Overview of Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins ssp. jordalii (Drury & Rollins) Cody
Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins ssp. jordalii (Drury & Rollins) Cody, commonly known as the Northern Rockcress, is a plant species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is native to western North America, where it grows in alpine and subalpine habitats in rocky, moist soils. The subspecies jordalii is specifically found in the Pacific Northwest region, including the Cascade Range, the Olympic Mountains, and the northern Rocky Mountains.
General Appearance of Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins ssp. jordalii (Drury & Rollins) Cody
This herbaceous perennial plant grows to a height of 5-25 cm. Its leaves are linear or lanceolate, with entire margins and hairy surfaces. The Northern Rockcress produces a single inflorescence at the top of each stem that consists of numerous white or pale pink flowers that bloom from May to August. The fruit is a silique that is elliptical, flattened, and about 2 cm long.
Uses of Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins ssp. jordalii (Drury & Rollins) Cody
Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins ssp. jordalii (Drury & Rollins) Cody has no known significant economic or medicinal uses. However, it is valued by gardeners who appreciate its delicate flowers and compact size. The plant is often used for rock and alpine gardens or as an ornamental groundcover.
Additionally, the Northern Rockcress plays a role in the ecosystem as a pollinator attractor and a food source for various herbivores, such as elk, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
Light Requirements
Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins ssp. jordalii (Drury & Rollins) Cody requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. The plant requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. It can grow in shady areas, but flowering might be less vigorous, and the plant may appear leggy.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is typically grown in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 7. It prefers cool temperatures and can tolerate frost, which makes it a popular plant for cooler climates. The plant can also tolerate heat but should be watered frequently in hot weather. It grows best at an optimal temperature range of 60°F to 70°F (15.5°C to 21.1°C).
Soil Requirements
Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins ssp. jordalii (Drury & Rollins) Cody grows best in well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant grows well in a rocky, sandy, or gravelly soil with minimal organic matter. It prefers soil that is moderately moist but can tolerate dry soils. Soil that is too wet can cause root rot and stunt the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods for Smelowskia borealis ssp. jordalii
Smelowskia borealis ssp. jordalii is a hardy alpine plant that is easy to grow in rock gardens, rock walls, and well-draining soil. It prefers full sun to light shade and requires minimal maintenance.
Watering Needs for Smelowskia borealis ssp. jordalii
Smelowskia borealis ssp. jordalii prefers to grow in moist soil but can tolerate dry conditions. Overwatering can cause root rot and should be avoided. Watering should be done with a light touch, allowing the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Fertilization of Smelowskia borealis ssp. jordalii
Smelowskia borealis ssp. jordalii does not require much fertilization. On occasions, it can benefit from a light, slow-release fertilizer, which can be applied in the spring, just before new growth begins. Too much fertilizer may lead to excessive leaf growth and a lower number of blooms.
Pruning of Smelowskia borealis ssp. jordalii
Pruning is not necessary for Smelowskia borealis ssp. jordalii. Dead or damaged branches can be removed to keep the plant tidy. The best time to remove damaged branches is before new growth begins in the spring. Pruning blooms can reduce blooming for the season, so avoid doing this if you want the plant to flower for an extended period.
Propagation of Smelowskia borealis ssp. jordalii
Smelowskia borealis ssp. jordalii is a hardy, low-growing perennial that is native to the Rocky Mountains and surrounding regions. It is commonly known as Jordal's lilystern and is prized by gardeners for its showy purple-pink flowers, which bloom in late spring.
Propagation by Seed
One of the easiest ways to propagate Smelowskia borealis ssp. jordalii is by seed. The seeds can be sown directly in the garden in the fall or early spring, or they can be started indoors in pots. To sow seeds indoors, fill small pots with potting soil and sprinkle a few seeds on top. Cover with a thin layer of soil and water lightly. Keep the pots in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. The seeds should germinate within a few weeks.
Propagation by Division
Smelowskia borealis ssp. jordalii can also be propagated by division. This method is best done in the spring when the plant is just beginning to grow. To divide the plant, dig up the entire root system and gently separate the plant into smaller sections. Replant the new sections immediately and be sure to water thoroughly. Division can help to rejuvenate an older plant and also increase the number of plants you have.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is more difficult for Smelowskia borealis ssp. jordalii, but it is still possible. Take cuttings in the spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing. Cut a 3-4 inch section of stem that does not have any blooms, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and place in a pot filled with a mixture of sand and potting soil. Water well and keep the pot in a location with bright, indirect light. With luck, the cutting will produce roots within a few weeks.
Disease Management
Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins ssp. jordalii (Drury & Rollins) Cody is generally a hardy plant, but it may still be susceptible to certain diseases. One common disease that may affect this plant is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew presents as a white or grayish powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to prune affected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Another disease that may affect Smelowskia borealis is leaf spot. Leaf spot appears as brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove and destroy infected leaves and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
One common pest that may affect Smelowskia borealis is aphids. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that typically feed on the sap of the plant. They can be identified by their green, black, or brown color and can often be found in large numbers on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage aphids, it is recommended to spray the plant with a strong stream of water or apply an insecticidal soap.
Another pest that may affect this plant is thrips. Thrips are small, slender insects that can cause damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant. They can be identified by their narrow shape and fringed wings. To manage thrips, it is important to remove and destroy affected plant parts and apply an insecticide if necessary.
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of diseases and pests is important in preventing and managing their impact. It is also recommended to maintain good overall plant health through proper watering, fertilization, and pruning practices.
