Caring for soapworms in the garden
It is quite simple to grow soapwort in the open field, for this you need to water it, weed, feed and cut it in a timely manner, and also prepare it for wintering. To significantly reduce the amount of weeds on the site, it is recommended to cover its surface with small expanded clay, crushed stone or pebbles, in addition, this will make your flower garden more effective. In order for the flowering to be as long as possible, experts advise that the inflorescences that have begun to fade should be systematically cut off from the bushes, this measure will also help to avoid self-seeding. In the autumn, shortly before the cold weather begins, the stems should be shortened by a third of their length, while the Lemperji and medicinal soap bushes should be cut to the very root. This culture is quite frost-hardy, but in the case of a winter with little snow, it will not be superfluous to cover the area with spruce branches. If the bushes do freeze, then in spring they can quickly recover due to self-seeding.
It is not recommended to grow such a flower on the same site for more than eight years, the fact is that during this time it grows strongly and it needs rejuvenation, for this, the bush is divided. To do this, in the spring, the bush must be removed from the soil and divided into several parts. Delenkas should be immediately planted in a new area.
How to water and feed
The bushes need to provide moderate watering, while remember that the stagnation of liquid in the root system is very harmful to the plant. In order to improve the drainage capacity of the soil, experts advise that before planting the plant, add expanded clay or sand for digging. If in the summertime there are prolonged rains, then there is a high probability of rot on the roots of the soapwort. In order to avoid this, the area should be protected with a film that is stretched over pre-installed metal arcs.
Twice during the season, the bushes must be fed with phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. This is done immediately after the snow cover disappears and shortly before flowering begins. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers should not be used, as they can harm such a crop. If it grows in nutritious soil, then you can do without feeding at all.
Diseases and pests
Such a herbaceous plant is highly resistant to harmful insects. However, sometimes a garden scoop settles on it, which damages the seed pods of such flowers, and on the surface of their stems, it arranges egg-laying. If there are few pests, then you can get rid of them by manually picking and destroying them, but if there are a lot of caterpillars, then you cannot do without spraying the plants with an insecticide solution.
Such a flower is rarely affected by root rot and leaf spot. If the first symptoms of the disease are noticed, you need to cut out all the affected parts of the bush as soon as possible. Severely affected plants must be dug up and destroyed, while the healthy bushes remaining on the site are sprayed with a solution of a fungicidal preparation.
Alpine soapwort
Care features
It should be noted that malopa belongs to those plants that do not need special care measures, and therefore it is often referred to the category of unpretentious flowers.
However, even despite this, in order for malopa growing in the open field to actively grow and develop, it is important to take care of regular and thorough care of it.
Watering
Only a young plant needs regular and active watering. Such moisturizing procedures have a positive effect on the adaptation of the plant to new conditions, and also stimulate growth.However, after the hole reaches adulthood, the need for constant watering is no longer necessary. At this age, the plant will need watering only if it grows in a rather arid and hot climate, as well as in summer.
Fertilizers
Fertilizing and feeding is a mandatory step in the process of caring for a plant. So, first of all, you should make sure that you have planted the plant in an area of fertile soil. Otherwise, you will not see the growth and development of the plant. However, even in this case, care should be taken to constantly maintain the level of nutrients and minerals in the soil. It is recommended to use complex mineral compositions as top dressing. On the other hand, it is contraindicated to use organic substances - they can only be introduced during planting.
Pruning
Cropping has several functions at once. This process is therapeutic and prophylactic, since the removal of wilted inflorescences and other unusable parts of the plant stimulates the growth and development of young and fresh shoots.
On the other hand, pruning has an impact on the appearance of the plant, which is especially important for decorative purposes.
Types and varieties of malopa with a photo
At the moment, experts have found and described 3 species of malopa that are found in natural conditions, namely: Malope anatolica, Malope trifida and Malope malacoides. As a result of the work of breeders, a large number of varieties have appeared for each of these three species.
The best varieties:
Diamond rose
A vigorous bush can be about 90 centimeters high. The large flowers of such a plant are very spectacular, they have a burgundy or white color.
This variety stands out from the rest with an unusual color of flowers - bluish-red.
This variety was so named because its flowers are snow-white. Long stems can reach a height of about 100 cm.
This hybrid plant also stands out from the rest of the varieties with its unusual corolla coloration. She can combine several shades at once: pink, white, burgundy, black, etc.
Among other varieties, such a plant stands out favorably for its very large flowers, which can reach up to 100 millimeters in diameter.
This variety has the longest stems. The bush often has a height of about 120 centimeters.
Malopa growing from seeds
Malopa is an ornamental herbaceous annual with large beautiful flowers. The plant is native to the Mediterranean.
Malopa - translated from Greek means "like a mallow." The large funnel-shaped flowers are a bit like the aforementioned flower, but still more graceful.
Sowing seedlings
Like all annuals, malopa reproduces by seeds. They retain their germination capacity for a long time - about 4 years after harvesting. Depending on the climatic conditions, sowing for seedlings is carried out from the beginning of March, and in open ground it can be sown in April-May, when there will be no night frosts.
- Sow seeds for seedlings in a container with loose peat soil.
- Seeds only need to be lightly pressed into the soil, do not sprinkle with earth.
- Spray the soil with crops with water, cover with foil or glass to maintain moisture.
Malopa growing from seeds photo shoots
- The shelter is removed when the first shoots appear.
- Water in moderation and maintain good lighting.
- Dive into separate cups at the stage of 2-3 true leaves.
With the establishment of heat, without the likelihood of frost, the seedlings can be transplanted to a permanent place in the garden. Organic fertilizers should be added to the soil before planting. Prepare shallow pits (5-10 cm), place the seedlings. Maintain a distance of 30-35 cm between plants.
Planting seeds in the ground
Planting malopa in the ground photo
For sowing directly into the ground, you need to make small grooves at a distance of 30 cm from each other. Sow as little as possible so the plants don't clog each other. Expect seedlings for a couple of weeks, thin out as you grow after germination.
Watered as the soil dries up, but no frills: the resulting earthen crust negatively affects the state of delicate sprouts. To prevent this from happening, do not pour water until puddles form.
When the plants grow up, you can slightly loosen the soil and reduce watering. Adult bushes should be no closer than 30-35 cm from each other.
Soil and planting site
It is undemanding to the composition of the soil, but fertile soils contribute to a large number of flowers. Choose a sunny location in the garden, only slight shading is possible.
Watering
Malopa is unpretentious, does not require regular care. Watering is sufficient only in very dry weather. If the soil is depleted, you need to apply complex fertilizers. Apply the top dressing every 2-4 weeks during the growing and flowering seasons.
Pruning
The plant tolerates pruning well. Feel free to cut off excess shoots to form a neat bush, cut inflorescences can be used for bouquets. Withered buds also need to be cut off so that new ones appear sooner. The stems are strong and stable, they do not need a garter.
Malopa Three-incision Malope trifida
Malopa Three-cut Malope trifida photo
Most popular with flower growers. It has powerful branched stems, leaves are large, divided into three lobes. Large flowers with a diameter of up to 9 cm flaunt on long peduncles. petals form a funnel, their color is white, purple, pink, crimson, scarlet with pronounced dark veins. They will help create a bright floral arrangement.
The following varieties have been bred and actively used:
Malopa Diamond Rose photo
Malopa Diamond Rose - reaches a height of 90 cm. Abundant flowering. Large flowers are colored in a gradient: the white edges turn into a burgundy base.
Malope Purpurea Malope purpurea photo
Malopa Purpurea - stems up to 90 cm high. The flowers are bright purple, glossy petals with burgundy veins.
Malopa belyana photo
- Malopa Beljana - has very delicate white inflorescences that resemble snowballs.
- Malopa purple - on high (1.2 m) stems there are huge flowers with a diameter of 10-12 cm.The color of the petals is uniformly pink with a darker center.
Much larger than the “other mallow”, Malopa is a hardy annual with vibrant, vibrant flowers.
Malopa growing from seeds when to plant a photo
Malopa flower planting and care photos in the flowerbed
Conditions required by little
Like most large annuals, malopa is a sun-loving plant that actively blooms only in open areas. But the malopa also has a considerable "trump card" - it is cold-resistant, not afraid of the slightest drop in temperature and even sowing on days when late frosts still persist. This plant continues to bloom until really severe frosts, one of the last years leaves the garden scene.
The better the soil, the more actively the malopa will bloom. Nutrient, loose, high-quality soils with good water permeability are best suited for it. The reaction of the soil should be neutral. But it can take root and even bloom, albeit not so effectively, on almost any soil.
Malope trifida (Malope trifida). Philippe
