Overview
Lithospermum parksii I.M. Johnston var. parksii, commonly known as Park's Stoneseed, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Borage family (Boraginaceae). It is native to the western United States and is distributed throughout the Great Basin desert region.
Appearance
The plant grows up to a height of 6-24 inches and has a woody base. The stems are hairy, erect, and branch out at the upper nodes. The leaves are long, narrow, and hairy, measuring up to 3 inches in length. The flowers are showy and orange-yellow with a white center, measuring around 1 inch in diameter and appearing in clusters at the ends of the stems. The plant blooms from May to August.
Uses
Park's Stoneseed is not a widely used medicinal or culinary herb. However, its seeds contain a fatty oil rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and are used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. The oil is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties and is used in the treatment of skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis.
The plant is also used as a food source for native wildlife, particularly rabbits and rodents.
The plant is commonly used in landscaping due to its vibrant flowers, which attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is low maintenance and adapts well to dry, rocky, and sandy soils in full sun or partial shade.
Growth Conditions for Lithospermum parksii I.M. Johnston var. parksii
Light: This plant thrives in full sun. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow properly. In areas with hot and dry summers, it may benefit from some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature: Lithospermum parksii I.M. Johnston var. parksii is a native plant to the hot and dry regions of Western North America. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 5 to 40°C (41-104°F), but it performs best in a warmer climate.
Soil: This plant requires well-draining soil, preferably sandy loam or gravelly soil with some organic matter. It has adapted to growing in soils with low nutrient content, but it cannot tolerate standing water or overly moist soil conditions. Soil pH levels of 6.5 to 7.5 are optimal for growth.
Water: Lithospermum parksii I.M. Johnston var. parksii is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive long periods without water. Newly planted seedlings should be watered regularly, but established plants only require irrigation during hot and dry periods. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Fertilizer: This plant does not require fertilization, but it can benefit from a light application of a low-nitrogen, phosphorous-rich fertilizer during the early stages of growth.
Cultivation
Lithospermum parksii I.M. Johnston var. parksii grows well in well-draining soils with a loamy texture. It thrives in full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. If you cultivate this plant within a container indoors, ensure that it gets enough sunlight exposure.
For outdoor cultivation, the best times to plant Lithospermum parksii var. parksii are during spring or autumn. The plant grows up to 30cm tall, and you must maintain a distance of 25cm between each plant to avoid overcrowding.
Watering Needs
Lithospermum parksii var. parksii requires regular watering, particularly during the hotter periods of the year. Keep the soil damp, but ensure that it does not become waterlogged as this can cause root rot diseases. Reduce the frequency of watering during the winter season.
If you cultivate the plant in containers, you might need to water it more frequently and regularly check the moisture level in the soil to avoid drying up.
Fertilization
Lithospermum parksii var. parksii can benefit from slow-release fertilizer applications. You can distribute granular, balanced fertilizer along the plant’s rows during the spring season. Avoid overfertilizing the plant as this can lead to excessive leaf growth instead of flowering.
Top dress the plant with organic compost during the summer months to enhance soil fertility and support healthy growth.
Pruning
The Lithospermum parksii var. parksii plant does not require complicated pruning techniques. However, you can pinch off the growing tips to encourage more lateral branching and fuller growth. Deadhead the plant frequently to remove spent flowers and promote a prolonged blooming season.
If the plant appears overgrown, cut it back by a third of its growth at the end of summer to revitalize it. Prune out any diseased or damaged tissue to prevent the spread of fungal or bacterial diseases.
Propagation of Lithospermum parksii I.M. Johnston var. parksii
Lithospermum parksii I.M. Johnston var. parksii, also known as Park's stoneseed, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to the western United States and is commonly found in rocky areas and slopes.
Propagation of Lithospermum parksii I.M. Johnston var. parksii can be done through two methods: seed and division.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a common method for growing Lithospermum parksii I.M. Johnston var. parksii. The seeds of the plant need to be stratified, which means they need to be stored in a cool place such as a refrigerator for a few weeks before planting. This process helps to break the seed coat and encourages germination.
Once the seeds have been stratified, they can be planted in trays or small pots filled with a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until they germinate. It usually takes 1-2 weeks for the seeds to germinate. After a few months, the seedlings can be transplanted to a larger container or directly into the garden.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Lithospermum parksii I.M. Johnston var. parksii. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections and planting them separately.
The ideal time to divide the plant is in the spring when new growth appears. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the root system should be gently teased apart. Each section should have a few stems and healthy roots. The divided sections can then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until new growth appears.
Propagation of Lithospermum parksii I.M. Johnston var. parksii can be a rewarding process and can help to increase the number of plants in your garden or landscape. Both seed and division propagation methods are easy to follow and can be done by gardeners of all levels of experience.
Disease and Pest Management for Lithospermum parksii I.M. Johnston var. parksii
Lithospermum parksii I.M. Johnston var. parksii, also known as Park's stonecrop, is a hardy perennial plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. Although this plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, it can still be susceptible to some problems. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them:
Diseases
Crown Rot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens that attack the plant's roots and crown. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves, blackening of roots, and stunted growth. To manage this disease, remove affected plants and avoid planting in poorly-draining soil. Also, ensure proper spacing to promote good air circulation.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the plant's leaves. It causes brown spots on the leaves, which can enlarge and merge, resulting in leaf death. To control this disease, remove affected leaves and ensure proper plant spacing to improve air circulation. Apply a fungicide to protect healthy plants.
Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves, and eventually death. Managing these pests involves regular monitoring of plants and keeping them well-hydrated to discourage mite infestations. Also, you can introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, to control spider mite populations.
Slugs and Snails: These pests feed on the plant's leaves, resulting in irregularly-shaped holes, slime trails, and stressed plants. To manage them, remove debris and other hiding places that might attract them. You can also use bait stations, barriers, and biological controls like nematodes to control their populations.
Wireworms: These pests are the larvae of click beetles and burrow into the soil, gnawing on plant roots and stems, leading to stunted growth and plant death. Managing them requires reducing the amount of moisture in the soil, as well as using biological controls like Steinernema feltiae nematodes.
In summary, managing diseases and pests affecting Lithospermum parksii I.M. Johnston var. parksii involves promoting good plant health, regular monitoring of plants, and using various management strategies, such as chemical and biological controls, to reduce their populations.
