Overview
Keckiella rothrockii (Gray) Straw ssp. rothrockii is a species of flowering plant in the family Scrophulariaceae. This plant has several common names, including Rothrock's keckiella, pine-leaved penstemon, and Rothrock's beardtongue.
Origin
Keckiella rothrockii is native to the western United States, specifically in the states of Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.
General Appearance
This plant is a perennial herb with a woody base and can reach up to 3 feet tall. Its leaves are needle-like, ranging from 1 to 3 inches in length. The flowers of Keckiella rothrockii are tubular and bell-shaped, with colors ranging from pink to lavender. Flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and are attractive to hummingbirds and bees.
Uses
Keckiella rothrockii is commonly used in the landscaping industry as an ornamental plant, as it is easy to grow and low maintenance. Additionally, the Native American tribes of the southwest have used this plant for medicinal purposes, including in traditional healing practices. Keckiella rothrockii has been found to have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and research is ongoing to explore its potential medical and therapeutic uses.
Light Requirements
The Keckiella rothrockii (Gray) Straw ssp. rothrockii plant typically thrives in full sun exposure and partial shade. It prefers exposure to sunlight for at least 6 hours a day but can grow in areas with lower light intensity.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can be grown in various temperature conditions, but it thrives in temperatures between 60-80? (16-27?). These temperatures provide the best growth conditions for this plant. High temperatures above 85? (29?) can lead to drying of the soil, causing stress on the plant.
Soil Requirements
Keckiella rothrockii (Gray) Straw ssp. rothrockii prefers moist and well-drained soils with good fertility and organic matter content. The ideal soil pH should range from 6 to 7.5. This plant can grow in different soil types, but it does best in soils with good drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Keckiella rothrockii (Gray) Straw ssp. rothrockii, also known as Rothrock's keckiella, is a plant species that belongs to the family of Lamiaceae. To cultivate this plant, you need to plant it in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant thrives best in full sun to partial shade, so make sure to choose an appropriate location. It is also essential to check the soil before planting to ensure it is well-draining, as too much water can cause root rot. You can propagate this plant by seeds or cuttings, but seeds take longer to mature.
Watering Needs
Keckiella rothrockii requires regular watering to thrive, especially during the hot summer months. However, be cautious not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot. Overwatering can also cause fungal diseases, which can be detrimental to the plant's overall health. Ideally, you should water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. It is also essential to water the plant at the base to avoid getting moisture on the leaves, which can promote fungal growth.
Fertilization
Keckiella rothrockii is not a heavy feeder, so it requires minimal fertilizer applications. You can use a granular or liquid fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients during the growing season. It is best to apply fertilizer to the soil, close to the plant's base, to prevent leaf burn. Ensure you follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging to avoid over-fertilization, which can affect the plant's growth.
Pruning
Pruning helps to promote the growth and overall health of Keckiella rothrockii. You should prune the plant in early spring when the new growth appears. Cut back any winter damage and remove the dead or diseased stems. Prune the plant to shape it and improve its overall appearance. Additionally, you can remove the spent flowers to promote more blooming throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Keckiella rothrockii
Keckiella rothrockii (Gray) Straw ssp. rothrockii, commonly known as Rothrock's keckiella or yellowsage, is a herbaceous perennial plant that can be propagated using several methods: seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Keckiella rothrockii can reproduce easily from seed. Seeds can be collected from the flower stalk after it has bloomed, usually from June to September. Allow the flower stalk to mature and turn brown. Then cut it off and place it in a paper bag. Shake the bag so the seeds fall off. Discard the plant debris and keep the seeds in the paper bag until planting.
For propagation, sow the seeds in well-draining soil in a warm location. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Germination should occur within two weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another option for reproducing Keckiella rothrockii. Take stem cuttings from mature plants in the late spring or early summer. Cut several inches of stem and remove the lower leaves, leaving 2-3 sets of leaves on the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not wet. The cutting should root in 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by Division
Division is the process of separating an established plant into two or more sections. It is a quick and easy way to propagate Keckiella rothrockii. Dig up the plant in the early spring before new growth emerges. Use a sharp tool to cut the plant into several sections, making sure each section has roots and buds. Plant each section in well-draining soil in a suitable location and keep the soil moist but not wet.
Overall, Keckiella rothrockii is an easy plant to propagate using seeds, cuttings, and division. Select the method that works best for you and enjoy the beauty of this lovely plant in your garden.
Disease Management
Keckiella rothrockii (Gray) Straw ssp. rothrockii is generally known for its disease resistance, but some diseases can adversely affect the plant's growth and yield. The following are some common diseases that might affect Keckiella rothrockii and ways to manage them:
Phytophthora Root Rot
Phytophthora Root Rot is a significant problem for Keckiella rothrockii since it can damage the root system, leading to poor growth and yield. The disease is caused by a fungus that thrives in wet soil. To manage the disease, ensure proper drainage in the soil, avoiding over-irrigation and planting resistant varieties of the plant.
Fungal Leaf Spots
Keckiella rothrockii can fall prey to various fungal leaf spots that can disfigure the plant's foliage and negatively impact yield. The disease is caused by different types of fungus, and the symptoms include brown or gray spots on the leaves. To manage the disease, use chemical fungicides and destroy affected plants to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Pest Management
The following are some common pests that might affect Keckiella rothrockii and ways to manage them:
Mite Infestation
Mites are tiny insects that can cause significant damage to Keckiella rothrockii by sucking sap from the leaves, leading to discoloration and loss of vigor. To manage mite infestation, use acaricides and predatory mites that can help control their population in the garden. Regularly washing the plant's leaves can also help prevent mite infestation.
Caterpillar Infestation
Caterpillars can cause notable damage to Keckiella rothrockii by consuming the foliage and leaving large holes on the leaves. To manage caterpillar infestation, use insecticides or manually remove the caterpillars by handpicking. Regularly cleaning the garden is also necessary to prevent caterpillars and other pests from settling in the area.
