Overview
Sphaeralcea rusbyi Gray ssp. eremicola (Jepson) Kearney, also known as Rusby's Globemallow, is a plant species that belongs to the Malvaceae family. This herbaceous perennial is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, and typically grows in dry and open areas such as deserts, hillsides, and rocky slopes.
Description
Rusby's Globemallow has a rounded and bushy form, reaching up to 3 feet in height and spreading up to 4 feet wide. Its leaves are grayish green, lobed, and covered with fine hairs that give them a fuzzy texture. The plant produces clusters of showy orange-red flowers that resemble small hibiscus blooms, which appear in late spring and continue into the summer. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Common Names
Rusby's Globemallow is commonly referred to as Rusby's mallow, Rusby's globe-mallow, or simply globemallow. Its scientific name also includes the subspecies eremicola, which means "of the desert" in Latin, reflecting its preference for arid environments.
Uses
The plant has several traditional medicinal uses among the Native American tribes of the region, who use its roots and leaves for treating various ailments such as sore throats, coughs, and skin inflammations. The plant is also used as a food source, as its leaves and flowers can be eaten cooked or raw in salads, soups, and stews. Additionally, the plant is used in landscaping and restoration projects due to its drought tolerance and attractive flowers, which can provide an ornamental value to dry gardens and native landscapes.
Growth Conditions for Sphaeralcea rusbyi Gray ssp. eremicola (Jepson) Kearney
Light: Sphaeralcea rusbyi Gray ssp. eremicola requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering. It cannot tolerate shade or partial shade.
Temperature: This plant is adapted to grow in hot and dry environments. It can withstand extreme temperatures, with a range of 25°F to 120°F. However, it prefers a temperature range of 70°F to 100°F.
Soil: Sphaeralcea rusbyi Gray ssp. eremicola prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soil. This plant prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 8.0.
Water: This plant is drought tolerant and does not require frequent watering. It can survive in areas with low annual rainfall. However, it will benefit from occasional deep watering during periods of prolonged drought.
Nutrients: Sphaeralcea rusbyi Gray ssp. eremicola does not require heavy fertilization. However, it will benefit from periodic applications of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Propagation: This plant can be grown from seeds or through vegetative propagation. Cuttings taken from healthy plants can be rooted in a well-draining growing medium and transferred to the garden once roots have formed.
Pruning: Sphaeralcea rusbyi Gray ssp. eremicola does not require regular pruning. However, it may benefit from periodic removal of dead or damaged stems to promote new growth.
Cultivation
Sphaeralcea rusbyi Gray ssp. eremicola is a perennial plant that grows in arid and semi-arid regions with well-drained soil. It requires a location with plenty of sunlight and heat for optimal growth. Planting can be done in early spring or fall when the temperatures are cooler.
Watering Needs
This plant requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. It is important to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. The best approach is to water thoroughly but infrequently and let the soil dry between watering sessions. During the dormant season, reduce watering to avoid excess moisture.
Fertilization
Sphaeralcea rusbyi Gray ssp. eremicola is not a heavy feeder, so it does not require a lot of fertilization. However, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to provide nutrients gradually. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Sphaeralcea rusbyi Gray ssp. eremicola requires minimal pruning. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms. You can also trim back any dead or diseased foliage to encourage new growth. Prune the plant in early spring before the growing season begins and avoid pruning late in the season, which can affect flowering.
Propagation of Sphaeralcea rusbyi Gray ssp. eremicola (Jepson) Kearney
Sphaeralcea rusbyi Gray ssp. eremicola (Jepson) Kearney, commonly known as desert globemallow, is a drought-tolerant and heat-resistant shrub that grows in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a beautiful and common plant for native landscaping and is valued for its delicate pink flowers, silvery-gray leaves, and medicinal properties. The plant propagates through several methods, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, division, and layering.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method to propagate desert globemallow. The seeds are available from various online stores, native plant nurseries, or can be collected from mature plants. To propagate the plant from seeds, the seeds should be planted during the fall, winter, or early spring. The seeds should be sown on the surface or lightly buried in well-draining soil mixed with sand, perlite, or vermiculite. The seedlings typically emerge within two weeks, and seedlings can be transplanted after six weeks into individual pots or directly to the ground.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are another way to propagate desert globemallow. The cutting should be taken from a mature and healthy plant during the summer when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be at least 4-6 inches long, with several leaves and no flower or seed pods. The cutting should be dipped into rooting hormone powder and planted in well-draining soil mixed with sand. The cutting should be misted regularly and kept in partial shade until new growth is visible. The cutting can be transplanted to the desired location after four to six weeks.
Division
Division is another method to propagate desert globemallow. The plant should be dug up during the cool season when it is dormant or semi-dormant. The plant should be carefully divided into several parts, with each part having a crown, roots, and several branches. The new divisions should be planted in well-draining soil mixed with sand, and kept in the partial shade until new growth is visible.
Layering
Layering is another way to propagate desert globemallow. The branch from a mature plant should be bent down and covered partially by the soil. The branch should be kept moist, and the tip of the branch should be kept above ground. After several weeks, new roots should develop from the branch's underside, and the branch should be cut away from the parent plant and transplanted to its new location.
These methods should be followed correctly with care, and patience, which will reward you with beautiful and healthy desert globemallow plants that you can enjoy for many years in your garden or landscape.
