Plant Description
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. arida (Rose) Kearney, also known as Emory’s globemallow, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is a drought-tolerant and heat-loving species that is commonly found in the southwestern region of the United States and Mexico.
General Appearance
The Emory’s globemallow plant typically grows up to 2-4 feet in height and 1-3 feet in width. It has a thick, woody stem and gray-green leaves that are covered with fine hairs. The plant produces showy, bright orange to salmon-colored flowers that bloom from the spring to the fall.
Common Names
In addition to Emory’s globemallow, this plant is also known by other common names, including desert globemallow, apricot mallow, Arizona globemallow, and dryland globemallow.
Uses
The Emory’s globemallow has been used for various medicinal purposes by Native Americans. The leaves and roots of the plant were used to make a tea that was taken to treat sore throats, colds, and respiratory ailments. The plant was also used as a food source, and the young leaves and stems were eaten raw or cooked. As a landscaping plant, Emory’s globemallow is used in native plant gardens, xeriscapes, and erosion control projects.
Light Requirements
The Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. arida (Rose) Kearney plant typically grows in full sunlight or partial shade. If planting in an area that is hot and dry, it is best to provide some shade to prevent the plant from wilting or getting burnt.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in hot and dry conditions. It grows well in arid regions with temperatures ranging from 70? to 100? during the day and 40? to 60? at night. It is adapted to both hot summers and cold winters.
Soil Requirements
The Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. arida (Rose) Kearney plant can grow in a variety of soils, ranging from sandy to loamy. It prefers well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant does not thrive in clay soils because they retain water for extended periods leading to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Sphaeralcea emoryi is a drought-tolerant plant that grows well in dry and sandy soils. The plant requires a lot of sunlight to thrive and should be planted in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight every day. The best time to plant Sphaeralcea emoryi is in the early spring when the soil is warm enough and the risk of frost has passed.
Watering Needs
Although Sphaeralcea emoryi is a drought-tolerant plant, it requires regular watering during the first growing season to establish its root system. Once established, the plant can survive extended periods of drought, but regular watering will promote more blooming. Water the plant deeply once per week rather than lightly every day to encourage deeper root growth and prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Sphaeralcea emoryi doesn't require regular fertilization. However, the plant may benefit from fertilization once per year in the early spring. Use a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced concentration of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Over-fertilization can result in weak and leggy growth, so avoid using too much fertilizer.
Pruning
Sphaeralcea emoryi requires minimal pruning. Deadheading the spent blooms stimulates the plant to produce more flowers. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to remove any dead, damaged, or overgrown branches. Trim the plant back to shape but avoid heavy pruning, which can reduce blooming.
Plant Propagation of Sphaeralcea emoryi var. arida
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. arida (Rose) Kearney, also known as the Emory's globemallow, is propagated through two major methods- by seed and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
Sowing seed is the simplest and most common method of propagating Sphaeralcea emoryi. The ideal time for sowing seeds is during spring when the temperature has warmed, and there are no chances of extreme temperature changes. Seeds should be sown at a depth of around 1/8 - 1/4 inches in well-draining soil that is a mixture of sand and loam. A consistent moisture level must be maintained until the seedlings appear after 14-28 days.
Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or containers. After they have rooted and grown to the optimal size, which usually takes around three to four weeks, they can be transplanted into the garden soil.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Sphaeralcea emoryi can be propagated through stem cuttings in early spring or late summer. Using a sharp, clean pair of shears, cut a piece of stem 3-4 inches long from the parent plant, just below a node. Remove all the leaves except for the top two or three leaves.
Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil, preferably a mix of perlite and peat moss. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Place the pot or container in a warm, light-filled spot, but not in direct sunlight, and mist it regularly. Roots should appear in about 4-5 weeks.
When the roots develop and new growth begins, it is time to transplant the new plant to a bigger pot or container and eventually into the garden soil.
Disease Management
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. arida (Rose) Kearney is generally considered a hardy plant and is not prone to many diseases. However, there are a few diseases that may affect the plant.
One common disease that may affect Sphaeralcea emoryi is powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that manifests as a fine white powder on the leaves. To prevent this disease, ensure proper air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. If powdery mildew is detected, remove the affected leaves and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Another disease that may affect the plant is root rot, which is caused by overly wet soil and poor drainage. To prevent this disease, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering. If root rot is detected, remove the affected plant and replant in a new area with well-drained soil.
Pest Management
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. arida (Rose) Kearney is also generally resistant to pest infestations. However, there are a few pests that may affect the plant.
One common pest that may affect Sphaeralcea emoryi is spider mites, which are tiny insects that feed on the plant’s sap. Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plants with water or insecticidal soap. If the infestation persists, a miticide may be necessary.
An additional pest that may affect the plant is aphids, which are small insects that feed on the plant’s sap and can cause yellowing of the leaves. Aphids can be controlled using insecticidal soap or by spraying the plants with water to dislodge the insects.
Regular inspection of plants for any signs of disease or pest infestation is important to detect and manage any problems early on. In general, maintaining healthy plants through proper cultural practices, such as proper watering and fertilization, can go a long way in preventing disease and pest problems from occurring.
