Overview
Ericameria ×bolanderi (Gray) Nesom & Baird is a hybrid perennial plant that is a member of the Asteraceae family. The plant is a cross between Ericameria nauseosa and Ericameria suaveolens, both of which are commonly known as rabbitbrush.
Origin
Ericameria ×bolanderi is native to the western part of North America, specifically California and Oregon.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Bolander's goldenbush, Bolander's rabbitbrush, and Bolander's ericameria.
General Appearance
Ericameria ×bolanderi is a shrub that typically grows to be between four and six feet tall, with a spread of three to six feet. The plant has narrow, grey-green leaves that are around one inch long and a quarter inch wide. The flowers are yellow and appear in clusters at the end of the stems. The bloom period for this plant is late summer through fall.
Uses
Ericameria ×bolanderi is commonly planted for ornamental purposes due to its attractive foliage and showy flowers. The plant is also used in erosion control and as a habitat plant for wildlife such as birds and small mammals. Additionally, indigenous peoples used rabbitbrush for medicinal purposes, specifically to treat stomach ailments and colds.
Growth Conditions for Ericameria ×bolanderi
Ericameria ×bolanderi (Gray) Nesom & Baird is a hybrid plant that grows well in dry and arid areas. The plant grows up to a height of 2 – 5 feet and has a spread of 2 – 4 feet. The plant is well adapted to grow in conditions of full sun and thrives in drought-tolerant conditions.
Light Requirements
Ericameria ×bolanderi requires full sun exposure to grow properly. The plant requires a minimum of six hours of direct sun exposure, although more is recommended. Full sun exposure ensures that the plant thrives and produces an abundance of flowers.
Temperature Requirements
Ericameria ×bolanderi is a hardy plant and can grow in a variety of temperatures. However, the plant thrives in warm temperatures ranging between 60°F to 100°F. Temperatures below 40°F can harm the plant and lead to the yellowing of foliage and leaf drop. Therefore, it is essential to protect the plant from extreme cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Ericameria ×bolanderi prefers well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil. The plant can grow in poor soil conditions and is drought-tolerant. However, the plant prefers soil with a pH range of 6.0 – 7.5. It is essential to avoid planting the plant in heavy clay soils, which can lead to root rot and poor plant growth.
Cultivation Methods:
Ericameria ×bolanderi, commonly known as Bolander's goldenbush or Bolander's ericameria, is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in dry and well-draining soils. This plant prefers full sun exposure of at least six hours per day, but it can tolerate some light shading. It is highly drought tolerant and can also tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, rocky, and clay soils.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings and should be planted in the spring or fall. Seeds should be sown directly onto the soil surface, while cuttings should be rooted in well-draining soil mixtures. Ensure that the young plants are protected from direct sunlight and strong winds until they are established.
Watering Needs:
Although this plant is highly drought-tolerant, watering it regularly during its first growing season can help with its establishment. Water the plant deeply, and allow the soil to dry out completely before watering it again. Established plants can survive long periods without water, but they may require occasional watering during extended dry periods.
Fertilization:
Ericameria ×bolanderi usually does not require any fertilization, as excess nutrients can harm the plant's growth and development. However, if the soil is poor, you may apply a slow-release fertilizer during the spring, ensuring that you follow the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid adding too much nitrogen, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning:
Pruning Ericameria ×bolanderi can help maintain its bushy appearance and encourage abundant flowering. Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut the plant to within a few inches above the soil, removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Shearing can help create a compact and dense shape, but avoid removing more than one-third of the plant's foliage at a time, as this can harm the plant's health.
Propagation of Ericameria ×bolanderi (Gray) Nesom & Baird
Ericameria ×bolanderi (Gray) Nesom & Baird, commonly known as the Bolander's goldenbush, is a plant species found in North America. It is a hybrid of Ericameria palmeri and Ericameria linearifolia.
There are two primary methods used to propagate Ericameria ×bolanderi:
1. Seed Propagation
The easiest method to propagate Ericameria ×bolanderi is through seeds. You can collect the seeds when the plant's floral heads have dried. Harvest the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place until it is time to plant. When planting, mix the seed with sand to improve distribution and cover it with a 1/8-inch layer of soil. Water regularly until plants germinate.
2. Stem Cuttings
Ericameria ×bolanderi can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer from the current season's growth. Take a healthy stem cutting that is around 3-4 inches long, remove the leaves on the bottom, dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone, and plant it in well-draining soil. Place the cutting in bright, indirect light, and keep soil moist until roots have established, which will typically take 6-8 weeks.
Once the cuttings or seeds have grown to be healthy young plants, they can be transplanted into their final location in a sunny, well-draining area. Ensure that the plants are watered regularly but not over watered, and give them some time to establish themselves. With proper care and maintenance, Ericameria ×bolanderi can grow to be a lovely addition to any garden or landscape.
Disease Management
Ericameria ×bolanderi is generally healthy and resistant to pests and diseases. However, the plant is susceptible to a few fungal infections, including powdery mildew, rust, and septoria leaf spot. Powdery mildew is characterized by white powdery spots on the leaves, while rust appears as reddish-brown spots on the undersides of the leaves. Septoria leaf spot is identified by small yellowish or brownish spots on the leaves.
To manage powdery mildew and rust, it is recommended to prune the affected plants to increase air flow and reduce humidity. Additionally, fungicides such as neem oil or copper-based fungicides can be used to prevent further spread of the diseases. For septoria leaf spot, removing the heavily affected leaves and spraying with fungicides can be effective.
Pest Management
Ericameria ×bolanderi is usually not affected by pests. However, aphids and spider mites can infest the plant. Aphids can cause yellowing or curling of the leaves, and spider mites can cause discoloration and webbing on the leaves.
To manage aphids, introducing natural predators like lady beetles or using insecticidal soaps can be effective. Spider mites can be managed by spraying with insecticides such as pyrethrin or neem oil. It is also recommended to increase the humidity around the plant to deter spider mite infestations.
