Plant Description
Erysimum capitatum (Dougl. ex Hook.) Greene var. perenne (S. Wats. ex Coville) R.J. Davis is a perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is also known by several common names, including Sanddune Wallflower, Western Wallflower, and Western Sticky Monkeyflower. This plant is native to North America and it can be found in various ecosystems including chaparral, sagebrush, and conifer forests.
General Appearance
The Sanddune Wallflower is a small plant that can grow up to thirty centimeters tall. It has narrow leaves that are usually three to seven centimeters long and can be either sessile or clasping. The flowers are usually pink, but can also be white, lavender, or yellow. They have four petals that are about one to two centimeters long and a prominent stamen. The fruit is a long, narrow capsule that contains many seeds.
Uses
Erysimum capitatum var. perenne has several uses. Some Native American tribes used the plant to treat various ailments, including stomach aches and toothaches. The flowers of the plant can also be used to create orange and yellow dyes. Additionally, the Sanddune Wallflower is an important plant for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Growth Conditions for Erysimum capitatum var. perenne
Erysimum capitatum var. perenne is a perennial plant that requires specific growth conditions in order to thrive. These growth conditions include:
Light
The plant requires full sun and cannot tolerate shade. It needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to produce flowers. A south or west-facing position is the best to grow this plant.
Temperature
The plant prefers cool climates but is adapted to a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate high temperatures up to 90°F (32°C) but prefers temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C) for optimal growth. It can also withstand cold temperatures, even below freezing, but cannot tolerate a frosty climate.
Soil
The soil must be well-drained, with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.0. The plant requires a moderate amount of water, and therefore, the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. A rich humus soil with ample amounts of organic matter is ideal for growing Erysimum capitatum var. perenne. It can tolerate sandy, loamy, or clay soils with ease.
In conclusion, Erysimum capitatum var. perenne requires full sun, moderate amounts of water, a pH level between 5.5 and 7.0, and well-drained soil to thrive. It can tolerate a wide variety of soil types and temperature ranges but prefers a cool climate to grow in.
Cultivation methods for Erysimum capitatum var. perenne
Erysimum capitatum var. perenne thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight. It grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 9. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 to 7.5. It can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings taken in summer.
Watering needs for Erysimum capitatum var. perenne
Although Erysimum capitatum var. perenne is drought-tolerant, it prefers to be watered regularly, especially during the growing season. Water the plants once or twice a week, depending on the soil moisture level. The plant should not be overwatered since it can be susceptible to root rot.
Fertilization for Erysimum capitatum var. perenne
Erysimum capitatum var. perenne does not require heavy fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, in early spring, after new growth emerges, and again in mid-summer. Apply fertilizer according to the package instructions to avoid over-fertilizing.
Pruning for Erysimum capitatum var. perenne
Erysimum capitatum var. perenne requires minimal pruning. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous blooms. Cut back the plant after blooming to promote compact growth and prevent it from getting leggy. If the plant is overgrown and leggy, cut it back to a few inches above the soil level so that it can regrow from the base.
Propagation of Erysimum capitatum var. perenne
Erysimum capitatum var. perenne, commonly known as the western wallflower, is a hardy perennial plant that is native to western North America. It is a popular garden plant due to its showy, fragrant flowers and its ability to attract pollinators.
Propagation by seed
The most common and easiest way to propagate Erysimum capitatum var. perenne is through seed. Seeds can be collected from mature flowerheads in the late summer or early fall. The seeds should be kept dry and refrigerated until the following spring when they can be sown in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds can be lightly covered with soil, and should be kept moist but not waterlogged until they germinate in 1-3 weeks.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation of Erysimum capitatum var. perenne by cuttings is possible but requires more effort. Cuttings should be taken from young, healthy plants, preferably in the spring or early summer. The cuttings should have at least one node, and the bottom leaves should be removed to leave a stem of around 7 cm. The cuttings should be dipped into rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and kept in a shady area until roots have formed, which can take 4-8 weeks. Once rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
Propagation by division
A third way of propagating Erysimum capitatum var. perenne is through division. This method can be used to propagate well-established plants that have thick clumps of stems. The clumps can be carefully divided using a sharp knife or spade, ensuring that each division has roots and several shoots. These divisions can be transplanted into individual pots or back into the garden.
Disease Management for Erysimum capitatum var. perenne
Erysimum capitatum var. perenne is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases that could reduce yield and have negative impacts on plant growth and development. Below are common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Clubroot: This disease can cause stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing of leaves. To manage clubroot, use resistant cultivars, rotate crops, and maintain proper soil pH levels.
- Black leg: This disease is caused by the fungus Phoma lingam. It causes dark lesions on the stem, which could lead to plant death. To manage black leg, use disease-resistant plants and practice crop rotation.
- White rust: This disease is characterized by white pustules on the leaves and stems. It is caused by the fungus Albugo candida. To manage white rust, remove infected plant parts and use fungicides.
Pest Management for Erysimum capitatum var. perenne
Erysimum capitatum var. perenne is also susceptible to pest attacks that could damage the plant. Below are common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: These insects suck sap from plant tissues, causing wilting and reduced growth. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or spray them with water.
- Cabbage loopers: These caterpillars feed on leaves, causing skeletonization and reduced plant growth. To manage cabbage loopers, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad.
- Slugs and snails: These pests feed on the leaves and stems, causing reduced growth and development. To manage slugs and snails, use copper tape or diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant.
