Introduction:
Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins var. koliana (Gombócz) Drury & Rollins, commonly known as Kol’s smelowskia, is a perennial plant species belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to Alaska, Northern Canada, and Siberia.
General appearance:
Kol’s smelowskia has a compact, bushy form, growing up to 20 cm in height and 30 cm in width. It produces small, narrow, grayish-green leaves that are hairy and have a strong scent. The plant bears clusters of small yellow flowers in late spring and early summer.
Common names:
Kol’s smelowskia is commonly referred to as Arctic smelowskia, boreal mustard, and tundra goldenweed.
Uses:
Kol’s smelowskia is not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes. However, the plant is used as a decoration in gardens due to its attractive yellow flowers, compact size, and cold tolerance. It is known to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies and is sometimes used in erosion control.
Light requirements
Smelowskia borealis var. koliana is a hardy plant that grows well in different light conditions. It prefers full to partial sun exposure, and it does not grow well in the deep shade. Plants grown in full sun typically have a more compact growth habit, while those grown in partial shade grow a little taller with a slightly looser shape.
Temperature requirements
Smelowskia borealis var. koliana is a cold-tolerant plant and can withstand extreme temperatures. It can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 7 and can withstand temperatures as low as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it grows best in cooler temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil requirements
The soil requirements for Smelowskia borealis var. koliana are not too specific. It prefers well-draining soils with consistent moisture. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. It can even grow in soils that are deficient in nutrients, but supplemental fertilization can encourage better growth and production of flowers.
Cultivation Methods
Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins var. koliana (Gombócz) Drury & Rollins, commonly known as Siberian grass or Siberian wallflower, is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It prefers partial shade to full sunlight and can tolerate cold climates with temperatures as low as -40°C. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, and planting should be done in early spring or fall. The planting hole should be twice the size of the root ball, and the plants should be spaced 30-40 cm apart.
Watering Needs
Siberian grass requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to monitor the soil moisture level and water only when necessary. During hot and dry weather, the plant may need more frequent watering to prevent wilting.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization can promote healthy growth and flowering in Siberian grass. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied before planting and then every six weeks during the growing season. Compost or organic matter can also be added to the soil to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Siberian grass, but deadheading spent blooms can encourage the plant to produce more flowers. The plant can also be trimmed back after flowering to prevent the formation of seeds and to maintain its shape. Over-pruning can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering, so it's essential to prune only as needed.
Propagation of Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins var. koliana (Gombócz) Drury & Rollins
Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins var. koliana (Gombócz) Drury & Rollins, commonly known as the Koli mustard, is a plant species that belongs to Brassicaceae family. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, specifically found in the Caucasus and the Altai Mountains. Propagation methods for this plant mainly include seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The most commonly used method to propagate Smelowskia borealis var. koliana is through seeds. The seeds of the plant can be collected from mature seed pods in the late summer or early fall. The seeds can be sown directly into a well-draining soil mix in early spring or late fall. Before sowing, the seeds must be kept moist and refrigerated for a few weeks to mimic winter conditions, which encourages germination. Once germinated and seedlings have grown tall enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots or planted outdoors in a suitable location.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method for reproducing this plant. The process involves taking cuttings from the plant and encouraging them to grow roots. This type of propagation can be done during the growing season, and it's best done in late spring or early summer. Take cuttings that are about 2-3 inches in length and remove any lower leaves to leave about an inch of bare stem. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant them in a moist soil mix or in a rooting hormone solution. After that, keep the cuttings in a warm and humid environment and ensure that the soil or hormone solution stays moist. When roots have developed, the rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or planted outdoors at a suitable location.
Disease and Pest Management for Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins var. koliana (Gombócz) Drury & Rollins
Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins var. koliana (Gombócz) Drury & Rollins are not immune to attacks from pests and diseases. However, the plants are generally resistant, and with proper management, they can stay healthy and produce beautiful flowers.
Common Diseases
Black Spot: This is a common fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. The spots are usually small and circular, with a blackish-brown center and yellowish halo. To manage the disease, you can remove the affected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease affects the upper surface of the leaves and causes a white powdery coating. To manage it, you can spray the plant with a fungicide and ensure proper air circulation around the plant.
Common Pests
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause distortion and yellowing of the leaves. To manage them, you can apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap and leave a web-like covering on the leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap.
Preventive Measures
Proactive management is key to preventing the diseases and pests from attacking the plant. Here are some preventive measures:
- Plant the Smelowskia in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Water the plant in the morning to allow the leaves to dry before nightfall.
- Provide adequate air circulation, especially if you're growing the plant indoors.
By following these management practices, your Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins var. koliana (Gombócz) Drury & Rollins will thrive, and you'll have a beautiful plant in your garden or home.
