Origin
Phacelia suaveolens Greene ssp. keckii (Munz & Johnston) Thorne, commonly known as Keck's phacelia, is a perennial plant that is endemic to California, particularly in the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains. It was named after the eminent botanist, James R. Keck, who discovered and studied the plant's specimens in 1933.
Common Names
Aside from Keck's phacelia, Phacelia suaveolens Greene ssp. keckii also goes by the names of San Bernardino mountain bells and San Gabriel Mountain phacelia. However, it is commonly known as simply Phacelia suaveolens.
Uses
Phacelia suaveolens Greene ssp. keckii is not widely used commercially, but it is valued for its environmental benefits. It serves as a nectar source for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The plant is also used for soil restoration and erosion control due to its ability to stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion.
General Appearance
Phacelia suaveolens Greene ssp. keckii is a low-growing perennial herb that can reach a height of up to 30 cm. Its foliage consists of grayish-green hairy leaves that are finely divided and have toothed edges. The plant produces showy purple-blue flowers that are bell-shaped and have five lobes. The flowers form elongated clusters that can reach up to 15 cm in length. The plant blooms from April to July.
Growth Conditions for Phacelia suaveolens Greene ssp. keckii
Phacelia suaveolens Greene ssp. keckii is a delicate annual plant that is typically found in the California Floristic Province. In order to grow this plant successfully, it is important to consider a number of factors related to its growth conditions.
Light Requirements
Phacelia suaveolens Greene ssp. keckii is a plant that prefers full sun to partial shade. It generally requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. In areas with intense heat, some shade during the hottest part of the day may be beneficial.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a warm and dry environment, though it can tolerate mild temperatures and cooler nighttime temperatures. During germination, the soil must remain moist and the temperature must remain between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. Once established, it can withstand temperature fluctuations and is generally heat and drought tolerant.
Soil Requirements
Phacelia suaveolens Greene ssp. keckii prefers well-drained soil that is sandy or loamy. It can tolerate clay soils as long as they are not overly wet. An ideal soil pH for this plant is between 6 and 7.5. It is important that the soil is not too rich in nutrients, as the plant can become leggy and prone to lodging if it grows too quickly.
Water Requirements
Phacelia suaveolens Greene ssp. keckii prefers a dry soil and can tolerate periods of drought. It is important, however, to water the plant regularly during germination to ensure that the soil is moist and that the plant can establish itself. Once established, it is generally best to water the plant sparingly to ensure that the roots do not become waterlogged.
Fertilizer Requirements
Phacelia suaveolens Greene ssp. keckii generally does not require any additional fertilizer, as it prefers a soil that is not too rich in nutrients. If the plant does appear to be suffering and the soil is known to be lacking in nutrients, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer can be added to the soil in early spring.
Cultivation Methods
Phacelia suaveolens Greene ssp. keckii (Munz & Johnston) Thorne is a robust plant that is adaptable to various growing conditions. It is best grown in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant thrives in full sun but can withstand partial shade, and it is frost-tolerant and can grow in a variety of soil types. The plant can be grown from seeds, which should be sown in prepared soil during the early spring or fall.
Watering Needs
Phacelia suaveolens requires moderate watering. The plant does not tolerate wet feet, so it is necessary to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. If the plant is grown in a container, ensure that it has proper drainage to avoid root rot. During the hot summer, the plant should receive more frequent watering to maintain its moisture needs.
Fertilization
The Phacelia suaveolens ssp. keckii plant does not require heavy fertilization. Applying a balanced fertilizer once in the early spring is sufficient to provide the essential nutrients. Over-fertilizing the plant can lead to an excessive growth of foliage, reducing the number of flowers produced.
Pruning
Phacelia suaveolens ssp. keckii does not require pruning as it is a low maintenance plant. Deadheading the spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more flowers. However, it is critical to avoid cutting the plant's foliage as it needs its leaves to produce energy through photosynthesis.
Propagation methods of Phacelia suaveolens Greene ssp. keckii
Phacelia suaveolens Greene ssp. keckii, which is commonly known as the Keck's phacelia, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. This plant is typically propagated through various vegetative methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
Keck's phacelia plant can be propagated through seeds, which are widely available in the market. However, due to its delicate nature, it requires careful seed preparation and handling. It is vital to sow the seeds in well-draining soil. Additionally, since the plant prefers moist soil, it is best to keep it moist and place in a warm, partially shaded location away from direct sunlight.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation through cutting is another viable method that can be used for Keck's phacelia. To take cuttings, select healthy branches and cut them from the base of the stem. Carefully remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes. The plant requires little attention, besides watering it at regular intervals. This method provides a quicker yield, and the cuttings may root more uniformly than seeds.
Layering Propagation
Propagation by layering is an ideal propagation method for Keck's phacelia plant. This method involves pinning down the stem to the ground and covering it with soil. As the stem develops new roots, it can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted to a new location. This method is highly recommended since it's easy to do and does not affect the original plant in any way.
Disease and Pest Management for Phacelia Suaveolens Greene ssp. Keckii (Munz & Johnston) Thorne
Phacelia suaveolens Greene ssp. keckii (Munz & Johnston) Thorne is a plant that requires proper care to remain healthy and free from diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Common diseases
Bacterial wilt, root rot, and powdery mildew are common diseases affecting Phacelia suaveolens Greene ssp. keckii (Munz & Johnston) Thorne.
Bacterial wilt is caused by a soil-borne bacterium that causes the leaves to wilt and eventually die. To manage bacterial wilt, remove and destroy infected plants and avoid planting susceptible crops in the same area for several years.
Root rot is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant, leading to stunted growth and yellow leaves. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and provide proper drainage. Use soil drenches of fungicides to control the spread of the fungus.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powder on the leaves of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Common pests
Aphids and spider mites are common pests that may affect Phacelia suaveolens Greene ssp. keckii (Munz & Johnston) Thorne.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them or use insecticidal soaps.
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow or brown. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a mild soap solution, provide adequate humidity, and use insecticidal sprays or predatory insects.
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of diseases and pests and proper care and maintenance can help keep Phacelia suaveolens Greene ssp. keckii (Munz & Johnston) Thorne healthy and free from these problems.
