Overview
Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles is a resilient perennial plant from the Fabaceae family, known for its brilliant purple flowers and adaptability to various environmental conditions. The plant is native to the southwestern part of the United States and Mexico.
Appearance
Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles grows up to 3 feet tall and spreads over 2-3 feet wide. Leaflets are oblong, small, smooth, and dark green. The colorful flowers bloom from June to October and bloom in clusters. They are typically purple, but their hue can range from blue or pink to violet. The fruit of the plant is a small, dry pod containing one seed.
Common names
The plant is popularly known as Holy Cross milkweed, San Felipe Dalea, or San Felipe prairie clover.
Uses
Native Americans used the plant medicinally for treating stomach aches, flu, and other ailments. The roots of the plant can be boiled and the liquid filtered to provide a refreshing drink. The plant is also known for its ability to attract butterflies and bees, making it a great addition to gardens and landscapes. The plant has adapted to drought-like conditions and can grow well in various soil types, making it a great plant for xeriscaping and conservation purposes.
Overall, Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles is a versatile plant that has been traditionally valuable for its medicinal uses, and is now appreciated for its landscaping ability as well.Growth Conditions for Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles
The Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles plant grows best in a desert environment at an elevation of 1,000 to 4,000 feet. The plant prefers full sun exposure and dry, sandy, well-draining soils.
Light Requirements
Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. It should be grown in areas that receive at least 8 hours of sunlight per day. The plant cannot tolerate shade and may wither if not exposed to adequate sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles plant prefers warm and dry conditions. It can tolerate temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and low temperatures up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Frost is harmful to the plant, and it should be protected during periods of low temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles plant grows well in well-draining, sandy soils. It does not tolerate heavy clay soils, as these soils do not allow water to drain quickly enough, leading to root rot. The soil should be moderately fertile, with a pH of 7.0 to 8.5. The plant should be watered sparingly, as overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant.
Cultivation
The plant Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles can be grown in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It requires full sun exposure but can tolerate light shade. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in low water conditions. It can be grown in gardens, landscapes, and even containers.
Watering Needs
The plant Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles needs regular watering in the first year of its growth to establish its roots in the soil. After that, it can survive on its own and requires infrequent watering. However, during prolonged dry spells, it may require occasional deep watering to prevent the soil from completely drying out. It is best to keep the soil moist but not water-saturated to avoid root rot.
Fertilization
The plant Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles has low fertilization requirements. It can grow well with low to no fertilization. However, if you want to use fertilizers, use a slow-release fertilizer with a low nitrogen content in the first year of growth. After that, fertilization is not necessary, but you can use organic fertilizers that provide the necessary nutrients to the soil.
Pruning
The plant Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles requires minimal pruning. During the first year, focus on removing any dead or damaged branches. After the first year, pruning is not necessary, but you can trim the plant to maintain its shape and promote new growth. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring, just before new growth appears.
Propagation of Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles
The plant Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles, also known as Holy Cross Dalea, can be propagated through several methods. Propagation of this plant can be done through seeds and cuttings. The following are the details of propagation methods:
Propagation through Seeds
The propagation through seeds is the common method for propagating Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles. The seeds can be collected from the pods and sown in spring or early summer. The best time to sow is when the soil has warmed up to 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The seeds should be mixed with slightly damp sand or perlite and sown in trays, and then covered with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and provide good light and air circulation. Germination starts in 7-14 days.
Propagation through Cuttings
The propagation of Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles can be done through cuttings as well. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer. Take cuttings from the new growth which is green and healthy.
The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the tip of the stem. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be rooted in moist sand or perlite in a well-draining pot. Keep the soil moist and provide good light and air circulation. The cuttings will root in 3-4 weeks.
Disease Management
Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles is generally a hardy plant and is not susceptible to many diseases. However, it can be affected by some fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust.
Powdery mildew appears as a white or gray powdery film on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can be managed by removing infected plant parts, increasing air circulation around the plant, and applying fungicides such as neem oil or potassium bicarbonate.
Rust typically appears as orange or yellow spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be managed by removing infected plant parts, applying a fungicidal spray, and improving air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Dalea wislizeni Gray var. sanctae-crucis (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles is also relatively pest-resistant. However, it can be affected by some pests such as spider mites and grasshoppers.
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing it to dry out and turn yellow or brown. They can be managed by removing infected plant parts, increasing the humidity around the plant, and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Grasshoppers are larger pests that can feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing severe damage. They can be managed by removing weeds and plant debris from the area around the plant, using row covers to keep them away, and applying insecticides containing pyrethrins.
