Draba rupestris Ait. f. var. leiocarpa O.E. Schulz
Draba rupestris Ait. f. var. leiocarpa O.E. Schulz, commonly known as rock whitlow grass, is a small flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family, native to the alpine regions of Europe and Asia.
General Appearance
The plant typically grows 5-15 cm tall and has a basal rosette of leaves with oblong or spatula-shaped leaflets. The flowers are small, white, and have four petals.
The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains small, round seeds.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as rock whitlow grass, alpine draba, or alpine whitlow grass.
Uses
The plant has no known medicinal uses, but it is often used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens due to its low-growing habit and attractive flowers. It is also suitable for growing in alpine and subalpine regions where other plants struggle to grow.
Light Requirements
Draba rupestris Ait. f. var. leiocarpa O.E. Schulz requires full sun exposure to grow correctly. The plant should be placed in an area where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can withstand a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers to grow in a cool environment. The ideal temperature range for Draba rupestris Ait. f. var. leiocarpa O.E. Schulz is between 10°C and 20°C. If the temperature exceeds 25°C, the plant may become dormant.
Soil Requirements
Draba rupestris Ait. f. var. leiocarpa O.E. Schulz grows well in well-draining soil with a high mineral content. The ideal soil pH range is between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be enriched with organic matter, and it should be moist but not waterlogged. Sandy loam soil is the best suited for this plant.
Cultivation Methods
Draba rupestris Ait. f. var. leiocarpa O.E. Schulz is a hardy perennial plant that can adapt to a wide range of growing conditions. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers cooler temperatures and is well-suited to growing in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. It can be propagated through seeds or by dividing the root clump in early spring or fall.
Watering Needs
Draba rupestris Ait. f. var. leiocarpa O.E. Schulz prefers moderate watering but can tolerate periods of drought. It is important to avoid overwatering, as the plant does not tolerate standing water and may suffer from root rot if grown in waterlogged soil. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter to prevent root damage.
Fertilization
Draba rupestris Ait. f. var. leiocarpa O.E. Schulz does not require heavy fertilization and may perform best when grown in soil with low to moderate fertility. It is recommended to fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer or a balanced organic fertilizer. Be sure to follow the recommended application rate on the product label.
Pruning
Draba rupestris Ait. f. var. leiocarpa O.E. Schulz does not require regular pruning. However, it may benefit from occasional deadheading during the growing season to improve its overall appearance. Do this by removing spent flowers with a sharp pair of pruning shears. Cut back the entire plant to the ground after flowering to encourage new growth the following year.
Propagation methods for Draba rupestris Ait. f. var. leiocarpa O.E. Schulz
Draba rupestris Ait. f. var. leiocarpa O.E. Schulz is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Propagation of this species can be done by either sexual or asexual methods.
Propagation by Seed
The most common propagation method for Draba rupestris Ait. f. var. leiocarpa O.E. Schulz is by seed. Seed propagation can be carried out indoors or outdoors. For indoor propagation, seeds are sown in seed trays filled with potting soil. The trays are placed in a warm, bright area until the seedlings emerge. The seedlings are then transplanted into individual containers and grown until they are large enough to be planted outdoors.
For outdoor propagation, seeds are sown directly in the soil during spring or fall. A well-draining soil along with enough sunlight is important for better germination and growth of the seeds. The soil surface must be kept moist and at a temperature of 18-24°C for a week or two before the seeds germinate.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Draba rupestris Ait. f. var. leiocarpa O.E. Schulz can also be done by cuttings. Stem cuttings are taken in early summer or fall and rooted in moist soil. The cuttings should consist of 5-7cm long stems with at least 2-3 leaves. The lower leaves on the cutting are removed, and the remaining leaves are kept moist by covering the cuttings with a plastic bag. The cuttings are then placed in a bright area but not in direct sunlight. Once the cuttings have established roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly planted outdoors.
Disease Management
Draba rupestris Ait. f. var. leiocarpa O.E. Schulz is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, damping-off, black leg, and downy mildew. To manage these diseases, the following practices can be implemented:
- Ensure proper spacing between plants to promote good air circulation and reduce humidity levels.
- Water the plants early in the morning to reduce the moisture on the leaves.
- Remove and dispose of any infected plant debris, including infected leaves or infected plants to minimize the spread of the diseases.
- Apply fungicide treatment early to provide adequate protection against the disease.
Pest Management
Draba rupestris Ait. f. var. leiocarpa O.E. Schulz can also be affected by pests such as slugs, aphids, and flea beetles. To manage these pests, the following practices can be implemented:
- Handpick any visible pests such as slugs and beetles and dispose of them in a bucket of soapy water.
- Aphids can be removed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or by using insecticidal soap.
- Use a physical barrier such as a net or mesh to prevent flea beetles from accessing the plant. Alternatively, treat the plant with insecticide early to reduce the damage caused by flea beetles.
