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Spotted loaf is a type of flower that is very often found not only in many household plots, but also in the compositions of landscape designers. This plant combines high decorative qualities and unpretentious care.
Description of the spot loosestrife
Spotted verbain refers to flowering herbaceous plants. It is ideal for open ground. The plant is a bush consisting of densely spaced shoots. They are covered with leaves along their entire length and have a slight pubescence. The plant can reach a height of 60-70 cm.
The flowering period begins in mid-June. At this time, small yellow star-shaped flowers appear in the leaf axils. They are located along the entire length of the shoots. After the end of flowering, small seed pods form in place of the flowers.
Varieties of dotted loosestrife
In landscape design, varieties of this plant are used, which have an unusual leaf color. This feature makes the flower even more decorative and increases the scope of its application in flower arrangements. There are two varieties of spotted loosestrife:
- Spotted loaf "Variegata Alexander"
The peculiarity of this variety is a thin white border along the edge of the leaves. The variegated foliage in combination with yellow stars of flowers looks very decorative.
Variegated variety "Variegata Alexander"
- Loose leaf "Golden Alexander"
The border on the leaves of this type of loosestrife is yellow in color. During flowering, the bush looks especially impressive.The original color of the leaves of the variety "Golden Alexander"
Verbeynik point in landscape design
Due to the fact that this flower can fully grow and bloom not only in a sunny place, but also in partial shade, landscape designers often include it in various compositions.
There are several cases for which the spotted loosestrife is perfect:
- If you plant it in the foreground of a rose garden with tall varieties, lush bushes will cover the unattractive, bare shoots of roses.
- For zoning space, you can plant this flower in rows. Such a low hedge will look very decorative.
- You can revive the shaded corner of the garden by planting a loosestrife along with hosts or ferns.
- This flower will perfectly fit into the composition of a country-style flower garden, contrasting with mallows and bells.
- This plant is also used to decorate the shore of an artificial reservoir. It looks great in combination with different types of irises.
The dotted loaf is quite versatile. The only place where it will grow and bloom poorly is deep shadow.
Verbeinik and hosta are a great option for shady corners
Breeding features
It is quite easy to get new copies of this flower. You can propagate it by sowing seeds, dividing a bush or grafting. Each of them has certain characteristics:
- Division of the bush. The spotted loaf grows rather quickly. It has a shallow root system that actively branches and produces many new shoots.The best propagation method for this plant is to divide the bush. It is best to carry out this procedure in spring or autumn, before or after flowering.
- Sowing seeds. Growing a new plant from seeds is also not difficult, but you will have to wait longer for flowering. Sowing for seedlings is carried out in early spring, followed by planting seedlings in the ground at the end of May. You can sow seeds before winter, but this is only applicable for regions with warm climates.
- Cuttings. In late spring and throughout the summer, cuttings can be rooted. They are cut from the tops of the shoots and rooted directly in the open field. As soon as new leaves appear, young seedlings are planted in a permanent place.
Planting and leaving
Spotted verbeynik is a flowering herb for open ground. To achieve rapid rooting of the loosestrife bush, you should choose the right time, place and plant according to all the rules.
A great option is landing by a pond
Recommended timing
Planting in the ground can be carried out both in the spring and in the fall. The main condition for determining the date is soil temperature and the absence of the threat of frost.
Spring planting is recommended in May, and autumn planting from early September to mid-October. It is also possible to plant in summer if necessary.
Site selection and soil preparation
Despite the indication of many sources that the spotted loosestrife grows better in the shade, you should not take this as a rule. It will feel great in a sunny place, provided there is a sufficient amount of moisture in the soil. A slightly shaded area or the shore of an artificial reservoir can also be a good place.
Spotted loaf is not particularly picky about the soil, but on heavy soil, its growth can slow down significantly. If possible, it is better to fill the selected area with mineral and organic fertilizers in the fall, it is a good idea to add some of the peat. You can improve the structure of heavy soil by adding some sand and compost.
How to plant a dotted loosestrife
The process of planting loosestrife is not much different from the usual method of planting flower plants. The procedure is performed step by step:
- A recess is prepared slightly larger than the size of the root system.
- Fill with nutrient soil to 1/3 of the depth.
- Place the plant in the hole.
- Water abundantly.
- Fill in the remaining soil and watered again.
The planting process itself is quite simple. A prerequisite for quick survival is abundant watering during the rooting period.
Growing features
Spotted loaf is a very unpretentious plant. But for full growth, he still needs care. It consists of a series of activities typical of all garden flowers.
Watering and feeding schedule
This flower does not tolerate drought and should be watered regularly. The frequency of watering depends on the climate and the frequency of precipitation in the spring and summer. In the absence of precipitation, it is necessary to moisten the soil at least once every 4-5 days. If it rains regularly, watering is carried out as needed. It is better to use settled water or rainwater, pre-heated in the sun to room temperature.
Bright accent in the composition
If the soil has been fertilized before planting, then the flower will have no shortage of nutrition for the next few years. Otherwise, it is recommended to apply a dose of mineral or organic fertilizers (rotted manure or compost) 1-2 times a summer.
Loosening and mulching of the soil
For spotted loosestrife, soil mulching is a must. He is very picky about soil moisture. In addition, mulching improves the structure of the soil - it becomes looser.You can use cut grass, peat, or fallen leaves as mulch.
Loosening the soil around the flower is carried out very carefully. The root system of this plant is located close to the soil surface and there is a risk of damage to it. Mulching eliminates the need for loosening.
Preparing for winter
The process of preparing for the winter, which the spotted loosestrife needs, can be divided into two stages:
- Leaving in the fall consists in pruning the shoots after flowering.
- Frost protection. You can cover with cut shoots or use compost instead. The verbein is not afraid of frost, but in cold climates it is advisable to cover it with a layer of leaves or compost.
Pests and diseases
The dotted loaf is practically not sick and can only sometimes suffer from an aphid attack, especially if roses grow nearby. If the pest population is small, you can do with folk remedies, for example, spraying with soap or ash solution. In case of severe damage, it is better to use chemicals.
Using a spot loosestrife
This unpretentious and decorative flower is used in various floral arrangements. It can also be used as a striking accent on your lawn. He is able to decorate shady places on the site in a group with other shade-tolerant plants.
Spectacular duet with daylily
Another area of application of this plant is traditional medicine. Leaves and shoots have anesthetic and wound healing effect. There are many recipes for decoctions and tinctures using loosestrife. They must be applied very carefully and only when necessary.
Conclusion
It is not in vain that the spotted verbeynik has gained popularity not only among ordinary flower lovers, but also among landscape designers. During the flowering period, it will become an adornment of any corner and will put an accent in the composition. Caring for this flower is very simple and will not cause difficulties even for novice florists.
