Overview
Swida instolonea (A. Nels.) Rydb. is a deciduous species of shrub that is native to North America. It belongs to the Adoxaceae family and is commonly known as the red-osier dogwood or western dogwood.
Appearance
Red-osier dogwood typically grows between 6 and 9 feet tall and has an equally wide spread. The bark is bright red and becomes more vibrant during the winter months. The leaves are oval, dark green, and have an opposite arrangement on the stems. The flowers are small and white and bloom from May to June. During the fall, the red-osier dogwood produces small, white berries that are popular with birds.
Uses
Swida instolonea has been used for a variety of purposes by different cultures throughout history. Native Americans used the bark and roots to make herbal medicines that helped to treat digestive issues, skin ailments, and pain. The wood of the red-osier dogwood was also used for making tools and weapons. The shrub is now commonly used in landscaping and is an attractive addition to gardens. It can be used for erosion control due to its ability to grow in wet soils, and it is also a popular choice for wildlife gardens as it supports various kinds of pollinators.
Light Requirements
Swida instolonea is a flowering shrub that requires full to partial sunlight to grow well. When planted in areas with insufficient light, the plant may develop weak stems, sparse foliage, and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Swida instolonea growth is between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). The plant can tolerate cold temperatures and can survive in areas with freezing temperatures as long as it is kept away from frosty winds. Extreme heat, on the other hand, can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Swida instolonea grows best in well-draining soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a pH of around 5.5 to 7.5. The plant prefers moist soils but can also tolerate periods of drought. It is important to avoid compacted soils as they can restrict root growth, leading to stunted plant development.
Cultivation
Swida instolonea is an easy plant to grow, and it does well in different environmental conditions. It is a deciduous shrub that requires adequate sunlight to thrive. It can grow in most types of soil, including clay soil, but sandy loam soil that drains well is the best option. These plants can tolerate moderate drought conditions, but regular watering is essential for healthy growth.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Swida instolonea depend on the environmental conditions. These plants require regular watering during their growth period, which can be increased during dry seasons. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged as these plants can't tolerate standing water. Deep-root watering is recommended as it encourages root growth and helps the plant survive drought conditions.
Fertilization
Swida instolonea is not a heavy feeder, and fertilization is not necessary. But applying compost or well-decomposed manure around the plant every year during the early spring can promote healthier growth. Use a 5-10-5 or 10-10-10 fertilizer following the recommended dosage if preferred.
Pruning
The pruning of Swida instolonea is easy and requires minimal effort. Prune the plant during the late winter or early spring season before new growth appears. This allows enough time for the plant to recover before the next growing period. Remove any diseased or damaged branches as soon as you notice them. Aim to remove about a third of the plant's oldest branches each year to promote new growth and maintain the plant's shape.
Propagation of Swida instolonea
Swida instolonea, commonly known as marsh elder, can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods. The plant is native to North America and is primarily found in wetlands and along rivers.
Seed Propagation
Swida instolonea produces small black seeds enclosed in a fruiting body. The seeds require stratification, which involves exposing them to cold temperatures for several weeks to break their dormancy. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in seed trays filled with a well-draining soil mix. The trays should be placed in a warm, sunny location and kept moist until the seedlings emerge. Once the seedlings have grown their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown until they are large enough to be planted outdoors.
Vegetative Propagation
Swida instolonea can also be propagated vegetatively by taking stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer and propagated under mist or in a propagation chamber. After several weeks, the cuttings should develop roots and can be potted up into individual containers. Hardwood cuttings can be taken in the fall and propagated in the same way as softwood cuttings.
Swida instolonea can also be propagated by layering. This involves bending a branch down to the ground, removing a section of bark, and covering the wounded area with soil. After several months, the branch should develop roots, and can be cut away from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease Management for Swida Instolonea
Swida instolonea is susceptible to various fungal, viral, and bacterial diseases, which can cause discoloration, wilting, and death of the plant over time. The following are common diseases that might affect Swida instolonea and ways to prevent or manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown or black lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits, leading to premature defoliation and death. To manage anthracnose in Swida instolonea, pruning or removing infected plant parts, practicing proper sanitation, and applying fungicides can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Phytophthora Root Rot
Phytophthora root rot is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes root decay, wilting, and death of the plant. To manage phytophthora root rot, avoiding over-watering and improving soil drainage can prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides and soil drenching with biocontrol agents like Trichoderma spp. can also help in managing the disease.
Pest Management for Swida Instolonea
Swida instolonea is also prone to various pests, which can cause damage or destruction to the plant. The following are common pests that might affect Swida instolonea and ways to prevent or manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth, distorted leaves, and sooty mold. To manage aphids in Swida instolonea, applying insecticidal soaps or oils, using natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, and practicing good sanitation can help reduce their population.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are small arachnids that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing, bronzing, and defoliation. To manage spider mites in Swida instolonea, maintaining proper humidity levels, reducing dust, and applying miticides can help control their population. Introducing natural predators like predatory mites or thrips can also help in managing the pest.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are tiny, immobile pests that attach themselves to the bark, branches, or leaves of the plant, feeding on its sap and causing wilting, stunting, and death. To manage scale insects in Swida instolonea, physically removing them with a brush or cotton swab, applying horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps, and practicing regular pruning and sanitation can help control the pest.
