Origin
Draba lemmonii S. Wats. var. cyclomorpha (Payson) O.E. Schulz is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to the western United States and can be commonly found growing in the states of California, Nevada, and Utah.
Common Names
The common names for Draba lemmonii S. Wats. var. cyclomorpha (Payson) O.E. Schulz include Lemmon's Whitlow-grass, Cyclomorphic Whitlow-grass, and Lemmon's Draba.
Uses
There are no known medicinal or food uses for Draba lemmonii S. Wats. var. cyclomorpha (Payson) O.E. Schulz at this time. The plant is mainly used for ornamental purposes and is sometimes grown in rock gardens or used in landscaping projects.
General Appearance
Draba lemmonii S. Wats. var. cyclomorpha (Payson) O.E. Schulz typically grows to be about 5 to 20 cm tall and has a low-growing rosette that produces small white flowers. The leaves are simple and are typically arranged in a basal rosette that can grow up to 10 cm in diameter. The flowers of the plant have four petals and are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems. Draba lemmonii S. Wats. var. cyclomorpha (Payson) O.E. Schulz blooms from May to July and produces dry fruits that contain the seeds of the plant.
Light Requirements
Draba lemmonii S. Wats. var. cyclomorpha (Payson) O.E. Schulz is a plant that prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shaded areas; however, it prefers bright lights to bloom and grow healthily. Direct sunlight for about 5 to 6 hours per day is ideal for the plant to grow optimally.
Temperature
The plant usually grows from late spring to early summer, and it prefers a cooler climate with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) during the day and around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) at night. It can, however, tolerate moderately high temperatures up to 35°C (95°F). Temperatures below freezing point can damage the plant or even kill it since it is a delicate alpine plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soil with a pH ranging from acidic to slightly alkaline. A soil pH ranging from 5.2 to 7.2 is ideal for this plant. The soil should have good airflow to avoid retainment of excess moisture that can lead to root rot and other plant diseases. Sandy soil is perfect for optimal growth, and if the soil is too compacted, amendment with compost or perlite is necessary to allow for proper aeration and drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Draba lemmonii S. Wats. var. cyclomorpha (Payson) O.E. Schulz is a plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It grows best in well-draining soil, preferably with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. If you're growing it indoors, make sure to place it near a window that gets plenty of sunlight, but not directly under the sun. Outdoors, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, depending on your region's climate.
Watering Needs
Draba lemmonii S. Wats. var. cyclomorpha (Payson) O.E. Schulz needs consistent watering, but not too much. The plant prefers moist soil, but not soaking wet. Make sure to water it regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. When growing indoors, feel the soil regularly to ensure it's not too dry. Always water the plant at the soil level to avoid wetting the foliage, which can cause fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Draba lemmonii S. Wats. var. cyclomorpha (Payson) O.E. Schulz doesn't require much fertilization. If the soil is fertile, there's no need for additional fertilizers. However, if you feel like you need to give it a boost, use a balanced fertilizer once or twice a month during the growing season. Do not overfertilize, as this can harm the plant.
Pruning
Draba lemmonii S. Wats. var. cyclomorpha (Payson) O.E. Schulz doesn't require much pruning. However, if you see any dead or damaged foliage, remove it promptly to prevent fungal infections. You may also prune the plant after it flowers to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Use clean pruning shears to avoid spreading disease.
Propagation of Draba lemmonii S. Wats. var. cyclomorpha (Payson) O.E. Schulz
The propagation of Draba lemmonii S. Wats. var. cyclomorpha (Payson) O.E. Schulz can be done using either seeds or vegetative propagation methods.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Draba lemmonii S. Wats. var. cyclomorpha (Payson) O.E. Schulz can be collected from the mature plants during the summer months. The collected seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready to be sown in the following spring. To sow the seeds, the soil should be prepared by removing any debris and tilling the soil to improve its condition. The seeds can be sown on the soil surface and then lightly covered with a layer of soil. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Germination should occur within 2-4 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Draba lemmonii S. Wats. var. cyclomorpha (Payson) O.E. Schulz can be done using stem cuttings, root cuttings, or division of the clumps. Stem cuttings should be taken in the summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be 3-4 inches long and should be taken from healthy plants. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a shaded area until they establish roots. Root cuttings can be taken in the fall when the plant is dormant. The roots should be dug up and cut into 2-3 inch sections. The sections should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a shaded area until they establish roots.
Division of the clumps can be done in the spring or fall. The clumps should be dug up and divided into smaller sections. The smaller sections should be replanted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a shaded area until they establish roots.
Disease Management
Draba lemmonii S. Wats. var. cyclomorpha (Payson) O.E. Schulz is generally resistant to diseases. However, it may be susceptible to powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot diseases.
To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy all infected plant parts. Additionally, avoid overcrowding plants and maintain good air circulation. Use fungicides if needed. For rust and leaf spot diseases, prune infected areas and dispose of them. Fungicides may also be necessary.
Pest Management
The main pests that can attack Draba lemmonii S. Wats. var. cyclomorpha (Payson) O.E. Schulz include aphids, thrips, and spider mites.
To manage aphids and thrips, wash or spray the leaves with water to dislodge them. Insecticidal soap may also be effective. For spider mites, spray the leaves with water and increase humidity levels around the plant. Neem oil or insecticidal soap may also be used.
It is important to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of pests or diseases. Early detection and management can prevent further damage and spread to other plants. Additionally, maintaining proper cultural practices such as adequate watering, fertilization, and sunlight can help keep the plant healthy and more resistant to pests and diseases.
