Overview
Edgewothia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. var. hirtella (Chiov.) Bremek. is a flowering evergreen shrub that belongs to the family of Thymelaeaceae. The plant is native to East Africa and is known for its unique blue-grey foliage and vibrant orange flowers. It is also known by other common names such as Edgeworthia hirtella and Velvet-pod Edgeworthia.
General Appearance
The Edgewothia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. var. hirtella (Chiov.) Bremek. plant can grow to a height of 7-8 feet and spreads up to 5-6 feet. It has a compact and rounded form with a dense foliage cover. The leaves of the plant are blue-grey and have a leathery texture. The plant produces small, velvety seed pods that are around 1-2 cm in size. The plant's vibrant orange flowers bloom in clusters from January to May.
Uses
The plant is primarily used for ornamental purposes, as it adds a touch of color to any garden or landscape. The plant's striking blue-grey foliage blends well with other plants and makes it an excellent choice for borders or as a specimen plant. The vibrant orange flowers of the plant attract butterflies, bees, and birds, making it a perfect addition to pollinator gardens. Its leaves and fruits have also been used for various medicinal purposes, such as treating respiratory problems and rheumatism.
Cultivation
The Edgewothia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. var. hirtella (Chiov.) Bremek. plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance, making it ideal for beginner gardeners. The plant can tolerate droughts and can withstand temperatures of up to 15 degrees Celsius. Propagation is typically done through cutting or seed germination.
Light
Edgeworthia psammophila var. hirtella prefers growing in full sunlight. However, it can tolerate partial shade as well. The plant requires at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight every day to develop optimally. Inadequate sunlight can lead to yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and weak stems.
Temperature
The plant is native to Ethiopia, where it grows in hot and dry conditions. It can tolerate high temperatures ranging from 25-40°C (77-104°F). However, it cannot withstand cold temperatures below 15°C (59°F). During the growing season, it is essential to maintain warm temperatures to ensure optimal growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements
Edgeworthia psammophila var. hirtella requires well-draining soils with a pH range of 6-7.5. It is adapted to grow in sandy loam, rocky, and gravel soils. The plant cannot grow in waterlogged soils, as it is susceptible to root rot. It is also recommended to add organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility and structure.
Cultivation
The Edgewothia psammophila var. hirtella plant is best grown in well-drained soil, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It should be planted in an area with partial shade, as excessive sunlight can damage the plant.
The plant can be propagated through seeds, but it is best to use cuttings as seeds take a long time to germinate. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants in the summer and propagated under mist or in a greenhouse.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. In winter, the watering should be reduced to prevent fungal growth and root rot. It is also essential to avoid watering the plant from above as wet foliage can cause diseases.
Fertilization
Edgewothia psammophila var. hirtella requires regular fertilization during the growing season to thrive. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every two weeks. It is best to avoid fertilizing the plant during winter as this can cause undue stress.
Pruning
Pruning should be done in the spring after flowering. The plant should be pruned to remove dead or diseased wood and to shape the plant if needed. It is important to avoid heavy pruning as this can reduce the number of flowers produced.
Propagation of Edgeworthia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. var. hirtella (Chiov.) Bremek.
Edgeworthia psammophila (Chiov.) Bremek. var. hirtella (Chiov.) Bremek., commonly known as 'Desert Paperbush', is a plant native to Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. It is a rare, multi-stemmed shrub that grows up to 4 meters tall. It has small, fragrant flowers that bloom in the winter and early spring, which makes it a highly desirable plant for gardeners. Propagation of this plant can be done through two main methods:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Edgeworthia psammophila through seeds is possible, but it can be challenging. The best time to sow the seeds is in early spring. First, the seeds need to be soaked for 24 hours in warm water to soften the seed coat. Next, the seeds are planted in well-drained soil, with a depth of 2-3 cm. The soil needs to be kept moist and warm until germination occurs, which can take up to 6 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into individual pots or moved to the garden.
Vegetative Propagation
Edgeworthia psammophila can also be propagated through softwood cuttings. The best time to take stem cuttings is in the late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from current season's growth, and the leaf nodes should be removed from the lower 1/3 of the stem. The cuttings can be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in well-drained soil. The soil needs to be kept moist and warm until the cuttings root, which can take up to 6 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or moved to the garden.
Disease Management for Edgewothia psammophila var. hirtella
Edgewothia psammophila var. hirtella is relatively disease resistant and does not suffer from many diseases. The plant is suitable for dry regions due to its resistance to drought and heat. Nonetheless, there are several diseases that may affect the plant, which include:
Leaf spot: The leaves of the plant can develop spots due to fungal infections. As a preventative measure, it is recommended to avoid overhead watering and maintain good air circulation around the plant to prevent the formation of moisture on leaves. Affected leaves should be removed and disposed of to prevent the spread of the fungus. Fungicides can be applied as a preventative measure.
Powdery mildew: This disease can affect the plant, causing whitish-gray mold to form on the leaves and stems. To manage Powdery mildew, it is necessary to improve air circulation around the plant and keep the leaves dry. Fungicides can be applied to prevent further spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Edgewothia psammophila var. hirtella
Edgewothia psammophila var. hirtella is also relatively pest resistant. However, these pests may still pose a threat:
Spider mites: These are common pests that feed on the plant by piercing through the leaves, resulting in a white speckled appearance on the foliage. To prevent spider mites, it is essential to maintain a good environment for natural predators such as ladybugs and prune infested leaves. In severe cases, insecticides can be used to prevent further infestation.
Aphids: These are tiny insects that feed on the plant typically found on the underside of leaves. Aphids can be controlled by spraying the leaves with water to remove them. Predatory insects such as ladybugs can also be released to control the population. In severe cases, insecticides can be used.
Overall, disease and pest management for Edgewothia psammophila var. hirtella can be controlled using appropriate techniques. Maintaining good plant hygiene, ensuring proper air circulation and keeping the area around the plant clean can prevent most plant diseases. Removing affected areas and undertaking insect control measures such as introducing predatory insects, spraying leaves with water or using insecticides when necessary will ensure the plant remains healthy and productive.
