Overview of Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum
Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum is a wildflower that is native to the western regions of North America. It belongs to the borage family, Boraginaceae, and is a subspecies of Phacelia lutea (Hook. & Arn.) J.T. Howell.
Common Names
The common names for Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum include Mackenzie's scorpionweed, Mackenzie's phacelia, and yellow scorpionweed. These names are in reference to the plant's yellow flowers and the resemblance of its coiled inflorescence to a scorpion's tail.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 30 centimeters tall and has hairy stems that are often reddish-brown in color. Its leaves are alternate and have a lanceolate shape. The leaves can range from 2-12 centimeters in length and have a hairy texture. The inflorescence is a helicoid cyme and is coiled like a scorpion's tail. The flowers are small, trumpet-shaped, and are yellow in color. The plant blooms from April to July.
Uses
Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum is primarily used for ornamental and ecological purposes. It is a popular plant in native gardens and can attract bees, butterflies, and other insects. The plant is also used to restore disturbed areas, such as mines and roadsides, due to its ability to quickly establish and stabilize soil. The plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as coughs and colds, but there is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness.
Light Requirements
Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. The plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to grow optimally. In areas with hot summers, partial shade during the hottest part of the day can be beneficial.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the high elevations of the mountains in the western United States, where temperatures can be extreme. Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum is adapted to grow in cool to cold conditions and needs cool nights to set buds and produce flowers. The plant prefers a temperature range of 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 23°C).
Soil Requirements
Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum can grow in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. The plant prefers well-draining soils and does not tolerate standing water. Soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic. Soil fertility should be low to moderate with low to medium nitrogen levels.
Cultivation Methods
Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal growing temperature range for this plant is between 60-75°F. Sow the plant outdoors during the late spring or early summer by scattering seeds directly on the soil surface.
Watering Needs
Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum requires regular watering to maintain soil moisture, especially during the germination process. After the plant is established, allow the soil to dry partially between waterings as over-watering can lead to root rot. When watering, keep the foliage dry to prevent the occurrence of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum is an easy-to-grow plant that requires little fertilizer. However, to ensure optimal growth, you can use a balanced fertilizer when planting the seeds or mix in compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting. Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Prune Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum after flowering, which encourages the plant to produce longer stems and more flowers. Cut back the entire plant to a height of 6 inches and remove all dead stems and foliage. Avoid excessive pruning, as new growth may not appear, and the plant's health may be negatively affected.
Propagation of Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum
Propagation of Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum is typically done through seeds or stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum can be sown directly in the garden bed or started indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last frost in the spring. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist. Germination typically occurs within 10-14 days.
Stem Cutting Propagation
To propagate Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum through stem cuttings, select a healthy stem with at least 2-3 nodes. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a node, and remove the leaves from the lower third of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder and place it in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location until roots have formed.
Disease Management
Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, under certain conditions, some diseases can also affect the plant. The most common diseases that can affect Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum are powdery mildew, damping-off, and root rot.
Powdery mildew can be controlled by spraying the plant with a fungicide. Damping-off can be minimized by making sure the soil is well-drained and not overwatering the plant. Root rot can be prevented by using a well-drained potting mix and not overwatering the plant.
Pest Management
Phacelia lutea var. mackenzieorum can be affected by various pests. The most common pests that can cause damage to the plant are spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.
Spider mites can be managed by washing the plant with water frequently. Aphids can be removed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or by using insecticidal soap. Whiteflies can also be managed in the same way as aphids by using insecticidal soap. Another effective way to control pests is by placing sticky traps around the plant.
In case of heavy infestation of pests, it may be necessary to use chemical pesticides. However, it is always recommended to use natural and organic methods for pest management first, as chemical pesticides may harm beneficial insects and contaminate the environment.
