Origin and Common Names
Douglasia arctica Hook. var. gormanii (Constance) Boivin, also known as Gorman's douglasia or Gorman's rockmat, is a small flowering plant in the family of Primulaceae, native to North America's west. It primarily grows in the Sierra Nevada range, specifically in the Inyo and Mono counties of California below the timberline. The plant was named after Ronald M. Gorman, an American botanist who collected the first specimens in 1958.
Appearance
Douglasia arctica Hook. var. gormanii is a perennial herb that grows in small clumps on rock outcrops and talus slopes in subalpine and alpine zones. The plant forms numerous small rosettes that spread and form new plants through vegetative reproduction. In early summer, it produces many tiny white to pink flowers with a yellow center that are arranged in a compact inflorescence. The leaves are evergreen, small, and elongated, growing to be less than a centimeter long.
Uses
The plant is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in rock gardens. It can also be grown on stone walls and in containers, where its small size and low growth habits make it an ideal addition to any horticultural collection. Its ability to grow in rocky terrain allows it to be used to stabilize eroded soil. The plant's leaves and flowers were traditionally used by Indigenous communities for medicinal purposes, including treating digestive disorders, colds, and sore throats.
Light Requirements:
Douglasia arctica Hook. var. gormanii (Constance) Boivin typically grows in full sunlight to partial shade conditions. It requires an adequate amount of light for proper growth and development, but excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause damage to its leaves.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant species mostly grows in cool and moist environments. The optimal temperature range for the growth of Douglasia arctica Hook. var. gormanii (Constance) Boivin is between 50 to 70°F (10-21°C). It cannot tolerate extended periods of hot and dry weather conditions, but can tolerate mild freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements:
Douglasia arctica Hook. var. gormanii (Constance) Boivin grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH levels and can adapt to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy or rocky soils. To ensure optimal growth, it is recommended to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Douglasia arctica Hook. var. gormanii (Constance) Boivin is a perennial plant that prefers a well-drained soil with a neutral pH. It requires a sunny location to grow correctly, but it can tolerate light shade as well. This plant species can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Seeds must be sown in the spring or fall, while cuttings must be taken from new growth during spring.
Watering Needs
The soil must be kept moist but not soggy. This plant cannot tolerate drought and will require frequent watering during hot weather. In winter, the watering frequency must be reduced to avoid waterlogging the soil. Waterlogging is harmful to the roots and may cause root rot. Always water the plant at the base and avoid wetting the foliage to prevent foliar diseases.
Fertilization
Douglasia arctica Hook. var. gormanii (Constance) Boivin requires fertilization to thrive. It is recommended to use a fertilizer with high phosphate content to promote flower production. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium can also be used. Apply the fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging and do not over-fertilize the plant, as it may lead to adverse effects.
Pruning
Douglasia arctica Hook. var. gormanii (Constance) Boivin does not require heavy pruning. However, it is vital to remove any dead or diseased branches as soon as they appear. Prune the plant after flowering to promote bushy growth and the formation of new flower buds. Pinching off the tips of stems is also an effective method to promote branching and bushiness. Always use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid injuring the plant and to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Douglasia arctica Hook. var. gormanii (Constance) Boivin
Douglasia arctica Hook. var. gormanii (Constance) Boivin, commonly known as Gorman's dwarf stonecrop, is a dwarf, mat-forming plant that is native to the western United States. Propagation of this plant can be done by various methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Douglasia arctica Hook. var. gormanii can be done by seed, which should be sown in fall or early spring. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and covered with a thin layer of sand. The temperature should be kept between 55-65°F until germination. Germination can take up to four weeks. Seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location when they have produced at least two sets of true leaves.
Division Propagation
Douglasia arctica Hook. var. gormanii can also be propagated by division. Division should be done in late spring or early fall. The plant can be carefully lifted from the ground and the roots should be gently separated into smaller clumps. Each clump should have several stems and roots. Transplant the clumps into their permanent location, being careful not to bury the crown of the plant.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings can also be taken from Douglasia arctica Hook. var. gormanii. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer. Softwood cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stem, while hardwood cuttings can be taken from the base of the stem. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be about 3-4 inches in length. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone, then plant in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and the temperature between 65-75°F until the cuttings have rooted, which can take several weeks to a month.
Disease Management
Douglasia arctica Hook. var. gormanii (Constance) Boivin can be susceptible to different types of diseases that can affect their growth and development. Some of the common fungal diseases that can affect the plant include powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew can cause the leaves to be marked by white dusty patches. Rust can cause red-orange discoloration of leaves, while leaf spot can lead to small, circular, dark-colored spots on the leaves.
To manage fungal diseases, it is recommended to reduce humidity levels by providing good airflow and avoiding overhead irrigation. The use of fungicides can also be helpful in managing fungal diseases. Fungicides should be applied early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid injury to the plants.
Pest Management
Douglasia arctica Hook. var. gormanii (Constance) Boivin can also be vulnerable to different types of pests that can affect their health. Common pests that can affect the plant include aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Aphids can deplete the plant's nutrients by sucking the sap from it. Spider mites can cause leaf discoloration, and slugs can consume the plant's leaves.
One way to manage aphids is to spray plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. Insecticidal soap can also be used to get rid of aphids. Spider mites can be controlled using insecticidal soap and neem oil. Slugs can be managed by using slug baits or trapping them using moistened cardboard placed near the plants.
Regular monitoring of the plant can help detect pests and diseases early. Removing affected plant parts can also help to prevent the spread of the problem to other parts of the plant. Good cultural practices, including proper watering and fertilization, can help maintain the plant's health and prevent pest and disease problems in the first place.
