Lichnis Chalcedonian: reproduction and care

A frequent inhabitant of the gardens, attracting a glance, standing out against the background of greenery with a dazzling red color, is the Khalkedonian lichnis.

Description of the plant

The name of the flower comes from the word "lamp". In the people, this plant is called in different ways: dawn, arrogant arrogance, goricvet and even cuckoo's soap. His flaming inflorescences are so bright that it seems as if light is coming from them.

This is a perennial plant whose life expectancy in one place is approximately 5 years. Straight stems of lichen, covered with ovoid or lanceolate leaves, reach a height of 80-100 cm. Flowering begins in June and lasts for 75 days. The main ornamentality of the plant is given by the flower. Lichnis Chalcedonian during this period is like a bright glowing light bulb. Small (up to 3 cm) red flowers with bilobed petals are collected in spherical inflorescences up to 10 cm in diameter.

Growth conditions

Lichenis, widely spread in European and southern Russia, is considered a plant unpretentious, capable of growing in a variety of conditions. But if you take into account when planting some of his preferences, he will respond with more abundant and prolonged flowering.

Choosing a place for planting, it is worth taking a closer look at the warm, well-lit areas. Lichnis of the Chalcedonian in the sun feels particularly well. The soil must be sufficiently loose, fertilized and well drained, as the flower grows poorly on areas with standing water. Do not fit and wetlands, raw places. These flowers will grow on poor soils, the main thing is that there should not be excessive waterlogging, which can lead to decay of the roots.

One of the advantages of this plant is its high frost resistance. Without requiring shelter for the winter, lichen can tolerate frosts to minus 35 ° C.

Features of care

At one place the plant should not be grown for more than 5 years. Without a regular transplant, flowers will begin to melt, and the inflorescence will lose its splendor and attractiveness.

Like any other garden plants, Licnis Chalcedony needs watering. To flowering was more vivid, perennial needs to provide additional fertilizing. This is especially important in the period of plant development.

The first time fertilizers are introduced before the flowering begins. Prepare a solution: in 10 liters of water dilute superphosphate, potassium sulfate and urea for 1 tablespoon and water at the rate of 3 liters per 1 m ² . The next top dressing is carried out after the end of flowering. With good care, Licnis will decorate the garden with its bright "lights" from June to August. And if the wilted and withering inflorescences are removed in time, then this period will be even longer. Closer to winter, cut off the ground part of the plants.

Reproduction

The flower can be propagated by any of the following methods: by means of seeds, by cuttings or by dividing a bush. Cuttings are prepared in June, cutting off the plant shoots up to 20 cm long. They are rooted in the usual way, placed under a film, and in early September planted in a permanent place. Reproduction by bush division is usually carried out in autumn. Plots are planted observing the distance between them not less than 30 cm. This is perhaps the simplest way of plant multiplication. It is possible to transplant this way even during flowering, the main thing is to do it carefully so as not to destroy the root soil of the soil.

Lichnis Chalcedonian: growing from seeds

A fairly large number of seeds formed in this flower often gives a self-seeding. Some varieties of licnis are exactly the same and multiply.

For the winter or already in April, you can sow the seeds in the open ground. Soil must be sanded before this, you can add humus or compost.

To ensure more amicable shoots, it is recommended to carry out pre-sowing stratification. For this purpose, the seeds are sown in a small container with earth and, covered with glass, put in the refrigerator for 14 days. Then it is kept at room temperature until sprouting emerges. Usually they appear on the 10th day or a little later. After 2 original leaves are formed on plants, they need to be dived in glasses, and in the beginning of August the flower lichen is planted on a permanent place. The optimal distance between them is 30-40 cm. The young plants will only begin blossoming in the second year.

Pests and diseases

Lichnis Chalcedony, care of which is very simple, nevertheless requires additional protection and prevention of various diseases characteristic of garden flowers. This is mainly rust, root rot, leaf blotch. Avoiding them will help careful inspection of the plant and ensure good drainage during planting.

To insects that can cause the greatest harm to the lichen, are primarily the aphids and the leaf roller, which can completely destroy it. Therefore, with the slightest signs of the appearance of these insects, it is necessary to carry out the treatment with a decoction of tobacco, also it is possible to use tomato tops. If the pests are strongly multiplied, special chemical insecticides will be required.

Use in landscape design

Lichnis is used for both single and group landings, planting next to non-aggressive neighbors. Burning bright red flowers look great on the green background of other perennials, standing out as a spectacular spot.

Lichnis is often used to decorate garden paths, curbs, as a frame of flower beds and shores of small water bodies.

With very little effort, it is with great pleasure, almost all summer, to contemplate in your garden these amazing brightest "lights."