Overview
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray ssp. fendleri, commonly known as Fendler's globemallow, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is native to various regions across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Chihuahua. The plant is named after Augustus Fendler, a German-born American botanist and plant collector who contributed significantly to the study of flora in the southwestern United States during the 19th century.
General Appearance
Fendler's globemallow is a perennial shrub that typically grows up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The plant produces multiple stems that are covered with small hairs. The leaves are small and triangular or heart-shaped with a toothed margin and covered with short hairs. The flowers are bright orange or apricot in color and have a five-petaled shape. They bloom from April to October and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The fruits are rounded capsules that contain several seeds.
Uses
Throughout history, various parts of Fendler's globemallow have been used for medicinal and dietary purposes. Native American tribes in the Southwest used the roots, leaves, and stems of the plant to treat various ailments, ranging from gastrointestinal issues to tuberculosis. The plant was also consumed as a food source. Today, Fendler's globemallow continues to be used in some traditional medicine practices, and its orange flowers make it a popular ornamental plant in xeriscape and native gardens across the Southwest. The plant is also known to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Light Requirements
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray ssp. fendleri thrives in full sun to partial shade. However, it prefers to be exposed to full sunlight, at least for several hours in a day. Therefore, selecting a growing location with plenty of direct sunlight is essential for this plant to grow strong and produce vibrant blooms.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the United States and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in areas with hot summers and cold winters, as long as the soil is well-draining. Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray ssp. fendleri can tolerate temperatures below freezing but cannot tolerate extreme heat or frost. The optimal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray ssp. fendleri prefers well-draining and sandy soils. It can tolerate a range of soil pH conditions, although it grows best in soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 8.0. This plant can tolerate drought conditions, but it requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during hot and dry spells. When selecting soil, ensure it is rich in organic matter and is not compacted.
Cultivation methods
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray ssp. fendleri is a perennial plant that belongs to the mallow family. It is a native of the southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. It is best cultivated in full sun to get the best blooms. It also thrives in well-drained soil with low to moderate fertility.
Propagation of Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray ssp. fendleri is easily done through seeds or cuttings. When using seeds, it is best to sow them during spring to summer or use cold stratification in the fall-winter seasons. Using cuttings is best done in late spring or early summer.
Watering needs
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray ssp. fendleri prefers well-drained soil, so it is essential to avoid moorish soil. The plant has average watering needs and can tolerate dry soil for some time. It is best to water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.
During the growing season, it is advisable to provide enough water to keep the soil moist but not too wet. Watering should be done at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can cause fungal diseases. During the winter season, watering should be reduced to avoid the plant sitting in water.
Fertilization
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray ssp. fendleri does not require high amounts of fertilization. In early spring, applying a balanced organic fertilizer can supply the plant with the necessary nutrients to help it thrive. It is important to avoid feeding the plant during the flowering season, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower development.
Applying compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the plant during the fall season can also help improve soil fertility and support the plant’s growth.
Pruning
Pruning Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray ssp. fendleri is not necessary, but it can help improve the plant’s appearance and enhance its blooming performance. The plant can be deadheaded by removing spent flowers to encourage new blooming. Deadheading also prevents the plant from reseeding and becoming invasive.
The best time to prune is during early spring before new growth sprouts. Pruning can help remove old stems or dead portions of the plant for better airflow. It can also help shape the plant and control its size. A general rule in pruning is not to cut down more than a third of the plant’s height.
Propagation of Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray ssp. fendleri
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray ssp. fendleri, commonly known as Fendler's globemallow, is a popular flowering plant that can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate Fendler's globemallow is by seed. Harvest the seedpods of the plants in the fall and remove the seeds from the pods. The seeds can then be directly sown in the garden or started indoors in seed-starting trays. Plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist until germination occurs, which usually takes 1-2 weeks. Once the new plants have several sets of leaves, they can be transplanted into the garden.
Cutting Propagation
Fendler's globemallow can also be propagated using cuttings. Take cuttings from the plant in spring or fall when the plant is actively growing. Make sure the cutting is at least 3-4 inches long and has a few sets of leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist until roots develop, which can take several weeks. Once the new plants have established roots, they can be transplanted into the garden.
Division Propagation
Division is another way to propagate Fendler's globemallow plants. Divide the plants in spring or fall when they are actively growing. Dig up the plant and carefully separate the roots and shoots into smaller sections. Each section should have several stems and a good root system. Plant these sections in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist until they become established.
Disease and Pest Management for Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray ssp. fendleri
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray ssp. fendleri, also known as Fendler's globemallow, is a beautiful perennial plant that produces orange-red flowers that bloom in the summer. Like other plants, this species is vulnerable to various pests and diseases that can cause damage and potentially kill the plant. Proper management of common diseases and pests is essential to maintain the health and longevity of Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray ssp. fendleri.
Common Pests
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray ssp. fendleri is susceptible to pests such as aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. Spider mites are tiny pests that live on the underside of leaves and suck the fluids out of the plant. This can result in a yellowish appearance and eventually defoliation. Caterpillars feed on the leaves and can skeletonize the plant if the infestation is severe.
To manage these pests, regular monitoring of the plant is crucial. Remove any visible pests by hand-picking them or spraying with water. Consider using insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils for the management of severe infestations. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and apply the product according to the label recommendations.
Common Diseases
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray ssp. fendleri is also susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that results in a powdery white substance on the leaves and stems. Root rot is caused by overwatering and can result in yellow or wilted leaves and stem collapse. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves.
Good cultural practices such as proper watering, fertilization, and plant spacing can help prevent the occurrence of diseases. If you notice any signs of disease, remove and dispose of the affected plant parts. In severe cases, consider using fungicides to manage the disease. As with any pesticide, carefully read and follow the label instructions.
Conclusion
Proper management of pests and diseases is critical for the overall health of the Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray ssp. fendleri plant. Regular monitoring, good cultural practices, and effective use of pesticides can help prevent and manage pest and disease infestations. With proper management, Fendler's globemallow can thrive in the garden, providing beautiful blooms year after year.
