Introduction
Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is one of several Draba species, commonly known as whitlow-grasses.Origin and Common Names
Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata is native to western North America, specifically in the regions of the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada mountains. It is generally known as Sierran Draba due to its origin in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.General Appearance
Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata has a small and compact growth habit. It grows to a height of about 3-6 cm, with basal leaves forming a flat rosette. The whole plant is covered in long white hairs that give it a woolly appearance. The stems tend to be short and erect. The leaves are oblong or spatulate, with slightly toothed edges.Uses
Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata is not widely cultivated, but its leaves and roots have been used traditionally in herbal medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs and respiratory issues. It is also a popular plant for rock gardens and alpine plantings due to its attractive and unique appearance.Growth Conditions for Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata
Light: Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata requires full sun to grow properly. The plant needs exposure to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to develop its maximum potential.
Temperature: This plant prefers cool weather and can tolerate moderate freeze. The optimal temperature range for Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata growth is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. High temperatures can stunt the growth of the plant and are not suitable for its proper growth.
Soil: The soil requirements for Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata include well-draining and nutrient-rich soils. The plant can grow in different soil types as long as the soil is not waterlogged. A pH range between 6 and 7 is ideal for this plant to ensure maximum nutrient uptake.
Water: Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata has moderate water needs. This plant needs to be watered consistently but not overwatered. In general, watering the plant once or twice a week is enough for its growth. During drought months, extra watering may be needed to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
Fertilizer: This plant can benefit from annual fertilization with a balanced NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) fertilizer. The best time to fertilize Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata is in spring before new growth emerges.
Cultivation Methods for Draba Corrugata S. Wats. var. Corrugata
Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata grows naturally in sunny locations with gravel and sandy soils. It thrives in well-draining soils and can tolerate some drought conditions. If you are growing it as a garden plant, prepare the soil by adding sand to improve drainage. Ensure that it receives full sunlight exposure and plant it between rocks or in a crevice where it can anchor its roots.
Watering Needs for Draba Corrugata S. Wats. var. Corrugata
The plant requires minimal watering once it is established. Water it occasionally during the dry season to prevent wilting. Avoid over-watering as it can lead to fungal diseases or root-rotting. If grown in a container, ensure that it has drainage holes, and check the soil moisture level before watering.
Fertilization of Draba Corrugata S. Wats. var. Corrugata
Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata does not require frequent fertilization. An occasional application of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can boost its growth. Avoid applying too much nitrogen, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning Draba Corrugata S. Wats. var. Corrugata
The plant does not require frequent pruning. However, some gardeners prefer to remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms. You can deadhead by snipping the stem right below the spent flower. You can also prune the plant lightly after flowering to maintain its shape and remove any damaged or diseased branches.
Propagation of Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata
Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata, also known as wrinkled draba, is a high-elevation plant that is native to the western United States. This plant can be propagated through seeds or vegetative cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds of Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata can be collected in the late summer/early fall when the seed capsules turn brown. The seeds are small, so collecting them requires a keen eye. Once collected, the seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until ready to plant.
When planting the seeds, it is best to use a seed-starting mix and not to bury the seeds too deeply. The seeds require light to germinate, so they should be planted near the surface of the soil. Water the seeds gently, and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
Propagation by vegetative cuttings
Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata can be propagated by taking stem cuttings from the parent plant. The best time to take cuttings is in the early fall, just after the plant has finished flowering.
The cuttings should be about three inches long and should include a few leaves. Remove any flowers or flower buds from the cutting. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a soilless mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, bright location until it roots.
Once roots have developed, the new plant can be transplanted into a larger container or planted in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata
Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata is a hardy plant, but it can still be susceptible to diseases and pests. Here are some common ones to watch out for and how to manage them:
Diseases
Black Spot: Black spot is a fungal disease that appears as black spots on the leaves. It can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. To manage black spot, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides may also be used.
Clubroot: Clubroot is a soil-borne disease that causes swelling of the roots and stunted growth. To manage clubroot, avoid planting in infected soil, practice crop rotation, and use resistant varieties of plants.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as white powdery spots on the leaves. It can cause the leaves to yellow and distort. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant. Fungicides may also be used.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
Cabbage Loopers: Cabbage loopers are green caterpillars that chew on the leaves of plants. They can cause large holes and skeletonized leaves. To manage cabbage loopers, handpick or use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide.
Slugs and Snails: Slugs and snails are mollusks that feed on the leaves and stems of plants. They can cause large irregular holes in leaves and stems. To manage slugs and snails, set up beer traps, handpick, or use iron phosphate baits.
With proper management, Draba corrugata S. Wats. var. corrugata can thrive and remain healthy.
