Overview
Sphaeralcea angusta (Gray) Fern. is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is widely cultivated for its beautiful flowers and ornamental value. This plant is native to southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in dry, rocky soils, and open woodland areas.
Common Names
Sphaeralcea angusta is commonly known as Narrow-leaf Globemallow or Desert Globemallow. In addition, it is referred to by other names, including Southern Desert Mallow, Western Globemallow, and Slimleaf Globemallow.
General Appearance
Sphaeralcea angusta is an erect, bushy plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has an extensive root system, which allows it to withstand drought and harsh environmental conditions. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, usually measuring about 2-4 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide, and are covered with fine hairs. The flowers are showy and appear in clusters at the top of the stems. They are typically orange, but can also be yellow, pink, or red, and measure about 2-3 cm in diameter. The flowers bloom from May to July.
Uses
Sphaeralcea angusta has been used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. The roots and leaves of the plant are believed to have various medicinal properties and have been used to treat digestive problems, arthritis, sore throat, and fever. The plant is also used in landscaping, particularly in xeriscaping and rock gardens, due to its ability to thrive in low water conditions. Additionally, the plant is an important source of nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects.
Light Requirements
Sphaeralcea angusta typically grows best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth. The plant may tolerate some shade but may result in reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Sphaeralcea angusta is between 60°F to 80°F (15.6°C to 26.7°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-6.7°C) and as high as 110°F (43.3°C), but it may wilt and deform at extreme temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Sphaeralcea angusta prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 7.0 to 8.0. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should retain some moisture. Sandy, loamy, or gravelly soil types are suitable for the plant. It is best to avoid heavy clay soil types.
Cultivation Methods
Sphaeralcea angusta (Gray) Fern. is a small perennial plant that grows up to a height of 1-3 feet. It is important to note that this species thrives best in warm and dry climates. It is usually propagated through seeds and requires well-drained soil with good sunlight to germinate.
It is generally recommended that the seeds of Sphaeralcea angusta (Gray) Fern. be sown during the fall season. However, in regions with colder climates, the seeds may be sown in the spring after the last expected frost. It is vital to protect the young seedlings from frost, wind, and heavy rainfall.
During the first season, it is important to water the seedlings regularly, ensuring that the soil is kept moist. The plant can survive well in moderate drought conditions but cannot withstand extreme wetness in the soil.
Watering Needs
Sphaeralcea angusta (Gray) Fern. prefers to grow in well-drained soil with moderate watering. The plant does well in drier soils, and overwatering may lead to root rot and the eventual death of the plant.
During the winter, it is best to reduce the amount of watering to conserve moisture in the soil. Watering the plant directly on the leaves may cause leaf burn, and it is best to water the soil directly.
Fertilization
The Sphaeralcea angusta (Gray) Fern. plant requires limited fertilization. The best practice is to fertilize once per year before the beginning of the growing season. The recommended dosage is a balanced fertilizer, i.e., equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
The fertilization process should be done sparingly, and care should be taken not to over-fertilize the plant. Over-fertilizing may lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flower production.
Pruning
Sphaeralcea angusta (Gray) Fern. does not require regular pruning. However, removing the dead flowers and leaves promotes the growth of new flowers. Pruning should be done after the flowering season to encourage the next growth cycle.
If the plant has overgrown, it may be necessary to trim off the overgrown stems and foliage. Trimming should be done in early spring to promote new growth and flowers.
Propagation of Sphaeralcea Angusta
Sphaeralcea angusta, commonly known as copper mallow, is a native perennial shrub that can be found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Propagation of Sphaeralcea angusta can be done through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds:
Sphaeralcea angusta can be propagated from seeds, which are produced in abundance. The best time to collect seeds is during the fall season. Once collected, the seeds need to be stored in a dry and cool place until it's time to plant. In the spring, sow the seeds in well-draining soil at a depth of approximately 1/8 inch. Water the soil regularly and keep it moist until the seedlings start to emerge.
Propagation by Cuttings:
Propagation by cuttings is another useful method for reproducing Sphaeralcea angusta. Take cuttings in the late spring or early summer season. Cut a few inches of plant stem with several leaves and insert it into a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight. Rooting should occur within a few weeks.
Propagation by Division:
Propagation by division is essentially dividing the mature plant into sections and transplanting them elsewhere. The best time to divide Sphaeralcea angusta is in early spring when the plant is dormant. Gently dig up the plant and divide the root ball into two or more sections with a knife or a shovel. Replant the divided sections in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist until the plant starts growing again.
Overall, propagation of Sphaeralcea angusta can be achieved through different methods, giving the gardener several options to propagate the plant. Whether you choose to propagate by seeds, cuttings, or division, it's important to provide the right amount of care and attention to the propagated plants to ensure proper growth and survival.
Disease Management
Sphaeralcea angusta is prone to some common diseases like powdery mildew, rust, and verticillium wilt. Here are some ways to manage them:
- Powdery mildew: Keep the soil moist but not too wet, maintain good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering. Apply a fungicide suitable for powdery mildew control
- Rust: Remove and destroy infected plants. Spray with fungicides suitable for rust control after correctly identifying the rust type. Ensure good air circulation around the plants.
- Verticillium wilt: Control weeds in and around the garden. Destroy infected plants and avoid planting in infested soil. Apply a soil fumigant containing chloropicrin before planting.
Pest Management
The Sphaeralcea angusta is also vulnerable to attack by pests like spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Here are some pest management practices:
- Spider mites: Spray with miticides to kill the spider mites.
- Aphids: Use insecticidal soap to kill the insects.
- Whiteflies: Spray with insecticides to control whiteflies or use sticky traps to trap the insects.
It is advisable to regularly inspect plants for indications of pests and diseases regularly. Take action immediately when an issue arises to prevent it from spreading to other plants in the garden.
