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The flower-bed acquires a new look when it is lushly blooming. A breathtaking aroma and shaggy panicles of bright colors make this piece of land amazingly beautiful. On the one hand, the flowers resemble true giants, on the other - unusual shaggy snakes. The first reaction to them is to touch and hug. Coming closer to the plant, you can immediately hear the intoxicating smell of vanilla and notes of dried grass, with which it is impossible to say goodbye.
If the owner wants to impress his estate guests and neighbors, then he should learn the secrets of planting and caring for Liatrice spikelet. In the open ground, the culture proved to be frost-hardy and capricious. Nevertheless, the bush will have a presentable appearance when it is taken care of.
The smell coming from the flowers is used in the fight against the moth. If the blossoming branch in the cabinet is kept for half a year, the insects will not approach the clothes at a distance of 10 m.
Eye of Enchantment
Before you become more familiar with popular varieties, it is important to pay attention to the description of the herb itself. The height of each peduncle is from 40 to 80 cm. There are cases when the arrows reached 1-2 meters. The first flowers appear in June, and the last - by the beginning of August.The palette of colors is bright and varied. It consists of such shades:
- white;
- purple;
- red;
- purple;
- blue.
In the photo, the lyatris glume is excellent thanks to fluffy panicles. They are often called "steppe feathers" or "glowing stars". Several flowers bloom from a single beam. Petals are unusual, because they are presented in the form of thin antennae. In the complex, they create a magnificent inflorescence, which looks quite harmonious against the background of thin leaves (3 cm wide). The method of opening the spikelets is surprising to many - it starts from the top and ends at the bottom.
In autumn the carved grassy "carpet" is covered with a bronze layer of fallen petals. This kind does not spoil the landscape design of the garden, but, on the contrary, makes it enigmatic. Many gardeners gave their hearts to the 3 rd gorgeous varieties of Liatrix Spikelet.
The plant contains valuable nectar, therefore it attracts insects: bumblebees and honey-plants. Therefore, it is better to plant it at a safe distance from the playground.
About Liatrice "Blue"
The original purple hue with a red tint of amazing panicles fits perfectly into the exterior of the villa. The height of the stems does not exceed 50 cm. On the inflorescence is almost 35 cm. This makes it possible to plant a crop along the curb or make a hedge from it, but only in miniature. You can admire it for 30-45 days of the holiday season.
The scorching sun and moisture deficit in no way affect the Liatrice with the Blue spike. He will remain as attractive and charming. At the same time, the flower does not tolerate a rainy summer. Dampness caused by stagnation of water leads to decay of roots and the appearance of powdery mildew. It also does not suit clayey, as well as heavy types of soils.
The problem is that the groundwater is too close to the surface or the spring melting of snow is prolonged for a long time. In this case, the culture is planted on the hills, hills or form a mound - the Alpine hill.
Alba, but not Jessica
For the garden of the Liatris, the spike "Alba" is a real "bride". When a light breeze begins to disturb the white refined panicles, the flowerbed turns into a train / veil of the wedding dress. Such a snow-white decoration is worthy only of a world-class actress. Duration of flowering - from the end of June to August.The stem rises almost to 100 cm above the ground.
The tubers are very close to the surface. During the rains / rains, the soil may be washed off. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically hive bushes.
Flower growers are advised to cover the rhizomes with deciduous humus (12 cm). It will serve as a fertilizer, and a reliable support for the plant.
Pink or purple "Flamingo"
A trip to Africa will become meaningless if the tourist does not see these stunning birds. You can create your own "continent of the future" (another name for this part of the world) with the help of a delightful sort of Liatris of the spike "Flamingo".It's amazing, but this variety is both bright pink and purple. In most cases, the latter option is more popular than the first one. The name, perhaps, the flower received because of shaggy ears, which resemble the plumage of these African inhabitants.
Landing for the lazy
Liatris spikelet (spikata in Latin) is loved for its "complaisant" character. Nevertheless, a place for him is chosen bright, warm and spacious. The soil must be fertile, so it is fertilized with a dumped manure, compost or minerals. Practice two methods of growing "glowing stars seeds and tubers.
Seeds lie down in the ground, roots are let out and - forward
The sowing is carried out in the spring - in the beginning of April or in the autumn - in the last days of October. The bed is first dug, brought in a natural dressing, and then loosen and water with a small amount of water. At the bottom make drainage of stones, sand or pebbles.The holes are formed by a depth of, cm, making them at a distance of 10 cm. After emergence seedlings are planted in a permanent place. Three years after planting, Liatrice Koloskovy will please the grower with his majestic flowers.
For southern regions, it is not necessary to wrap the plant for wintering. In the northern parts of the country it is recommended to cover it with mulch or burlap. This also applies to territories with snowless winters.
Tubers are not beautiful, but strong
This is one of the fastest and most reliable ways of reproduction. When in autumn the green foliage leaves, the bulbs are dug out, the ground is peeled off from them and divided into several parts. The diameter of each tuber is from 2 cm. After that they are sorted and sent to dry in the attic or in the pantry.
In May / August, small grooves 7-10 cm are formed on the prepared area. They are filled with humus (1/3 fovea). The step of the location of the bushes is 20 cm, in some cases 30 cm.
The mother bush is divided into tubers. Do this even during flowering. At the same time, making sure that the young seedling had a strong basal neck and healthy shoots. The distance of the wells is 30 cm, the depth is 20 cm.
Signs of attention to the plant
As it was noted, planting and caring for Liatrice spikelet does not require special professionalism and skills. Culture can be a long time not watered. However, loosening and hilling the land around the bush is a vital procedure. Mulching will make the soil airy and soft. By regularly removing weeds, the flower grower extends the life of the flower. The introduction of mineral fertilizers (in the spring - nitrogen containing, in the summer - potassium-phosphorus) promotes the abundant flowering of the Liatrix of the spikelet. With such signs of attention, the flowerbed will turn into a majestic and refined garden ornament.
