Origin
Erysimum suffrutescens (Abrams) G. Rossb. var. lompocense G. Rossb. is a subspecies of the plant species Erysimum suffrutescens. It is native to the coastal regions of California in the United States.
Common Names
Common names for Erysimum suffrutescens (Abrams) G. Rossb. var. lompocense G. Rossb. include Lompoc wallflower, Lompoc yerba de la golondrina, and Lompoc suncups.
Uses
Erysimum suffrutescens (Abrams) G. Rossb. var. lompocense G. Rossb. has limited commercial or medicinal uses, but it is often grown as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful and vibrant flowers.
General Appearance
Erysimum suffrutescens (Abrams) G. Rossb. var. lompocense G. Rossb. is a small, evergreen shrub that typically reaches a height of 1 to 3 feet. It has oval to lance-shaped leaves that are between 1 and 3 inches long and have a slightly blue-green color. The plant produces small, bright yellow flowers that are about 1 inch wide and grow in clusters at the ends of the stems. These flowers appear from late winter to early summer, and sometimes again in the fall. The overall appearance of Erysimum suffrutescens (Abrams) G. Rossb. var. lompocense G. Rossb. is attractive and cheerful, making it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers in California and beyond.
Light Requirements
Erysimum suffrutescens var. lompocense grows best in full sun or partial shade. It requires at least six hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but may grow more slowly and produce fewer flowers in shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to coastal California and prefers mild temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C) and as high as 90°F (32°C). However, extended periods of extreme heat or cold can stress the plant and affect its growth.
Soil Requirements
Erysimum suffrutescens var. lompocense grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. This plant can tolerate different soil types, including sandy loam and clay soil, but it does not thrive in heavy or waterlogged soils.
Cultivation of Erysimum suffrutescens var. lompocense
Erysimum suffrutescens var. lompocense is a flowering perennial plant that is commonly known as the Lompoc Wallflower. It is a drought-tolerant plant that is native to California and requires well-drained soil for successful cultivation. The plant grows well in areas with full sun exposure and is ideal for rock gardens, borders, and containers.
Watering Needs
The Lompoc Wallflower is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive with little water. However, it still requires regular watering, especially during the first year of cultivation. The plant should be watered deeply, and water should be applied at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves. Supplement the rainfall with an additional watering during dry spells but do not overwater, which can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Erysimum suffrutescens var. lompocense is not a heavy feeder and requires little to no fertilization. A yearly application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring that covers nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium requirements is enough for healthy plant growth.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of Erysimum suffrutescens var. lompocense care, and it is recommended annually after flowering is complete. Cut back the flower stems to prevent the plant from getting leggy and straggly. Pruning can also stimulate new growth and extend the plant's lifespan. Additionally, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches when they appear.
Propagation of Erysimum suffrutescens var. lompocense
There are several methods for propagating Erysimum suffrutescens var. lompocense, such as through seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Erysimum suffrutescens var. lompocense can be collected from mature capsules. The seeds need to be air-dried for a few days before sowing. The best time to sow the seeds is in the fall or early spring. They can be directly sown in the ground or started indoors and transplanted later. The seeds require light for germination, so they need to be thinly sown and pressed into the soil surface. The soil needs to be well-draining and kept moist until germination, which can take up to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings are established, they need to be thinned out to allow proper growth.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cuttings are a common method of propagation for Erysimum suffrutescens var. lompocense. Softwood cuttings can be taken from the plant in the summer and hardwood cuttings in the fall. The cuttings need to be about 4-6 inches long and have at least 2-3 sets of leaves. The lower leaves need to be stripped off, and the stem needs to be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings need to be kept in a humid environment and protected from direct sunlight until new growth appears. Once the roots have established, the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation through Layering
Layering is another method for propagating Erysimum suffrutescens var. lompocense. It involves burying a stem of the plant in the soil while it is still attached to the parent plant. The buried stem will eventually develop roots while still receiving nutrients from the parent plant. Once the roots have established, the stem can be cut and transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease Management
One common disease that affects Erysimum suffrutescens var. lompocense is powdery mildew. This disease is caused by a fungal infection and is characterized by white powdery coating on the plant surface, which can interfere with photosynthesis and weaken the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is necessary to increase air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering, which can promote fungal growth. In severe cases, fungicides can be applied to control the fungus.
Another disease that might affect Erysimum suffrutescens is clubroot, which is caused by a soil-borne pathogen. Clubroot can be identified by the swelling or deformation of the roots of the plant, leading to stunted growth and eventual death. If clubroot is suspected, soil tests can confirm the presence of the pathogen. To manage clubroot, the use of resistant varieties and crop rotation can limit the spread of the disease. Additionally, soil sterilization and the application of fungicides may be helpful in reducing the impact of the disease.
Pest Management
Erysimum suffrutescens var. lompocense may also be subject to pest infestations such as aphids and spider mites. These pests can be identified by the yellowing or curling of the leaves and the presence of webbing or sticky residue on the plant. To manage aphids and spider mites, it is recommended to physically remove the insects by washing the plant with a high-pressure water sprayer. Insecticidal soap or neem oil may also be used to control these pests effectively while being environmentally friendly.
Lastly, snails and slugs may also be attracted to Erysimum suffrutescens var. lompocense. These pests are particularly active at night, and thus, it is recommended to conduct handpicking at dawn or dusk, set up traps with beer or copper barriers around the plant, or apply molluscicides as necessary.
