Overview
Draba subumbellata Rollins & Price is a perennial plant that belongs to the mustard family, Brassicaceae. It is a small plant that can grow up to 10 centimeters tall and has a unique appearance.Common Names
The plant is commonly known as subumbellate whitlow-grass or subumbellate draba.Origin
The plant is native to the United States and is found in several western states such as Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. It grows in high altitude alpine and subalpine habitats at elevations ranging from 2,200 to 3,000 meters.General Appearance
Draba subumbellata has a small basal rosette of leaves that are about 3 centimeters long and lance-shaped. The leaves are hairy and covered in small, white hairs. The plant produces white flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. The flowers are arranged in a compact cluster at the top of a slender stem that arises from the center of the rosette. The stem is also hairy and glandular.Uses
Draba subumbellata is not widely used for medicinal or commercial purposes. However, it is an attractive plant that is well-suited to rock gardens and alpine meadows. It is also an important part of the alpine ecosystem as it provides a habitat and food source for native pollinators.Light Requirements
Draba subumbellata Rollins & Price is a plant that requires full sun exposure. It needs about six to eight hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth. Conversely, insufficient light can lead to stunted growth, poor flowering, and weak stems.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to the western United States and is therefore adapted to a wide range of temperature regimes typical of this area. Typically, temperatures range from -40 to 40 degrees Celsius, with the plant thriving in a temperature range of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The plant species is best grown in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Soil Requirements
Draba subumbellata Rollins & Price requires well-drained soil to thrive. The plant prefers soils that are rich in phosphorus and typically has a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A soil test can provide more precise information on the pH level of the soil. It is also essential to note that the plant adapts well to various soil types, including loamy and sandy soils. However, it does not grow well in poorly drained or clay soils.
Cultivation Methods
Draba subumbellata thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers growing in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
To cultivate the plant, prepare a garden bed with well-draining soil, and sow the seeds in the early spring season. The seeds should be sown about ¼ inch deep and spaced two inches apart. Water the seeds thoroughly, and maintain adequate moisture until they germinate, which takes about seven to ten days.
Watering Needs
Draba subumbellata requires regular watering while it is still young and establishing in the garden bed. After the plant has established in the soil, it can tolerate occasional dry spells as it is reasonably drought-tolerant.
To avoid overwatering the plant, ensure that the soil dries out partially before applying water to the garden bed.
Fertilization
Draba subumbellata does not require frequent fertilization, as it can obtain most of the essential nutrients from the organic matter present in the soil.
However, in instances where the soil is nutrient-deficient, you can add a balanced fertilizer to the garden bed before planting. Also, apply a slow-release fertilizer in the early spring season to promote healthy growth.
Pruning
Draba subumbellata does not require much pruning, but it is necessary to remove any dead or diseased parts of the plant to maintain its health and appearance.
It is recommended to prune the plant after it has finished blooming in the late spring season. Cutting back the spent flowers will encourage the plant to produce a second flush of blooms later in the season.
Propagation of Draba subumbellata Rollins & Price
Draba subumbellata Rollins & Price, commonly known as the dwarf Draba, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the mustard family. This plant is endemic to the Cascade Range in North America, specifically in the states of Oregon, Washington, and California. Propagation of Draba subumbellata can be done through various methods.
Propagation Methods
Seed Propagation: The most common method of propagating Draba subumbellata is through seeds. The seeds of this plant can be harvested in late summer or early fall when the seedpods begin to dry out. The seeds can then be sown directly in the garden or in containers filled with seed-starting mix. Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil or vermiculite and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
Division: Draba subumbellata can also be propagated through division, although this method is not commonly used. Dividing the plant during its dormant period is the best time to divide it. You can carefully dig up the plant and use a sharp knife or garden scissors to divide it into smaller sections. Ensure each section has a good root system and replant it in well-draining soil.
Cutting: Propagation of Draba subumbellata can also be done through cuttings, especially during the plant's active growing season. Take a 3 to 4-inch cutting from the parent plant and remove all the lower leaves, ensuring that each cutting has at least two healthy leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist until the cutting has rooted and established itself in the soil.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it's important to provide the plant with the right growing conditions. Draba subumbellata grows best in well-draining soil with a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It also requires full sun to partial shade and regular watering until it establishes itself in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Draba subumbellata Rollins & Price
Draba subumbellata Rollins & Price is a particular type of rockcress found in the northwestern United States. It is a beautiful plant that adds to the overall aesthetics of a garden, but like any other plant, it is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here is a detailed outline of common diseases and pests affecting the Draba subumbellata Rollins & Price and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects the Draba subumbellata Rollins & Price. If you notice powdery white patches on the leaves of your Draba subumbellata plant, then it’s probably under attack by this disease. To manage this, you can use neem oil or copper-based fungicides as preventatives.
2. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that can affect Draba subumbellata Rollins & Price. It is characterized by small, dark-colored spots on the leaves. To prevent this disease, you should prune out the infected leaves and improve ventilation around the plant. A copper fungicide can also be applied as a preventative measure.
Pests
1. Aphids: These are small, sap-sucking insects that attack Draba subumbellata Rollins & Price by feeding on the plant’s sap. Aphids can be easily identified by their slow movements and shiny, green colors. To control them, you can wash the plant with a strong stream of water or spray it with insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce predatory insects, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to control the aphids.
2. Slugs and Snails: These are common pests that can attack Draba subumbellata Rollins & Price. They leave slime trails and can be found hiding under plant debris and in dark areas. To control them, you can manually remove them from the plant, introduce predatory insects, or use baits such as beer traps, copper tape, or diatomaceous earth.
By taking prompt action with pest and disease management, you can help your Draba subumbellata Rollins & Price grow healthy and beautiful. These management strategies will help minimize the risk of disease and pest attacks on your plant.
