Overview
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray ssp. nevadensis Kearney is a drought-tolerant perennial plant that is native to North America. It belongs to the family Malvaceae and is commonly known as Emory's globe-mallow or Nevada globe-mallow.Description
Emory's globe-mallow typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet and has a spread of 1-3 feet. Its leaves are grayish-green in color and deeply lobed, with a hairy texture. The flowers are orange or apricot in color and are arranged in clusters on the stems. The plant blooms from late spring to early fall.Origin
Emory's globe-mallow is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, Nevada, and California. It is also found in northern Mexico.Common Names
Emory's globe-mallow is commonly known as Nevada globe-mallow, Emory's desert-mallow, and Emory's sphaeralcea.Uses
Emory's globe-mallow has several uses. It is often used for erosion control due to its deep root system. The plant is also used in landscaping and is a popular choice for xeriscaping. Some Native American tribes used the plant for medicinal purposes, particularly for sore throats and stomach ailments. The seeds of the plant are also edible and have been used as a food source by some Native American tribes.Growth Conditions of Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray ssp. nevadensis Kearney
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray ssp. nevadensis Kearney, commonly known as desert globemallow, is a drought-tolerant perennial plant that is native to the southwestern part of the United States. Globemallow plants can grow to be 2-4 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide and can bloom a variety of colors, including orange, pink, and purple.
Light
Desert globemallows require full sun exposure to grow and thrive. They can tolerate some shade, but their growth and flowering will be reduced in shady conditions. These plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, preferably in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is not too intense.
Temperature
Desert globemallow plants can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, including extremes of heat and cold. However, they do best in temperatures between 60-90°F, and they will not tolerate temperatures below freezing for prolonged periods. Desert globemallows are adapted to the arid environment, and they are drought-tolerant plants that can survive in hot, dry conditions.
Soil
Desert globemallow plants require well-draining soil, and they are adapted to grow in sandy, rocky, or loamy soils with low fertility. These plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0-7.5. They are adapted to grow in soils with low to moderate organic matter content, and they can tolerate soil salinity and alkalinity. However, these plants will not tolerate poorly drained or waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Overall, desert globemallow plants are hardy and adaptable, and they are easy to grow in many different soil and climate conditions. With proper attention to light, temperature, and soil requirements, they can be an attractive and low-maintenance addition to any garden or landscape.
Cultivation Methods
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray ssp. nevadensis Kearney, commonly known as Nevada globemallow, is a shrub native to Nevada and California. It grows well in dry and arid conditions, and the best time to plant it is in spring. You can either plant seeds or propagate it through cuttings.
While planting seeds, sow them at a depth of one to two inches and ensure that the soil is well-draining. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 10 to 20 days. Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, transplant them to their permanent location.
If propagating through cuttings, choose a healthy stem that is around six inches long, strip off the leaves from the lower half, and plant it in a pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in semi-shade for a few weeks until the cutting has rooted. After that, you can transplant it to a sunny location.
Watering Needs
Once established, Nevada globemallow requires low to moderate watering as it is drought-tolerant. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during winters. Be mindful not to overwater the plant as it can cause root rot.
It is essential to check the soil moisture level before watering. The best way to check is to insert your finger into the soil up to two inches and check if the soil is dry. If the soil feels moist, delay watering for a few days.
Fertilization
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray ssp. nevadensis Kearney does not require regular fertilization. However, if you notice that the plant is not growing well or producing new flowers, you can fertilize it with a low-nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season.
Applying too much fertilizer can damage the plant, so be cautious while fertilizing. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and apply it according to the recommended dose.
Pruning
Nevada globemallow does not require pruning, but you can trim it for shaping purposes or to remove dead or damaged branches. Prune the plant during the dormant season, which is typically in winter. Ensure that you use sterilized pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases.
When pruning, cut the branches at an angle just above a leaf node or bud. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant as it can affect its growth and flowering. Always dispose of the pruned branches safely.
Propagation of Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray ssp. nevadensis Kearney
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray ssp. nevadensis Kearney is commonly known as the Nevada globemallow and is native to the southwestern United States. Propagation of this plant can be done via seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray ssp. nevadensis Kearney by seeds is the easiest and most common method. The seeds should be collected when the capsules break open, revealing the brownish-black seeds. The seeds can be directly sowed in the fall or spring when the soil temperature is around 70 F. The seeds will germinate in 7-10 days.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation can also be done by cuttings. The cuttings should be taken in the summer when the plant is actively growing. Use a sterilized sharp knife or pruning shears to take 4-6 inch cuttings from the tips of non-flowering stems. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings should be planted in sterilized soil mix, such as peat moss, perlite or vermiculite, and kept moist in a warm and bright location. The cuttings will root in 3-4 weeks and can be transplanted into the garden in the spring or fall.
Disease and Pest Management for Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray ssp. nevadensis Kearney
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray ssp. nevadensis Kearney is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to the Mojave and Sonoran deserts of North America. While it is a hardy plant that can survive in harsh conditions, it is not immune to diseases and pest infestations that can cause damage and reduce its health and vigor.
Common Diseases
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray ssp. nevadensis Kearney is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can weaken the plant, reduce its growth, and decrease its aesthetic appeal.
- Crown Rot: Crown rot is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes the plant's roots and base to rot, leading to wilting, yellowing, and death. It is often caused by poor drainage and overwatering.
- Mosaic Virus: Mosaic virus is a viral disease that causes yellow mottling on the leaves and stunts the plant's growth. It is transmitted by insects and can be difficult to control.
Disease Management
The following are some tips for managing diseases on Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray ssp. nevadensis Kearney:
- Plant in well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Avoid overwatering and provide proper spacing between plants to improve air circulation and reduce humidity.
- Remove and destroy infected plant parts to prevent the spread of disease.
- Use fungicides as a last resort, following the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
- Plant disease-resistant varieties or cultivars to reduce the risk of infection.
Common Pests
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray ssp. nevadensis Kearney is also vulnerable to attacks from various insect pests, including:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the plant's sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and dry. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can reproduce rapidly.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can distort the plant's growth and spread diseases. They reproduce quickly and are often found clustered on the undersides of leaves.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stages of moths and butterflies that can damage the plant's leaves, flowers, and fruits. They can eat large portions of the plant and cause severe defoliation.
Pest Management
The following are some tips for managing pests on Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray ssp. nevadensis Kearney:
- Inspect the plant regularly for signs of pest infestations, such as webbing, holes, and distorted growth.
- Prune and remove infested plant parts to prevent the spread of pests.
- Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge and remove small pests like aphids and spider mites.
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and avoid using in high temperatures or direct sunlight.
- Encourage natural predators of pests, such as ladybugs and lacewings, by planting companion plants and avoiding the use of broad-spectrum pesticides.
