Leucophyllum Candidum I.m. Johnston - Brewster County Barometerbush

Description

Leucophyllum candidum I.M. Johnston, also known as Ashyleaf or Cenizo, is a hardy desert shrub belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae. It is native to the southwestern United States, primarily in Texas and Northern Mexico. The plant is an evergreen, arid-adapted, drought-tolerant shrub that grows up to six feet tall and wide.

Appearance

The plant has a bushy appearance with slender, grey-green leaves, which gives it the common name "Ashyleaf." The leaves are covered with fine, short, grey hairs that give them a velvety texture, and the plant produces tubular lavender or pink flowers in the late summer or early autumn.

Uses

Leucophyllum candidum has a variety of uses. In landscaping, it is a popular and attractive choice for hedges, slopes, borders, and erosion control. It is also used in xeriscape designs because of its drought tolerance. The plant contains compounds that make it valuable in herbal medicine. The leaves and stems are brewed into a tea that is used for its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and diuretic properties. Additionally, the plant resin has been utilized as a glue.

Light requirements

Leucophyllum candidum requires full sunlight to grow well. Direct sunlight is essential as the plant prefers locations with 8-10 hours of sunlight per day. Lack of sunlight can lead to weak growth and poor flowering. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the shrub in an open area where it can receive full sunlight.

Temperature requirements

Leucophyllum candidum is a heat-loving plant that requires warm temperatures to grow well. The plant's optimum temperature ranges between 80 and 90°F. However, the plant can tolerate fluctuations in temperature and can grow in temperatures ranging from 40 to 100°F. Temperatures below 40°F may cause the plant to die or go dormant.

Soil requirements

The plant prefers well-draining soils that are fertile and slightly acidic. Soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for the growth of Leucophyllum candidum. The plant is tolerant of various soils, including sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. However, it is essential to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged as this may cause root rot. Before planting, it is advisable to amend the soil by adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure.

Cultivation

Leucophyllum candidum is suitable for cultivation in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10. It prefers a well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The plant requires full sun exposure to thrive, so ensure to plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Watering Needs

Leucophyllum candidum is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive extended periods of dry weather. However, it would be best if you watered the plant frequently during its first growing season to help it establish a strong root system. After that, the plant can survive on natural rainfall, but you must water it once a month during dry spells.

Fertilization

Leucophyllum candidum doesn't require a lot of fertilization. Applying a slow-release fertilizer once a year in spring should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the plant. However, if the plant begins to display yellowing leaves, you can apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to restore its green color.

Pruning

Pruning Leucophyllum candidum is essential to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring while it's still dormant. Prune back the dead or damaged branches and shape the remaining branches to your desired appearance. When pruning, be careful not to remove more than one-third of the plant's total growth to avoid stressing it.

Propagation of Leucophyllum candidum

Leucophyllum candidum, commonly known as the Brewster County barometer bush, is a flowering plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert in the southwestern United States. This plant is an attractive shrub, with delicate pink and purple flowers that bloom in late summer and fall.

Propagation by Seeds

Propagation by seeds is the most common way to propagate Leucophyllum candidum. The seeds are easy to germinate, and the resulting plants are usually true to the parent plant. To propagate this plant by seeds, follow the below steps:

1. Collect ripe seeds from the plant in late summer or early fall.
2. Clean the seeds by removing any plant debris or damaged seeds.
3. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix. Place the pot in bright, indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
4. Germination should occur within 3-4 weeks. As the seedlings grow, gradually increase their exposure to direct sunlight.
5. After 3-4 months, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.

Propagation by Stem Cuttings

Propagation by stem cuttings is another common method for propagating Leucophyllum candidum. This method is recommended for propagation of specific cultivars that could be lost by growing from seeds. To propagate this plant using stem cuttings, follow the below steps:

1. Take a 6-inch long stem cutting from a healthy plant during the growing season (spring or summer).
2. Strip off all but the top two pairs of leaves.
3. Dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone.
4. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and cover it with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse-like environment.
5. Place the pot in bright, indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
6. After 6-8 weeks, the cutting should start to develop roots. At this time, remove the plastic bag, and gradually increase its exposure to direct sunlight.
7. After 3-4 months, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.

Propagation by Layering

Propagation by layering is a method where roots are induced to form on a branch while it is still attached to the parent plant. Layering is one of the less common methods of propagation, but it is still a recommended method for grows that couldn't propagate either by cuttings of seeds. To propagate using Layering, follow the below steps:

1. Identify a low branch of the plant that is flexible enough to bend to the ground.
2. Remove the leaves from the branch where it touches the ground, creating a wound.
3. Dig a shallow trench beneath the branch, and place the wounded part into the trench.
4. Cover the wound with a mixture of moist soil and rooting hormone.
5. Pin the branch to the soil surface with a U-shaped piece of wire or a heavy rock.
6. Water the area around the branch, keeping it moist but not waterlogged.
7. After 6-8 weeks, the branch should be rooted. At this time, cut the branch from the parent plant and transplant it into a pot.

It's important to note that Leucophyllum candidum is highly tolerant of drought, heat, and poor soil conditions. However, This plant does not tolerate wet soils. Therefore, ensure you don't overwater your propagated plants.

Disease Management:

Leucophyllum candidum is generally a sturdy plant, but there are some diseases that can affect it. Some of the common diseases that might affect the plant include:

• Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease caused by overwatering. To prevent root rot, make sure that the soil is well-draining, and avoid overwatering the plant. If you notice any signs of root rot, trim away the infected roots and allow the soil to dry out before watering the plant again.
• Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, dark spots on the leaves of the plant. To prevent leaf spot, avoid overhead watering and crowded conditions. If you notice any signs of leaf spot, remove the infected leaves immediately and treat the plant with a fungicide.

Pest Management:

Aside from diseases, there are also some pests that might affect Leucophyllum candidum. Some of the common pests that might affect the plant include:

• Spider Mites: Spider mites are common pests that can damage the leaves of the plant. To control spider mites, gently wash the plant with a hose, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat the leaves of the plant and cause damage. To control caterpillars, manually remove them from the plant, or apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), a natural bacterial insecticide.
• Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, flying insects that can weaken the plant and cause yellowing of the leaves. To control whiteflies, apply a sticky trap, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.