Overview: Ipomopsis spicata (Nutt.) V. Grant ssp. orchidacea (Brand) Wilken & Hartman var. cephaloidea (Rydb.) Wilken & Hartman
Ipomopsis spicata (Nutt.) V. Grant ssp. orchidacea (Brand) Wilken & Hartman var. cephaloidea (Rydb.) Wilken & Hartman, commonly known as Spiked Gilia, is a herbaceous flowering plant native to North America. It is a member of the Phlox family (Polemoniaceae). It is commonly found in the western regions of North America including California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Appearance
Spiked Gilia is a sparsely branching plant that grows up to 20-60 cm tall. It has a basal rosette of leaves which is gray-green in color. The leaves are linear or lance-shaped, about 1-3 cm long and 1-2 mm wide, and covered with glandular hairs. The inflorescence is a spike of tubular-shaped flowers that arise from the axils of the leaves. The flowers are typically pink, lavender, or light blue, about 1.5 cm long, with five petals and a long, protruding style. The flowers bloom from May to August.
Uses
The Spiked Gilia plant has medicinal purposes. It has been traditionally used to treat respiratory problems, coughs, and pneumonia. It has also been used to relieve pain and inflammation from wounds and sore throats. In addition, the plant is edible, and its leaves and flowers can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable.
Typical Growth Conditions for Ipomopsis spicata (Nutt.) V. Grant ssp. orchidacea (Brand) Wilken & Hartman var. cephaloidea (Rydb.) Wilken & Hartman
Light Requirements: Ipomopsis spicata ssp. orchidacea var. cephaloidea requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and flowering. This plant can tolerate some shade but requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements: This species is adapted to grow in a variety of temperature conditions. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and can withstand temperatures ranging from -30 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements: Ipomopsis spicata ssp. orchidacea var. cephaloidea prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (pH 6.0-7.5). It can tolerate poor soils but requires good drainage. This plant is well adapted to rocky and gravelly soils.
Water Requirements: This species has moderate water requirements. It can tolerate drought conditions for short periods but requires regular watering to maintain optimal growth and flowering.
Fertilizer Requirements: Ipomopsis spicata ssp. orchidacea var. cephaloidea is a light feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied once per year in the spring can help promote healthy growth and flowering.
Other Considerations: This species is drought tolerant and deer resistant, making it a great choice for low-maintenance gardens and xeriscapes. It is also important to note that this species can be invasive in some areas, so it is important to check with local authorities before planting in your region.
Cultivation Methods
Ipomopsis spicata (Nutt.) V. Grant ssp. orchidacea (Brand) Wilken & Hartman var. cephaloidea (Rydb.) Wilken & Hartman, commonly known as Spiked Ipomopsis, is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged, and it is best grown in a sunny location. This plant can tolerate some shade, but it will not flower as well as it would in full sun.
Watering Needs
The optimal watering regime for Ipomopsis spicata is to keep the soil consistently moist, but not too wet. This plant does not tolerate excessive watering, which can lead to root rot. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry spells. Avoid frequent, shallow watering, which can result in water stress and poor growth.
Fertilization
Ipomopsis spicata does not require heavy fertilization, but a moderate feeding routine can help boost growth and flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, with a ratio of 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer once in the spring, and again in the summer, just before the plant starts to bloom. Be careful not to overfertilize, which can cause excessive growth and weak stems.
Pruning
Ipomopsis spicata requires little pruning and maintenance. Deadheading blooms after they fade will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Cut the stem just above the basal rosette of leaves. In the fall, cut the plant back to the ground, leaving only the basal rosette. This will help maintain the plant's shape and prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Ipomopsis spicata ssp. orchidacea var. cephaloidea
Ipomopsis spicata ssp. orchidacea var. cephaloidea, commonly known as the pinkflowered spikelike gilia, can be propagated using various methods:
Seed Propagation
The most reliable and popular way of propagating Ipomopsis spicata ssp. orchidacea var. cephaloidea is through seeds. The seeds of the plant are often available for purchase from nurseries and seed banks.
It is best to start sowing seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, and water gently. Germination usually occurs within 7-14 days.
Once the seedlings have grown enough, they can be transplanted outdoors. They should be planted in a location that receives full sunlight and has well-draining soil. It is best to transplant the seedlings in late spring or early summer.
Cutting Propagation
Ipomopsis spicata ssp. orchidacea var. cephaloidea can also be propagated through stem cuttings. This method is best done in the summer when the plant is actively growing.
To propagate through stem cuttings, select a healthy stem that has at least two nodes. Cut off a 4- to 6-inch section of the stem just below the node. Remove the leaves from the bottom one-third of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, and water gently. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and place the cutting in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Rooting should occur in about 4-6 weeks.
Division Propagation
Ipomopsis spicata ssp. orchidacea var. cephaloidea can also be propagated through division. This method is best done in early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant.
To propagate through division, dig up the plant and separate the roots into clumps. Make sure each clump has at least one healthy shoot. Replant the clumps in a location that receives full sunlight and has well-draining soil.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to provide the right growing conditions for the plant to thrive. With proper care and maintenance, Ipomopsis spicata ssp. orchidacea var. cephaloidea can provide beautiful blooms year after year.
Disease Management
Ipomopsis spicata ssp. orchidacea var. cephaloidea is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many diseases. However, some common diseases that might affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots on leaves, stems, and flowers, and can ultimately lead to defoliation. It is spread by water splashing on infected plant parts. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts and use fungicides as necessary.
- Fusarium Wilt: This soil-borne disease can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and ultimately death of the plant. It is difficult to control once the plant is infected. To prevent Fusarium wilt, plant in well-draining soil and avoid over-watering.
- Rust: This fungal disease can cause orange to rusty colored powdery spots on leaves, and ultimately lead to loss of leaves. It is spread by air-borne spores. Remove and destroy infected leaves and use fungicides as necessary.
Pest Management
While Ipomopsis spicata ssp. orchidacea var. cephaloidea is generally not heavily attacked by pests, some common ones to watch out for are:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on plant sap and can cause yellowing and curling of leaves. They can also spread diseases. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny insects can cause yellow stippling on leaves and can also produce webbing. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: These tiny winged insects can cause silver to bronze stippling on leaves and also spread diseases. To manage thrips, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
