Overview: Lilium washingtonianum Kellogg var. purpurascens Stearn
Lilium washingtonianum Kellogg var. purpurascens Stearn is a subspecies of Lilium washingtonianum, a wildflower that belongs to the lily family, Liliaceae. This subspecies is commonly known as the Sierra lily, ranging from California's Sierra Nevada to the northern parts of Baja California in Mexico.
Appearance
Sierra lilies vary in size, but typically grow up to 2 metres tall. Each stem produces multiple flowers, which are trumpet-shaped and upwards-facing. The petals are narrow and curved, and are white with purple or reddish spots or streaks on the underside.
Uses
The Sierra lily is considered as a valuable ornamental plant by horticulturists, grown in gardens for its beauty and fragrance. Indigenous people of North America's West Coast, used the bulbs of the Sierra Lily to treat skin infections and burns, and they also ate the bulbs as a food source.
In summary, Lilium washingtonianum Kellogg var. purpurascens Stearn is a beautiful, trumpet-shaped wildflower, native to the regions of the Sierra Nevada to northern Baja California. The plant is an ornamental herb that has also been used by indigenous people as a medicinal plant.
Light Requirements
Lilium washingtonianum Kellogg var. purpurascens Stearn thrives well in full sunlight, but can also tolerate partial shade in afternoon hours. To grow healthy, this species requires a considerable amount of sunlight ranging from 6-8 hours every day. Insufficient sunlight exposure hampers the growth and development of this plant, leading to poor yields, weak stems, and poor flower production.
Temperature Requirements
The growth and development of Lilium washingtonianum Kellogg var. purpurascens Stearn are largely influenced by temperature. This plant requires an average temperature range of 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit (16-24 °C) during the day and 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit (10-13°C) during the night. Temperature that is too high or too low has adverse effects on the growth rate and causes stunted growth, yellow leaves, and low yields.
Soil Requirements
Lilium washingtonianum Kellogg var. purpurascens Stearn grows well in moist, well-drained soils. The ideal soil should have a neutral to slightly acidic pH ranging from 6.5-7.0. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, have good water-retention capacity, and be free from heavy metals, salts, and other toxic substances. Before planting, it is advisable to add compost or other organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility.
Cultivation Methods
The Lilium washingtonianum Kellogg var. purpurascens Stearn, also known as the Washington Lily, is a native of California. It prefers well-draining soils and partial to full sun. They are usually planted during their dormant period, which is in the fall, but can also be planted in the spring. Planting depth should be twice the height of the bulb. They are generally planted in clumps of 3 to 5 bulbs to create an impressive display of flowers.
Watering Needs
The Washington Lily requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It is essential to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Over- or under-watering can lead to stunted growth or roots rotting, respectively. It is recommended to provide at least one inch of water per week during the growing season.
Fertilization
Washington lilies require fertilizer to grow healthily and produce an impressive display of flowers. They are heavy feeders with high nutritional demands. It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizer should be applied before the bulbs start growing in the spring and once again after flowering to ensure that the bulbs are recharged for the following year.
Pruning
Washington lilies do not require extensive pruning as they only have one stem with flowers at the top. However, it is recommended to remove the spent flowers and stem after blooming. Deadheading the flowers encourages the plant to direct more energy to the bulbs and leaves, resulting in robust growth and healthier bulbs.
Propagation of Lilium washingtonianum Kellogg var. purpurascens Stearn
Lilium washingtonianum Kellogg var. purpurascens Stearn, commonly known as the Sierra lily, is a native plant of California and is a member of the lily family. The plant produces beautiful flowers that range in color from pink to purple. In order to propagate this plant, several methods can be used.
Division
One of the easiest ways to propagate Lilium washingtonianum Kellogg var. purpurascens Stearn is by division. This method involves digging up the mature bulbs and separating them into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one healthy bud. The sections are then planted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Scales
Another way to propagate this plant is through scaling. This method involves removing scales from the bulb and planting them separately. The scales are carefully peeled off and placed onto a sterile medium where they will develop bulbils or small bulbs. These bulbils are then planted into individual containers or directly in the ground to grow into mature plants.
Bulbils
Bulbils are small bulbs that develop in the axils of the leaves of mature plants. They can be used for propagation by carefully removing them and planting them into individual containers or directly into the ground. The bulbils will eventually grow into mature plants with proper care and attention.
In conclusion, Lilium washingtonianum Kellogg var. purpurascens Stearn can be propagated through division, scaling, and bulbils. Each method has its advantages, and the choice of method depends on the specific situation and the grower's preferences. With proper care and attention, these propagation methods can help to increase the number of plants and maintain genetic diversity.
Disease and Pest Management for Lilium washingtonianum Kellogg var. purpurascens Stearn
Despite being a hardy plant, Lilium washingtonianum Kellogg var. purpurascens Stearn may still be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Botrytis Blight: Botrytis cinerea fungus causes botrytis blight in Lilium washingtonianum. This disease can affect the leaves, flowers, and bulbs of the plant. Symptoms include gray mold growth on the leaves and buds of the plant. To manage botrytis blight, remove the affected parts of the plant and avoid overhead watering, which allows the fungus to spread. Fungicides can also help to manage the disease.
Gray Mold: Gray mold is a fungal disease caused by Botrytis cinerea affecting nearly all parts of the plant. The symptoms include brown marks on the petals, leaves, and stems, as well as a soft decay. To control gray mold, remove infected plant parts and spray the plant with a copper or sulfur fungicide. Make sure the greenhouse or the growing area is well-ventilated.
Leaf Blight: Lilium washingtonianum can also fall victim to leaf blight, a fungal disease caused by the fungus Alternaria spp. This disease presents as yellow spots and streaks on the leaves that soon turn brown. Preventing the disease is important since there are no cures for leaf blight. Implement good ventilation and circulation in the growing area, and remove any infected plant parts immediately. Treatment can be done using a fungicide such as chlorothalonil.
Pests
Lily Beetle: The lily beetle (Lilioceris lilii) can cause significant damage to the plant. Adult beetles are bright red and can cause damage to the plant by eating its leaves, flowers, and stems. It is best to stop this pest immediately since it can harm the plant, and its eggs can lie dormant through the winter. Look for the beetle's larvae and adults early on and remove them by hand. You can also use sticky bars, kaolin clay or insecticidal soap to prevent the lily beetle.
Thrips: Thrips are common pests that can affect the flowers of Lilium washingtonianum, causing a reduction in blossom quality and quantity. When the thrips feed, they cause silvery markings on the petals and the buds. Using a predatory insect such as Amblyseius cucumeris predators can be an effective control measure. You can also use systemic insecticides such as Imidacloprid or contact insecticides such as Spinosad to kill thrips.
Overall, with proper monitoring, disease and pest management can be controlled in Lilium washingtonianum, which will help ensure a beautiful and healthy plant.
