Overview
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray var. elongata (Kearney) Kearney, commonly known as Fendler's globe mallow, is a beautiful flowering plant native to North America. The plant belongs to the Malvaceae family, and it is a herbaceous perennial that produces lovely orange flowers.
Origin and Distribution
Fendler's globe mallow is native to the southwestern region of the USA and northern Mexico. The plant can be commonly found in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and Texas. It thrives in arid and semi-arid habitats such as deserts, canyons, and mesas.
Common Names
In addition to Fendler's globe mallow, this plant may also be referred to as elongate globe mallow, desert hollyhock, or desert mallow.
Appearance
Fendler's globe mallow is a herbaceous perennial that typically grows up to 1 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide. The plant produces clustered, cup-shaped flowers with five orange petals that bloom from June to September. The leaves are dark green and palmate, meaning they are deeply divided into segments and can be up to 4 inches long.
Uses
Fendler's globe mallow is mainly utilized for ornamental purposes, as its vibrant flowers and unique foliage make it an attractive addition to any garden. In addition, various Native American tribes reportedly used the roots and leaves of the plant to create poultices for skin inflammation and to treat sore throats and other ailments.
However, it is essential to note that the medicinal uses of this plant have not been scientifically validated, and the plant's use for medicinal purposes should only be conducted under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Light Requirements
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray var. elongata requires full sun exposure throughout the day to grow optimally. This plant is not well adapted to shady environments and may suffer from stunted growth if exposed to insufficient sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is well-tolerated of high temperatures ranging from 65F to 100F, however, it can also withstand occasional frosts and is known to be cold-resistant. During wintertime, this plant undergoes dormancy where it can tolerate much lower temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray var. elongata prefers a dry and well-draining soil to grow well. It can grow in a range of soil types including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.5. Overwatering must be avoided as it can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray var. elongata (Kearney) Kearney is a desert-adapted perennial shrub, and it is best grown in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. It can tolerate a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as the soil has proper drainage capacity.
The plant prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate extreme weather conditions like drought, heat, and cold. If grown in colder regions, it is best to grow it in a sheltered spot that receives maximum sunlight. The plant is relatively easy to grow once established, and it does not require much maintenance.
Watering Needs
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray var. elongata (Kearney) Kearney is a desert plant, and therefore, it is well adapted to drought conditions. It can survive long periods without water once established. Therefore, it is best to water it only when the soil is dry, and it needs it.
It is important to avoid overwatering the plant, as this can lead to root rot, which can damage or kill the plant. Watering once a week is sufficient for young plants, but once the plant is established, it is only necessary to water every two to three weeks, depending on the climate and environmental conditions.
Fertilization
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray var. elongata (Kearney) Kearney does not require heavy fertilization, and a moderate amount of nutrients is sufficient for optimal growth. It is best to use a slow-release fertilizer that provides a steady supply of nutrients over an extended period.
It is recommended to fertilize the plant during the growing season, which usually occurs in spring and summer. Applying fertilizer in fall and winter is not recommended as it can promote excessive growth, which can be susceptible to frost and cold damage in winter.
Pruning
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray var. elongata (Kearney) Kearney requires minimal pruning, and it is usually not necessary unless the plant is outgrowing its space or has damaged or diseased parts that need removal.
When pruning, it is advisable to use a sharp and sterilized pruning tool to avoid damaging the plant. It is best to prune the plant after its flowering season is over, usually in late summer or early fall. Deadheading the spent flowers can prolong the blooming period and promote new growth.
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray var. elongata (Kearney) Kearney has numerous benefits, including being low maintenance, drought tolerant, and attractive to pollinators. To ensure optimal growth and longevity, ensure to follow the cultivation methods, proper watering, fertilization, and pruning techniques.
Propagation of Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray var. elongata
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray var. elongata, commonly known as Fendler's Globemallow, can be propagated by several methods which include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common and easiest method to propagate Fendler's Globemallow. Collect the ripened seeds in late summer or early fall and store them in a cool, dry place until it's time to plant. Soak the seeds in water for a few hours before planting to help with germination. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil and cover with a thin layer of dirt. Keep the soil moist, but not overly wet, and place the container in direct sunlight. Germination should occur within 14 to 30 days.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method that can be used, but since Fendler's Globemallow has a deep taproot, it's not a recommended propagation method for this plant. The plant can be divided, but it requires a lot of care and attention if it's going to survive.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is a bit more challenging. Take a cutting of about 6 inches in length from the mother plant. Ensure that the cutting is taken from a healthy plant and that it has several leaves attached to it. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and cover with a plastic bag to increase humidity. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a shaded area where it won't receive direct sunlight. After a few weeks, remove the plastic bag. The cutting should have established roots and should be ready to transplant after a month.
Disease Management
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray var. elongata (Kearney) Kearney is generally a hardy plant and not prone to many diseases. However, it can be susceptible to certain fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust.
One way to prevent these diseases is to make sure the plant is grown in well-draining soil and not overwatered. It is also important to ensure that the plant has proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of moisture which can lead to the development of fungal diseases.
If powdery mildew or rust is already present on the plant, it can be treated with a fungicide. For powdery mildew, a copper-based fungicide is effective, while a sulfur-based fungicide works well for rust. It is important to follow the instructions on the fungicide carefully to prevent damage to the plant.
Pest Management
Sphaeralcea fendleri Gray var. elongata (Kearney) Kearney is generally not a favorite of many pests. However, there are a few that can cause problems for the plant, such as spider mites and aphids.
One way to prevent these pests is to keep the plant well-watered and free from dust. This can be achieved by regular watering and the occasional misting of the plant. Proper ventilation is also important to prevent the buildup of moisture which can attract pests to the plant.
If spider mites or aphids are already present on the plant, they can be treated with insecticidal soap or a neem oil spray. These treatments are effective against a wide range of pests and can be applied directly to the plant. It is important to follow the instructions on the product carefully to prevent damage to the plant.
