Overview
Forestiera neomexicana Gray var. arizonica Gray is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Oleaceae family. The plant is commonly called New Mexico privet and desert olive. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Description
The plant has a rounded shape with an open, airy habit. It can grow up to a height of 8-10 feet and spread up to 6-8 feet wide. The New Mexico privet has small, glossy green leaves that are paired or in clusters. The leaves can be deciduous or semi-evergreen, depending on the climate. The shrub produces small, yellowish-green flowers in late winter before the leaves emerge. The flowers are followed by small, black, and shiny olive-like fruits that ripen in fall.
Uses
The New Mexico privet is a versatile plant that can be used for a variety of purposes. Its attractive foliage and delicate flowers make it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. The shrub is drought-tolerant and can withstand extreme temperatures and soil conditions, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping. The fruits of the plant are edible and can be used to make jelly, while the branches and leaves have medicinal properties and have been used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes.
Cultivation
The New Mexico privet prefers well-draining soil and full sun, although it can also tolerate partial shade. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9 and can survive in temperatures as low as -10°F. The shrub is low-maintenance and requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape. It is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking for a trouble-free plant.
Overall, the New Mexico privet is an attractive and versatile plant that is well-suited to a variety of settings. Its hardiness, drought tolerance, and low-maintenance nature make it an excellent addition to any garden or landscape.Growth Conditions for Forestiera neomexicana Gray var. arizonica Gray
Forestiera neomexicana Gray var. arizonica Gray, also known as Arizona olive, is a small shrub endemic to the southwestern United States. If you plan on growing this plant, the following are essential growth conditions you should be aware of.
Light
The plant thrives best in full sun to partial shade. While it tolerates partial shade, it produces sparse foliage, and its growth rate is slow compared to those growing under full sun. Grow it under partial shade if it is grown as an understory plant or as an ornamental plant around buildings.
Temperature
The Arizona olive shrub does well in hot, dry climates, making it an ideal plant for arid and semi-arid regions. USDA recommends the plant for plant hardiness zones 6 through 10 where temperatures range between -10 to 40 °F. In regions with temperatures below -10 °F, it is best grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter season.
Soil Requirements
Forestiera neomexicana Gray var. arizonica Gray prefers well-draining soil that is loamy, sandy, or even rocky. A soil pH between 6.5 to 7.5 is optimal for its growth. It is also one of the few shrubs that can tolerate poor soils, drought, and pollution.
If you are looking to enrich the soil before planting, amend the soil with organic matter like compost or manure. You can also mix in slow-release fertilizers. The addition of mulch around the base of the shrub can help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
These key growth conditions can help you establish a healthy Forestiera neomexicana Gray var. arizonica Gray shrub in your landscape or garden. Always remember to prune the shrub regularly to promote bushiness and healthy growth.
Cultivation
Forestiera neomexicana Gray var. arizonica Gray can be cultivated in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soil. This plant thrives in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can withstand drought and extreme temperatures.
Watering Needs
Forestiera neomexicana Gray var. arizonica Gray is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the first year of growth. After that, reduce watering to once every two to three weeks. The plant can survive with very little water during the winter months.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant once a year in the early spring before new growth appears. Use a slow-release fertilizer low in nitrogen to promote flowering and fruiting. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Prune the plant in the early spring to maintain its shape and size. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Cut back the branches that have overgrown their desired size. You can also prune the plant to form a hedge or a screen. Forestiera neomexicana Gray var. arizonica Gray responds well to pruning and can tolerate heavy pruning if necessary.
Propagation of Forestiera neomexicana Gray var. arizonica Gray
Forestiera neomexicana Gray var. arizonica Gray is a versatile plant that can be propagated through different methods. Here are the ways by which this plant can be propagated:
Seed propagation:
The most common method of propagating Forestiera neomexicana Gray var. arizonica Gray is through seeds. The ripe seeds are collected from the plant and then stored in a cool, dry place until the planting season. The seeds are then sown in a well-draining soil mix in flats or pots. The flats or pots are kept in a warm and bright place, with regular watering, until the seedlings emerge. Once the seedlings are big enough and sturdy, they are transplanted to their permanent location.
Cuttings propagation:
Another method of propagating Forestiera neomexicana Gray var. arizonica Gray is through cuttings. Cuttings are taken from softwood or semi-hardwood stems in the spring or summer. The cuttings should ideally have at least two leaf nodes. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone. The cutting is then inserted into a well-draining soil mix, and then kept in a warm and bright place. Mist the cutting regularly to keep it hydrated, and roots should develop within a month or two.
Division propagation:
The last method of propagating Forestiera neomexicana Gray var. arizonica Gray is through plant division. This method is best done in the early spring before the plant starts to grow actively. The plant is dug out from the ground, and then the root ball is divided into several sections using a sharp shovel or knife. Each section should have several healthy stems and a good root system. The divided plants are then transplanted into their individual containers or locations.
Disease and Pest Management for Forestiera neomexicana Gray var. arizonica Gray
Although Forestiera neomexicana Gray var. arizonica Gray is a relatively hardy plant, it can still be affected by diseases and pests. Here are some common issues and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark spots and cankers on the leaves and stems, as well as dieback. To manage anthracnose, prune away any infected parts of the plant and dispose of them. Make sure to sanitize any pruning tools before and after use. Fungicides may also be effective.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi and can cause the plant's roots to rot and die. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering. If root rot is already present, remove the affected parts of the plant and treat the remaining roots with a fungicide.
Pests
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cluster on the plants' leaves and stems, sucking sap from them and causing them to yellow and distort. To manage aphids, try blasting them off with a strong jet of water or applying insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites: These tiny, spider-like pests can cause leaves to turn yellow and speckled. They spin webs and thrive in hot, dry conditions. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant and try applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale Insects: These insects look like small bumps on the plant's leaves and stems. They suck sap from the plant and can cause it to decline. To manage scale insects, prune away any heavily infested branches and apply a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to the rest of the plant.
By staying vigilant for signs of disease or pest infestation, and taking prompt action if needed, you can help ensure your Forestiera neomexicana Gray var. arizonica Gray plant remains healthy and vibrant.
