Origin
Phacelia scopulina (A. Nels.) J.T. Howell var. submutica (J.T. Howell) Halse, commonly known as Rock Phacelia, is a species of flowering plant in the borage family (Boraginaceae). This plant is endemic to California in the United States and can be found in the southern Sierra Nevada and the southern Coast Ranges in dry, rocky areas and pine forests.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Rock Phacelia due to its preference for rocky terrain. It is also called Sierra phacelia, submutica phacelia, and Bakersfield Mountains phacelia.
Uses
Phacelia scopulina var. submutica is mainly a decorative plant, commonly planted in gardens and for ornamental purposes. It can also be used to stabilize slopes and soil, avoiding soil erosion. This plant is known to attract various pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a popular choice in pollinator gardens.
General Appearance
The Rock Phacelia is a small perennial herb that grows up to 4-12 inches tall with a spread of 6-18 inches. It has fern-like leaves that are grayish-green in color and hairy. The plant produces clusters of small, delicate, funnel-shaped flowers that bloom from April to June. These flowers are typically pale blue or lavender in color, but they can sometimes be pink or white.
Light Requirements
Phacelia scopulina var. submutica requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It does not thrive in shady areas or areas with partial shading. The plant can withstand intense sunlight and high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for hot and dry regions.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to grow in arid and semiarid regions, so it can tolerate high temperatures and low humidity. The optimal temperature range for Phacelia scopulina var. submutica growth is between 18°C and 32°C. It cannot tolerate frost or prolonged periods of freezing temperatures. Freezing temperatures can damage the plant or even kill it.
Soil Requirements
Phacelia scopulina var. submutica can grow in various soil types, including sandy, rocky, and loamy soils. However, the plant prefers well-drained soils that are not waterlogged or prone to flooding. It cannot grow in soils with a high clay content because of poor drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 is optimal for the plant's growth. The plant can also tolerate a wide range of soil salinity levels, making it a suitable choice for saline soils or coastal areas.
Cultivation Methods
Phacelia scopulina var. submutica grows well in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers well-draining soils with a neutral pH level. The plant can be grown in full sun to partially shaded areas and is tolerant to cold temperatures. Seeds can be directly sowed into the soil, and seedlings can be transplanted.
Watering Needs
Phacelia scopulina var. submutica requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent root rot. Watering can be reduced during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization
Phacelia scopulina var. submutica thrives in nutrient-rich soil. A balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season to promote plant growth and flowering. Organic fertilizers are also suitable for this plant.
Pruning
Phacelia scopulina var. submutica does not require pruning, but deadheading faded flowers can promote continued blooming during the growing season. Removing dead leaves and stems can also help prevent disease and improve the plant's appearance.
Propagation
Phacelia scopulina (A. Nels.) J.T. Howell var. submutica (J.T. Howell) Halse can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
To propagate the plant through seeds, the seeds should be sown in early spring. The surface of the soil should be loosened before sowing the seeds to a depth of approximately 1/8 to ¼ inches. The seeds should be sown at a spacing of 6 to 12 inches apart.
The seedlings should be kept moist but not waterlogged until they establish themselves. Once they have established, they can be watered occasionally. The seedlings should be thinned out to ensure proper spacing.
It typically takes about 45 days for the seeds to germinate. After germination, it will take another 3 to 4 weeks for the seedlings to establish root systems before they can be transplanted.
Propagation through cuttings
The plant can also be propagated through cuttings. To propagate through cuttings, take 6-inch stem cuttings from the plant in late spring or early summer when it is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from the stem tip and should not have any flowers or buds.
The stem cuttings should be planted in sandy soil, and they should be planted to a depth of about 1 inch. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
It typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks for the cuttings to root. After rooting, the plants can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Phacelia Scopulina (A. Nels.) J.T. Howell var. Submutica (J.T. Howell) Halse
Phacelia scopulina (A. Nels.) J.T. Howell var. submutica (J.T. Howell) Halse, also known as Rocky Mountain phacelia, is a flowering plant widely used for revegetation and soil conservation purposes. While it is a relatively hardy plant, it may still be susceptible to diseases and pests, which can affect its growth and overall health. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that can affect Phacelia scopulina, as well as some ways to manage them.
Diseases
Phacelia scopulina can be susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases that can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and root rot. One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that causes a powdery white growth on leaves and stems.
To manage powdery mildew, ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, and avoid overhead watering, which can promote the growth of the fungus. You can also use a fungicide to control the disease, but make sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Root rot, on the other hand, is a disease that affects the roots and stems of the plant, causing them to rot and turn brown or black. This disease is usually caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or planting the plant in compacted soil.
To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged, and avoid overwatering the plant. You can also add organic matter to the soil to improve its drainage.
Pests
Phacelia scopulina can also be susceptible to various pests, including aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. These pests can cause damage to the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant.
To manage these pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are both effective and safe for the plant. You can also use biological controls, such as ladybugs or predatory mites, to control the pests naturally.
Additionally, it is important to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of pest infestation and take action promptly to prevent the spread of the pest.
By following these disease and pest management tips, you can help ensure the health and vitality of your Phacelia scopulina plants.
