Overview
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. connata Kearney, commonly known as the Arizona globemallow, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is native to the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona, California, and Nevada.
Appearance
The Arizona globemallow is a small perennial shrub that can reach up to 2 feet in height. Its stems are herbaceous and woody at the base, and are covered with numerous fine hairs. The leaves are gray-green in color, hairy, and heart-shaped with a prominent midrib. The plant produces numerous bright orange to reddish-orange flowers that resemble small globes. The flowers are about 1 inch in diameter and are arranged in loose clusters at the ends of the stems.
Uses
The Arizona globemallow has been used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties. Its roots were used to treat diarrhea, sore throat, and stomach pain. The leaves were also made into a tea to treat coughs and colds. The plant is also used in landscaping as it can tolerate poor soil and drought. Its vibrant orange flowers make it an attractive addition to xeriscaped gardens.
Furthermore, the Arizona globemallow is a valuable habitat plant, providing food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is also an important pioneer plant that helps to stabilize and enrich disturbed soils, particularly in arid regions.
Overall, the Arizona globemallow is a hardy, colorful, and useful plant that has a variety of uses in both traditional and modern contexts.Light Requirements
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. connata Kearney grows best in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least six hours of sunlight per day to flourish properly. When it does not get enough sunlight, it may be more prone to disease and insect infestations.
Temperature Requirements
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. connata Kearney is indigenous to arid regions, and it can thrive in hot temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius and as high as 50 degrees Celsius. It has good heat tolerance, but it needs watering to survive extreme heat.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil rich in nutrients. It favors sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.5 to 8.5. The plant can also tolerate dry, rocky soils. However, it is more susceptible to root rot in poorly draining soil. The soil must have good drainage, otherwise, the plant may become waterlogged and lead to diseases.
Cultivation
When cultivating Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. connata Kearney, it is essential to ensure that the plant is sited in full sunlight. It thrives best in hot, arid climates and requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. The plant is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in acidic to neutral soil pH. It is a perennial that lives for several years and requires minimal maintenance once it becomes established.
Watering Needs
When watering Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. connata Kearney, it is important to allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Overwatering increases the risk of root rot and fungal infections. The plant must receive adequate water during the establishment phase to help the roots establish correctly.
Fertilization
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. connata Kearney requires minimal fertilization. Fertilizer application should only be carried out after the plant has become well established. Excessive fertilization can lead to rapid growth, resulting in weak stems and low-quality flowers. You can apply a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer annually at the start of the growing season to enhance plant growth.
Pruning
The plant requires minimal pruning. You can carry out light pruning during the late winter or early spring to remove any straggly or diseased branches. You can pinch back the growing tips of the plant during the summer to encourage bushier growth. Deadheading spent flowers encourages the plant to produce more flowers.
Propagation of Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. connata Kearney
There are a few methods that can be used to propagate Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. connata Kearney.
Seed Propagation
The most commonly used method for propagating this plant is through seeds.
Seeds collected from ripe, splitting fruit pods can be sown directly in the planting location. Seeds can be started indoors as well and then transplanted after the danger of frost has passed.
The seeds should be sown on moist, well-drained soil and gently pressed onto the surface. They should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically takes 3-4 weeks and the plants will begin to grow rapidly.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method that can be used to propagate Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. connata Kearney is through stem cuttings.
Stem cuttings should be taken in the spring and early summer when new growth appears. Choose healthy stems with no signs of disease or damage.
The cuttings should be about 3-6 inches long and should be taken from the tip of the stem. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in moist, well-drained soil and keep in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight.
The cuttings should begin to root in 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted to their permanent location after the roots have developed.
Division Propagation
Division is another method that can be used to propagate Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. connata Kearney.
The best time to divide this plant is in the fall when the plant is dormant.
To divide the plant, dig up the entire plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and some foliage attached. Replant each section in a location with well-draining soil and water them thoroughly.
Disease and Pest Management for Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. connata Kearney
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. connata Kearney, commonly known as desert globemallow, is a drought-tolerant plant that is native to the southwestern United States. While hardy, the plant is not immune to diseases and pests. Here are some common issues that may affect desert globemallow and how to manage them.
Diseases
Desert globemallow is generally not susceptible to many diseases. However, some fungal diseases can occur, especially in humid conditions.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease presents as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be treated with a fungicide and by minimizing the humidity around the plant.
Root Rot: Overwatering the plant or planting it in soil that does not drain well can lead to root rot. This disease causes the plant to wilt and often die. To avoid root rot, make sure the plant is in well-draining soil and only water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Pests
Desert globemallow is generally not a magnet for pests, but some insects may try to feed on it.
Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth, yellow leaves, and distorted flowers. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong blast of water or a horticultural oil or soap.
Desert Tortoise: These large reptiles can be attracted to desert globemallow and will eat the entire plant. To protect the plant, build a fence around it or plant it in an area that is inaccessible to desert tortoises.
Managing diseases and pests in desert globemallow is relatively easy and can be done without the use of harsh chemicals. By following the suggestions outlined above, desert globemallow can thrive in its native habitat.
