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Description
Boechera Retrofracta, also known as the Spiny-leaved Rockcress, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in rocky areas, meadows, and forests. The plant is known for its spiny leaves and small, white, four-petaled flowers that bloom in early summer. It is an attractive addition to any garden due to its unique appearance and easy maintenance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Boechera |
| Species: | Retrofracta |
Appearance
Boechera Retrofracta grows up to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Its leaves are oblong, spiny, and have a blue-green color. The plant produces small, white, four-petaled flowers in early summer, which attract bees and butterflies. After blooming, the plant produces long, slender seed pods. Overall, Boechera Retrofracta has a unique appearance that makes it stand out in any garden.
Care Guide
To ensure that Boechera Retrofracta thrives in your garden, it is important to follow these care guidelines:
Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
Soil: Boechera Retrofracta prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. You can add organic matter such as compost or peat moss to improve the soil quality.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Ensure that it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
Hardiness Zones: Boechera Retrofracta is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Boechera Retrofracta is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew, which causes a white, powdery substance to appear on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure that the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If the plant does get powdery mildew, you can treat it with a fungicide.
Habitat
Boechera Retrofracta is native to North America and can be found in rocky areas, meadows, and forests. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Boechera Retrofracta be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Boechera Retrofracta can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.
Q: How often should I fertilize Boechera Retrofracta?
A: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. You can also add compost or organic matter to the soil to improve its quality.
Q: Is Boechera Retrofracta drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, Boechera Retrofracta is drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions.
Q: How do I propagate Boechera Retrofracta?
A: Boechera Retrofracta can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in early spring, while cuttings can be taken in late summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Boechera Retrofracta:
- Arabis
- Aubrieta
- Erysimum
- Leptinella
- Sedum
References
- “Boechera Retrofracta.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 22 March 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org.
- “Spiny-leaved rockcress.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 22 March 2021. www.rhs.org.uk.
- “Boechera Retrofracta.” Plant Finder. Accessed 22 March 2021. www.plantfinder.sunset.com.
