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Many summer residents are fond of landscape design and create original and unique flower arrangements from various cultures on the plots. Arctotis deserves special attention due to the varied colors of the inflorescences and undemanding nature.
Plant characteristic
The Arctotis flower belongs to the Astrov family. The name of the plant literally translates as "bear ear". There are about 30 types of flowers, which are annual, biennial and perennial.
The flower Arktotis has erect, branching stems from 20 to 70 cm high. The leaves of the herbaceous or semi-shrub Arktotis are slightly pubescent, have a silvery-greenish tint. The main difference between species is manifested in the parameters, shapes and shades of colors. Inflorescences of rich shades up to 7-10 cm in diameter. In the flower, the marginal petals are painted in bright tones of white, pink, orange or deep crimson. The tubular petals stand out in dark shades of purple, brown, or crimson.
The cultivated flowers of Arctotis are mainly perennials, but the bushes do not overwinter in the central or northern regions, therefore they are grown as annuals. The luxurious flowering of Arctotis is distinguished by a long period - from July almost to autumn frosts. It is noteworthy that the inflorescences fully open only in bright weather. The most common are hybrid varieties obtained by crossing different species.
The most popular and often planted are several varieties of Arktotis:
- The hybrid is distinguished by red-orange flowers (Harlequin Mixed) or dark pink inflorescences (Wine). The stems grow to a height of 30-45 cm. Hybrid Arctotis with semi-double petals look very elegant;
- The stechastolic variety can be attributed to the most common. On stems about 70 cm high, flower baskets with a diameter of about 8 cm grow. This Arctotis is distinguished by two-color inflorescences with snow-white petals at the edges and shiny middle of a deep blue hue (photo). It is noteworthy that the garden variety has longer leaves and wider inflorescences than the main species;
- Arctotis Stem grows no higher than 15 cm. Inflorescences of bright saturated orange shades are formed by reed petals;
- A stemless plant variety has long (15-20 cm) basal leaves with a green front surface and a white-gray back. Elegant inflorescences of small diameter (about 5 cm) are distinguished by a black-red central part;
- Rough Arctotis grows no more than half a meter. Differs in yellow reed petals with thin brownish strokes.
It is impossible not to mention rare varieties: Arktotis Beautiful, short (up to 30 cm) with bluish petals along the edges of the basket.
Auricular grows up to 45 cm and has rich yellow marginal petals.
The Arctotis Magnificent flower is remarkable for its large orange petals at the edges of the flower basket.
Planting seeds
You can grow a flower by sowing seeds in open ground or planting seedlings. The seeds of Arctotis are usually quite small in size, with a slightly pubescent brownish surface. In open ground, the seed is sown in the first half of May.
Sowing stages
Growing seedlings of Arktotis is the best option, and it is better to sow seeds in late March or early April.
- Since the tap root system of plants is quite long, the seeds are sown in separate specially prepared containers so as not to damage the roots when planting Arctotis sprouts. You can use a nutritious potting mix available from flower shops. Or prepare the soil yourself - mix in equal proportions sand, garden soil and peat. In order to disinfect the soil, it is recommended to pre-heat it in the oven.
- In containers, make holes in the center of the moistened nutrient mixture and put 2-3 seeds of Arctotis (in each glass).
- The wells are carefully sprinkled with earth and additionally moistened (you can use a spray).
- To prevent the soil from drying out, cover all containers with glass or plastic wrap. Suitable conditions for emergence are a warm and well-lit area.
When the first shoots appear after a week and a half, the covering material can be removed. It is recommended to water the seedlings through the pallet. Arctotis flowers need regular but moderate watering.
In warm southern regions, in early May, seeds can be sown directly into open, moist soil. When preparing the holes, you need to take into account the size of the future flowers and apply the appropriate hole pattern. Put 5-6 seeds in each hole. The seed germinates in 10-12 days and after a week the sprouts can be carefully thinned out, removing weak seedlings. The bush is formed from 2-3 shoots. Since the flowers of Arktotis tolerate short-term cold snaps well, you can not be afraid for the plants during late spring frosts.
Care features
In order for the plant to bloom for a long time and abundantly, well-lit places, protected from the winds, are allocated in the summer cottage for planting flowers Arctotis. The plant prefers light, drained soils and does not develop well on constantly damp soils. Also, the flower reacts negatively to the introduction of fresh organic fertilizers into the ground.
Moreover, low-growing Arctotis flowers are placed according to the scheme 25x25 cm, and tall ones - 40x40 cm. Since the plant forms a long and powerful central core, it is possible to transplant seedlings only once.
Since in natural hot conditions the flower grows on stony soils, it does not need abundant watering. The main requirement when choosing a place for planting Arctotis flowers is open areas.
It is recommended to use mineral compositions (phosphoric) in small quantities during the flowering period of Arktotis. It is better to introduce nutrient solutions while watering the bushes.
After watering, it is recommended to loosen the soil and remove weeds... To stimulate lush flowering, it is recommended to constantly remove faded baskets. It should be borne in mind that high grades may need additional support.
Since Arctotis flowers are not left for wintering in the middle / northern regions, the bushes are pulled out in autumn and burned. It is easy to stock up on planting material yourself. To do this, you need to observe the faded inflorescences. After about one and a half to two weeks, wilted baskets are covered with a fluffy layer. It is necessary to cut them off and dry them in a cool dry place. The seeds are cleaned from baskets and packed in thick paper bags.
Pest control
Arctotis flowers are resistant to diseases and pests. Sometimes plantings can suffer from aphids or root rot.
Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap. Many pest species can carry disease.The first visible signs of damage to the Arktotis flower - the leaves begin to turn yellow and curl, small greenish or black bugs appear on the shoots. Most often, the insect infects fresh or weakened plants. If you do not fight the pest, then the growth of bushes slows down, and the leaves and flowers begin to deform. Aphids can be caused by ants or extended periods of humid hot weather. In case of damage to single plants, you can get rid of insects by washing the green mass of the bushes with a stream of water. If a large area is affected, then the plants are sprayed with insecticides (Fiore, Actellik).
When damp weather sets in in summer with sudden temperature changes, gray rot can damage the plants. The fungus infects all aerial parts of the plant. The disease first appears on the lower leaves and then spreads to the stem. The disease manifests itself in the form of light brown dry spots. It makes no sense to fight the spread of a fungal disease. Therefore, at the first signs of the disease, the damaged plant is carefully dug up and burned. For prevention, you can spray the remaining bushes with "Fundazol".
Flowers in landscape design
Arctotis look harmoniously both as separate groups and in flower arrangements on flower beds. Gardeners recommend planting the plant on stony crusts. High varieties exquisitely decorate plantings with low flowers (marigolds, verbena, petunia). Low-rise views look great along curbs or in meadows next to summer cottages.
Arctotis requires very little attention. Thanks to the constant flowering, the summer cottage will delight the owners and guests with elegant and bright flowers all summer.
