begin to dry. Seeds harvested earlier may not be well developed and may not germinate. Before planting, store the seeds in a cool, dry place that is protected from pests. The ideal soil for planting will be moderate to sandy soils with good drainage.
Collomia tinctoria seeds should be planted directly into the ground they will grow in since they are not meant to be transplanted. The recommended planting depth is 1/8 inch, and the ideal spacing between the seeds is 12 to 18 inches. To support seed growth and establishment, it is essential to keep the planting bed evenly moist throughout the growing period.
Propagation through Cuttings
Collomia Tinctoria Kellogg is difficult to propagate using cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken from the fresh green growth at the plant's tip. They should be taken during the summer when the plant has reached maturity. The cuttings should be planted in a rooting medium that drains well, and the soil should be kept moist during the new growth period. After several months, the cutting should have generated roots ready for transplant into the garden.
It is worth noting that propagation through cuttings is not always successful, and seed propagation is more reliable.
Disease and Pest Management for Collomia tinctoria Kellogg
Collomia tinctoria Kellogg, also known as Chinese pagoda or princess flower, is a hardy plant that grows in well-draining soil with full sunlight. Although it is relatively resistant to diseases and pests, here are some of the common problems and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spot – This fungal disease creates brown or black spots on the leaves, leading to yellowing and eventual decay. It can be controlled with fungicides or by removing infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering.
Root rot – Overwatering or poor drainage can cause the roots to rot, leading to wilting and death of the plant. It is best prevented by ensuring proper soil drainage and allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Fungal treatments may help in severe cases.
Pests
Aphids – These tiny insects suck on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. They can be washed off with a strong stream of water or controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites – These pests create webs and cause leaves to turn yellow or brown. They can be controlled with insecticides or by washing the plant with water regularly to remove dust and debris, which they thrive on.
Caterpillars – These pests eat the leaves of the plant and can cause significant damage if left unchecked. They can be picked off manually or controlled with insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis.
Regular monitoring and care can prevent most disease and pest problems in Collomia tinctoria Kellogg. Choosing healthy plants, planting in well-draining soil with adequate sunlight, and avoiding overwatering will go a long way in maintaining the health and beauty of this plant.
