Origin
Erysimum asperum (Nutt.) DC. var. bealianum Jepson, commonly known as Beale's wallflower, is a perennial plant that is native to California and Oregon in the United States.
Common Names
Beale's wallflower is commonly known as Beale's erysimum and Beale's western wallflower.
Appearance
Beale's wallflower is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 40cm in height. The plant's stems are erect and can be either simple or branching. The leaves are lanceolate in shape and can be up to 10cm long. The flowers of the plant are typically yellow with four petals. The flowers are arranged in a raceme that can be up to 20cm long.
Uses
Beale's wallflower has been used in traditional Native American medicine to treat various ailments, including toothaches, stomachaches, and fevers. The plant is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its attractive flowers and foliage.
Growth Conditions for Erysimum asperum (Nutt.) DC. var. bealianum Jepson
Light: Erysimum asperum (Nutt.) DC. var. bealianum Jepson plants prefer full sun to partial shade with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature: These plants are well adapted to a range of temperatures, but generally prefer cool to moderate temperatures. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C) and as high as 90°F (32°C).
Soil: Erysimum asperum (Nutt.) DC. var. bealianum Jepson plants grow best in well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). They also prefer soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients. Heavy or clay soils should be amended with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient availability.
Water: These plants prefer regular watering, but are drought tolerant once established. However, they do not tolerate soggy or waterlogged soils, so good drainage is essential. Water the plants deeply once a week during dry periods.
Fertilizer: Erysimum asperum (Nutt.) DC. var. bealianum Jepson plants benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Propagation: These plants can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sowed in the fall or early spring, while stem cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist until they root.
Cultivation of Erysimum asperum (Nutt.) DC. var. bealianum Jepson
Erysimum asperum (Nutt.) DC. var. bealianum Jepson, commonly known as California wallflower, is a species of flowering plant that can grow up to a height of 3 feet. It is native to California and prefers growing in dry, rocky places, including hillsides, canyons, and slopes. When cultivating this plant, it is important to create an environment similar to its natural habitat.
Watering needs of Erysimum asperum (Nutt.) DC. var. bealianum Jepson
California wallflower is a drought-tolerant plant and requires watering only when the top layer of soil is dry. Overwatering this plant can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. It is ideal to water the plant in the morning to avoid moisture loss through evaporation during the day.
Fertilization of Erysimum asperum (Nutt.) DC. var. bealianum Jepson
California wallflower benefits from fertilization during its growing season, which is usually in the spring. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to weak growth and decreased tolerance to pests and diseases.
Pruning Erysimum asperum (Nutt.) DC. var. bealianum Jepson
Pruning California wallflower is necessary to promote healthy growth and maintain its shape. It is best to prune the plant after flowering, which is usually in the late spring or summer. Remove dead or damaged stems and cut back the remaining plant to half its size. Avoid pruning the plant too much as it can reduce its ability to produce flowers in the following year.
Propagation of Erysimum asperum var. bealianum
Erysimum asperum var. bealianum is a perennial plant species that is native to California. It belongs to the family Brassicaceae which is also known as the mustard family. The plant is commonly known as the Tehachapi Mountains wallflower.
Propagation by Seeds
The Tehachapi Mountains wallflower can be propagated by seeds which are produced in abundance by the plant. The seeds can either be sown directly into the soil or started indoors and then transplanted outside.
If sowing indoors, start the seeds approximately 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date. Use a seed-starting mix and sow them at a depth of 1/4 inch. Keep the soil moist and make sure to provide adequate light. Once the seedlings have grown large enough, they can be transplanted outdoors.
If sowing directly in the soil, wait until the soil has warmed up in the spring. Prepare the soil by adding compost and other organic matter to it. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch and water the soil well. The seeds should germinate within 1-2 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
In addition to propagating by seeds, the Tehachapi Mountains wallflower can also be propagated by cuttings. Take stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and then plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade. The cuttings should root within a few weeks.
Disease Management
Erysimum asperum (Nutt.) DC. var. bealianum Jepson is usually a hardy plant, but it can be susceptible to various diseases. Common diseases that might affect Erysimum asperum (Nutt.) DC. var. bealianum Jepson include:
- Anthracnose: This disease can cause wilting, leaf spots, and stem cankers. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts to prevent the spread of the disease. You can also use fungicides containing copper to manage the disease.
- Clubroot: This is a soil-borne disease that can cause stunting, yellowing, and wilting of plants. To prevent clubroot, avoid planting Erysimum asperum (Nutt.) DC. var. bealianum Jepson in soils that have previously been infected with the disease. You can also use fungicides containing metalaxyl to manage the disease.
- Black Rot: Black rot can cause sunken areas on leaves and darkened stem cankers. To manage black rot, promptly remove infected plant parts and destroy them. You can also use fungicides containing copper to manage the disease.
Pest Management
Erysimum asperum (Nutt.) DC. var. bealianum Jepson can also be susceptible to various pests. Common pests that might affect Erysimum asperum (Nutt.) DC. var. bealianum Jepson include:
- Aphids: Aphids can cause curling, yellowing, and wilting of leaves. You can use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to manage aphids.
- Cutworms: Cutworms can chew through the stems of young plants, causing them to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, use moth traps or insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites can cause yellowing, bronzing, and wilting of leaves. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage spider mites.
