Origin
Hackelia bella, also known as the mountain stickseed, is a species of flowering plant that is native to North America. It is commonly found in high elevations across the Rocky Mountains, from Utah and Colorado, up to Montana and British Columbia.
Common Names
Besides mountain stickseed, Hackelia bella is also known by other names such as beautiful stickseed, Carolina stickseed, and seaside forget-me-not.
General Appearance
Hackelia bella is a biennial plant that can grow up to 60 cm tall. Its long stem is covered in small prickles and is often branched. The leaves of the mountain stickseed are lance-shaped, hairy, and have a bluish-green hue. The plant blooms from July to August and its flowers are small, star-shaped, and typically blue or violet in color.
Uses
Native American tribes used the roots of the Hackelia bella plant to treat various ailments, particularly as a remedy for coughs and colds. The flowers and leaves were crushed and applied topically to soothe swollen joints and sprains. Today, the plant is mainly cultivated for its ornamental value and can be found in many gardens across North America.
Light Requirements
Hackelia bella thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can grow in various light conditions but prefers areas with partial shade and moist soils.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species prefers cool to moderate temperatures. It can withstand very cold temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 2-9.
Soil Requirements
Hackelia bella prefers well-drained soils with high organic matter content. It grows well in soils that are slightly acidic to slightly basic and has a pH range of 5.0-7.5. The soil should also be rich in nutrients for optimal growth.
Cultivation of Hackelia Bella
Hackelia Bella is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8. It is a low-growing plant with blue flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Here are some tips for cultivating Hackelia Bella:
Watering Needs
Hackelia Bella prefers consistent moisture but not waterlogged soil. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Do not let the soil dry out completely, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Watering deeply once or twice a week should be sufficient, depending on the climate and soil conditions.
Fertilization
Fertilize Hackelia Bella with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring when new growth appears. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct amount to apply. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Prune Hackelia Bella in the early spring before new growth appears. Cut back any dead or damaged stems and remove any leaves that appear damaged or diseased. In addition, prune back the plant by about half its height to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Avoid pruning the plant after it has started blooming, as this can reduce the number of flowers.
Propagation of Hackelia bella
Hackelia bella (J.F. Macbr.) I.M. Johnston, commonly known as beautiful stickseed, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. Propagation of this plant can be done in several ways, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and division.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method used for Hackelia bella propagation. The seeds can be sown in the spring or fall. The seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 14-21 days. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be thinned to a spacing of 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) apart.
Vegetative propagation
Hackelia bella can also be propagated vegetatively, although this method is less common than seed propagation. To propagate the plant vegetatively, cuttings can be taken from the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken in the late spring or early summer. They should be about 7.5-10 cm (3-4 inches) long and should be removed from the parent plant by making a clean cut just below a node. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they have rooted.
Division
Division is another method that can be used to propagate Hackelia bella. This method is best done in the early spring. The plant should be lifted from the soil and carefully divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and a portion of the stem. The sections should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they have established themselves.
Disease Management
Although Hackelia bella has not been reported to be affected by any significant diseases, it is susceptible to opportunistic pathogens, especially when grown under stressed conditions. Thus, it is essential to maintain good cultural practices to keep the plants healthy. These practices include proper irrigation, fertilization, and adequate spacing to improve air circulation.
Pest Management
The common pests that attack Hackelia bella include spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. To control spider mites and aphids, a strong stream of water can be directed at the undersides of the leaves to knock off the pests. Introducing predaceous insects like ladybugs can also help control these pests. In severe cases, the use of insecticidal soaps or oils may be necessary.
Whiteflies are typically harder to control and may require systemic insecticides that are specifically labeled for use on ornamental plants. Natural predators like Encarsia formosa, a parasitic wasp, can also be introduced to control whiteflies by parasitizing their larvae. Another control method involves using yellow sticky traps that attract and catch whiteflies.
