The Golden Delight of the Southwest: Calylophus hartwegii ‘Texas Gold’
Calylophus hartwegii ‘Texas Gold’, commonly known as Texas Gold Sundrops, Hartweg’s Sundrops ‘Texas Gold’, Trailing Buttercups, or Western Primrose, is a captivating perennial herb that brings a splash of bright yellow to gardens. Native to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Mexico, this plant is a member of the Evening Primrose family (Onagraceae). Known for its resilience and striking blooms, it is a popular choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant addition to their landscape.
Plant Family
- Family: Onagraceae
- Genus: Calylophus
- Species: hartwegii
- Cultivar: ‘Texas Gold’
Description
Calylophus hartwegii ‘Texas Gold’ is celebrated for its vibrant yellow blooms that open in the evening and close by the next afternoon, adding dynamic color to the garden. The flowers, although short-lived individually, appear in succession, ensuring a prolonged display from spring through summer. The plant has green, linear to thinly lance-shaped leaves and drooping to erect stems that become woody with age. It typically grows to a height of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) and spreads about 24 inches (60 cm) wide.
The fruit of this plant is a long, cylindrical seed capsule with four chambers that open lengthwise. Its roots consist of a taproot system, making it well-adapted to dry conditions.
- Form: Herbaceous perennial
- Lifespan: Perennial
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Mature Size: 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) high and 24 inches (60 cm) wide
- Flowers: Bright yellow with four wrinkled petals, each flower lasting 24 hours, opening in the evening and closing the next afternoon.
- Bloom Season: Spring and summer
- Fruit: Long, cylindrical seed capsules with four chambers that open lengthwise.
- Wildlife Attraction: Butterflies, sphinx moths, bees, and birds. It is pollinated by sphinx moths.
Growing Conditions for Calylophus hartwegii ‘Texas Gold’:
This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 and is highly tolerant of heat and drought. It prefers full sun, including reflected heat, but can benefit from part afternoon shade in hotter climates. The ideal soil for Calylophus hartwegii ‘Texas Gold’ is well-drained, dry, and neutral to alkaline (pH 6.6-8.5), and the plant is also saline tolerant.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun, including reflected heat, to part afternoon shade.
- Soil Requirements: Well-drained, dry, neutral to alkaline.
- Watering: Once established, water once or twice a month. Tolerates weekly watering only in very well-drained soil. Does not thrive in high humidity.
- Mulch: Prefer gravel or bare soil. Avoid organic mulch that retains too much moisture.
- Maintenance: Low
- Animal Resistance: Resistant to deer and rabbits
Care Instructions
Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the plant’s health and appearance. Prune in late winter after the last freeze, cutting back to 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) tall and removing dead growth. Hard pruning stimulates new growth and blooms. The plant is generally low-maintenance, with minimal litter.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter after the last freeze, cutting back to 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) tall and removing dead growth. Hard pruning stimulates new growth and blooms. Regular deadheading can prolong the blooming period. Cutting back the plant in autumn to 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.
- Watering: Water sparingly once the plant is established. Overwatering can lead to root rot, particularly in humid climates.
Propagation
Calylophus hartwegii ‘Texas Gold’ can be propagated through several methods. Cuttings taken in spring can be rooted successfully. Rootball division is another effective method. Additionally, seeds can be sown in the fall and overwintered for new plants in the spring.
- Cuttings: Take cuttings in spring.
- Rootball Division: Can be divided by rootball.
- Seeds: Sow seeds in the fall and overwinter.
Uses
This plant is versatile in the landscape, and ideal for beds, borders, containers, and mass plantings. Its bright yellow flowers provide long-lasting color and attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, sphinx moths, bees, and birds. The plant is also resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a durable choice for gardens where these animals are prevalent.
Conclusion
Calylophus hartwegii ‘Texas Gold’ is a remarkable perennial that combines beauty with resilience. Its ability to thrive in challenging conditions, coupled with its stunning floral display, makes it a valuable addition to any garden. Whether used as ground cover, in borders, or containers, this plant is sure to bring a touch of golden elegance to your landscape.
