Physiostegy care in the garden
In order for the physostegia to grow and develop normally, it must be systematically watered, after this procedure, the soil is compulsorily loosened together with the removal of weeds. The site must be covered with a layer of mulch, provide the plant with timely feeding, as well as protection from pests and diseases and preparation for wintering.
This flower is quite hygrophilous. In this regard, during the dry period, it must be watered in a timely manner. In the event that it rains systematically in the summer, then physical therapy can do without watering. It is necessary to remove weeds and loosen the soil surface after each rain or watering. In order to facilitate physical care, it is recommended to cover the surface of the site with a layer of mulch (humus or peat), in this case the number of weeding, loosening and watering will be significantly reduced.
If the soil is saturated with nutrients, then the subcortex of physostegy is arranged only 1 time per season and a water-soluble complex mineral fertilizer is used for this. Top dressing must be done together with watering. It is recommended to feed such a plant before flowering.
Reproduction of physostegia
This flower can be propagated not only by seeds, but also by a vegetative method, namely by dividing the rhizome or bush, layering, and also by cuttings. It is recommended to divide the bush in the spring (before the plant blooms) or at the end of the summer period (at the end of flowering). However, some gardeners divided the bush directly during flowering and the divisions took root very well, but in this case it is imperative to cut off all the inflorescences from the plant. Remove the bush from the soil and cut off the aerial part from it. Then it is divided into several parts. Plants should be planted in the same way as seedlings.
In the first summer weeks, you can try to propagate physostegia by cuttings. Cuttings are harvested before the plant blooms, while their length should be from 10 to 12 centimeters. Each cutting should have several pairs of buds. For rooting, they are planted in moistened sand, which is filled in a box or container. The container must be removed to a shaded place. The cuttings will overwinter in a cool room, and with the onset of the spring period they will need to be transplanted to a training bed. It will be possible to plant the cuttings in a permanent place only after another 1 year.
At a sufficient distance from the parent plant, layers with rosettes grow, while the oppression of flowers growing in the neighborhood does not occur. They should be dug up and transplanted into a shaded area. Before the layers are transplanted to a permanent place, they must be grown for 1 year.
In the autumn, the division of the rhizome is carried out. The separated white scraps are planted in a permanent place. They root very well, but it takes a little longer than rooting the cuttings. Remember that when fizostegia is propagated by dividing a bush, rhizomes or layering, the soil near the plants should be constantly slightly damp, but not soggy.
Transfer
In the second or third year of life, physostegy takes on the most spectacular appearance. Without a transplant, it can be grown for no longer than 5 years. Then the bushes are removed from the soil, divided and planted in new places. Physostegia should be transplanted and looked after during this period in the same way as during the initial planting. The transplanted plant needs abundant watering, and experienced gardeners also recommend immediately covering the surface of the site with a layer of mulch.
Diseases and pests
Such a plant has a very high resistance to diseases and pests. However, sometimes aphids can settle on the bush. To destroy such a harmful insect, the bushes should be sprayed with Biotlin, Antitlin, Aktellik or another insecticide designed to combat such pests.
If water stagnates systematically in the soil, then the plant may develop a fungal disease. In this case, it should be sprayed with a fungicide as soon as possible.
Diseases and pests
Kufeya tolerates diseases well. Mites pose a danger to the plant. They spin cobwebs on leaves and stems. For treatment, the plant is washed with soapy water; chemicals are used for a reliable result.
The greatest damage to the plant is caused by the scale insect. It leaves brown spots on the leaves. You can remove it with soapy water, cleaning the leaves with a brush on both sides. It is advisable to treat them with an insecticidal agent.
Pests on perennial leaves
Cufea in design
Kufeya looks gorgeous in designs. She will decorate any corner of the house, garden or porch. The bushes are excellently combined with annual crops. Due to the high growth of kufei, it is planted in the middle, and supplemented with other flowers on the sides. The variety of colors makes the bouquet unusual and bright.
Description of the kufei flower
Kufea is a lush and bright flower. Homeland of this evergreen shrub in Mexico. The name comes from Greece and translates as "curved". He got his flower for curved fruits.
By the way, the seeds of the bush are also curved and small. One gram contains up to 350 seeds. The kufei has an average germination rate, so to get one hundred plants it is worth taking 1 gram of seeds.
In cold climates, a thermophilic plant is not able to winter outdoors. Therefore, gardeners grow kufeya as an annual ornamental shrub.
In cold climates, perennial kufeya takes root only at home.
Plant species
Spread out kufeya
In height, an adult bush stretches up to half a meter. Among the dense green foliage, there are many purple or white flowers. Seeds are sown from March to April, and kufeya blooms in June and blooms until autumn.
Kufeya Blazing Bonfire
This is a hybrid of a lion and a spread kufei. The fiery red flowers of this ampelous perennial form delightful cascades throughout the summer. Combines with any flower and will be a distinctive finishing touch in a flower garden.
Kufeya fiery red
A popular species among indoor plants. A low neat shrub replete with bright red tubular flowers. This type of kufei is thermophilic, and it is undesirable to take it outside before June. The fiery red kufeya is propagated by cuttings and grown as an annual. Seeds are planted in open ground at the end of May. Will bloom from August to frost.
The kufeya is pale. Grown as an annual shrub. Cuttings are harvested in the fall and kept indoors all winter. They are planted in the ground at the end of May. A small dense bush blooms many small burgundy flowers. Flowering begins in June, the buds bloom even in frost. With the onset of severe frosts, the plant dies.
Kufea hyssopolis
The bush came from Mexico. It is thermophilic, but at the same time it can withstand heavy rain and windy weather. Often bred by cuttings. Cuttings are bought or harvested in February. For this, the plant is brought into a cool room with a temperature of 5 degrees for wintering. It blooms with small flowers of white, lilac or pink color. Needs frequent and abundant watering.
Lanceolate kufea
A charming annual flower. Height - 70–90 cm. Often propagated by seeds. They begin to bloom in July and before the first frost. Spike-shaped inflorescences, lilac tubular flowers reach 3 centimeters. Does not like direct sunlight, preferring partial shade.
It blooms for a long time from May to October, releasing many bright small flowers of pink or red color.
Types of kufei with photos
Among gardeners, the following types are popular:
Spread out kufeya
The bush of an adult plant reaches a height of half a meter. It is decorated with thick, very beautiful foliage, as well as lovely flowers that have a white or purple color. Grown from seed, however, acquiring them is quite difficult. As a rule, seeds are highly germinating and are sown in a greenhouse or in open ground.
Kufeya "Blazing Bonfire"
By right, the best "creation" of breeders. This is an excellent ampelous plant on which bright red flowers bloom in a huge amount, cascading in cascades. Sometimes it is grown as a not very large bush.
Its magnificent appearance will surely attract attention even among the sea of other colors. The fact is that bright red flowers contrast perfectly with dark greens.
Kufeya fiery red
This species is very popular among gardeners, and it grows well in an apartment environment. It is also called a "cigarette", and this is due to the flowers (similar to tubes) of red color with dark edges, which is very similar to a smoldering cigarette. This shrub is very fond of warmth and it should be taken out into the street only in the last days of May or the first days of June. It looks like a neat small bush that blooms very beautifully with bright red flowers. He will make your windowsill, loggia or balcony elegant.
Pale kufeya
This annual shrub is distinguished by its elegance and beauty. It has gorgeous, dark, dense leaves, and its flowers are rather small, having a red wine color. Most often it is grown in hanging pots, in a flower bed or in a container. And also this plant looks very impressive both in group planting and in single planting. It is propagated by cuttings, the flowering of which begins from the first days of the next summer.
Kufea hyssopolis
This is a neat small bush that perfectly retains its shape and does not disintegrate due to heavy rain or wind. As a rule, propagates by cuttings. Since May, cuttings of this wonderful shrub can already be purchased at the flower shop. Despite the fact that the flowers are small. Such a kufeya looks very impressive during flowering, since there are incredibly many pink, white or lilac flowers on it, and they completely cover the bush. This species is very thermophilic and needs quite abundant watering. Most often grown in patios or on balconies.
Lanceolate kufea
The bush usually reaches a height of 0.9 meters. Its flowers are painted in a dark lilac color and have an elongated tubular and at the same time incredibly beautiful shape. It blooms for a very long time with July month to October... As a rule, reproduction takes place at the expense of seeds.
Growing problems
Despite the general unpretentiousness of the culture, some difficulties may arise in the process of growing it.
Dropping leaves and buds
Shedding buds and leaves is often a natural process. In some cases, the described phenomenon indicates the wrong conditions for keeping the flower: lack of lighting, the presence of pests, waterlogging or overdrying of the soil.
Important! Sometimes the reason for the leaves falling off turns out to be related to the fact that when winter comes, the kufeya finds itself in uncomfortable temperature conditions.
Blanching leaves
Most often, the blanching of the foliage turns out to be associated with sharp temperature changes during the night and daytime and drafts. This also happens with seedlings that are planted in open ground too early and with specimens of flowers that are in the open ground until late autumn.
Drying out the tips of the leaves
Drying of the tips of the leaves in kufei is often associated with insufficient air humidity.In some cases, some pests create a similar problem.
Important! The falling of the lower leaves of a kufei usually means nothing. This is a natural process that even the most experienced gardener cannot avoid.
Pests
Kufeya most often suffers from attacks by pests such as:
- spider mite;
- shield;
- thrips.
When a spider mite attacks, a cobweb appears on foliage and branches. The pest is attracted by dry air indoors or in the area where the crop is grown. You can get rid of the insect with a solution of potassium soap, they need to thoroughly spray the flower. Insecticides will be just as effective.
As for the scale insect, its presence is signaled by well-visible brown bulges on the foliage - these are insect shells. Soap solution and insecticides are also effective against them.
When a shrub is infected with thrips, the shape of the leaves is deformed, and notches appear at their ends. Pest control is most effective by rinsing the bushes under running water and then treating them with insecticides.
If the plant is well cared for, it will not hurt.
Having carefully studied the description of the culture, one can make a completely logical conclusion that kufeya is a relatively simple plant in terms of growing. Given its beauty during the flowering period, it is worth seriously thinking about planting this amazing flower in the garden.
How to propagate kufeya at home?
Scheme 1 Reproduction of a plant by cuttings
Kufeya propagates in the spring by slightly lignified stem cuttings, which are obtained by cutting the crown or in summer. For these purposes, use apical cuttings with 2-3 internodes. It is necessary to remove the lower leaves, the cutting is deepened, and the top is pinched. Water and cover, creating a greenhouse effect, put on a warm windowsill. The room temperature should be 20 degrees. If there are signs of rooting (the plant starts to grow), the shelter is removed. (See Diagram 1)
The cultivation of kufei for the purpose of decorative decoration is not a hassle, the main thing is to remove withered flowers and dried foliage in a timely manner, ennobling the annual. Kufeya does not tolerate excessive moisture and can die due to rotting of the rhizome, and this fact will also contribute to the defeat of the plant with powdery mildew.
It is also important to take into account the fact that kufeya is thermophilic, therefore, it is not worth planting early in the garden for summer decoration of flower beds. Remember that 3 months pass from the moment the seeds germinate to flowering, so for the summer decoration of the flower garden it is better to grow the kufeya through seedlings
Remember that 3 months pass from the moment the seeds germinate to flowering, so for the summer decoration of the flower garden it is better to grow the kufeya through seedlings
Breeding kufei
Growing this plant is not difficult. You can buy the seeds at the store. Interestingly, a 1 gram sachet holds 300 seeds! This amount will be enough to decorate a square of decent size.
Germinate the seeds at the very end of winter so that by the end of May the seedlings can already be planted in the ground. Germination is done in the usual way without any special features. Spread the seeds evenly over the soil in a container and water regularly. No other worries are required when growing from seed.
When the weather is warm, plant the seedlings in the ground. Consider the local climate. Either way, find a warm place with no wind. If there are cold days in your area in the summer, then it would be better to plant the seedlings in deep wide pots. In bad weather, you can always bring a bush into the house, and when it gets warmer, put it in the garden again.
You can also propagate a cigarette tree by cuttings. Usually this method is only used when growing a flower indoors. With the cuttings propagation method, the first flowers on the bush will appear 6-9 months after rooting.
Reproduction methods
Kufeya is propagated in several ways:
- germination of seeds;
- rooting cuttings;
- air layering;
- dividing the bush.
Germinating seeds
The method is rarely used. The seed of the plant is small and does not germinate well. But still there is such a way. For its implementation, the seeds are laid out on damp ground and pressed a little into the ground. They do not fall asleep from above, but cover with a film, creating a greenhouse effect. The temperature should be at least +22 ℃. When sprouts appear, the film is removed and seated in a convenient dish.
Rooting cuttings
The most common way. In the spring, cuttings with a length of 15 cm are cut off from the shoots. The root part of the cuttings is treated with a stimulant and planted in moist soil under a plastic bottle until the leaves grow. The bottle is removed for watering and airing the plant. Subsequently, a transplant is carried out.
The flower is propagated mainly by cuttings.
Reproduction by layering
The easiest breeding method. It is used in the warm season. First, the length of the future leash is measured on the shoot. Then the stem is cut. It is treated with a growth stimulant for the rapid emergence of roots. To prevent the cut from being tightened, a stone or a piece of film is placed inside. Wrap the stem with foil. Finally, the sprouts are transplanted into a prepared pot of soil.
By dividing the bush
Convenient and easy way. Dig the plant out of the ground. Cut off shoots up to 10 cm in height. After that, a branch is cut off from the bush, which has a good stem, and is treated with a fungicide. The separated roots are planted in moist soil.
Interesting information! In a similar way, the rhizomes of woody shrubs, which form shoots, are propagated.
