Emperor or "red lightning" in the garden

Imperata - what kind of plant is it, how to plant it correctly in open ground

An alternative name for the plant is "red lightning". And this is no coincidence. This designation has a direct connection with the appearance of the shrub. It is a rosette of long, pointed leaves, colored bright red. Grain belongs to the category of perennials. And this is one of its advantages. Having planted it once, you can admire it for a long time. The height of an adult plant reaches eighty centimeters.

In some regions, the imperial is considered a weed, and quite problematic, because it displaces all neighboring plants, including cultivated ones. In its natural environment, this shrub can be found in the flat areas of areas with a mild, warm climate. Curiously, in the natural environment, the color of the leaves is green, and in plants specially grown on the site, a red pigment appears.

The plant in question is purely decorative. Its leaves are not used as feed for birds and animals, have no medicinal value.

What's more, they are so tough that they can cause physical injury, so be careful with them.

When planting a plant in open ground, do not forget to follow a number of rules:

1. Choose an area for planting that is as sunny as possible. Moreover, the duration of lighting during the day also plays an important role. It is under the influence of ultraviolet radiation that a unique red pigment is produced.
2. Emperor is thermophilic, the optimum temperature for successful cultivation is 20 to 27 degrees.
3. The shrub is not particularly picky about the composition of the soil, the most important criteria are the presence of good drainage, as well as the ability to absorb excess water. The fact is that excess moisture and its stagnation are detrimental to the root system of this cereal.
4. When planting a new plant, it is necessary to dig a hole of considerable depth. Its bottom is covered with a layer of organic fertilizer; mineral mixtures can also be added. After planting, the voids remaining in the pit are sprinkled with earth, compacted, watered, and then covered with another layer of organic matter.

How to care for an impera

As mentioned earlier, the plant is unpretentious, and therefore easy to care for. It is enough to consider the following nuances:

1. Lighting.

The opera loves sunlight. It not only has a beneficial effect on growth, but also provokes the appearance of a unique red tint on the leaves.

1. Watering.

Too moist soil is not good. The main thing is not to allow the soil to dry out for a long time, the volume of one-time watering should be moderate.

1. Top dressing.

If you have applied enough fertilizer at the stage of planting in open ground, then the plant does not need further "doping". Unless you can support its growth once a year. During the period of active leaf production.

1. Pruning.

Watch for green leaves. If you notice such, remove, otherwise they will grow. Also, the length of the leaves is somewhat reduced before the wintering of the shrub. To do this, it is enough to cut off about fifteen centimeters from each leaf and stem.

1. Temperature conditions.

For the summer period, it is enough for the air to warm up to 20-27 degrees. In winter, the shrub will survive frosts as much as -12 degrees. But if in your region such a low temperature is not the limit, and also in the case of a snowless winter, it is better to insulate the cereal. For this, use a special film or breathable containers.

Remember that the impera grows very slowly, and therefore the flowering of the plant occurs in the third or fifth year of life. It is then that it is most beautiful.

Imperial breeding methods

In captivity, there is only one way to get young plants - this is the division of the root of an adult shrub. To do this, gardeners dig out the rhizome and carefully separate a small part from it. The separated root is placed in a prepared hole and that's it, you just have to wait for young leaves to appear above the surface of the soil.

Beneficial features

In some countries, the impera is regarded as an important medicinal plant. Its ingredients are found in astringents such as alum stick, which are used to treat cuts.

It is mainly used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Its ingredients are found in astringents such as alum stick, which are used to treat cuts. It is mainly used in traditional Chinese medicine.

In Brazil and Japan, cereal rhizomes are used as a diuretic.

Perennials are used to make paper and tea bags for portioned tea brewing. Mats are woven from the stems. In ancient China, the roofs were fenced by the imperial. The people of Papua New Guinea and East Timor are doing the same now.

Most often, the impera plant is grown as an ornamental plant, and it is easy to care for it.

The most beautiful variety is Red Baron. In Asia, the herb is known as an astringent and diuretic. Its extract contains caring anti-aging cosmetics.

Cereals are often used in design to create beautiful accents in group plantings. One of the brightest representatives of this type of flora is the cylindrical impera, which is widely used in landscape design to create unique flower growers.

Imperata is a cereal, the home of which is considered to be the Southeast Asian region. In nature, the plant has green, dense foliage. The most popular among florists is the Imperata cylindrica Red Baron, a distinctive feature of which is the bright red color of the leaves. In the common people, this variety is called the Japanese bloody grass or red lightning.

The unusual appearance makes the plant desirable and relevant for almost any flower garden. But it also has its own characteristic features that must be taken into account when planting the emperor in a flower garden. Let's take a closer look at this extremely attractive red lightning.

Description and varieties

Pampas grass forms dense and lush turf from tough, long and thin, curved leaves that form a green fountain shape. The edges of the plate are covered with sharp teeth that can damage the skin or cause irritation.

Cortaderia is a plant of beautiful late flowering, the decorativeness of which is fully revealed in autumn. In the middle of summer, peduncles begin to form from the center of the sod, similar to corn cobs in a shell.

At the end of growth, stunningly beautiful, long, fluffy, paniculate inflorescences, similar to feathers, are formed on the tops. Depending on the variety, they can be silvery white, cream or pink.

It is difficult not to pay attention to such beauty, especially since the decorativeness of the majestic cereal retains for a very long time and over time can grow into dense plantations. Pampas grass is a dioecious plant that forms decorative panicles only on female plants.

Male inflorescences are rather modest and small, so such specimens are not in wide demand.

Pampas grass is a dioecious plant that forms decorative panicles only on female plants. Male inflorescences are rather modest and small, so such specimens are not in wide demand.

In horticulture, high varieties of silver cortaderia with huge inflorescences are popular: "Sunningdale Silver", "Silver Comet", "Silver Feather". From the pink cortaderia, a very effective variety "Rosea".

Pink cortaderia "Rosea"

Low varietal forms are more hardy.These include the "Pumila" variety, 1.5 meters high, with pink or silvery-white inflorescences.

The empire in landscape design, what to combine with, what to replace

In landscape design, the plant is popular in the formation of a Japanese garden.

Imperata also looks great in mixborders in combination with various cereals.

Emperor with cereals

Red lightning goes well with plants such as:

• juniper;
• millet;
• miscanthus;
• mountain woman;
• barberry;
• elder;
• primrose;
• cypress;
• roses with bright color shades.

Border with rudbeckia, imperate and geranium.

The plant is truly versatile. Piercing red lines:

1. Suitable in regular gardens, next to trimmed trees.
2. In "unkempt", slightly wild landscapes in the English style.
3. In prairie-style gardens.
4. Looks great in pots and containers.
5. Near the conifers.
6. Perfectly emphasize the texture of natural stone.
7. They can act as an accent.
8. Or become a padding in a rabatka or mixborder, bordering other flowers.

Imperata is great for dry color compositions. If desired, the plant can be replaced with any other. For example, you can use high pearl barley, sandy or giant spikelet. It all depends on the purpose for which the plant will be used.

Types and varieties

Imperata cylindrica

Cylindrical imperial

Homeland - Southeast Asia, Philippines, China, Japan. Place of growth: sands, sandy steppes. Winter-hardy species. Cylindrical imperata is a tall perennial cereal with a thin root system. The edges of the leaves are narrow, sharp. Inflorescence is a spectacular silvery dense spike-shaped pinnate panicle up to 15 cm long.

Emperor pointed

Umbrella family. Perennial. Plant height up to 1 meter. The stem is tubular, with large three-toed leaves at the base. The inflorescences consist of small white or crimson-pink flowers. Blooms in summer.

Red Baron

The Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ variety is popular. The height of the decorative grass is up to 45 cm. The leaves grow vertically, their colors are impressive - emerald green with crimson ends. They acquire a crimson color as they grow, by autumn the leaves turn fiery red. It blooms rarely, with lush silvery spikelets. Unlike the original species, it reproduces slowly, with the help of lateral processes. A special feature is that the plant of the imperate red baron has a tendency to form shoots with green leaves. They grow at a tremendous rate, they need to be dug up as soon as they have been noticed so as not to harm the main plant.

Red Baron

Botanical description

Imperata cylindrica reaches a height of 25 cm to 3 m. The rhizome is strong and long, grows strongly, penetrates into the soil to a depth of one meter. In loose sandy soils, it reaches a depth of 40 cm. Stems 1.5-3 mm in diameter, smooth or covered with hairs, branch off from the rhizome one by one or in bundles.

Leaves are linear, consisting of a plate, a sheath and a ligula - a hairy outgrowth characteristic of cereals. Plates from 20 to more than 100 cm long, 8 mm to 2 cm wide, with sharp tips and edges. The lower leaves are 1-3 cm wide. The upper surface is pubescent, the lower one is usually smooth.

Plants form spike-shaped panicles 6-20 cm long, with a large number of hairs, which makes them appear silky and silvery. There are small spikelets 2.5-6 mm long. Flowering and fruiting occurs from April to August.

The fruits of the cereal are single-seeded kernels, resembling nuts.

In regions with favorable climatic conditions, ornamental varieties of Imperates are grown. Varieties with fiery red leaves are especially popular.

Different types of grass, planted at a distance from each other on the same territory, look beautiful.

They quickly form a closed cover.The height of cultivated plants does not exceed 50 cm.

In a favorable climate, ornamental varieties of Imperates are grown.

Growing imperates cylindrical from seeds

Seeds of imperates cylindrical photo

Sowing seeds in the ground

In temperate climates, you can try sowing seeds outdoors in late spring. Choose a well-lit area. Loosen the soil, remove weeds, cover the seeds shallowly. Regular moisture will be required for the seeds to germinate. Thin the seedlings as necessary.

Growing seedlings

Emperor cylindrical from seeds photo of seedlings

It is safer to grow seedlings. Sowing should be started at the end of March.

• You will need 1L pots and nutrient soil.
• Spread the seeds less often (at a distance of 3-4 cm) on the soil surface, press lightly, spray from a fine spray.
• To create a greenhouse effect, cover the top with foil or glass, do not forget to air regularly.
• Ensure the air temperature is 24-25 ° C, the lighting should be diffused.
• When the shoots appear, remove the shelter.
• Water in moderation.

Transplant seedlings into open ground with the establishment of real heat, having previously hardened the seedlings for 10-12 days. Leave the distance between the bushes 30-40 cm.

Description of the cylindrical emperor Red Baron

Due to the specific shape of the leaves of a rich red hue with clear lines, the cylindrical imperata (imperata cylindrical) is called "red lightning", and due to its Asian origin, it is sometimes called "Japanese bloody grass".

The cylindrical impera grows up to 30 cm in height, and sometimes it can reach 0.5 m. The stem is straight, the leaves are narrow and tough, with pointed ends.

During the flowering period, which is observed in mid-spring, it throws spikelets up to 15 cm long. The silvery fluffy ears create an interesting contrast with the leaves.

The cylindrical impera red baron is an exclusively ornamental plant. Due to their rigidity, the leaves are unsuitable as animal feed and bird nesting.

Important! It is necessary to be extremely careful and careful when contacting the imperate, as you can injure yourself on the tough leaves.

The root of the cylindrical imperate is actively used in cosmetology (as a moisturizing component). The root extract of this plant is able to saturate the skin with moisture in the shortest possible time, as well as provide the cells of the body with calcium.

Also used in tropical countries for brewing.

Planting and caring for the imperial cylindrical Red Baron

If your garden plot already has a collection of cereals, and not only the traditional green color, but also a yellow hue, then the bright red leaves will add the necessary accent to your landscape design.

For rare cereals, planting materials are preferable to purchase in trusted stores, since in this case you need to be absolutely sure that you have purchased a high-quality varietal plant.

True, the Emperor Red Baron may well be looked after by some experienced florists. This cereal hibernates perfectly in a cold climate, and there are almost no problems with it.

In order for your grass to retain its traditional decorative effect for this variety, it is extremely important to choose a good place for planting ideally. The cereal withstands light partial shade, however, it becomes bright red only on a sunny and open flower bed.

Planting and caring for The imperative cylindrical Red Baron presents no visible problems, but it grows rather slowly. In the third or fourth year of life, the plant grows tall and acquires a characteristic reddish tint.

The soil must be drained, the cereal does not like places with stagnant moisture. If there is not enough drainage, the plant can rot its roots. However, the rest of the landing is carried out in a simple traditional way:

1. Large holes, they should be made twice as large as the root system of the seedling.
2. Put compost at the bottom of the pit.
3. After the compost, you need to put a mineral complex fertilizer.

After the preparatory work, the young sapling of the Emperor Red Baron needs to be placed in a hole, covered with earth, watered and tamped. After that, the place around the planting is mulched with a small layer of peat (about three centimeters).

The plant does not like moisture too much, but on hot summer days it is better to water it abundantly. Also, intensive watering is needed in the spring, when young shoots are formed. Emperor cylindrical, although it does not tolerate stagnant water, however, prefers intensive watering.

In the fall, the plant should be pruned, leaving pieces of leaves about ten centimeters from the ground. Before the onset of cold weather, you need to additionally mulch your decorative cereal. If green shoots appear on the plant in the fall or at the end of summer, they should be cut out immediately, not allowing them to grow much, otherwise the appearance of the bush will be hopelessly spoiled.

When you start replanting a cylindrical imperate, you need to make sure that the ground is constantly wet, but not very wet. This plant does not take root well in new places, if there is little moisture, it will die.

Reproduction is carried out by simple division of an adult bush. The process of dividing itself is carried out at a time when the bushes have grown profusely, and in the middle they began to grow slightly bald. In doing so, consider the following:

1. It is best to propagate the cereal in the spring.
2. The plant should be dug up by the root.
3. Try not to damage the root
4. You can neatly split part of the excavated plant again.

Over the summer and spring, the plant needs to be fed two or three times. Imperata is very fond of Cylindrical Red Baron mineral fertilizers. However, if the soil in your garden is fertile, then the plant may not be fertilized at all. It is especially pleasant that the red cereal is not afraid of pests or diseases.

You do not need to force this plant to bloom with all your might. The Impera grass is not in the wild, and almost never blooms in the cultural environment. The plant already has great decorative value due to its bright foliage.

Emperor cylindrical Red Baron: planting and leaving

Imperata red is an unpretentious cereal that adapts well to the area. It is preferable to plant it in an open area of ​​the garden, where there is a large amount of ultraviolet rays. Given that the grass is native to warm countries, sunlight has a beneficial effect on its development. The soil is suitable for any composition, but preferably fertile, with an admixture of sand. This will enable the bushes to be more colorful, lush. Heavy soils must be diluted with sand, which will provide them with a lighter structure. Earth must be well-drained, breathable. The formation of a dense crust on the surface of the soil interferes with the normal metabolism in the flower, which significantly affects its decorative effect.

Often the decorative impera is planted in pots, decorating different areas of the garden with them.

The main care of the plant is regular, moderate watering. If desired, but not necessarily, in the spring, you can fertilize the soil with organic compounds, which will have a beneficial effect on the growth of the impera.

In late autumn, the stems of the plant are shortened by about 10-15 centimeters. The soil around the bush is mulched with sawdust or fallen leaves. A layer of mulch prevents dehydration of the soil, making the plant more comfortable overwintering. The winter hardiness of the imperial cylindrical Red Baron is strong enough, the culture does not require additional shelter.

The bush acquires the greatest decorative effect 4-5 years after planting. To renew old plantings, give them an impulse for growth, cleaning will help. For this, the old bush is dug up, cleaned of dead foliage, shoots.This manipulation enables the development of new growth, improves the decorative effect of the bush.

Plant propagation

The grass propagates in a vegetative, seed way. Given the rare flowering of the plant, collecting seeds at home is extremely burdensome. In nature, the seeds of an impera that have reached a mature state are self-seeded. The fluff contained on the seed gives it the opportunity, under the influence of the wind, to scatter over the adjacent territory. Self-seeded seeds take root quickly.

Photo of spikelet of Impera cereal with seeds

Seeds purchased in special stores are planted for seedlings in February-March. The container with the planting is covered with a film and regularly ventilated, the soil is moistened. After the emergence of shoots, the protective film is removed, and the planting is transferred to a lighter place. The grown seedlings are planted in separate containers, and after the onset of warm weather (end of April, May), they are planted in open ground.

A simpler option is grafting or dividing the bush. Having an adult bush of a plant on the site, it can be dug up in the spring and divided into several parts. For planting, dig a hole with a diameter twice as large as the rhizome. A drainage layer is laid on its bottom, a small amount of mineral fertilizers is poured. After planting the seedling, the soil around is tamped a little, covered with a layer of mulch. Such a seedling takes root very quickly, giving young growth. The main thing during the adaptation of the plant is to ensure regular watering.

Variety impera cylindrical Red Byron can be easily propagated using lateral shoots. They are separated from the mother bush, transplanted to a new place. It is also recommended to mulch the soil around.

Given that most plant varieties are aggressive conquerors of territories, their reproduction and growth must be controlled. Otherwise, they will interfere with other, nearby growing plants, to develop. To control the growth of plantings, you can carry out periodic cleaning, weeding out unnecessary plantings. It is also allowed to plant a plant in a pot, which is dug into the territory of the flower bed. Then the growth of the rhizome will be strictly limited to the limits of the container.

Diseases and pests

The herb is resistant to diseases and pests. The only thing that can hinder its growth is improper care. An excessively humid habitat, a close occurrence of groundwater and a swampy territory provoke decay of the rhizome. You can deal with this by normalizing the irrigation system or by replanting the plant to another place.

Distribution and habitats

The homeland of the "Red Lightning" is the southeastern part of Asia (Korea, China, Japan). But due to its ability to grow very quickly, this cereal is now widespread in almost all corners of the world, where the weather remains quite warm.

If for European countries "Red Lightning" is a favorite element of landscape design, then for the United States of America this grass is a real disaster and a thunderstorm for local farmers.

This weed (Americans call it cohon grass) instantly occupies wastelands and clearings, is carried by wind streams along the sides of national highways and displaces other meadow grasses.

The plant is completely unsuitable for use as feed for both wild and farm animals due to its too sharp stems. It also makes it impossible for most birds to nest.

Did you know? The resourceful aborigines of New Guinea have found great practical use for the sharp stems of the impera. It is dried and used to cover the roofs of houses. As you know, dry grass as a roofing material in Europe was used only until the end of the nineteenth century, but in Oceania, as well as some Asian, African and Latin American countries, this style is still perfectly used.

It must also be said that in tropical countries "Red Lightning" usually reaches a higher size than in the temperate zone, stretching up to 80-90 cm.

Emperor Red Baron

Peculiarities

The Red Baron or in the common people "red lightning" refers to the tall category of the family of cereals. The stem height reaches 80 centimeters. The leaves look like a wide blade with pointed ends.

The inflorescences reach a length of up to 15 centimeters - a beautiful spike-shaped panicle with a silvery tint.

Winter hardiness

Imperata red baron is a frost-hardy plant. It perfectly tolerates severe winters, which can be very unpredictable throughout Russia.

For example, the frosts in the Moscow region, which broke records in 2003, were endured by the Imperata without any problems.

Planting and leaving

In spring or late autumn, gardeners recommend cutting the tops of the leaves (by about 10 cm).

It should also be borne in mind that the Red Baron plant has a tendency to form shoots with green leaves. Due to the fact that they grow at a tremendous rate, they need to be dug up as soon as they have been noticed so as not to harm the main plant.

In the first few years of life, the young plant has not yet matured, therefore it is recommended to cover it with plastic wrap (of dense consistency) for the winter.

The imperata is an exclusively ornamental plant. The leaves are not used anywhere, since they do not carry any useful properties, they are not suitable as an addition to animal feed, although they are not poisonous. You must be extremely careful with them, because, due to their rigidity, they can cause serious physical injury. The clumps of grass are very dense, in nature they quickly suppress other vegetation and cannot serve as a nesting place for birds - the stems are too tough.

When planting a plant in open ground, you should definitely adhere to the following recommendations:

• the area where the plant will be planted should be well lit, and throughout the day. Otherwise, the plant will not produce the special pigment that gives the plant a bright red tint;
• despite its excellent frost resistance, the plant belongs to the thermophilic category. The optimal temperature for successful cultivation is considered to be 20 - 27 degrees;
• the soil is not particularly important for the plant. The main criteria for choosing a soil are: the presence of drainage, good ability to quickly absorb excess moisture. If moisture remains near the root system for a long time, it can harm the plant;
• during the initial planting of the plant, the hole should be at least 20 centimeters deep. The bottom must necessarily be covered with a mineral mixture (can be purchased at any flower shop, its price does not exceed 100 rubles). After planting, the rest of the pit is carefully sprinkled with soil, compacted and an additional layer of organic matter is laid to improve the properties of plant growth.

As for the reproduction of the plant, in captivity, today only one option is available - the method of dividing the root system of an adult bush.

The reproduction algorithm is as follows:

1. It is necessary to excavate the root system.
2. Separate part of the root from it with gentle movements.
3. Dig a hole up to 20 cm deep.
4. Fertilize with a mineral mixture.
5. Drop the detached part.

If the root system was not disturbed during separation, within 1 month it will be possible to see the appearance of a new Imperate bush.

Landing rules

It is not difficult to grow an imperial person, but there are still a number of features that you need to know. Then the plant will delight you with its decorative effect.

Seat selection

• In order for Red Baron to retain the brightness of foliage and a beautiful appearance, a planting site must be chosen as well illuminated as possible by the sun's rays.
• It is allowed to grow in partial shade under the crown of tall shrubs, but it is under the sun that you can see all the beauty of the shades of bright red foliage.
• It is recommended to plant the impera on the western or southern side of the site, which is convenient. After all, not all garden plants are able to constantly be in direct sunlight from morning to evening.
• It is imperative to take into account that herbaceous bushes grow rapidly and strongly. Red Baron can be planted in tubs and thus limit overdevelopment of the root system.

Temperature

Imperata is a plant from Asian countries, well withstands frosts up to -26 degrees, but the harsh winter and icing may not survive. To avoid death, you should take care of the shelter of the aboveground part for the winter months.

In summer and spring, the optimum temperature for successful growth and development should be in the range of -25 - 27 degrees. In the autumn, prune and leave shoots 10 - 15 cm high. Put dry foliage on top of the crown, sprinkle with peat, then throw on burlap, you can use old blankets.

It is especially good if the winter is snowy. In this case, constantly pour snow on top of the shelter. Then the impera will successfully endure the cold.

Soil composition

The soil is preferable light and sandy

If the composition is poor enough, then feed with compost.
It is important that there is looseness and lightness, good air and moisture conductivity.
It is undesirable to plant the emperor in damp and swampy places where melt water accumulates or groundwater is too close to the soil surface.
If unsure, make a good drainage layer. Depending on your idea of ​​\ u200b \ u200bthe location of the emperor in the landscape, you can plant a specimen on a dais

This will only benefit the plant.
Fertilizing during planting will provide the soil with the humus necessary for the growth of the Red Baron impera. The acidity level should be low or neutral. If the soil is acidic, then carry out liming or add dolomite flour.

Landing

Can be grown in several ways.

Seed method

• Plant the seeds in open ground immediately in the first half of April. Pre-clear the ground from weeds, loosen and level.
• After planting, rain abundantly to prevent seeds from sinking deep into the soil.
• Moisten the ground constantly. So shoots will appear faster. After germination, thin out the imperates to avoid thickening.
• Some grow seedlings in the third decade of March. A nutrient substrate is poured into pre-prepared pots with a volume of 1 liter and the seed material is placed with an interval of 3 - 4 cm. The seeds are slightly pressed into the ground.
• Next, cover the containers with a film or a piece of glass, creating the effect of a greenhouse. It is necessary to observe the temperature regime within +24 - 25 degrees.
• Lighting should not be too bright, diffused will do, and moderate watering. When sprouts appear, then the shelter must be removed.

For 1.5 - 2 weeks before planting in a permanent place, harden. Bring the sprouts out to fresh air every day, gradually increase the time you spend outside.

When planting, keep the gap between young shoots at least 30 - 40 cm. If you are planting for the first time, try planting 1 plant first or in different places.

Dividing the bush

This method can be combined with the rejuvenation of an adult bush. Usually the middle becomes bald over time. Therefore, the method helps to put the plant in order.
Plan the event for the spring

Dig out the bush carefully and divide it into equal parts. Try not to damage the root shoots

Sit in prepared places.

Landing technology

Put some mineral complex fertilizers at the bottom of the planting holes. Use a nitrophoscope. It is better to transfer young plants by transferring them together with an earthen clod. The dug hole should correspond to the volume of the roots.

After planting, compact the ground with your hands to avoid voids. Then pour and mulch with peat in a layer of no more than 3 cm.

Planting and caring for the imperanta cylindrical

How to plant

• If the soil is depleted, add humus or compost a couple of weeks before planting for digging;
• Dig the planting holes to match the size of the root system;
• Place a little mineral fertilizer at the bottom (nitrophoska is suitable);
• Transfer the seedlings together with the earthen clod;
• Cover the rest of the space with earth, lightly compact with your hands;
• Water well, when the water is absorbed, cover the soil surface with a layer of peat about 3 cm.

Watering

He does not like waterlogging of the soil, moderate moisture will be required. Water more abundantly in spring (when young shoots are forming) and during severe summer drought.

Top dressing

When grown in fertile soil, additional feeding is not needed. Otherwise, feed 2-3 times per season. You can use complex mineral fertilizers or organic matter. At the beginning of the season, the emphasis should be on the proportion of potassium; closer to autumn, use compost.

New green leaves should be removed - they grow quickly, but have no value from a decorative point of view.

About the plant, genus of plants, varieties

The Imperata plant is ornamental, and belongs to the category of cereals (Gramineae). In many countries, for example, in the United States, it is known as a very aggressive plant, whose seeds are quickly spread by the wind, while it is not used on the farm (as feed for livestock), although the root system is popular in medicine. In nature, only one species is known - the Cylindrical Emperor. However, this name is far from the only one.

It is also called:

• Lagurus cylindricus;
• Imperata koenigii;
• Alang-Alang;
• Kogonova grass;
• Emperor reed;
• Casaro.

Originally from countries with warm climates: China, Japan, but found throughout the continent.