Overview
Eriogonum spergulinum Gray var. reddingianum (M.E. Jones) J.T. Howell is a low-growing perennial plant belonging to the buckwheat family, Polygonaceae. It is commonly known as Redding buckwheat and is native to California, specifically to the Shasta County area.General Appearance
Redding buckwheat is a small, bushy plant that grows up to 2 feet in height with a spread of up to 3 feet. It has leaves that are small, narrow, and gray-green in color, and it produces clusters of tiny, white or pink flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by small, dark seeds.Uses
Redding buckwheat is commonly used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, meadows, and other naturalized areas. Its showy flowers and compact stature make it a popular choice for low-water and drought-tolerant landscapes. Additionally, the plant is known to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a favorite among gardeners who wish to attract wildlife to their gardens.Conclusion
Eriogonum spergulinum Gray var. reddingianum (M.E. Jones) J.T. Howell, or the Redding buckwheat, is a beautiful and versatile perennial plant that is a great addition to any low-water or drought-tolerant landscape. Its stunning flowers and ability to attract pollinators make it a must-have for any garden.Growth Conditions of Eriogonum spergulinum Gray var. reddingianum (M.E. Jones) J.T. Howell
Eriogonum spergulinum Gray var. reddingianum (M.E. Jones) J.T. Howell, commonly known as Redding buckwheat, is a subspecies of wild buckwheat that typically grows in rocky outcrops, gravelly slopes, and mountain meadows of California. It thrives in dry and warm environments at elevations of 1500 to 7000 feet.
Light
Redding buckwheat prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and bloom to its full potential. Insufficient sunlight can lead to leggy stems and weak growth.
Temperature
This plant can withstand a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers warm and dry weather. Its optimal growth temperature is between 70°F and 90°F during the day and 50°F to 70°F at night. In cooler climates, it may experience slower growth and blooming periods.
Soil Requirements
Redding buckwheat requires well-drained soil with good drainage and low to moderate fertility. It can grow in rocky, sandy, or clay soils but prefers a gravelly loam soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. The soil should not be waterlogged as it can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. Additionally, this plant is tolerant of drought and does not require consistent watering, making it perfect for xeriscapes and water-wise gardens.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum spergulinum Gray var. reddingianum (M.E. Jones) J.T. Howell, commonly known as Redding buckwheat, is a perennial plant that belongs to the polygonaceae family. The plant's habitat is in California, where it flourishes best in alkaline soils with adequate drainage. Due to its origin, Redding buckwheat prefers a sunny and warm environment. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 6 feet wide, and it's crucial to maintain enough space between the plants during planting.
Watering Needs
Redding buckwheat needs frequent, deep watering during its growing season, which is from spring to fall. However, attention should be paid not to waterlog the soil. Watering should reduce during the winter period to avoid root rot. When the plant's foliage turns a dull green color or droopy during the growing season, it's a sign of under-watering.
Fertilization
The Eriogonum spergulinum Gray var. reddingianum (M.E. Jones) J.T. Howell is a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent fertilization. Fertilizing during the spring and fall with a slow-release balance fertilizer assists in the growth of the plant. Using a fertilizer with high nitrogen content should be avoided as it hinders flowering. A soil test can offer insight into the plant's nutrient needs, and it's recommended if the plant shows any growth deficiencies.
Pruning
Pruning the Redding buckwheat is necessary to maintain its attractive appearance and promote its growth. The plant's best pruning time is during fall or winter after flowering, where the plant can be pruned back to half of its original size. Pruning aids in broadening the plant's canopy and reducing congestion. Pruning should also be done to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
Propagation of Eriogonum spergulinum Gray var. reddingianum
Eriogonum spergulinum Gray var. reddingianum (M.E. Jones) J.T. Howell, commonly known as Redding buckwheat, is a perennial plant species that is native to California and Oregon. This plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil and is drought tolerant once established.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate Eriogonum spergulinum Gray var. reddingianum is through seed propagation. The seeds should be collected from the plant when they are fully ripe and dry. They can be sown immediately or stored for later use. To sow, the seeds can be directly planted in the garden soil or in pots filled with seed starting mix. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge, which usually takes two to four weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Eriogonum spergulinum Gray var. reddingianum can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants during the growing season. Choose stem tips that are at least 4 inches long and have several sets of leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip the cut end into rooting hormone before planting it in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight. Roots should begin to form in two to four weeks.
Division Propagation
Eriogonum spergulinum Gray var. reddingianum can also be propagated through division, but it is not recommended as it can damage the plant's taproot, which is crucial for its survival. However, if division is necessary, it should be done in the fall or early spring. Dig up the entire plant, including the taproot, and gently separate it into smaller sections. Replant the sections immediately in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist until they become established.
Disease Management:
Eriogonum spergulinum Gray var. reddingianum is susceptible to several diseases. Some of the common diseases are:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne pathogens like Phytophthora and Pythium. Root rot can be controlled by maintaining well-drained soil and avoiding overwatering.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects many plants, including Eriogonum spergulinum Gray var. reddingianum. It can be identified by a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves. Powdery mildew can be controlled by using fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate or sulfur.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects Eriogonum spergulinum Gray var. reddingianum. It can be identified by brown or black spots on the leaves. Leaf spot can be controlled by removing infected leaves and using fungicides containing copper.
To prevent the spread of diseases, it is important to practice good sanitation. This involves removing infected plant parts, avoiding overhead watering and maintaining proper air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management:
Eriogonum spergulinum Gray var. reddingianum is also susceptible to several pests. Some of the common pests are:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of plants. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plant. They can be identified by the fine webbing they produce on the leaves. Spider mites can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of butterflies and moths. They can be identified by the holes they chew in the leaves. Caterpillars can be controlled by handpicking or using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
To prevent pest infestations, it is important to inspect the plant regularly and remove any pests that are found. In addition, it is important to maintain a healthy ecosystem by planting companion plants that repel pests and attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
