Overview
Draba reptans (Lam.) Fern. var. stellifera (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. is a plant species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is also called spreading draba and starry draba and is native to North America.
Description
The spreading draba is a small, low-growing perennial herb that can reach up to 5 cm long. It has a rosette of basal leaves and a few stem leaves that are oblong-lanceolate with long petioles. The leaves of this plant are pinnately lobed with toothed margins. The flowers of the spreading draba are small and white with four petals, measuring approximately 2-3 mm long, and they bloom from May to August.
Uses
The spreading draba is commonly used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, alpine gardens, and troughs due to its attractive flowering nature and small size. The plant is also known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat stomach and respiratory ailments.
Furthermore, the spreading draba provides food and habitat for various species of insects, including bees, butterflies, and moths.
Cultivation
The spreading draba requires minimal care and is relatively easy to grow. It prefers well-drained soils with good drainage and full sun to partial shade. The plant is drought-tolerant and requires less water once it becomes established. Propagation of the spreading draba can be done through seed or division of the plant in the spring or early fall.
Overall, the spreading draba is a hardy and attractive plant that is easy to grow and offers several benefits to its surroundings.
Light Requirements
Draba reptans var. stellifera typically grows in areas with full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate direct sunlight if the soil is consistently moist, but generally prefers some degree of shade.
Temperature Range
The ideal temperature range for Draba reptans var. stellifera is between 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate mild to moderate frost, but does not fare well in extreme heat.
Soil Requirements
Draba reptans var. stellifera prefers well-draining soils that are neutral to slightly acidic. It does not do well in heavy soils or soils with high clay content. The ideal soil for this plant is loose, sandy soil that allows for adequate drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Draba reptans (Lam.) Fern. var. stellifera (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. is a small herbaceous perennial plant that thrives best in rocky or gravelly soils. It requires well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging that can lead to root rotting. The plant prefers to grow in sunny areas of the garden where it can get enough sunlight, but it can also tolerate light shade.
Watering Needs
Draba reptans (Lam.) Fern. var. stellifera (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. is drought-tolerant and can survive prolonged dry conditions, but it thrives better with regular watering. Watering should be done deeply, soaking the soil to reach the plant roots. However, it's essential to avoid overwatering to prevent waterlogging that can lead to root rotting.
Fertilization
Draba reptans (Lam.) Fern. var. stellifera (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. does not require much fertilization because it is adapted to low-nutrient conditions. Applying excessive fertilizer can lead to foliage growth at the expense of flower production. A slow-release fertilizer, such as a granular 10-10-10 formulation, can be applied at the beginning of the growing season to supplement soil nutrients.
Pruning
Draba reptans (Lam.) Fern. var. stellifera (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. does not require pruning. However, the plant may benefit from deadheading by removing spent flowers to encourage repeat blooms, especially in the early summer. Deadheading also helps to maintain the plant's neat appearance and prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Draba reptans (Lam.) Fern. var. stellifera (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc.
Draba reptans (Lam.) Fern. var. stellifera (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. can be propagated by seed or division.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the easiest and most common method of propagating Draba reptans (Lam.) Fern. var. stellifera (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. Seeds can be collected from mature plants in late summer or autumn. The seeds should be sown immediately after they are collected as they do not remain viable for long periods of time.
The seeds can be sown in small pots or seed trays, and covered with a thin layer of soil. They should be kept moist and placed in a warm, sunny location. Once the seeds germinate, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is typically done in the spring or autumn when the plant is not in active growth. The plant is dug up and carefully divided into smaller sections. Each section should have roots and shoots. The sections are then replanted in their new locations and watered thoroughly.
It is important to note that Draba reptans (Lam.) Fern. var. stellifera (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. has a shallow root system, so care should be taken when dividing the plant to avoid damaging the roots.
Disease Management
Draba reptans is generally considered a hardy plant, but it can still fall prey to a few diseases. The most common diseases affecting this species include:
- Anthracnose
- Downy mildew
- Leaf spot
To minimize the spread of anthracnose and leaf spot, remove and destroy infected foliage as soon as possible. Minimize overhead irrigation, as wet leaves create an ideal environment for fungal growth.
Downy mildew is favored by high humidity and cool temperatures. Remove and destroy any infected plant debris and avoid watering from above. Copper fungicides may be used in severe cases.
Pest Management
Draba reptans can be affected by a few pests, including:
- Cutworms
- Aphids
- Spider mites
Cutworms can be controlled with a variety of insecticides or by applying diatomaceous earth around the base of plants.
Aphids can be removed by washing the plant with a strong stream of water. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can be introduced into the garden to keep populations under control.
Spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introducing predatory insects like lacewings and ladybugs can also help keep spider mite populations in check.
