Origin
Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha (Hall) Wilken is a subspecies of the Hulsea vestita plant, commonly referred to as the Woolly Goldenweed. This subspecies is native to California, specifically in the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains. It can be found growing in mountain meadows and rocky slopes at elevations between 3,000 and 12,000 feet.
Common Names
Some common names for the Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha include the Alpine Woollymarbles and the Butterfly Woollyheads.
Uses
There are no known significant uses for Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha, but it is commonly grown in gardens for its attractive appearance. The plant is known for its long-lasting golden-yellow flowers, which bloom from mid-summer to early autumn. Wildlife such as butterflies and bees are often attracted to the plant's flowers, making it a popular choice for butterfly gardens.
General Appearance
The Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha plant grows to be between 6 and 20 inches tall. It has a dense, woolly stem covered in silver-grey hairs, giving it a fuzzy appearance. The leaves are also woolly and typically range from 1 to 5 inches long. The plant's flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stem and are typically an inch in diameter. The flowers have 10 to 20 petals that range in color from bright yellow to orange or red. The plant's root system is relatively shallow and does not go very deep into the ground, making it easy to transplant.
Growth Conditions for Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha
Light Requirements: Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers bright sunlight but can also tolerate some shade in the afternoon.
Temperature Requirements: This plant is native to montane areas in the western United States, where it experiences a cool-summer Mediterranean climate. It grows best in areas with cool summers and moist winters. The ideal temperature range for Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha is between 50 to 80°F (10-27°C)
Soil Requirements: Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH level between 5.5 to 6.5. It grows well in rocky or sandy soils with good drainage but can also tolerate clay soils. Good soil fertility is essential for optimal growth.
Water Requirements: This plant prefers moderate watering habits, with soil kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and other issues with stunted growth. In the summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering to prevent dehydration.
Fertilizer Requirements: Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha does not require heavy fertilization but benefits from light fertilization during the growing season, which is typically from early spring to early autumn. Use a slow-release fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium for optimal growth.
Propagation: Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha can be propagated by both seeds and cuttings. It is recommended to take cuttings in the spring and summer and sow seeds in the autumn.
Cultivation Methods for Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha
Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha, commonly known as the California alpine gold, is a plant that prefers to grow in dry rocky areas with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight exposure. When cultivating this plant, it would be best to replicate its natural habitat.
You could grow this plant in a container if you do not have the ideal soil or conditions in your garden. Choose a container with a drainage hole, and fill it with good quality potting soil mixed with sand or grit to improve drainage.
If you opt for growing it in a garden bed, make sure you prepare the soil well in advance. Add organic matter to the site and work the soil deeply to ensure a slightly acidic, well-draining soil.
Watering Needs of Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha
The California alpine gold is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Overwatering this plant can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. Allow the soil to dry partially before watering the plant.
During the hot, dry summer months, you may need to water the plant once a week. However, during the rainy season, you may not need to water the plant at all. Always make sure to water the plant at the base, avoiding the leaves and flowers.
Fertilization for Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha
The California alpine gold does not need frequent fertilization. In fact, too many nutrients can cause the plant to grow too tall and leggy, making it more prone to falling over.
You can feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer, diluted to half strength, in the spring as the new growth emerges. Stop fertilizing it in the summer, and do not feed it during the winter months.
Pruning Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha
The California alpine gold does not need regular pruning. However, you can remove dead and spent flowers to keep the plant looking neat and to encourage more blooms.
When the plant has finished flowering, you can trim the stems back by one-third to prevent the plant from getting too leggy. Avoid pruning the plant in the fall and winter, as this can encourage new growth that may not be hardened off before the frosty weather arrives.
Propagation of Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha
Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha (Hall) Wilken is propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha should be sown in late fall to early winter, after the first rain of the season. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix, covering them lightly with the soil. They should be watered moderately until the germination occurs, which usually takes about 3-4 weeks. After the seedlings emerge, they should be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground, where they will grow to maturity.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha can be propagated through stem cuttings taken from the plant during the active growing season. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems, measuring about 4-6 inches in length. The leaves on the lower half of the stem should be removed, leaving only a few at the top. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until they root, which usually takes about 4-6 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground, where they will grow into mature plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha (Hall) Wilken
Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha (Hall) Wilken, commonly known as dwarf alpinegold, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the sunflower family. Like any other plant, it is also susceptible to various diseases and pest infestations that can cause harm to its growth and overall health. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases:
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that can cause orange or rust-colored spots on leaves and stems. To manage rust, remove the infected parts immediately and dispose of them. Apply a copper-based fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Mildew: Mildew is a fungal disease that can cause a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems. To manage mildew, prune the affected parts and apply a fungicide. Ensure proper spacing between plants to increase air circulation and reduce humidity.
Pythium Root Rot: Pythium root rot is a fungal disease that can affect the roots of the plant, causing wilting of leaves and stunted growth. To manage pythium root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage. Use a fungicide to treat the infected plant.
Common Pests:
Aphids: Aphids are small, green or black insects that can suck the sap out of the plant, causing stunted growth. To manage aphids, wash the plant with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that can cause yellowish leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a strong stream of water or use a miticide.
Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that cut plant stems at the base, causing the plant to wilt. To manage cutworms, handpick them at night when they are active or apply a biological control, such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
By following these disease and pest management tips, you can ensure the longevity and health of your Hulsea vestita Gray ssp. callicarpha plant.
