Content
Fluffy calistegia is one of the varieties of the plant that is called the Siberian rose. In fact, it came to us from the gardens of North America, China and Japan, where it is not cultivated. Our gardeners liked the plant because it develops quickly and blooms beautifully.
Botanical description
Fluffy calistegia is used as a hedge in many areas.
Kalistegia is a perennial with a well-developed root system. The roots are dense, white in color, capable of growing rapidly. New shoots appear in the spring at a distance of 1-1.5 m from the main plant. Calistegia vines are very flexible, covered with brown skin and can grow up to 4 m in length.
The leaf plates have the shape of an elongated triangle of bright green color, which are located along the entire length of the shoot. The leaves are slightly wavy at the edges with a relief pattern of veins. The flower is represented by a double bud, its diameter is from 3 to 9 cm. The shade of calistegia is white or pink. Flowering continues throughout the summer season. The fruit is a small box with seeds.
By the beginning of the winter period, all shoots completely die off. Only the rhizome remains of the calistegia. With the arrival of the next growing season, the root system will again begin to produce new shoots.
Application in landscape design
Calistegia has proven itself in landscape design. The only thing for which it is not suitable is the formation of bouquets, since its flowers have a tendency to close at night or during bad weather. It is also undesirable to plant a crop next to other flowers in a front garden or flower bed. She will not tolerate such a neighborhood.
It is mainly used for vertical development. Fluffy calistegia is suitable for landscaping gazebos, swings, arches. In a short time, it will reliably hide the contours under the dense green mass. Even a simple chain-link mesh can be the basis for a beautiful hedge. Fluffy calistegia looks good on a balcony or veranda planted in boxes, and decorates the window sill.
Reproduction methods
The flowering of fluffy calistegia continues throughout the summer.
Garden species of calistegia are propagated by seeds or root shoots. However, the vegetative method is considered the best. The long roots have adventitious buds from which shoots grow. At the beginning of spring, you can remove the top layer of soil without damaging the root system and the emerging young stems, and separate the part with vertical shoots with a sharp tool. Then it is transplanted to another place, where the process will begin to develop rather quickly.
Planting and leaving
Before planting a perennial, you need to determine the place, since the fluffy calistegia can suppress other crops, and prepare the nutrient soil in advance. Sunlight is important, otherwise it will have a bad effect on growth and flowering. The plant prefers loose soil, it also develops well on deciduous, loamy, peat soils. This should be taken into account when landing.
Subsequent care of the plant should consist in the correct watering regime and application of fertilizing, as well as in the timely loosening of the soil, pruning and preparation for the winter period.
Landing terms and rules
Planting can be done when the soil is warm enough. In temperate climates, the beginning of May is suitable for this. Places of cut of root processes should be sprinkled with crushed activated carbon or other means. Then you can land in a hole to a sufficient depth.
Fluffy calistegia is actively growing. To restrict the development of its root system, you need to use mesh tape, pieces of slate or plastic. Then the plant will not be able to capture excess territory. And planting a culture in tight containers is not worth it - the root system will not be able to fully develop and the calistegia may die.
Watering and feeding schedule
Fluffy calistegia will decorate a balcony, arch or swing at their summer cottage
Fluffy calistegia tolerates temporary short-term drought well, but stagnant water has a negative effect on it. When choosing a place for it, you need to take into account the groundwater, their close location is highly undesirable. A powerful root system allows you to be saturated with moisture for future use, and a temporary lack of moisture will not harm the plant. Based on this feature, watering the fluffy calistegia is necessary only in the absence of rainfall for a long time.
It is known that the perennial develops quite quickly, which means that it needs regular feeding. In the spring, humus can be added to the soil; from May to September, the culture must be fed with mineral fertilizers. Before the beginning of the winter period, the soil must be mulched with ash.
Pruning
In addition to the autumn pruning of dead shoots, fluffy calistegia will require periodic removal of dried flowers throughout the season. In addition, it is occasionally worth carrying out sanitary pruning of the plant, removing broken and rotten shoots.
Preparing for winter
Although the culture is unpretentious and tolerates winter well, proper preparation for frost is necessary. As already mentioned, first of all, the dry shoots must be pruned, then a layer of mulch must be made in the root zone. In addition, the fluffy calistegia, unlike other varieties, will require shelter for the winter, especially if the winter can be without snow. Moss, peat or fallen leaves are suitable as material.
The need for a transplant
Fluffy calistegia can grow in one place for more than 10 years, especially if the soil is regularly fed. She reacts negatively to the transplant, so it is advisable not to touch her again. However, if there is a need for this, then the best time for this procedure is late autumn after the end of flowering. A transplant in the summer will kill the plant.
Pests and diseases
Of the insect pests, calistegia is more likely to be attacked by the following parasites:
- slugs, snails, appearing from a lack of lime in the soil;
- a spider mite that infects foliage during hot periods.
To get rid of these insects, you will need to be exposed to special drugs.
Fluffy calistegia develops vertically
In rainy summers or with regular overflow of soil, the plant is susceptible to powdery mildew, which can be caused by fungal microorganisms. This disease will be indicated by a certain coating of white. It is advisable to detect the disease and pests at the initial stages. In this case, it will be easier to act on them with fungicides. But before starting treatment, sanitary pruning of damaged areas should be performed, and watering should be reduced.
Conclusion
Fluffy calistegia belongs to the Bindweed family. Unlike other species, it has unique flowers that delight the eye all season. It is unpretentious, tolerates winter well, and can survive a short-term drought. The culture fell in love with gardeners because in a short time it can become a beautiful hedge.
