Overview
Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins var. villosa Drury & Rollins, commonly known as hairy northern rockcress, is a plant species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is a perennial herb native to North America, specifically the northern regions of Canada and Alaska.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as hairy northern rockcress due to the long, soft hairs that cover its leaves, especially on the underside. It is also known as northern rockcress, hoary rockcress, and wallflower.
General Appearance
Hairy northern rockcress is a small, clump-forming plant that grows up to 30 cm in height. It has a rosette of basal leaves that are dark green and hairy on the upper surface and densely hairy on the underside. The leaves are toothed and lanceolate in shape, measuring from 1 to 8 cm in length and 0.2 to 1.5 cm in width. The stem is slender and branched near the top, where it bears the inflorescence.
The flowers are small, white to pink, and have four petals arranged in a cross-like pattern. They are borne in loose clusters at the top of the stem from May to August. The fruit is a long, narrow capsule containing numerous small seeds.
Uses
Hairy northern rockcress is primarily used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, alpine gardens, and borders. It is also used in erosion control and as a ground cover in disturbed areas. The plant is edible and can be used as a salad green or cooked vegetable. Native American communities have used the plant as a traditional medicine for treating various ailments, including respiratory and digestive problems.
Growth Conditions for Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins var. villosa Drury & Rollins
Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins var. villosa Drury & Rollins is a native plant species of North America, commonly found in the prairie regions. This plant is well adapted to drought and can grow in a wide variety of soil types. Below are the detailed growth conditions required by this plant:
Light Requirements
Smelowskia borealis var. villosa requires full sun exposure to thrive. It cannot tolerate shady conditions and is not recommended for growth in areas that receive less than six hours of full sunlight per day.
Soil Requirements
This plant is known to grow well in a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils that have a depth of at least 15 cm. Soil pH levels ranging from neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5-8.0) are ideal for this plant. It is also known to tolerate soils that have a slightly higher salt content.
Temperature Requirements
Smelowskia borealis var. villosa is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers mild temperatures of 15-25°C for optimal growth. This plant can withstand temperatures as low as -35°C and as high as 30°C but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to stunted growth.
Water Requirements
As a drought-tolerant plant, Smelowskia borealis var. villosa does not require frequent watering once it has established. However, occasional watering during prolonged drought periods can be beneficial for the growth of this plant. Overwatering or waterlogging can lead to the development of root rot in this plant.
Cultivation
Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins var. villosa Drury & Rollins is a hardy perennial plant that grows in USDA zones 4-8. It thrives in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. You can propagate it from seed or by dividing mature plants.
If starting from seed, sow indoors in early spring and transplant outdoors after the last frost. When planting outdoors, space the plants around 12 to 18 inches apart, depending on how much room they need to grow.
Watering
Smelowskia borealis var. villosa does not need much water once it is established. It can tolerate short periods of drought, but infrequent deep watering encourages healthy root growth and helps the plant survive severe drought. Water them until the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Water them whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
If the plant is growing in fertile soil, it does not require much fertilization. However, if you wish to improve its growth, apply a balanced fertilizer once a year, in spring or early summer, when new growth is starting. Avoid fertilizing late in the season as it may promote lush growth that does not have time to harden off before winter.
Pruning
Smelowskia borealis var. villosa does not require regular pruning. However, you can remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers or deadhead faded flowers to promote neater growth. It is best to do this in late summer, so the plant has time to set seed for next year.
Propagation of Smelowskia Borealis var. Villosa
Smelowskia borealis var. villosa is a wildflower species that can be propagated through different methods such as seed propagation and stem cuttings propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Smelowskia borealis var. villosa. The best time to collect seeds is in the late summer when the plant is producing mature seed pods. After collecting the seeds, the following steps should be taken:
- Clean the seeds to remove any debris
- Stratify the seeds for 4-6 weeks at 40°F (4°C) by placing them in a moistened paper towel and sealing them in an airtight plastic bag.
- Sow the seeds in the early spring.
- Place the seeds in a well-draining soil mix, maintain a consistent soil moisture level, and expose them to bright, indirect light.
- Germination can take anywhere from 14 to 21 days.
- When the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, transplant them into individual pots.
- After about six weeks, the seedlings should be ready to plant in the ground.
Stem Cuttings Propagation
Propagating Smelowskia borealis var. villosa using stem cuttings is another popular method. Here are the steps:
- Take cuttings that are at least 3 inches long from the parent plant in the early summer.
- Dip the bottom of the stem in a rooting hormone.
- Place the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it in a warm, humid location.
- Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Avoid direct sunlight until roots have formed (2-3 weeks).
- After a month or two, transplant the new plant into a larger pot or directly into your garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Smelowskia Borealis var. Villosa
Smelowskia Borealis var. Villosa is generally a healthy plant, but sometimes it may suffer from certain diseases and pest attacks. Identifying these diseases and pests at an early stage and taking adequate measures can help to save the plant from further damage. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Smelowskia Borealis var. Villosa and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can weaken the plant, reduce growth, and yield. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant is grown in well-drained soil, avoiding overhead watering, and providing good air circulation. If the disease has already infected the plant, cut off the infected leaves and stems, and use fungicides for further control.
2. Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant and causes them to rot. It can lead to yellowing, wilting, and ultimately death of the plant. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering the plant, providing well-drained soil, and using a fungicide if the disease has already infected the plant.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, wilting, and curling of leaves. To control aphids, you can use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are common pests that can cause yellowing and dry, brittle leaves by sucking the sap from the plant. To control spider mites, you can spray the plant with water to wash them away, use insecticidal soap, or introduce natural predators such as predatory mites.
By following these preventative measures and eliminating pest and disease problems as soon as they arise, you can help smelowskia borealis var. villosa grow strong and healthy.
