Overview
Stylisma pickeringii (Torr. ex M.A. Curtis) Gray var. pickeringii is a flowering plant belonging to the family Convolvulaceae. It has various common names such as Pickering's stoneseed, Pickering stoneseed, Pickering stoneseed twinflower, and Twinflowered stoneseed.
Origin
Stylisma pickeringii is native to North America, specifically found in the southern United States. Its natural habitat includes pine rocklands, sandy pine-oak woodlands, and scrubby flatwoods.
Appearance
The plant has a perennial lifecycle and grows up to 1 m in length. It has slender stems that are covered in a fine grey hair and can spread or climb across the ground. The leaves are alternate and semi-succulent. The plant produces small, white to pale blue flowers that are around 1 cm in diameter. The flowers have five petals with a tubular center and bloom from May to October.
Uses
Stylisma pickeringii is not commonly used for medicinal or edible purposes, but it is valued for its aesthetic and ecological value. The plant serves as a food and habitat source for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths. The plant can also be grown as an ornamental plant due to its unique and attractive flowers. It is drought-resistant and adaptable to different soil types.
Light Requirements
The Stylisma pickeringii var. pickeringii plant requires a significant amount of sunlight to grow and flourish. This plant prefers full sun exposure to partial shade, with at least six hours of direct sunlight. Placing the plant in a shaded area can cause it to become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in areas with warm temperatures and consistent humidity. It can survive in a variety of temperature ranges, from hot and dry to cool and damp, with the ideal temperature range being between 60-80°F. It is necessary to ensure that the temperature remains consistent and does not fluctuate beyond this range to prevent damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Stylisma pickeringii var. pickeringii plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. It can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, clay, and loamy soil. However, the soil pH must be within the slightly acidic to neutral range, with a range of 5.5-7.5 being ideal. The use of well-rotted manure or compost mixed with soil can help provide the required nutrients to the plant. Additionally, the plant is adapted to grow in areas with low soil fertility and can do well even in poor soil conditions.
Cultivation of Stylisma pickeringii var. pickeringii
Stylisma pickeringii var. pickeringii, commonly known as Pickering's Morning Glory, is a native plant that grows well in various climatic regions, especially in hot and dry areas. Following the guidelines below can help cultivate a healthy and robust plant.
Watering
Watering Stylisma pickeringii var. pickeringii moderately is crucial. Overwatering can lead to root rot, mildew, and other fungal diseases. It thrives well in dry soils, so it requires occasional watering. You should aim to water the plant only when the soil is dry to touch.
During summer, when the temperatures are high, the plant requires more water. You can increase water intervals or adjust the watering schedule according to the season.
Fertilization
Stylisma pickeringii var. pickeringii does not require too much fertilizer. However, adding fertilizer helps in boosting the plant's growth and flowering. You can add a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer, or a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
The soil pH for this plant should range between 6 to 7.5 for optimal growth. Incorporating organic matter in the soil can improve the soil structure, nutrient availability and increase the soil's water-holding capacity.
Pruning
Pruning Stylisma pickeringii var. pickeringii is not necessary. However, pruning can help maintain the plant's shape, increase airflow, and minimize the chances of pest infestation. Prune the plant only when it has become leggy or when you want to rejuvenate it after flowering.
You should use a clean, sharp pruning shear for the pruning process. Cut the plant about a quarter inch above a bud to encourage bushy and fuller growth. You can also deadhead the flowers to encourage more blooms.
Propagation of Stylisma pickeringii (Torr. ex M.A. Curtis) Gray var. pickeringii
Stylisma pickeringii (Torr. ex M.A. Curtis) Gray var. pickeringii, commonly known as Pickering's morning-glory, is a herbaceous perennial plant that can be propagated through several methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common propagation methods for Stylisma pickeringii is through seed. The seeds should be collected in the late summer or fall once the capsules have ripened. The seeds can then be sown in a well-draining soil mix and placed in a warm, bright area with consistent moisture. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks.
Division Propagation
Another propagation method for Stylisma pickeringii is through division. This method involves separating the root system of an established plant into smaller sections and planting them as individual plants. This should be done in the spring or fall, being careful not to damage the roots.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation through cuttings is also possible with Stylisma pickeringii. Softwood cuttings should be taken from new growth in the spring or summer and placed in a well-draining soil mix with consistent moisture. Cuttings can be taken from stem tips or lateral shoots.
Bulb Propagation
Stylisma pickeringii can also be propagated through bulb offsets. Offsets are small bulbs that develop from the parent bulb and can be easily separated and planted as individual plants. Bulb propagation is less common than seed or division propagation.
Disease Management
Stylisma pickeringii is relatively resistant to diseases, but some diseases might affect the plant, including leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust.
Leaf spot appears as brown or black spots on the plant's leaves, leading to leaf drop and defoliation. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and maintain good plant hygiene.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes white powdery spots on the leaves and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, prune the infected parts, provide adequate air circulation, and use fungicides if necessary.
Rust appears as rusty-orange spots on the underside of the leaves and can cause defoliation. To manage rust, remove infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides if necessary.
Pest Management
Stylisma pickeringii is also relatively resistant to pests, but some pests might affect the plant, including spider mites, aphids, and thrips.
Spider mites are tiny pests that build webs on the plant's leaves and suck the sap, leading to leaf discoloration. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to remove them, avoid dry conditions, and use insecticidal soap or miticides if necessary.
Aphids are small insects that suck on the plant's sap, leading to leaf curling and stunted growth. To manage aphids, prune the infected parts, attract beneficial insects, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
Thrips are small insects that damage the plant's flowers, leading to deformities and discoloration. To manage thrips, remove infected flowers and debris, attract beneficial insects, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
