Description of Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney is a small shrub that belongs to the family Malvaceae. This perennial plant is native to the southwestern United States and can be found in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. It is commonly referred to as the Arizona globemallow.
General Appearance
The Arizona globemallow grows up to 2-3 feet tall and equally as wide. It has an upright, rounded, and open growth habit and produces many branches that are covered in soft whitish hairs. The leaves are rounded with toothed margins and can be olive-green or grayish-green in color. The flowers are bright orange and produced in small clusters at the tips of the branches.
Uses
The Arizona globemallow has been traditionally used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes including soothing sore throats, treating respiratory issues, and helping with digestion. The plant is also enjoyed for its ornamental value and can be used in xeriscaping or in landscapes with low water requirements. Additionally, the Arizona globemallow is an important plant for wildlife, providing a source of nectar and seeds for pollinators and birds.
Conclusion
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney, or the Arizona globemallow, is a beautiful and useful plant that is native to the southwestern United States. Its bright orange flowers and soft foliage make it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes, while its medicinal properties and value to wildlife make it an important plant for the ecosystem.
Light Requirements
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but may become leggy when grown in low light conditions.
Temperature Range
This plant is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is adapted to warm and dry conditions and can tolerate high temperatures. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in arid environments with little rainfall. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it may not perform well in soils that are consistently wet or waterlogged. A soil pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 is optimal for growth and development.
Regular watering should be done to keep the soil moist but not soaked. Fertilization can be done twice a year with a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth. The addition of compost or other organic matter to the soil can also improve soil health and promote vigorous growth.
Cultivation
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney, also known as Broadleaf Globemallow, is a hardy perennial plant that thrives in a well-draining sandy or rocky soil in full sun to partial shade. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season to ensure healthy growth and bloom. It is tolerant of drought conditions but will benefit from occasional supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods.
Watering Needs
When growing Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney, it is important to ensure that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. During periods of active growth, the plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week.
It is important to reduce watering during the dormant season as excessive moisture can lead to root rot, which can damage or kill the plant.
Fertilization
The plant requires little in the way of fertilization but can benefit from a balanced fertilizer application in early spring. It is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer that can provide nutrients for the plant over an extended period.
It is not advisable to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney does not require regular pruning but can benefit from occasional deadheading to promote continuous flowering. Deadheading involves removing spent flowers with small pruning shears or scissors.
Sometimes, the plant may develop weak or damaged branches that can be pruned off with pruning shears to maintain its ideal shape.
It is essential to disinfect pruning tools before and after use to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
Propagation of Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney, commonly known as apricot mallow, is a native perennial plant that is commonly found in western North America. This plant is known for its showy orange to apricot-colored flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall. It is a low-water-use plant that is suitable for xeriscaping.
Propagating Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney is relatively easy. The plant can be propagated by seed, stem cuttings, or division.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney is through seed. The seeds of this plant can be collected in the fall and planted immediately or stored until the following spring. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination occurs. The optimum temperature range for germination is between 68°F and 77°F.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney can also be propagated through stem cuttings. This method is best done during the plant's active growth phase in the spring or summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, actively growing plant material and should be approximately 4-6 inches long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist, and rooting should occur in 4-6 weeks.
Division Propagation
Division is another method of propagating Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney. This method is best done in the early spring before new growth begins. The plant should be lifted, and the root ball should be gently teased apart into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one healthy shoot and an intact root system. The divided plants should be replanted immediately into well-draining soil.
Regardless of the method chosen, propagated Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney plants should be watered regularly until they are established. Once established, this plant is relatively drought-tolerant.
Disease Management
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, it may suffer from certain diseases if proper care is not taken.
One of the most common diseases that may affect Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney is powdery mildew. It occurs as a white-gray powdery coating on the leaves, flowers, and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, you should keep the plant dry by watering it only when necessary. You may also apply a fungicide spray to control the infection.
Another disease that can affect Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney is root rot. It occurs due to overwatering or poorly drained soil. To manage this disease, you should avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil is well-draining. Ensure that the plant receives good air circulation to prevent the growth of fungus and other pathogens.
Pest Management
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney can be attacked by pests that can damage the plant and reduce the yield. Here are some of the common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing distortion and stunting of the growth. To manage this pest, you may apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant. Alternatively, you may use predators like ladybugs or lacewings to control the infestation.
Spider mites are another pest that may affect Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. ssp. latifolia Kearney. They suck sap and cause yellowing of the leaves. To control this pest, you may apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant. Regularly spraying the plant with water can also help in reducing their population.
Caterpillars and cutworms are also common pests that may eat the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this pest, you should pick them manually and dispose of them. You may also apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), which is a naturally occurring bacterium that kills caterpillars and worms.
Regular monitoring of the plant and proper care can help in preventing diseases and pest infestations. Maintaining good hygiene, proper watering, and fertilization can keep the plant healthy and disease-free.
