Origin
Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes (Payson & St. John) C.L. Hitchc., commonly known as Ruaxes whitlowgrass, is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is a subalpine and alpine species that is native to the western United States, specifically Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as other surrounding areas.
Common Names
Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes is commonly known as Ruaxes whitlowgrass. Other common names include Wind River Mountains whitlowgrass, and Wind River whitlowgrass.
Uses
Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes has no known medicinal uses. However, as an ornamental plant, it can be used to beautify gardens, rock gardens, and borders. It is also a great choice for high altitudes, where it can add a pop of color to the natural surroundings.
General Appearance
Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes is a low-growing, clump-forming perennial herb that is characterized by its basal leaves and small yellow flowers. The leaves are mainly found at the base of the stem, and are green in color, oblong in shape, and arranged in a rosette. The flowers bloom in the summer and are small and yellow. They appear in clusters at the top of the stem. The plant typically grows to a height of 2 to 7.5 cm and has a spread of 2 to 10 cm.
Growth Conditions for Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes (Payson & St. John) C.L. Hitchc.
Light Requirements: Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes is a species of plant that thrives in full to partial sunlight. This plant requires a lot of sunlight to grow and prosper. It is not recommended to keep this plant in shady areas as they might wither out. The plant grows best in areas that have direct sunlight with occasional shade to moderate levels of sun exposure.
Soil Requirements: The plant requires well-drained soils, with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. It is highly recommended to use loamy soil for the successful growth of Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes. They can also grow well in rocky soils with moderate drainage. However, heavy clay soils must be avoided as it can harm the plant’s root structure, resulting in poor growth.
Temperature requirements: Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes is capable of surviving in a wide range of temperatures. They can tolerate temperatures ranging from -23.3°C to 27.2°C. However, the ideal temperature for this plant lies between 10°C to 18°C. They can survive in high altitude regions and can withstand cold temperatures.
Water Requirements: This plant requires moderate watering, and it is recommended to let the top layer of soil dry out before watering. Overwatering can harm the plant's growth as it can suffocate the roots and lead to root rot. However, it is important to water the plant regularly during drought or extreme heat conditions.
Fertilizer: Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes does not require heavy fertilization. A balanced slow-release fertilizer applied once or twice a year can help the plant grow healthier and stronger. Make sure not to over-fertilize the plant as it can lead to the development of soft growth, making it more susceptible to pest infestations.
Cultivation Methods
Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes (Payson & St. John) C.L. Hitchc. is a hardy perennial plant that can grow in a wide range of conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil. It can grow in rocky soil, but it requires good drainage. It is best to plant Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes in the spring or the fall.
You can propagate Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes through seeds or by dividing mature plants. If starting from seed, plant the seeds in pots indoors, and then transplant the seedlings outside when they are well-established. If using mature plants, dig them up carefully and divide them, ensuring that each section has roots attached.
Watering Needs
Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes does not require much water since it grows in rocky, dry soil. It is best to water it sparingly and only when the soil is completely dry, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
If the plant is grown in areas with hot summers, it may need extra watering to prevent it from drying out completely. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes does not require much fertilization since it grows in rocky soil with low nutrients. However, you can fertilize it lightly with a balanced fertilizer in the early spring or late fall to help it grow and flower better.
You can use a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer, but make sure not to overfertilize since this can cause the plant to grow too quickly and become weak.
Pruning
Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes does not require much pruning since it has a low, dense growth habit. However, if the plant becomes too tall or leggy, you can prune it back in the early spring before new growth appears.
To prune, simply cut back the stem above a healthy leaf node or back to the ground if necessary. This will promote more compact growth and encourage the plant to bloom more heavily.
Propagation of Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes
Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes (Payson & St. John) C.L. Hitchc., commonly known as Ventosa draba, is a semi-evergreen alpine plant native to the western United States and Canada. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through seeds or vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes can be collected from the mature plant during the summer months when the seed pods turn brown. The collected seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until planting time. Sow the seeds in a well-drained and sandy soil mixture in late fall or early winter. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water lightly.
Germination can be expected in the spring when the soil warms up. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. As the seedlings grow, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
Propagation of Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes can also be achieved through vegetative methods. This is accomplished through division or cuttings.
Division involves digging up the mature plant and separating the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one healthy stem and several roots. Plant the divided sections in a well-drained soil mixture. Water the newly planted divisions and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Cuttings can also be taken from the mature plant during the summer months. Cut a section of stem approximately 3 to 4 inches in length. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-drained soil mixture and water lightly. As with seeds, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The cutting should root within a few weeks, and it can be transplanted to its permanent location in the garden.
Disease Management
Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes can be affected by different diseases that can cause damage to the plant. The common diseases that can affect the plant include root rot, powdery mildew, and downy mildew. Managing these diseases requires a combination of preventive and curative measures.
Root Rot
Root rot is a common disease that affects Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes. It is caused by a variety of fungi that attack the roots of the plant. To manage root rot, it is important to maintain well-drained soils. Avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil is not compacted, which can lead to poor drainage. Also, treat soil with fungicides as a preventative measure.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that can affect Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes. The disease is characterized by a white powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to reduce humidity and increase air circulation around the plant. Also, remove infected plant parts, or apply fungicides to prevent further spread.
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is caused by a fungus-like pathogen and can cause yellowing of the leaves of Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes. Managing downy mildew involves removing infected plant parts, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management
Various pests can affect Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes. These pests include aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Managing these pests requires a combination of cultural and chemical methods.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that can affect the tender leaves and shoots of Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes. Managing aphids involves removing infected plant parts, using a strong jet of water to dislodge them, or applying insecticidal soaps or neem oil as a preventative measure.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the underside of the leaves of Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes. The feeding activity of spider mites can cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, it is important to increase the humidity around the plant, remove infected plant parts, or apply insecticidal soaps or neem oil.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are another pest that can feed on the leaves and flowers of Draba ventosa Gray var. ruaxes. Managing caterpillars involves picking them by hand or using biological controls like Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), a natural pesticide.
