Overview
Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover is a flowering plant mainly found in the United States. It is a type of wild mint, from the Lamiaceae family.Common Names
This species of Monardella is commonly known as Coyote Mint. It gets this name because coyotes are known to rub against the plant to relieve itching from fleas.Origin
The plant is native to California and can be found in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Coast Ranges, and the Sacramento Valley.Appearance
The Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover plant is a herbaceous perennial, growing to a height of around 1.5 feet. It has a woody stem and produces small mauve flowers that grow in tight clusters. The leaves are hairy and fragrant, giving off a minty aroma when crushed.Uses
Native American tribes have traditionally used Coyote Mint for medicinal purposes. The plant has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which make it useful for treating wounds, colds, and fever. Coyote Mint is also a popular plant in native gardens and is often used as a landscaping plant. The plant can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden. In addition, the leaves of the plant make a refreshing tea that can be enjoyed hot or cold. The tea has a pleasant minty taste and is said to have medicinal properties as well.Growth conditions for Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover
Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover, commonly known as coyote mint, is a California native plant species that is commonly found in coastal sage scrub habitats.
Light requirement
The plant species requires full sun to grow well. It is tolerant of partial shade but will thrive best under full sunlight. Therefore, the plant should be grown in areas where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature requirement
Coyote mint grows well in temperatures ranging from 45°F to 100°F. The plant can tolerate hot and dry conditions, making it suitable for cultivation in areas with hot summers. However, it is important to note that the plant cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below freezing.
Soil requirement
Coyote mint grows best in well-drained soils with good drainage. It can tolerate sandy or gritty soils, but it performs best in soils that are rich in organic matter, loamy, and well-draining. The plant root system is shallow and can spread to a considerable extent, so the soil must be maintained moist but not waterlogged.
The plant is suited to grow in dry soils and can tolerate drought well once established. However, for faster growth, the plant requires regular watering during the growing season. Coyote mint is not tolerant of waterlogging or standing water, so the plant should be grown in areas with good drainage or on raised beds.
Cultivation Methods
Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover has the potential to blossom in a range of settings, including areas with rocky soil, serpentine soil, gravelly areas, and areas with loamy soil. They may also cultivate in partially shady regions. The planting framework should be well-drained to prevent water stagnation. The soil must have a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 for optimal growth. Spring is the best season for planting Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover.Watering Needs
Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover requires periodic watering after being planted. They need regular watering in the first few months of growth. It is recommended that you water them deeply once a week, depending on the weather conditions. If the weather is hot and dry, the plant may need watering more frequently. It is important to note that Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover is drought-tolerant once established. Excessive watering can cause root rot and stunted growth.Fertilization
Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover seldom requires fertilization because it adapts well to a range of soils. However, if fertilization is necessary, it is best to use a well-balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. The fertilizer should be added every two to three months, with the first application happening in the early spring. In the summer months, it is best to avoid fertilization because it can hinder the plant's blossom potential.Pruning
Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover necessitates minimal pruning. At the end of blooming, cut the faded flowers off the plant. You can also trim the plant as needed to promote growth and maintain its shape. It's essential to prune the plant in the right way to avoid damaging the delicate stems. Use a sterilized pruning shear to cut the stems, making sure to cut just above a node or a growth bud. This will ensure healthy regrowth of the plant.Propagation of Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover
Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover, commonly known as Coyote Mint, can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover can be sown directly in the garden in the spring or fall. The seeds should be sown on a well-prepared seedbed that is weed-free and has good drainage. The seeds should be scattered thinly on the soil surface and covered with a light layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist until germination occurs, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.
Vegetative Propagation
Cuttings and division are common vegetative propagation methods for Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover.
Cuttings can be taken in the summer from softwood stems. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should be taken from healthy plants. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist until the cuttings have rooted, which usually takes 2-4 weeks.
Division can be done in the spring or fall. The plant should be dug up and divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and a few stems. The divided sections can then be planted in their permanent location in the garden.
Regardless of the propagation method, Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover prefers well-draining soil, full sunlight, and regular watering until established.
Disease and Pest Management for Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover
Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover, commonly known as coyote mint, is a native California plant that is hardy and adaptable to various growing conditions. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that may affect Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
The common diseases that may affect Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover include:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and dieback in Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover. To manage anthracnose, prune and destroy infected plant parts, provide adequate air circulation around the plant, and avoid watering the plant at night.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover, causing them to decay. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant, provide adequate drainage, and remove infected plant parts.
Mildew
Mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves of Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover. To manage mildew, prune and destroy infected plant parts, provide adequate air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering.
Common Pests
The common pests that may affect Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover include:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves of Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover, causing them to curl and deform. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water, release beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, or use an insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover, causing leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong jet of water, release beneficial insects, such as predatory mites, or use an insecticidal soap.
Thrips
Thrips are small insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover, causing them to distort and discolor. To manage thrips, remove infested plant parts, release beneficial insects, such as lacewing larvae, or use an insecticidal soap.
By following these disease and pest management tips, you can help ensure the health and well-being of your Monardella villosa Benth. var. subglabra Hoover plant.
