General Appearance
Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother, commonly known as the rayed thymophylla, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It has a spreading growth habit and grows up to 30-60 cm in height. The plant produces multiple branching stems that are slender and woody at the base. The leaves are small and narrow, measuring around 0.5-3 cm in length and are deeply lobed.
Origin and Distribution
The rayed thymophylla is native to the southwestern part of the United States and can be found in various states, including Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. It grows in arid and semi-arid regions with elevations ranging from 300-2,400 meters. The plant prefers open, rocky slopes, hillsides, and desert areas.
Common Names and Uses
The rayed thymophylla goes by several common names, including the desert zinnia, Dahlberg daisy, and golden lace. The plant is popular among gardeners due to its stunning yellow flowers with slender ray petals that can grow up to 2.5 cm in diameter. Apart from being an ornamental plant, the rayed thymophylla has various medicinal uses. Native American tribes used it to treat fever, headache, and stomach ailments. The plant is also a source of food and shelter for various wildlife such as bees, butterflies, and birds.
Light Conditions
Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother requires full sunlight to grow vigorously. It cannot tolerate shady areas or partial sunlight. Therefore, it is best to grow this plant where it can receive full sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is well adapted to warm and hot conditions. It thrives in temperatures between 70 and 85°F (21 and 29°C). However, it can survive temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) during the winter season without any damage.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, porous soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Loamy soil with good drainage is ideal. Since the plant is native to desert regions, it can withstand some drought conditions for a short period. However, the soil should be kept moderately moist during the growing season to ensure proper growth and development.
Cultivation methods
Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother, commonly known as goldeneye, is a beautiful flowering plant that is easy to cultivate. It requires well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline or neutral. It grows well in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. The optimal temperature range for growing Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata is 60°F to 80°F.
Watering needs
Goldeneye plants do not require much water, and overwatering can lead to root rot. Therefore, it is essential to water your goldeneye plants sparingly. Water them only when the soil is completely dry or when their leaves start to droop. It is best to water them deeply and infrequently rather than frequently and shallowly. Water the plants at the base to avoid wetting their leaves, which could lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata is not a heavy feeder, but fertilization can help to promote flower production. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply it in the early spring before new growth appears. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer to avoid over-fertilizing the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata, but it can help to maintain the plant's shape and size. If you want to encourage bushier growth, pinch off the terminal buds of the plant during the growing season. You can also remove dead flowers to prolong the blooming period. Cut back any damaged or diseased branches to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother
Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. The plant is known for its attractive yellow flowers that bloom during spring and summer. Propagation of the plant is relatively easy, and there are several methods one can use to propagate the Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother.
Propagation by Seeds
One of the easiest ways to propagate Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother is by seeds. The seeds of the plant are small and require good soil contact for germination. The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring or early summer. To achieve good soil contact, one can lightly rake the soil to loosen it before broadcasting the seeds over the area. Ensure that the soil is kept moist but well-draining until the seeds germinate.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another way to propagate Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother is by stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth during spring or early summer. One should select a healthy stem with no flower buds or blooms and make a clean cut just below a node. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and then plant it in a well-draining potting medium. The cutting should be kept moist, and it will root in two to three weeks.
Propagation by Division
Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother can also be propagated by division. The best time to divide the plant is during the early spring when new growth begins to emerge. Dig out the plant carefully and separate it into several small clumps, ensuring that each clump has sufficient roots and foliage. Place each clump in well-draining soil and water it well until it establishes itself.
Conclusion
Propagation of Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother is relatively easy and can be done by seeds, stem cuttings, or division. One should choose a propagation method that is most convenient and suitable for the growing conditions available. With proper care, Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother will thrive and add beauty to any garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother
Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother is a low-growing perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Like all plants, it is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can damage its foliage, flowers, and roots. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and some ways to manage them.
Diseases
One common disease that affects Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother is rust. Rust appears on the lower leaves of the plant as yellow-brown patches with raised pustules. It can spread quickly and cause the leaves to wilt and die. To manage rust, remove all infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide containing copper. Repeat the process every two weeks until the rust disappears.
Another disease that affects Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as white powdery spots on the leaves of the plant. It can lead to stunted growth and deformed flowers. To manage powdery mildew, remove all infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide containing triforine or sulfur. Repeat the process every two weeks until the powdery mildew disappears.
Pests
Thrips are a common pest that affects Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother. They are tiny insects that feed on the plant's leaves and flowers. Signs of thrips infestation include bronzed or silvered spots on the leaves and distorted or discolored flowers. To manage thrips, spray the plant with an insecticide containing spinosad or neem oil. Repeat the process every two weeks until the thrips disappear.
Aphids are another pest that affects Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap. They can cause yellowing or curling of leaves and the stunted growth of the plant. To manage aphids, spray the plant with an insecticide containing imidacloprid or pyrethrin. Repeat the process every two weeks until the aphids disappear.
Regular monitoring of Thymophylla setifolia Lag. var. radiata (Gray) Strother is essential to detect and manage any diseases or pests before they cause extensive damage. In addition, avoid overcrowding the plant and provide adequate air circulation to reduce the likelihood of pest infestations and diseases.
