Origin
Lepargyrea argentea (Pursh) Greene, also known as Silverbells or Silver leaf, belongs to the family of plants known as Ericaceae. This plant is native to the eastern part of the United States, specifically found in the Appalachian Mountains regions.
Common Names
The Lepargyrea argentea plant is commonly known by several other names. In addition to Silverbells and Silver leaf, it is also commonly referred to as Leatherleaf, Leatherleaf viburnum, and Viburnum rhytidophyllum.
Uses
The Lepargyrea argentea plant has served various purposes across its growth range. Native American tribes consumed its bark as a traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, such as colds, fever, and rheumatism. The plant is also a great ornamental plant with its stunning, glossy, silver foliage, making it a widely-used decoration in gardens, border placements, and even in bouquets.
Besides its medicinal and decorative purposes, the plant's leaves and bark were used to make some fibers and in the past, was used in the leather industry for direct tanning of hides and beds. The plant is also used in some areas to help control soil erosion.
General Appearance
Lepargyrea argentea is an evergreen shrub, usually growing to about 10 feet tall, that retains its leaves throughout the year. This plant has a dense, rounded shape with shiny and leathery, silver-green leaves measuring between 3 inches to 7 inches long and gives rise to attractive white flowers in the spring. The white flowers emerge in flattened clusters, giving rise to a cluster of red berries that ripen in late summer. The plant requires well-draining soil and should be planted in partial to full sun exposure.
Light Requirements
Lepargyrea argentea (Pursh) Greene grows well in bright light conditions, but direct sunlight should be avoided. Hence, it can be grown in partially shaded areas where it can receive bright, indirect sunlight. Under insufficient light conditions, its leaves tend to become pale and yellow.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for growing Lepargyrea argentea (Pursh) Greene is between 18°C to 24°C. However, it can also tolerate temperature fluctuations to some extent. It is important to keep them in a warm spot during cooler months as extreme cold can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Lepargyrea argentea (Pursh) Greene prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good drainage to prevent waterlogging. In the wild, this plant is commonly found in rocky, well-drained soils.
Cultivation Method for Lepargyrea Argentea (Pursh) Greene
Lepargyrea argentea is a relatively easy plant to grow. It is native to the western United States and is highly adaptable to a wide range of environmental conditions. It is commonly grown outdoors as a landscaping or ornamental plant and can be grown indoors as a potted plant. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and requires full sun exposure.
Watering Needs for Lepargyrea Argentea (Pursh) Greene
The watering needs of Lepargyrea argentea depend on the environmental conditions it is grown in. It prefers a slightly moist soil, but overwatering can lead to root rot. It is important to water the plant as soon as the top inch of soil becomes dry. This can be once or twice a week in hot weather, and less frequently in cooler weather.
Fertilization of Lepargyrea Argentea (Pursh) Greene
Lepargyrea argentea benefits from regular fertilization during its growing season, which is from spring to fall. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. NPK ratios of 10-10-10, 20-20-20, or similar ratios are suitable for the plant. Fertilize the plant every four to six weeks.
Pruning of Lepargyrea Argentea (Pursh) Greene
Lepargyrea argentea requires minimal pruning. Pruning can be done to maintain the plant's desired shape and size. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Prune the plant by cutting back the stems to just above a leaf node or bud. This will encourage new growth and will help maintain the plant's vigor.
Propagation of Lepargyrea argentea (Pursh) Greene
Lepargyrea argentea (Pursh) Greene, also known as Silverbush, is a beautiful plant that can be propagated through several methods.
Propagation by Seeds
The process of propagation through seeds is an effective way to promote genetic diversity and maintain the characteristics of the parent plant. To do this, you need to select healthy fruits from the parent plant and extract the seeds from them. Once you have obtained the seeds, gently rub them with sandpaper to create a scratch on the hard seed coat, helping them to germinate quickly. The next step is to sow the seeds in a seed tray containing well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist, not waterlogged, and place the tray in a warm and bright area. The seeds should germinate in 3-4 weeks. You can transplant young seedlings in a bigger pot or garden bed after they grow true leaves.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagating L. argentea by cuttings can yield quick results and create clones of the parent plant. The procedure involves selecting healthy stem cuttings of about 4-6 inches and preparing them by removing the lower leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist, not waterlogged, and store the cutting in a bright and lightly shaded area. The rooting process may take about 4-6 weeks. After rooting, the cutting can be potted individually and be mature enough for transplanting in 6-8 weeks.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is another effective way to produce new Lepargyrea argentea plants. It involves taking a low-hanging stem of the plant, and gently wounding it where the stem touches the soil surface. Cover the wounded part with the soil and place a small rock on it to keep it anchored. In a few weeks, roots and new shoots will emerge from the buried stem. Once the plant has developed a strong root system, you can detach it from the parent plant and transplant it into a pot or the garden bed.
Propagation of L. argentea is not a difficult process. By following the above steps carefully, you can produce several new plants with similar characteristics to the parent plant.
Disease Management for Lepargyrea argentea
Lepargyrea argentea is susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases that can cause leaf spots, wilting, and stem or root rot.
To manage fungal diseases on Lepargyrea argentea, remove infected plant parts and improve air circulation by spacing the plants adequately. Additionally, avoid overhead irrigation and water the plants at the root level only. Apply fungicides on the plants, following the manufacturer's directions.
Bacterial diseases in Lepargyrea argentea can be controlled by removing and destroying infected plant parts. Copper-based bactericides may also be used to manage bacterial diseases.
Pest Management for Lepargyrea argentea
Lepargyrea argentea is prone to pest infestations by spider mites and mealybugs.
Spider mites can be managed by reducing the humidity levels in the plant's environment and applying insecticidal soaps or oils. Mealybugs, similarly, can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or oils, but also by physically removing the insects from the plant using a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Regularly inspect the plant and keep the growing area clean and free from debris that may harbor pests. Quarantine any new plants thoroughly before introducing them to the growing area to prevent pest infestations.
