Overview: Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. pumila (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. pumila (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the mallow family (Malvaceae). The plant is commonly known as Globe mallow or Apricot mallow and is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Description
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. pumila (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney is a small, perennial plant that grows up to around 30 cm tall. The plant has a woody base and multiple, hairy stems that are covered with tiny star-shaped hairs. The leaves of the plant are small and lobed, with a grey-green hue. The flowers of Globe mallow are quite showy and come in a variety of shades, ranging from light pink to deep apricot. The petals of the flowers are narrow and pointed, and the flowers bloom in clusters at the end of the stems from late spring to early summer.
Uses
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. pumila (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney has several uses. Native American tribes in the southwestern United States have used the leaves of the plant to treat various ailments, including coughs, colds, and fever. The roots of the plant have also been used to treat diarrhea and stomach problems. Globe mallow is also planted as an ornamental plant in gardens, thanks to its vibrant flowers.
Additionally, the plant has practical uses in soil conservation. Its deep taproots make it an effective plant for holding soil in place and preventing erosion. The plant is also tolerant of drought, making it an ideal plant for arid regions.
Conclusion
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. pumila (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney is a small but mighty plant that has a wide variety of uses. With its vibrant flowers, the plant is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, while its practical applications in soil conservation and traditional medicine make it an important plant in many different cultures. Overall, Globe mallow is a versatile and attractive plant that deserves attention and recognition.
Light Conditions
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. pumila (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney prefers full sun and partial shade, which implies that they need around 6 hours of full sunlight per day. It is recommended to place them where they can receive the sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon.
Temperature Conditions
This plant species can grow in a wide range of temperatures. However, they prefer warm and hot temperatures with a range of 80-100 °F during the day and 60-80 °F during the night. They are drought-tolerant plants, which means that they can withstand high temperatures and little water.
Soil Requirements
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. pumila (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney prefers well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The soil should be nutrient-rich and should have a good amount of organic matter. These plants can grow in different types of soils such as sandy, loamy, or clayey soils, but they need to be well-draining.
Cultivation Methods
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. pumila (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can withstand high temperatures and low humidity. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. For seeds, sow them in the spring or fall, just barely covering them with soil, and water them well. For cuttings, take stem cuttings in the summer and root them in moist soil.
Watering Needs
While Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. pumila (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney is drought-tolerant, it still needs regular watering during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is moist to a depth of six inches. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. pumila (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney does not require frequent fertilization. However, if you want to encourage healthy growth and blooming, you can fertilize it once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, being careful not to overfertilize.
Pruning
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. pumila (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney does not require regular pruning. However, if you want to shape the plant or remove dead or damaged branches, you can prune it after it has finished blooming in the late summer or early fall. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts, and avoid cutting into the woody parts of the plant.
Propagation of Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. pumila (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney
Sphaeralcea subhastata Coult. var. pumila (Woot. & Standl.) Kearney is a perennial desert plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family. The plant is native to North America and is commonly known as apricot mallow or desert globemallow. The propagation of this plant can be done by various methods.
Seed Propagation
Apricot mallow can be propagated using seeds. The seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate this plant. The seeds should be collected from matured plants during the fall season. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil after stratification and should be kept moist until they germinate. Germination usually takes 10 to 14 days. Once the plant has grown 2 to 3 leaves, it can be transplanted to its final location.
Division Propagation
Apricot mallow can also be propagated by division. The plant usually forms clumps over time, and these clumps can be divided and transplanted to other locations. Division should be done in the fall when the plant is dormant. The clump should be carefully dug up and divided into smaller portions. The divided portions should be planted in their preferred locations and watered well.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation can also be used to propagate apricot mallow. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during early spring or summer. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long and should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil and kept watered until they develop roots. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted to their final location.
In conclusion, apricot mallow can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings. It is essential to note that the plant prefers well-drained soil and requires regular watering until it is established.
Disease Management
One of the most common diseases that affect Sphaeralcea subhastata var. pumila is powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that appears as a powdery white or gray coating on the leaves or stems. To manage this disease, it's important to keep the plant dry by avoiding overhead watering. In addition, you can use fungicides such as neem oil or sulfur to control the disease.
Another disease that may affect this plant is root rot which is caused by excess water in the soil. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant.
Pest Management
Sphaeralcea subhastata var. pumila may be susceptible to attacks from various pests, including whiteflies, spider mites, and aphids.
Whiteflies are small, winged insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant. They can be controlled by spraying the leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites are tiny pests that also suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. They can be controlled by spraying the leaves with a mixture of water and dish soap or neem oil.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
