Overview
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. colpophila (Fern. & St. John) Fern. is a plant species that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as the Arctic beggarticks and is native to North America.
Appearance
The Arctic beggarticks typically grow up to 30 cm in height. It has angular stems with sparsely hairy green leaves that are coarsely serrated, lanceolate, and up to 10 cm long. The plant produces yellow flowers in the summer.
Uses
The Arctic beggarticks is used by some indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes. The roots and leaves are steeped in boiling water to produce a tea that is believed to relieve headaches, coughs, and colds. The plant is also used to make traditional smoking mixtures.
Light Requirements
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. colpophila typically grows well in full sun or bright, filtered light. It can tolerate some shade, but growth may be stunted and flowering may be reduced.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in cool to moderate temperatures, typically ranging from 10 to 24°C. It can withstand some frost and snow, but prolonged exposure to extreme cold may cause damage to leaves and flowers. Extreme heat can also be harmful, and temperatures above 30°C should be avoided.
Soil Requirements
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. colpophila prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy or rocky soils. However, it does not do well in soils that are consistently waterlogged or dry. The ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, typically between 5.5 and 7.0.
Cultivation
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. colpophila (Fern. & St. John) Fern. is a plant that thrives in cool, moist environments. To grow this plant successfully, you must keep the conditions as similar to its natural habitat as possible. The plant can be grown from seed, and it requires a soil temperature of around 18°C to germinate.
When transplanting seedlings, ensure the soil is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept slightly acidic or neutral, with a pH range of 6.2 to 7.2.
Watering Needs
As an alpine plant, Bidens hyperborea Greene var. colpophila (Fern. & St. John) Fern. needs to be kept in moist soil. However, it would be best if you were cautious not to overwater the plant, as this can cause root rot and affect its growth. Water the plant regularly, allowing the soil to dry out partially between each watering session.
Fertilization
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. colpophila (Fern. & St. John) Fern. needs fertilizer for healthy growth. It's advisable to use a slow-release fertilizer that's rich in nitrogen, magnesium, and phosphorus. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season.
Pruning
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. colpophila (Fern. & St. John) Fern. is a self-seeding plant that doesn't require frequent pruning. However, you may want to shape the plant by pinching out the tips of stems to maintain its bushy shape. Deadheading spent flowers will also encourage the plant to continue blooming for a more extended period.
Propagation of Bidens Hyperborea Greene var. Colpophila (Fern. & St. John) Fern.
Bidens Hyperborea Greene var. Colpophila (Fern. & St. John) Fern. can be propagated through two methods, namely vegetative propagation and seed propagation.
Vegetative Propagation
In vegetative propagation, the plant is multiplied by taking cuttings from the parent plant. The cuttings are grown to form new individual plants with the same characteristics of the parent plant.
For Bidens hyperborea, vegetative propagation is usually done by rooting stem cuttings. The best time to take stem cuttings is during the growing season, which is in mid-spring or early summer. Look for healthy stems that are about 4-6 inches long. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle using a sharp, sterilized blade.
Remove the lower leaves from the stem and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Place the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, bright location, away from direct sunlight. In a few weeks, the cutting will develop roots, and you can transplant it to a larger container or to the ground.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is another method of propagating Bidens hyperborea. This method involves planting the seeds of the plant to grow new individual plants with the same characteristics of the parent plant.
To propagate Bidens hyperborea from seeds, collect ripe seeds from the plant during the fall season. You can identify ripe seeds by their brown color and hard texture. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until the spring season.
In the spring, plant the seeds in well-draining soil. Scatter the seeds over the soil, and cover them lightly with soil. Water the soil regularly, making sure that it remains moist but not water-logged. When the seedlings grow to about 2-3 inches tall, you can transplant them to their permanent location in the garden.
Disease Management
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. colpophila is prone to a number of diseases that may vary based on the plant's location and growing conditions. Some of the common diseases that can affect this plant include powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spots.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white and powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. To control powdery mildew, remove and destroy the affected leaves, keep the humidity low, and provide good air circulation. You can also apply fungicides as necessary.
Rust: Rust appears as yellow-orange spots on the leaves. To control rust, remove and destroy the infected leaves, keep the plant dry, and provide good air circulation. You can also apply fungicides as necessary.
Leaf spots: Leaf spots appear as dark, water-soaked spots on the leaves. To control leaf spots, remove and destroy the affected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide if necessary.
Pest Management
Bidens hyperborea Greene var. colpophila may also be affected by pests that can damage the plant and reduce its yields. Common pests that can affect this plant include aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap of the plant, which can weaken and deform it. To control aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to remove them from the plant, or use a garden hose to spray them off the plant.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant and cause discoloration. To control spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or use a garden hose to spray them off the plant.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of some species of moths and butterflies, and they can cause damage to the plant by eating the leaves. To control caterpillars, remove them from the plant by hand or use an insecticide that is specifically designed to control caterpillars.
Overall, the key to managing diseases and pests in Bidens hyperborea Greene var. colpophila is to keep the plant healthy and to monitor it regularly. Early detection and prompt action can prevent serious damage to the plant and help ensure a successful harvest.
