Plant Description:
Sphaeralcea coccinea (Nutt.) Rydb. ssp. dissecta (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Kearney is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in desert and scrub habitats.
Common Names:
The common names for Sphaeralcea coccinea (Nutt.) Rydb. ssp. dissecta (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Kearney include Scarlet False Mallow, Desert Globe-Mallow, and Dissected Style Globe-Mallow.
Uses:
The plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental and is valued for its bright red-orange flowers and unique dissected style. Native Americans used the plant for medicinal purposes, such as to treat skin conditions and sore throats. The roots of the plant were also used by indigenous people as a source of fiber for making cordage.
General Appearance:
Sphaeralcea coccinea (Nutt.) Rydb. ssp. dissecta (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Kearney is a low-growing perennial that reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet tall and spreads up to 2 feet wide. The plant has a woody stem and grayish-green leaves that are deeply lobed. The flowers appear in the spring and summer and are bright red-orange in color. The unique dissected style of the flower is a distinguishing feature of the plant.
Light Requirements
Sphaeralcea coccinea ssp. dissecta requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. It is a plant species that thrives in hot and dry conditions, and therefore, needs direct sunlight to produce its brightly colored flowers.
Temperature
This plant is native to the arid regions of western North America and is well-adapted to hot and dry weather conditions. Typically, it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best within a temperature range of 15°C to 35°C.
Soil Requirements
Sphaeralcea coccinea ssp. dissecta prefers well-drained soils with good aeration, neutral to slightly acidic pH, and the presence of some organic matter. Sandy or loamy soil textures are ideal for its growth and development as they do not hold water for extended periods, which can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Sphaeralcea coccinea (Nutt.) Rydb. ssp. dissecta (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Kearney is a hardy plant that can grow in various soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is also tolerant of various pH levels, ranging from acidic to alkaline. The plant prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. If you are growing Sphaeralcea coccinea (Nutt.) Rydb. ssp. dissecta (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Kearney in a pot, make sure you use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Needs
Watering is essential for healthy growth of Sphaeralcea coccinea (Nutt.) Rydb. ssp. dissecta (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Kearney. Water the plants regularly but be careful not to overwater. Waterlogging leads to root rot and eventually kills the plant. To avoid this, water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch. You can also use a moisture meter to determine when to water the plant.
Fertilization
Sphaeralcea coccinea (Nutt.) Rydb. ssp. dissecta (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Kearney requires fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flower production. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season, following the instructions on the fertilizer package.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep Sphaeralcea coccinea (Nutt.) Rydb. ssp. dissecta (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Kearney looking well-groomed and to promote more blooms. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the growing season. Cut back the plant to 1/3 of its height and remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also pinch back the tips of the growing stems during the growing season to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
Propagation of Sphaeralcea coccinea ssp. dissecta
Sphaeralcea coccinea ssp. dissecta can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the most common methods used to propagate Sphaeralcea coccinea ssp. dissecta. The seeds can be collected from matured capsules. For optimal results, sow the seeds as soon as possible after collection, and avoid storing them for a long time as they lose viability quickly.
Sowing seeds should be done in the fall, about 1/8 inch deep in a well-drained soil mixture with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Seedlings generally emerge about two weeks after planting. They can then be transplanted to individual pots when they have two true leaves.
It is important to note that seed-grown plants may not always be true to the parent plant, as hybridization is common within the genus Sphaeralcea.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Sphaeralcea coccinea ssp. dissecta can be done through stem cuttings, root cuttings, or division.
Stem cuttings can be taken in the summer from mature, non-flowering stems. Cuttings should be about 4 inches long, and the leaves on the lower half should be removed. Treat the cuttings with a rooting hormone and plant the cuttings about an inch deep in the potting mix. Water them well and keep them in a warm and humid environment to encourage rooting.
Root cuttings can be taken in the fall or winter when the plant is dormant. Cut the roots into 2-inch sections and plant them horizontally in a potting mix. They should be placed in a cool, dark location until new growth appears.
Division can be done in the spring by digging up the plant and dividing it into smaller sections, each with a viable root system. Replant the divisions immediately in potting mix, and water well until they become established.
Regardless of the propagation method used, care should be taken to provide the young plants with adequate water and nutrients to ensure successful establishment.
Disease and Pest Management for Sphaeralcea coccinea (Nutt.) Rybd. ssp. dissecta (Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray) Kearney
Sphaeralcea coccinea is generally considered a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, certain environmental factors and improper care can make the plant susceptible to some issues. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
1. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing white, powdery patches to form. It is caused by high humidity, poor air circulation, and low light levels. The best way to manage this disease is to provide adequate air circulation, prune any infected leaves, and avoid overwatering the plant. Additionally, spraying the plant with a solution made of 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 quart of water can be an effective treatment.
2. Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that are difficult to see with the naked eye. They cause discoloration and yellowing of the leaves, as well as webbing on the undersides of the leaves. To manage spider mites, you can wash the leaves of the plant with a solution made of 1 tablespoon of dish soap in 1 quart of water. You can also introduce predatory mites or ladybugs to the environment to control the spider mites naturally.
3. Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They cause the leaves of the plant to curl or become distorted. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with a solution made of 1 tablespoon of dish soap in 1 quart of water. You can also introduce predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to the environment to control the aphids naturally.
4. Crown Rot
Crown rot is a fungal disease that affects the base of the plant, causing it to rot and ultimately killing the plant. It is caused by overwatering, poor drainage, and flooding. To manage crown rot, you should avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil is well-draining. Additionally, you can treat the plant with a fungicide that is labeled for use against crown rot.
By following these tips, you can help keep your Sphaeralcea coccinea plant healthy and free from pests and diseases.
