Origin
Eriastrum pluriflorum (Heller) Mason ssp. sherman-hoytae (Craig) Mason, commonly known as Sherman-Hoyt's eriastrum, is a species of wildflower that is native to California and Utah in the United States.
Common Names
Sherman-Hoyt's eriastrum is also commonly known as the manyflowered eriastrum, many-flowered mock phlox, and variegated eriastrum.
Uses
Sherman-Hoyt's eriastrum has no known medicinal uses. However, it is often used for landscaping purposes due to its striking appearance and beautiful coloration. It is also used in floral arrangements and bouquets, adding a touch of color and uniqueness.
General Appearance
Sherman-Hoyt's eriastrum is a small, herbaceous perennial wildflower that grows to a height of 6-18 inches. It has narrow, linear leaves that are about 1 inch long and 1/8 inch wide, and are covered in fine, silky hairs. The flowers are tubular, and range in color from blue to purple, with white centers. The petals are covered in fine hairs, giving the flower a velvety appearance. The plant blooms in the spring and summer, and produces numerous flowers in clusters at the top of the stem.
Growth Conditions for Eriastrum Pluriflorum ssp. Sherman-hoytae
Light: Eriastrum Pluriflorum ssp. Sherman-hoytae requires full sunlight for optimal growth. The plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Therefore, it is ideal to grow the plant in areas where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature: Eriastrum Pluriflorum ssp. Sherman-hoytae can be grown in different temperature ranges. The plant prefers moderate temperatures with daytime temperatures ranging from 55°F to 85°F and nighttime temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F. Temperatures below 32°F can damage or kill the plant.
Soil: Eriastrum Pluriflorum ssp. Sherman-hoytae requires well-drained soils. The soil should be sandy, dry, or rocky, with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. The plant can survive in poor soil conditions and is drought-resistant. The addition of organic matter and minerals can improve soil fertility and help the plant grow better.
Cultivation Methods
Eriastrum pluriflorum (Heller) Mason ssp. sherman-hoytae (Craig) Mason, commonly known as the Shermen's eriastrum, is an annual plant native to California. It is relatively easy to cultivate in the garden, on the balcony, or in the greenhouse, given the right growing conditions. The plant can grow up to 25-30 cm in height and width and prefers full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.
For optimal growth, plant the Shermen's eriastrum in late winter or early spring in well-drained soil. It is also advisable to add a small amount of compost or organic matter to the soil, which helps retain moisture and provide the plant with nutrients. The ideal temperature for germination is between 15-20°C, and the seedlings should emerge within 10-14 days after sowing. Once the plant has sprouted, thin the seedlings to avoid overcrowding and facilitate proper air circulation.
Watering Needs
The Shermen's eriastrum requires moderate watering, which means it needs watering when the top layer of the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt and dry out. A good way to determine when to water is to stick your finger into the soil up to the knuckle depth. If the soil feels dry at that depth, it is time to water. During the hot summer months, it may be necessary to water the plant more frequently, especially if it is planted in a container and exposed to direct sunlight.
Fertilization
The Shermen's eriastrum does not require heavy feeding or fertilization. However, if you notice that the plant is not growing well or the leaves are turning yellow, you may need to fertilize it. The best time to apply fertilizer is during the growth phase, which typically occurs between late winter and early spring. An all-purpose fertilizer mixed with water according to the package instructions should be sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer blooms.
Pruning
Pruning the Shermen's eriastrum is not typically necessary, but it is advisable to deadhead or remove spent flowers. This helps the plant focus its energy on producing new blooms and prevents the plant from going to seed prematurely. You can deadhead the flowers by cutting the stem directly below the flower head when it starts to wilt. If you notice that the plant is getting too leggy or overgrown, you can also trim the stems back by a third of their length. This can help promote bushier growth and more blooms.
Propagation of Eriastrum Pluriflorum ssp. Sherman-hoytae
Eriastrum pluriflorum (Heller) Mason ssp. sherman-hoytae (Craig) Mason is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Polemoniaceae. This plant is native to California and is commonly known as Sherman's eriastrum. It is a great addition to any garden due to its attractive blue-purple flowers and its ability to attract pollinators.
Propagating Sherman's Eriastrum
The propagation of Sherman's eriastrum can be done by either seeds or cuttings. However, propagating this plant from seeds is the most recommended and effective method.
Seeds: Collect the seeds from the seed pods after the plant has bloomed. Sow the seeds into well-drained soil in the fall or winter. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist. After germination, which can take up to several weeks, allow the seedlings to grow for two to three months before transplanting them.
Cuttings: Take cuttings of the plant in late spring by cutting about 4 inches of new growth from the top of the herbaceous stems. Remove all leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting, as well as any flower buds or seed pods. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a shaded area until it has developed roots. The cutting can be transplanted once it has developed a strong root system.
Overall, the propagation of Sherman's eriastrum is relatively easy and straightforward. It is a great way to increase the number of plants in your garden or to share them with fellow gardeners.
Disease Management
Eriastrum pluriflorum is generally resistant to most plant diseases, but its leaves and flowers are susceptible to fungal infections, particularly during periods of high humidity. The most common fungal diseases to affect the E. pluriflorum include powdery mildew and botrytis blight.
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To manage, remove infected leaves and stems and treat the plant with a fungicide spray containing potassium bicarbonate or neem oil. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering, as excessive moisture can promote the growth of powdery mildew.
Botrytis blight is a fungal disease that attacks the flowers, causing them to turn brown and die. To manage, remove infected flowers and improve air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity levels. Treat the plant with a fungicide spray containing copper or sulfur.
Pest Management
Several pests can cause damage to E. pluriflorum, including spider mites, aphids, and thrips. These pests can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves, as well as stunting of the plant’s growth.
Spider mites are small pests that can be seen on the underside of the leaves. They cause damage by piercing the leaves and sucking out the plant juices, resulting in yellowing and browning of the leaves. To manage, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or a mixture of water and neem oil.
Aphids are small pests that can be easily seen on the leaves and stems. They also cause damage by sucking the sap from the plant, resulting in yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge the aphids, or use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
Thrips are tiny pests that can be difficult to see and are identified by the silver/white scarring they leave on the leaves. They feed on the E. pluriflorum, resulting in stunted growth and deformation of the plant. To manage, use a sticky trap to capture the thrips, or use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
Regular monitoring and proper cultural practices, such as avoiding over-fertilization and watering, can help reduce the risk of pest infestations and disease outbreaks in E. pluriflorum.
