Origin
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. purpurea (Greene) Mason is native to California and can be found growing in scrubland, chaparral, and grasslands across the state.
Common Names
The Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. purpurea (Greene) Mason is commonly known as Purple Navarretia, Sticky Navarretia, and Dwarf Navarretia.
General Appearance
The plant has a small and compact habit, growing only up to 8 inches in height. It has hairy and sticky leaves that are lance-shaped and arranged alternately on the stem. The Purple Navarretia boasts small, violet or purple flowers with tubular petals that cluster in dense inflorescences.
Uses
Navarretia viscidula is not widely used in medicine or agriculture. However, it is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes and also provides a valuable nectar source for pollinators.
Growth Conditions for Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. purpurea
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. purpurea is a native California plant commonly known as the sticky navarretia. It typically grows in grasslands, woodlands, and chaparral habitats, and requires specific growth conditions to thrive.
Light Requirements
The sticky navarretia requires full sun for optimal growth and flower production. It may tolerate some shade, but excessive shade can cause the plant to become leggy or even die off. To ensure adequate light exposure, it is recommended to plant the sticky navarretia in a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The sticky navarretia is adapted to the Mediterranean climate of California, and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It prefers mild temperatures ranging from 60-80°F (15-27°C) during the growing season. However, it can also withstand occasional hot summer temperatures of up to 100°F (38°C). The sticky navarretia is also able to endure light frost during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
The sticky navarretia thrives in well-draining soils that are low to moderately fertile. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. Heavy clay soils should be avoided, as they can cause root rot and hamper growth. The plant also requires moderate moisture, and should be watered regularly but not excessively.
Cultivation methods
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. purpurea (Greene) Mason requires a well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It prefers a sunny location with partial shade. The planting should be done during the fall season to allow the plant to establish itself before the hot summer months. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Watering needs
The plant requires moderate watering, and the amount of irrigation depends on the weather conditions. During drought conditions, the plant requires frequent watering to ensure the soil remains moist. However, over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil drains well, and the plant does not sit in water.
Fertilization
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. purpurea (Greene) Mason does not require frequent fertilization. Fertilizing in the fall using a balanced fertilizer helps to improve the plant's growth and flowering. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can lead to the formation of excessive foliage and stunted growth.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential for Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. purpurea (Greene) Mason. It grows to an average height of 12 inches and does not require shaping or trimming unless necessary. However, if you desire to prolong the plant's flowering, deadheading the spent flowers regularly is recommended. This helps to encourage the production of new buds and prolongs the flowering period.
Propagation of Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. purpurea (Greene) Mason
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. purpurea (Greene) Mason, commonly known as purple Navarretia, can be propagated through two primary methods: seeds and vegetative cuttings.
Propagation via Seeds
The seeds of Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. purpurea are readily available and can be bought from nurseries or collected from mature plants. The best time to collect seeds is during late summer or fall when the plant's fruits start to dry and the capsules turn brown.
Once the seeds are collected, they should be allowed to dry for a week and stored in a cool dry place. The seeds can be sown directly in the ground during fall or early winter, or they can be started indoors during spring and transplanted outdoors when the soil is warm enough.
To sow seeds, prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any debris. Scatter the seeds on the soil surface and cover them lightly with a layer of soil no more than 1/4 inch deep. Water the soil lightly and keep it moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 7-10 days.
Propagation via Vegetative Cuttings
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. purpurea can also be propagated through vegetative cuttings. This method requires collecting young stem cuttings during early spring, when new growth appears on the plant.
To take cuttings, use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears and cut a 3-4 inch section of stem that includes a few nodes. Remove all leaves except for the top two and stick the cutting into moist soil. Keep the soil moist and protect the cutting from direct sunlight. The cutting should develop roots within a month and can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the ground after that.
Note that Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. purpurea plants grown from vegetative cuttings may not have the same characteristics as the parent plant, which is why propagation through seed is recommended for maintaining the plant's genetic integrity.
Disease Management
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. purpurea (Greene) Mason is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, sunken lesions on the leaves and stems. Infected areas can become covered in pink spores.
- Powdery Mildew: A common fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stem, and flowers of the plant.
- Rust: A fungal disease that appears as orange or rust-colored pustules on the plant's leaves and stems, causing them to turn yellow and wilt.
Here are some ways to manage these diseases:
- Remove and Destroy Infected Plant Parts: Promptly remove and destroy any infected plant parts, including leaves, stems, and flowers. This helps prevent the spread of disease to other areas of the plant.
- Avoid Overhead Watering: Water the plants at the base to avoid overhead splashing of water, which can promote the growth of fungal diseases on the leaves.
- Use Fungicides: If the disease is severe, apply fungicides according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Improve Air Circulation: Prune the plant to improve air circulation, which helps prevent the growth of fungal diseases.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing yellowing and leaf drop.
- Thrips: Thrips are another sap-sucking pest that can cause distorted plant growth and discoloration of leaves.
- Use Insecticidal Soap: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.
- Use Sticky Traps: Hang yellow sticky traps to attract and catch the thrips.
- Prune Infected Areas: Prune away any infested and damaged areas of the plant to control the spread of pests.
- Practice Good Garden Hygiene: Regularly clean up plant debris, weeds, and any other plant materials from around the plant to prevent pest infestation.
Pest Management
Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. purpurea (Greene) Mason is not commonly affected by pests. However, it may suffer from:
To manage pest infestation, follow these steps:
By implementing these disease and pest management strategies, you can help keep your Navarretia viscidula Benth. ssp. purpurea (Greene) Mason healthy and thriving.
