Overview:
Sullivantia hapemanii (Coult. & Fisher) Coult. var. purpusii (Brand) Soltis is a perennial plant belonging to the Saxifragaceae family. This plant has many common names including Mertensia ciliata var. purpusii, Purpus' sullivantia, and Mexican alumroot. It is a rare plant that only grows in a few areas of the United States and Mexico.
Origin:
Sullivantia hapemanii (Coult. & Fisher) Coult. var. purpusii (Brand) Soltis is endemic to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is native to the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona, the Animas Mountains of New Mexico, and the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico.
Description:
The plant has a rosette of basal leaves that measures up to 20 centimeters in diameter. The foliage is dark green and semi-evergreen, meaning that it can stay green throughout the year but will shed some leaves during the winter. The flowers of Sullivantia hapemanii (Coult. & Fisher) Coult. var. purpusii (Brand) Soltis are white or pink, and they bloom in late spring to early summer. The plant typically grows to a height of 10-20 centimeters and has a spread of 20-35 centimeters.
Uses:
Sullivantia hapemanii (Coult. & Fisher) Coult. var. purpusii (Brand) Soltis is primarily used as an ornamental plant. Its attractive foliage and delicate flowers make it a popular choice for rock gardens, alpine gardens, and woodland gardens. The plant is also useful for erosion control and slope stabilization due to its fibrous root system that helps to anchor the soil and prevent erosion.
Despite its limited distribution, Sullivantia hapemanii (Coult. & Fisher) Coult. var. purpusii (Brand) Soltis has been used in traditional medicine by the indigenous people of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. They commonly used it to treat various ailments including diabetes, diarrhea, and respiratory infections.
Light Requirements
Sullivantia hapemanii var. purpusii prefers shaded areas with minimal sun exposure. The plant thrives in partial to full shade and can withstand low light conditions. Direct sunlight can damage the plant’s leaves and stunt its growth. Therefore, it is essential to place the plant in an area that receives indirect sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Although Sullivantia hapemanii var. purpusii is a relatively hardy plant, it prefers average to cool temperatures. The plant thrives in regions where the temperature ranges from 40°F to 75°F. It can tolerate lower temperatures in winter but only for short periods. Temperatures above 85°F can damage the plant’s growth, making it susceptible to diseases and pests.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Sullivantia hapemanii var. purpusii include well-draining, moist soil that is fertile and rich in organic matter. The plant grows best in soils that have a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should also be able to hold moisture while allowing water to drain quickly. Sullivantia hapemanii var. purpusii does not tolerate waterlogged soils, as it can cause root rot, leading to the plant's demise.
Cultivation
Sullivantia hapemanii var. purpusii is a perennial herbaceous plant that prefers partial or filtered light and grows best in well-draining humus soil that is amended with peat moss and perlite. It is an ideal choice for rock gardens, borders, and containers.
Watering Needs
The ideal frequency of watering for Sullivantia hapemanii var. purpusii is once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil conditions. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid watering the foliage to prevent diseases such as powdery mildew.
Fertilization
Sullivantia hapemanii var. purpusii requires regular fertilization during the growing season, from April to October. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 is recommended. Apply the fertilizer once a month, and make sure to water the plant before and after fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning of Sullivantia hapemanii var. purpusii should be done after the flowering period to promote bushy growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Cut back the spent flowers and stems to the base of the plant to encourage the growth of new shoots. Deadheading during the flowering season will prolong bloom time and keep the plant looking tidy.
Propagation Methods of Sullivantia hapemanii var. purpusii
Sullivantia hapemanii var. purpusii, commonly known as Purpus' sullivantia, is a low-growing, perennial plant species that is native to the high-elevation regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is mostly grown for its attractive evergreen foliage and small, white or pink flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer.
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Sullivantia hapemanii var. purpusii through seeds is relatively easy, and it is the most commonly used method. The seeds of this plant can be collected from mature seed capsules, which usually start to form in late summer. The collected seeds should be cleaned, and then sown in well-draining potting soil or flats filled with a mixture of sand, peat, and perlite. The seeds should be sown thinly and lightly covered with soil, and then watered gently.
The containers should be placed in a warm, bright location, such as a sunny windowsill or greenhouse, and kept moist but not waterlogged. The seeds generally germinate in two to three weeks, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden bed.
Division Propagation
Another propagation method for Sullivantia hapemanii var. purpusii is through division. This method is ideal for mature plants that have outgrown their space or developed large clumps. To divide the plant, it should be dug up carefully, and the root ball should be separated into multiple pieces using a sharp, sterile knife or garden shears. Each division should have a few healthy roots and shoots.
The divisions should be replanted in a well-prepared garden bed or individual pots filled with moist potting soil, and then watered thoroughly. The newly planted divisions should be protected from strong sunlight and kept moist until they establish new roots.
Cuttings Propagation
Sullivantia hapemanii var. purpusii can also be propagated through stem cuttings, although this method is less commonly used. To propagate the plant through cuttings, select healthy stems that are about 3-4 inches long and have several leaves. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing.
The cuttings should be inserted into a pot filled with moist, well-draining potting soil, and then covered with a plastic bag or plastic wrap to retain moisture and create a humid environment. The pot should be placed in a bright, warm location, and the cuttings should be watered regularly.
After about two to three weeks, the cuttings should develop roots and can be transplanted into individual pots filled with potting soil or directly into the garden bed.
Disease Management
Sullivantia hapemanii var. purpusii may be susceptible to several diseases, including powdery mildew, fungal leaf spots, and root rots. Powdery mildew is characterized by a white fungal growth on the leaves, while fungal leaf spots can cause brown spots on the leaves. Root rots may cause wilting or even death of the plant.
To manage powdery mildew, the affected leaves can be removed and destroyed, and fungicidal sprays can be applied. Fungal leaf spots can also be managed using fungicidal sprays. To prevent root rots, it is important to avoid overwatering the plant and to ensure proper drainage. If root rot is suspected, the affected plants should be removed and destroyed.
Pest Management
Common pests that may affect Sullivantia hapemanii var. purpusii include spider mites, aphids, and slugs. Spider mites can cause yellowing or stippling on the leaves, while aphids can cause curling and distortion of the leaves. Slugs can eat holes in the leaves and stem of the plant.
To manage spider mites and aphids, the plants can be sprayed with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Slugs can be managed by removing any hiding places, such as debris or weeds, and applying slug bait or setting up beer traps. Handpicking the slugs off the plant can also be effective.
