Origin
Draba tonsa, also known as Topsy Turvy Draba, is a tiny flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to the mountains of western North America, particularly the United States and Canada.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as Topsy Turvy Draba due to its unique growth habit. Other common names include Rocky Mountain Draba, Smallflower Draba, and Slick Rock Draba.
Uses
While Draba tonsa is not used for medicinal purposes, it is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in rock gardens or alpine gardens. It is also a popular choice for green roofs due to its ability to thrive in harsh conditions.
General Appearance
Draba tonsa is a small, low-growing plant that usually grows up to 5 cm in height. The plant has tiny, waxy leaves that form a basal rosette. Its small flowers are white or yellow and bloom in late spring or early summer. One of the unique features of this plant is its growth habit, which is upside down or topsy-turvy. Unlike most plants, Draba tonsa has a stem that grows upwards but bends back down towards the ground, with the flowers facing downwards.
Growth Conditions for Draba tonsa Woot. & Standl.
Draba tonsa Woot. & Standl. is an herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the western United States. The plant is known for its small, yellow flowers and small rosette leaves. To promote optimal growth of the plant, certain growth conditions should be met.
Light Requirements
Draba tonsa Woot. & Standl. thrives in full sun to partial shade environments. The plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and thrive. Inadequate light exposure may result in poor growth, weak stems, or no flowers at all. If the plant is grown indoors, it should be placed in a well-lit area next to a sunny window.
Temperature Requirements
Draba tonsa Woot. & Standl. prefers cool temperatures and can tolerate mild frosts. Ideally, the plant should be grown in temperatures ranging from 50-75°F. Freezing temperatures or prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause the plant to die off. Additionally, the fluctuations in temperatures should be minimal as it can affect the plant's growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-draining loamy or sandy soil. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. Draba tonsa Woot. & Standl. cannot survive in water-logged soils, as it can cause root rotting leading to plant death. Prior to planting, adding organic matter such as compost to improve soil quality is recommended.
In conclusion, for optimal growth and development of Draba tonsa Woot. & Standl., the plant needs well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. It requires exposure to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day in temperatures ranging from 50-75°F. Any fluctuations in the temperature or inadequate light exposure may have adverse effects on the growth of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
The Draba tonsa Woot. & Standl., also known as the Albuquerque draba, is a small, mat-forming perennial plant that requires well-draining soil and sufficient sunlight to grow. It is drought-tolerant and can handle some shade.
It is recommended to grow this plant in a rock garden, alpine garden, or in a container garden with good drainage. Propagation can be done by seeds or cuttings in spring or fall.
Watering Needs
The Albuquerque draba is a drought-tolerant plant, but it requires regular watering during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The Albuquerque draba does not require much fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring can help promote growth. However, too much fertilizer can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduce the number of flowers.
Pruning
The Albuquerque draba does not require pruning, but trimming the plant after blooming can help keep it tidy and encourage new growth. Cut back the stems to remove spent flowers and promote bushier growth. Avoid cutting back the plant too much as it may reduce its flower production for the next season.
Propagation Methods for Draba Tonsa Woot. & Standl.
Draba Tonsa Woot. & Standl. is a species of alpine plant commonly known as the Lyreleaf Draba. It is mostly found in the Rocky Mountains of North America at high elevations, above the timberline. Propagation of this plant can be done in various ways:
Seed Propagation
The common method of propagating Lyreleaf Draba is through seeds. Collect the seedpods when they are mature and dry, then break them open to extract the seeds. Sow the fresh seeds in pots filled with moist soil and keep them in a cool temperature for the germination process to begin. Expected germination time is usually one to two weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough, transplant them into the garden or larger pots.
Division
Another propagation method for this plant is through division. The best time to divide is in the early spring or fall. Carefully remove the plant from the soil and gently separate it into small pieces, each having roots. Replant the divisions immediately and keep them well watered until they are established.
Cuttings
Draba Tonsa Woot. & Standl. can also be propagated through stem cuttings in the summer. Cut four to six-inch stems, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Then plant the stem into moist soil, keep it well watered and in partial shade for about two to three weeks until roots are visible. Once the roots are established, transplant the cutting into the garden or larger pots.
These are some of the various methods that can be used to propagate Draba Tonsa Woot. & Standl. Choose the method that is best suited for you and watch as your Lyreleaf Draba grows and blossoms into a beautiful alpine plant.
Disease Management
Draba tonsa is relatively resistant to diseases, but some common diseases that can affect it are:
- Clubroot: This is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes swollen and distorted roots, stunted growth, and yellowing of leaves. To manage clubroot, practice crop rotation, remove crop residues, and treat the soil with fungicides before planting.
- Downy mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots on leaves and can lead to early leaf drop. To manage downy mildew, improve air circulation around the plants, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Draba tonsa is also relatively resistant to pests, but some common pests that can affect it are:
- Aphids: These small insects can cause stunted growth, deformed leaves, and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap, encourage natural predators such as ladybugs, and plant companion plants such as marigolds.
- Cabbage loopers: These caterpillars can cause large holes in leaves and can defoliate plants. To manage cabbage loopers, use Bacillus thuringiensis, handpick the caterpillars, or use row covers.
Regular monitoring of plants for signs of disease and pest damage is important for early detection and effective management. Additionally, maintaining good cultural practices such as watering, fertilizing, and pruning can help keep plants healthy and resistant to diseases and pests.
