Origin
Lotus argophyllus (Gray) Greene var. argenteus Dunkle, commonly known as Silver Lotus, is a native plant to Western North America and Mexico. It grows in the dry, rocky slopes of chaparral, forest, and woodland habitats and is adapted to the arid climate of the region.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as Silver Lotus or Silver-Leaved Lotus due to its striking silver-grey foliage.
Uses
The plant has a range of uses, including its ornamental value as an attractive garden plant due to its silver-colored leaves, and as a medicinal plant. Native Americans traditionally used the dried leaves of Silver Lotus for tea, which was believed to treat various ailments, including sore throats and respiratory infections.
General Appearance
Silver Lotus has a spreading habit, reaching 1-4 feet in height and 1-3 feet in width. The plant has long, narrow leaves, approximately 1-2 inches long, with a silver-gray color and fine hairs on the surface, giving them a velvety appearance. The small, pea-shaped flowers bloom in clusters in late spring to early summer, each with a silvery-white color and a delicate fragrance. The plant produces small, brown seed pods in the late summer and early fall, which can be collected for propagation.
Light Requirements
Lotus argophyllus (Gray) Greene var. argenteus Dunkle requires full sunlight for optimal growth and development. It thrives in open spaces with lots of sunlight exposure. It is not suitable for growing in shady areas or indoors under artificial lighting conditions.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is a desert-adapted species, and as such, it has evolved to tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand high daytime temperatures ranging from 90-110°F (32-43°C) and cold nighttime temperatures as low as 20-30°F (-6 - -1°C). However, extended periods of frost can damage or even kill this plant.
Soil Requirements
Lotus argophyllus (Gray) Greene var. argenteus Dunkle thrives in well-draining soil types such as sandy loam, sand, and gravel. It can also tolerate clay soils but not those with poor drainage. The soil pH range preferred by this plant is between 6-8 pH. Soil moisture levels should not be excessive, and soils should not be prone to waterlogging.
Cultivation Method
Lotus argophyllus (Gray) Greene var. argenteus Dunkle is a perennial plant that prefers a sunny, well-drained location to grow. The plant does well in a wide range of soil types but prefers slightly acidic, rich, and moist soils. Before planting, ensure you have amended the soil adequately with compost or well-rotted manure to help with good soil structure and fertility.
Watering Needs
For the first few weeks after planting, ensure the plant gets enough water to establish their root system. Once the plant becomes established, it becomes quite drought-tolerant, and therefore, only minimal watering is necessary. Water the plant when the soil seems to be dry from top to bottom to a depth of 1-2 inches.
Fertilization
Lotus argophyllus (Gray) Greene var. argenteus Dunkle does not require a lot of fertilization if the soil is rich in humus and well-drained. However, for compromised soils, an all-purpose fertilizer can be added once in the spring as the growth is starting. Avoid applying high nitrogen fertilizers since they promote leaf growth at the expense of flower and seed production.
Pruning
When the Lotus argophyllus (Gray) Greene var. argenteus Dunkle plant begins to flower, deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage the production of new flowers. In fall, cut back the plant to a few inches above the soil to taper off its growth and to prepare it for winter dormancy.
Propagation of Lotus argophyllus var. argenteus
Lotus argophyllus var. argenteus Dunkle, commonly known as Silver Bush Lupine, is a beautiful ornamental plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This pea family plant is widely used for landscaping, and it is a great addition to any garden with its silver-gray foliage that provides an excellent contrast to other green plants.
Methods of Propagation
Lotus argophyllus var. argenteus propagates in two ways: through seed and cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
Lotus argophyllus var. argenteus is relatively easy to propagate from seed. Collect seeds from mature plants in late summer or early fall. Sow the seeds immediately or store them in a dry place over the winter. In the spring, plant the seeds directly into the soil, approximately 1/4 inch deep, and keep the soil consistently moist until germination.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another effective way to propagate Lotus argophyllus var. argenteus. Take cuttings from mature plants in the spring or summer. Select healthy stems that are approximately 4-6 inches in length from the base of the plant and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Dip the cut end of each stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a potting mix made from equal parts sand and peat moss. Water the cutting thoroughly and cover it with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment.
Keep the cutting in a bright but indirect light location. Once roots have developed, which takes approximately 2-3 weeks, transplant the new plant into individual pots or directly into the garden soil. Keeping the soil moist but not soaking wet will encourage healthy root and plant growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Lotus argophyllus var. argenteus
Lotus argophyllus var. argenteus is a drought-tolerant and heat-resistant plant that is generally pest and disease-free. However, certain pests and diseases may affect the health and growth of this plant. Here are some common pests and diseases that might infest your Lotus argophyllus var. argenteus and some ways to manage them:
Pests
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that pierce the leaves of Lotus argophyllus var. argenteus and suck sap from the plant. You can identify them by the fine webbing they leave on the plant. Spider mites thrive in hot and dry weather conditions and can cause leaves to yellow and fall off. You can manage spider mites by spraying your plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them.
Leaf-mining flies: Leaf-mining flies lay eggs on the leaves of Lotus argophyllus var. argenteus, and the larvae bore tunnels into the leaf tissues, causing pale patches and distorted leaves. You can manage leaf-mining flies by removing and destroying infested leaves and spraying your plant with insecticides that contain neem oil or spinosad.
Diseases
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Lotus argophyllus var. argenteus. It thrives in wet and poorly drained soil and can cause the plant to wilt and die. You can manage root rot by improving the drainage of your soil and avoiding over-watering your plant. You can also use fungicides, such as copper-based fungicides to protect your plant from root rot.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown spots and lesions on the leaves and stems of Lotus argophyllus var. argenteus. You can manage anthracnose by removing and destroying infected leaves and spraying your plant with fungicides, such as copper-based fungicides or sulfur-based fungicides.
Bacterial blight: Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that causes water-soaked lesions on the leaves and stems of Lotus argophyllus var. argenteus. The infection can spread quickly, and the leaves and stems can turn black and die. You can manage bacterial blight by removing and destroying infected leaves and spraying your plant with copper-based fungicides or streptomycin.
Overall, taking good care of your Lotus argophyllus var. argenteus is vital to prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases. Make sure to provide adequate sunlight, well-drained soil, and avoid over-fertilization and over-watering. Regularly inspect your plant for any signs of infestation or disease and take appropriate measures to manage them to keep your plant happy and healthy.
