Origin
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. californica (Parish) Shinners, commonly known as California Globe Mallow, is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. This plant is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the California Globe Mallow, Emory's Globe Mallow, Desert Mallow, or Orange Mallow.
Uses
The California Globe Mallow is an important plant in herbal medicine. The leaves and flowers of this plant can be brewed into a tea that has been used for centuries to treat respiratory issues such as coughs, colds, and bronchitis. Additionally, the plant has been used to treat intestinal issues such as diarrhea and stomach aches. The roots of the plant have been used as a natural remedy for toothaches, and can be crushed to make a paste to apply directly to the affected tooth.
The plant is also popular among gardeners for its bright orange flowers, which bloom from April to June. It is drought tolerant and can be grown in a range of soil types, making it a great addition to xeriscape gardens.
General Appearance
The California Globe Mallow is a woody perennial shrub that typically grows between 1-3 feet tall and wide. The leaves are grey-green in color and are round with scalloped edges. The flowers are bright orange and occur in clusters at the end of the branches. The plant blooms from April to June. The fruit is a small, round capsule that splits open when ripe to release many tiny seeds that are dispersed by wind.
Growth Conditions for Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. californica (Parish) Shinners
Light Requirements: Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. californica prefers full sun to partial shade. In natural habitats, it grows in open, sunny areas with low vegetation cover. In cultivation, this plant should be placed in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements: This plant is adapted to arid and semi-arid environments and can tolerate high temperatures. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 70-85°F (21-29°C). Sphaeralcea emoryi is also tolerant of cold temperatures, with the ability to withstand temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C).
Soil Requirements: Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. californica prefers well-draining soils with a neutral pH. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. This plant is capable of growing in poor soil conditions but may benefit from the addition of organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve nutrient content.
Water Requirements: This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. It is adapted to dry environments and can survive with little to no irrigation once established. In cultivation, it is best to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to prevent waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer Requirements: Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. californica is a low-maintenance plant and does not require heavy fertilization. A light feeding of a balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring can provide a boost of nutrients to promote healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. californica (Parish) Shinners will thrive in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate various soil types. The plant is drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 10.
Watering Needs
Water Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. californica (Parish) Shinners once or twice a week during the summer season. The plant requires moderate watering in the first year of growth to establish itself. However, thereafter, it needs infrequent watering as it is drought-tolerant. Overwatering can cause root rot, so be sure to let the soil dry out between watering sessions.
Fertilization
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. californica (Parish) Shinners does not require much fertilization. However, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year during the early spring to encourage healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant.
Pruning
Prune Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. californica (Parish) Shinners after blooming has ceased. Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any that appear overcrowded. Ensure that you do not prune more than one-third of the plant's growth at once.
Propagation of Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. californica (Parish) Shinners
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. californica (Parish) Shinners is a drought-tolerant plant native to California. It is commonly known as California Globe Mallow. The plant is well suited for propagation by cuttings and seeds. Below are the propagation methods of Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. californica (Parish) Shinners.
Propagation by Cuttings
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. californica (Parish) Shinners can be propagated by stem cuttings. Cut a 3-4 inch stem from a healthy parent plant during the growing season. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cuttings in a well-drained soil mix. Water the cuttings regularly and keep them in a shaded area. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted after 3-4 weeks.
Propagation by Seeds
Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. californica (Parish) Shinners can be propagated by seeds. Collect the seeds from matured plants during the fall season. Store the seeds in a cool and dry place until the following spring. Sow the seeds directly into the ground or in pots filled with well-drained soil mix. Keep the soil moist and wait for the seeds to germinate in 1-2 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after they reach 2-3 inches in height.
Disease Management
Plant diseases can greatly impact the growth, yield, and overall health of plants, including Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. californica (Parish) Shinners. Some common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi that attack plant roots, leading to reduced plant growth and vigor. To manage root rot, it is important to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Fungicides may also be used to control the disease.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease presents as a white, powdery growth on plant leaves. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides may also be used for control.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is caused by fungi or bacteria and presents as circular lesions on plant leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides may be used if the disease persists.
Pest Management
Insects can also damage the growth and overall health of plants, including Sphaeralcea emoryi Torr. ex Gray var. californica (Parish) Shinners. Some common pests that may affect this plant include:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are small insects that feed on plant sap, leading to yellowing leaves and reduced plant growth. To manage spider mites, it is important to maintain good plant health and keep plants well-watered. Insecticidal soaps or oils may also be used for control.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths or butterflies and can chew through plant leaves, leading to reduced plant growth and vigor. To manage caterpillars, handpicking or using Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide may be effective.
- Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that suck plant sap, leading to scarred or distorted plant growth. To manage thrips, it is important to maintain good plant health and use insecticidal soaps or oils for control.
