Overview
Sphaeralcea coccinea (Nutt.) Rydb. var. elata (E.G. Baker) Kearney is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It has several common names, including Scarlet Globe Mallow, Crimson Musk-Mallow, and Desert Hollyhock. The plant is indigenous to the southwestern regions of the United States and Mexico and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Description
The Scarlet Globe Mallow is a small shrub that grows up to 60 cm in height and 60 cm in width. The plant has an upright, branching stem and grey-green leaves that are ovate or circular. The leaves are covered in fine hairs and appear to be velvety to the touch. The flowers of the plant grow in clusters and are strikingly bright-orange, with a five-petaled corolla measuring up to 6 cm in diameter. The plant blooms from spring to fall.
Uses
Scarlet Globe Mallow has several uses, both medicinal and cultural. Native American tribes used the plant's roots and leaves to treat colds, coughs, and sore throats. They also used the plant's sticky sap to make a glue that was used to hold arrowheads in place. In some tribes, the plant was used in ceremonies and rituals. Scarlet Globe Mallow is also a popular ornamental plant, often grown in gardens and landscapes for its bright flowers and drought tolerance.
Growth Conditions for Sphaeralcea coccinea var. elata
Sphaeralcea coccinea var. elata, also known as desert globemallow, is a perennial plant that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is an easy-to-grow plant that can survive in harsh environmental conditions. Here are the typical growth conditions for this plant:
Light
Sphaeralcea coccinea var. elata requires full sun to thrive. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to establish and maintain healthy growth. This plant can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in leggy plants that flower poorly.
Temperature
This plant is well-adapted to the desert and can survive in high temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20°F to 110°F (-6.7°C to 43.3°C) and is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9. However, it prefers temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15.6°C to 29.4°C) and may require some protection during extreme winter weather.
Soil
Sphaeralcea coccinea var. elata can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil. It can tolerate alkaline soil but may struggle in heavy or clay soils. The plant is moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with occasional irrigation in dry conditions.
Overall, Sphaeralcea coccinea var. elata is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in harsh environments. By providing it with enough sun, a suitable temperature range, and well-draining soil, you can enjoy its bright orange flowers and silvery-green foliage year after year.
Cultivation Methods
Sphaeralcea coccinea (Nutt.) Rydb. var. elata (E.G. Baker) Kearney, commonly known as Scarlet Globe Mallow, is a native perennial plant found in the arid regions of southwestern North America. It is well adapted to hot and dry conditions and is regarded as a hardy plant that requires minimal care and maintenance.
The plant prefers a warm and sunny location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil must be well-drained and not prone to waterlogging.
Watering Needs
As a drought-tolerant plant, Scarlet Globe Mallow requires infrequent watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can ultimately kill the plant. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. However, during periods of extreme heat, the frequency of watering may need to be increased to prevent drought stress.
Fertilization
Scarlet Globe Mallow does not require excessive fertilization to thrive. Too much fertilizer can lead to lush foliage and fewer flowers. However, to enhance the plant's growth and promote blooming, it is recommended to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season. The amount and frequency of fertilizer application should be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning
Pruning helps to keep Scarlet Globe Mallow tidy and healthy. It is best to prune the plant during the early spring before new growth appears. Pruning should be done selectively by removing the dead or damaged branches, crossing branches, and the spent flowers. Doing so encourages the plant to grow fuller and produce more flowers.
Propagation of Sphaeralcea coccinea (Nutt.) Rydb. var. elata (E.G. Baker) Kearney
Sphaeralcea coccinea (Nutt.) Rydb. var. elata (E.G. Baker) Kearney, also known as Scarlet globemallow, can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, division, and stem cuttings. These methods have been proven effective in propagating Scarlet globemallow and can be done both indoors and outdoors.
Seed propagation
Scarlet globemallow can be started from seed, which is the most common method of propagation. The seed can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors in small pots or trays. The best time to start sowing the seeds is in the spring before the last frost. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1/4 inch in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the pot or tray in a sunny location. The seeds usually germinate within one to two weeks.
Division
Scarlet globemallow can also be propagated by division. This method involves digging out established plants from the ground and dividing them into smaller sections. The best time to divide Scarlet globemallow is during the early spring when the plant is just starting to grow. Carefully remove the plant from the ground, and use a sharp knife to divide it into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and at least one stem. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are another method of propagating Scarlet globemallow. This method involves taking a cutting from the stem of an established plant and planting it in well-draining soil. The best time to take stem cuttings is during the summer when the plant is in full growth. Cut a 4 to 6 inches long stem from a healthy plant, remove the lower leaves, and plant the stem in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and place the cutting in a sunny location. The cutting should root within a few weeks.
With the proper techniques, Scarlet globemallow plants can be propagated quickly and easily. Whether by seed, division, or stem cuttings, you can enjoy these vibrant plants in your garden or home for years to come.
Disease Management
Sphaeralcea coccinea (Nutt.) Rydb. var. elata (E.G. Baker) Kearney may be affected by various diseases, including rust, powdery mildew, and root rot. Rust appears as yellow or orange pustules on the underside of leaves causing leaf yellowing and defoliation. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems causing stunted growth. Root rot is caused by soil-borne fungus, which rots the roots and causes wilting. To manage these diseases, practice good sanitation, remove and dispose of the infected plant parts, avoid overhead irrigation and provide good air circulation. Fungicides such as neem oil or copper-based products can be used as a preventive measure before the onset of disease symptoms.
Pest Management
Sphaeralcea coccinea (Nutt.) Rydb. var. elata (E.G. Baker) Kearney may also be affected by pests such as spider mites and thrips. Spider mites are tiny, reddish-brown pests that suck the sap from the plant, causing leaf yellowing and defoliation. Thrips are tiny, slender insects that cause irregular brown spots on the leaves. They also feed on the flower buds, causing deformed flowers. To manage these pests, monitor the plants frequently, and use a strong stream of water to dislodge the pests from the leaves. Insecticidal soaps and neem oil can be used to control these pests. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and apply these products during non-windy days and late in the evening when bees are inactive to avoid harming these beneficial insects.
