Origin
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia (Benth.) Greene var. bipinnatifida (Torr.) Constance, also known as Eucrypta, is a species of flowering plant in the borage family, Boraginaceae. The plant is native to southern California and northern Baja California.
Common Names
Eucrypta has several common names, including eucrypta, daisy-leaf eucrypta, and many-flowered eucrypta.
Uses
Eucrypta has been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans to relieve stomach pain and as a remedy for tuberculosis. Today, it is also used for its ornamental value in drought-tolerant landscaping, as it is a low-maintenance and water-wise option.
General Appearance
Eucrypta is an herbaceous, perennial plant that grows to be about one to two feet tall. Its leaves are alternate, deeply lobed, and resemble daisy leaves. The plant typically blooms from March to July and produces numerous small white or lavender flowers that are arranged in clusters. Its fruit is a nutlet that contains up to four pyrenes.
Light Requirements
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia var. bipinnatifida grows best in full sunlight or partial shade. In areas with intense sunlight, afternoon shade is preferred. The plant can tolerate moderate shade, but this may result in reduced flowering and overall growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm temperatures and is not frost tolerant. Optimal growth occurs in areas with summer temperatures ranging from 70 to 85°F and winter temperatures ranging from 45 to 60°F. In areas with colder temperatures, it may be grown as an annual or protected during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia var. bipinnatifida prefers well-draining, sandy or gravelly soils with a neutral pH level between 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. It can be grown in a variety of soil types, including loam and clay, as long as the soil is not too compacted.
Cultivation Methods:
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia var. bipinnatifida is a drought-resistant plant native to California and Baja California. It prefers full sun and well-draining soils with slightly alkaline or neutral pH. It is an ideal plant for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant gardens. The ideal time to plant this species is in the spring when the soil has warmed up. It can be propagated by seed or stem cutting.
Watering Needs:
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia var. bipinnatifida is drought-tolerant and prefers to be watered infrequently but deeply. Watering should be done every two to three weeks during the growing season and reduced to once a month or less during the winter months. Over-watering can lead to root rot and should be avoided. Mulching around the plant can help to retain moisture in the soil.
Fertilization:
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia var. bipinnatifida is a low-maintenance plant and does not require frequent fertilization. However, in poor soils, it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer application in the early spring. Apply a slow-release fertilizer or a well-balanced organic fertilizer according to the directions on the package. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can cause vegetative growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning:
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia var. bipinnatifida has a naturally mounded shape, and pruning is not necessary for its growth habit. However, if the plant becomes too large or leggy, it can be cut back after flowering to encourage denser growth. Remove any dead or diseased branches as they appear, and pinch back any wayward stems during the growing season to encourage bushier growth. Cutting back the plant will also help to extend its lifespan and prevent it from becoming woody.
Propagation of Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia var. bipinnatifida
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia var. bipinnatifida can be propagated by both seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia var. bipinnatifida can be collected from the plant in the fall. They can be stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring when they can be planted directly into the ground or in containers filled with well-draining soil. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until they germinate.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia var. bipinnatifida can also be propagated by stem cuttings taken from a healthy mother plant. The ideal time to take stem cuttings is in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
The stem cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and should be approximately 4-6 inches long. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone and then planted in a container filled with well-draining soil. The container should be kept in a warm, humid location and the soil should be kept moist until roots begin to form. Once the roots have formed, the plant can be transplanted into the ground or a larger container.
Disease Management
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia var. bipinnatifida can be susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases. One common disease it may face is powdery mildew, which can appear as a white, powdery substance on leaves. To manage powdery mildew, affected plants can be sprayed with a fungicide, and infected leaves should be removed and disposed of. Another disease it may face is bacterial leaf spot, which appears as dark water-soaked spots on the leaves. In this case, affected leaves should be removed and disposed of, and a copper fungicide can be sprayed on the remaining plant to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia var. bipinnatifida can also be affected by pests, with one commonly encountered pest being aphids. These small insects can cluster around new growth and suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to wilt and yellow. To manage aphids, they can be washed off of plants with a strong stream of water, and insecticidal soap can be sprayed on affected areas of the plant to prevent further infestation. Another possible pest is spider mites, which cause leaves to become stippled and yellow. Spider mites can be managed by spraying the underside of the leaves with a stream of water, or a miticide can be used.
