Origin
Encelia frutescens (Gray) Gray var. actonii (Elmer) Blake, also known as Acton Encelia, is a plant species native to California in the United States.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Acton Encelia, Acton Sunflower, and Vinegar Weed.
Uses
The dried leaves of Encelia frutescens var. actonii can be made into a tea and used as a natural remedy for coughs, colds, and sore throats. The plant is also used in landscaping and gardening for its ornamental qualities, as it produces yellow flowers and can thrive in hot and dry conditions.
General Appearance
Encelia frutescens var. actonii is a woody shrub that can grow up to three feet tall and six feet wide. Its leaves are small, gray-green, and covered in soft hairs. The plant produces yellow flowers that bloom from March to June and emit a strong vinegar-like odor. The stem of the plant is woody and covered in bark.
Light Requirements
Encelia frutescens var. actonii requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can withstand direct sunlight even during the hottest hours of the day. Lack of proper exposure to sunlight can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering or no flowering at all.
Temperature Requirements
Encelia frutescens var. actonii is native to California and has adapted to the semi-arid conditions of the region. It prefers temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F. During the winter season, the plant can withstand light frost, but extended exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to damage or death. During the summer season, the plant can withstand high temperatures, but proper watering is needed to prevent drying out.
Soil Requirements
Encelia frutescens var. actonii prefers well-draining soil, primarily sandy or loamy soil with a pH range of 6.6 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate slightly alkaline conditions. Poorly-drained soil can negatively affect the plant's growth and may lead to root rot. The addition of organic matter to the soil can improve its texture, nutrient content, and water-holding capacity.
Cultivation
Encelia frutescens var. actonii is a sun-loving plant that thrives in warm, dry climates. It can be grown in USDA zones 9 to 11, and it requires well-draining soil.
The plant should be planted in a location that receives full sun for most of the day. It prefers soil with a pH range from 7 to 8.5.
Watering Needs
The plant is drought-tolerant and requires watering only when the soil is dry to the touch, usually every two to three weeks. When watering, it is best to water the soil directly instead of the leaves.
If the plant is grown in a container, it may require more frequent watering due to the limited soil volume.
Fertilization
Encelia frutescens var. actonii does not require frequent fertilization. However, applying a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and summer seasons can promote healthier growth and more abundant flowers.
It is best to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leggy growth without many flowers.
Pruning
The plant can be pruned in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. This will encourage new growth and promote a healthy shape. If the plant becomes too leggy or overgrown, it can also be pruned back by up to one-third of its size.
Dead-heading spent flowers will also encourage new blooms to form throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Encelia frutescens var. actonii
Encelia frutescens var. actonii can be propagated through four methods:
Seed Propagation
This is the most common propagation method. The seeds in Encelia frutescens var. actonii are small, brown, and about 1/8 inch long. The best way to collect seeds is to wait until the flower heads have turned brown and then pluck them from the plant. The seeds can be sown directly into the garden or germinated indoors in a pot. Soil should be kept moist and the temperature should be warm (around 70°F) for successful germination.
Cuttings Propagation
Encelia frutescens var. actonii can also be propagated through cuttings. Select a healthy branch that is about 2-3 inches long and strip away the leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the end of the stem into rooting hormone then plant it into a rooting medium such as perlite or sand mix. Keep the cutting moist and in indirect light. After about four to six weeks, the cutting should have developed roots.
Division Propagation
The division method is also called splitting. The parent plant is carefully dug up and divided into smaller plants. Each plant should have a root system and a stem. Make sure to plant the new divisions at the same depth as the original plant and water them in well. This method is best done in early spring.
Transplant Propagation
It is also possible to propagate Encelia frutescens var. actonii through transplanting. This is done by moving an established plant from its original location to a new location. It is important to ensure that the soil and light conditions in the new location are suitable for the plant. Transplanting is best done in late fall or early spring.
Disease Management
Encelia frutescens is a relatively hardy plant, but it is still susceptible to a few diseases that can cause serious damage if left unchecked.
One common disease that affects this plant is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure good air circulation around the plant and to remove any infected plant material. Additionally, applying a fungicide early in the season can help prevent powdery mildew from taking hold.
Rust is another disease that can affect Encelia frutescens. This disease appears as orange or yellow spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage rust, remove any infected plant material and ensure good air circulation around the plant. Applying a fungicide can also be helpful in managing this disease.
Pest Management
Encelia frutescens is also vulnerable to a few pests that can damage the plant if not managed properly.
One common pest that affects this plant is aphids. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the plant by sucking the sap from the plant. To manage aphids, it is important to attract natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to the area. Additionally, spraying the plant with a strong jet of water can help dislodge the aphids. In severe cases, an insecticide may be necessary.
Spider mites are another pest that can affect Encelia frutescens. These tiny pests can be difficult to detect, but they can cause serious damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves. To manage spider mites, ensure the plant is well-watered and well-mulched to discourage these pests. Additionally, regularly spraying the plant with a strong jet of water can help control spider mites. In severe cases, an insecticide may be necessary.
