Wedgescale Orache

Wedgescale Orache should be watered deeply about once a week during warm weather. In the hotter summer months, more frequent watering may be necessary, as long as the soil has not become overly wet or soggy. The amount of water needed depends on the weather and soil type, so be sure to check on the soil moisture frequently and water as needed. Allow the top few inches of the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid watering just the surface of the soil as this can lead to shallow rooting. Water just enough for the water to seep deeply into the soil and reach the roots. Begin reducing watering frequency in fall when the temperature begins to drop. Stop watering completely once the weather turns cold for the season.

Wedgescale Orache (Atriplex truncata) is a native perennial plant that is tolerant of drought, salt, and alkaline soils. It does best in full sun, but it can tolerate some shade. This plant species prefers a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, with more sunlight generally resulting in better growth, and flowering. To ensure the plant gets enough light, it may be helpful to place it in an area that receives sun most of the day or to site the plant in an area that is exposed to direct sunlight early in the morning, particularly during the summer months when the days are long and the sun is strongest.

Wedgescale Orache can be pruned once a year in late winter, just before the plant breaks dormancy and new growth begins. Prune no more than 1-third of the canopy to preserve the plant's overall shape and size. Remove dead and damaged branches with clean, sharp pruning shears. Because of its low-growing, spreading nature, 1 of the most common pruning methods for a Wedgescale Orache is to shear off the tips of the main branches to encourage a rounded, compact form. In addition, smaller newer branches and stems can be selectively thinned out periodically to promote better air circulation and sunlight penetration, and to reduce the occurrence of disease and pests.