Origin and Common Names
Monardella odoratissima Benth. var. follettii Jepson, commonly known as Follett's monardella, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to California in the United States, specifically in the mountains of Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties.
General Appearance
Follett's monardella is a herbaceous perennial that grows from a woody root system. It typically grows to a height of 8-20 inches and spreads up to 1 foot. The plant has lance-shaped leaves that are about 1 inch long and gray-green in color. The flowers are small and pink-purple in color, and they bloom in the summer months. The plant has a pleasant aroma, and the leaves are often used to make tea.
Uses
Follett's monardella has several medicinal uses and is often used in traditional Native American medicine. The plant is known to have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used to treat colds, coughs, and sore throats. The leaves of the plant can be used to make tea, which is believed to aid digestion and relieve stress.
Follett's monardella is also used in landscaping for its attractive appearance and pleasant aroma. It is often grown in rock gardens, as well as in containers and hanging baskets.
Growth Conditions for Monardella odoratissima Benth. var. follettii Jepson
Light: The plant prefers full sun to light shade for optimal growth. It needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature: Monardella odoratissima Benth. var. follettii Jepson is adapted to thrive in warm temperatures. The plant can tolerate hot temperatures up to 100°F during the growing season and frost-free winters. The ideal temperature for growth ranges between 60°F and 100°F.
Soil: This plant grows well in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. It requires rocky or gravelly soil that is rich in organic matter and can hold moisture. The plant can tolerate drought conditions for short periods.
Water: Monardella odoratissima Benth. var. follettii Jepson requires regular watering during the growing season. It prefers moderate moisture and good drainage.
Fertilizer: The plant doesn't require much fertilizer, but adding compost or slow-release fertilizer to the soil during the growing season can help its growth.
Propagation: The plant can be propagated through seed or stem cuttings. The seeds require stratification before planting, and stem cuttings need rooting hormone and a rooting medium to form roots.
Cultivation Methods for Monardella Odoratissima Benth. var. Follettii Jepson
Monardella odoratissima Benth. var. follettii Jepson, also known as Felton's Monardella, is a low-growing perennial shrub that is native to California. It is a hardy plant that is well-suited to cultivation in a garden or landscape setting.
When cultivating Monardella odoratissima Benth. var. follettii Jepson, it is important to choose a location that is well-drained and receives plenty of sunlight. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It also requires good air circulation to prevent disease and pests from taking hold.
Watering Needs for Monardella Odoratissima Benth. var. Follettii Jepson
Monardella odoratissima Benth. var. follettii Jepson is a drought-tolerant plant that is well-suited to dry, hot climates. However, it should be watered regularly during the first year after planting to help establish a strong root system.
After the first year, the plant can be watered as needed, but care should be taken not to overwater. Overwatering can cause root rot and other diseases that can harm the plant.
Fertilization for Monardella Odoratissima Benth. var. Follettii Jepson
Monardella odoratissima Benth. var. follettii Jepson does not require much fertilizer, but it can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring. The fertilizer should be applied around the base of the plant, taking care not to get any on the leaves or stems.
Avoid heavy applications of fertilizer, as this can cause the plant to become leggy or produce excessive growth that can be difficult to manage.
Pruning Monardella Odoratissima Benth. var. Follettii Jepson
Pruning Monardella odoratissima Benth. var. follettii Jepson is generally not necessary, as the plant has a naturally compact form. However, if the plant becomes too leggy or begins to produce an excessive amount of growth, it can be pruned back in the late winter or early spring.
To prune the plant, simply remove any dead or damaged branches and cut back any overly long branches to promote a more compact form. Avoid pruning the plant too heavily, as this can cause it to produce an excessive amount of new growth that can be difficult to manage.
Propagation of Monardella odoratissima Benth. var. follettii Jepson
Monardella odoratissima Benth. var. follettii Jepson, commonly known as Coyote Mint, can be propagated through sexual and asexual (vegetative) means.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation is done through the use of seeds. The seeds can be collected from the plant when they are dry and stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted. The best time to sow the seeds is in fall or early spring.
Seeds should be sown on well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. The seeds can germinate within one to two weeks if the conditions are right.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation can be done through cuttings and division.
Cuttings: Cuttings can be taken from the stems of the plant during the growing season. Choose a stem with several leaves and make a clean cut. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cutting in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting should root within a few weeks.
Division: Division is done by dividing the plant into smaller sections and replanting each section. This method should be done during the growing season, when the plant is actively growing. Dig up the plant, separate the roots and replant each section in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist until the plant establishes in its new location.
Disease Management
Monardella odoratissima Benth. var. follettii Jepson is relatively disease-resistant. However, there are certain diseases that may affect the plant and need to be managed. The most common diseases that can affect this plant are powdery mildew and rust.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide such as neem oil or potassium bicarbonate.
Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange, yellow, or brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide such as copper sulfate or sulfur.
Pest Management
Monardella odoratissima Benth. var. follettii Jepson is also relatively pest-resistant. However, there are certain pests that may affect the plant and need to be managed. The most common pests that can affect this plant are aphids and spider mites.
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause deformities and stunted growth in the plant. To manage this pest, it is recommended to spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or neem oil.
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and discolored leaves. To manage this pest, it is recommended to spray the plant with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap or neem oil.
In addition to these pests and diseases, it is also important to maintain good cultural practices such as proper watering, fertilization, and pruning to keep the plant healthy and minimize stress that can make it more vulnerable to pests and diseases.
