Description of Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. latifolia (Kearney) Kearney
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. latifolia (Kearney) Kearney is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the genus Sphaeralcea which is part of the Malvaceae family. The plant is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it is found growing in several states, including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Chihuahua.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Desert Globe Mallow" due to its physical appearance, which resembles a globe-shaped mallow flower. Other common names include "La Joya", "Broad-leaf Globe Mallow", and "Mountain Hollyhock".
Uses
The plant has several medicinal uses, and its roots, leaves, and stems have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs, diarrhea, and sore throats. The plant's edible roots are also a source of food for some Native American tribes. In addition, the plant is used for ornamental purposes, and its beautiful flowers make it a popular addition to gardens and landscapes.
General Appearance
The plant has a shrub-like appearance, with stems that can reach up to 3 feet tall. The leaves are large and broad, with a rounded shape and a velvety texture. The plant produces bright orange or red flowers that are approximately 1 inch in diameter. The flowers bloom in the spring and summer months and are a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.
Overall, Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. latifolia (Kearney) Kearney is a valuable plant that serves several purposes and adds to the beauty of the natural landscape.Growth Conditions for Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. latifolia (Kearney) Kearney
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. latifolia (Kearney) Kearney, also known as Round-leaved Globemallow, is a perennial plant species that is native to North America. It is a member of the family Malvaceae, known for its beautiful, showy flowers that bloom in various shades of pink, salmon, or orange.
Light Requirements
Round-leaved Globemallow prefers full sun, although it can also grow in partial shade. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. In areas with hot summers, it can benefit from afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. latifolia (Kearney) Kearney is adapted to hot, arid environments and is well-suited to grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9. It prefers warm temperatures and requires a minimum of 60°F (15.5°C) for germination to occur, and temperatures above 70°F (21°C) for optimal growth. The plant is able to tolerate extreme heat and drought but is not frost-tolerant.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of soils but prefers well-draining, sandy or gravelly soils with a pH of 6-8. It does not tolerate waterlogging and requires good drainage to prevent root rot. The plant is also adapted to low-nutrient soil and can survive in poor soil conditions. However, it can benefit from occasional fertilization with low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer.
Cultivation Methods
Sphaeralcea subhastata var. latifolia needs a well-draining soil with lots of organic matter to grow successfully. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can be grown in a variety of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam. It can tolerate drought conditions, but the soil must be kept consistently moist to avoid wilting.
Watering Needs
When watering Sphaeralcea subhastata var. latifolia, it's crucial to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Since the plant can tolerate drought conditions, be sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Sphaeralcea subhastata var. latifolia doesn't require much fertilization and can actually grow well in poor soils. However, if you want to give the plant a boost, you can fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring to fall).
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Sphaeralcea subhastata var. latifolia, but you can deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. If the plant becomes too leggy or unruly, you can prune it back in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut the stems back to just above a leaf node.
Propagation of Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. latifolia (Kearney) Kearney
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. latifolia (Kearney) Kearney, commonly known as the Broad-Leaved Globemallow, can be propagated by several methods including seed propagation, stem cuttings, or division of the root ball.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. latifolia (Kearney) Kearney is through seed propagation. Seeds can be collected from the mature plant, usually during the fall season. Once collected, seedlings can be sowed in spring or fall in a well-draining soil mix using seed trays or flats. Seeds should be sowed shallowly, no more than ¼ inch deep, and kept moist at a warm temperature of around 65°F. Germination should occur within two weeks to a month.
Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. latifolia (Kearney) Kearney can also be done through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from actively growing plants, preferably in the summer when plant growth is at its peak. Choose healthy, mature stems at least 6 inches in length. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems, and the bottom leaves should be removed. The cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining soil mix in a container with good drainage. Water regularly and keep in a warm, moist environment, preferably with bottom heat, until roots develop, usually within three to four weeks.
Division of Root Ball
Division of the root ball is another method of propagating Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. latifolia (Kearney) Kearney. This method is best done during the spring when the plant is actively growing. Carefully remove the plant from its container or the ground. Gently separate the root mass into several smaller sections, each containing at least one healthy stem and root system. Transplant each section into its own container or directly into the ground, and water regularly.
Disease Management
Like all plants, Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. latifolia (Kearney) Kearney can be susceptible to certain diseases. Here are some common diseases that may affect the plant and how to manage them:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that can affect Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. latifolia (Kearney) Kearney. Symptoms include brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy the affected leaves and improve airflow by spacing plants appropriately. Fungicides may also be used to manage the disease.
Rust
Rust is another fungal disease that may infect Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. latifolia (Kearney) Kearney. Symptoms include rusty-colored spots on the leaves. To manage rust, it is recommended to remove and destroy affected leaves, avoid overcrowding plants, and promote good airflow. Fungicides may also be used to manage rust.
Pest Management
Here are some common pests that may affect Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. latifolia (Kearney) Kearney and how to manage them:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are small, sap-sucking pests that may infest Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. latifolia (Kearney) Kearney. Symptoms include yellowing leaves and fine webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to spray the plant with water to remove the pests and their webbing, and introduce natural predators like ladybugs. In severe cases, insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used.
Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are another sap-sucking pest that may infest Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. latifolia (Kearney) Kearney. Symptoms include yellowing and curling of leaves. To manage leafhoppers, it is recommended to remove and destroy affected leaves, attract natural predators like birds and assassin bugs, and use sticky traps. In severe cases, insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used.
