2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Anagallis (lat. Anagallis) - flower and healing culture; a small genus of the Primroses family. Includes annual, biennial and perennial species. Another name is full-time color. Representatives of the genus are distributed throughout the planet, including in the tropics, for example, in Africa and Madagascar. Also, natural specimens can be captured in European countries, North and South America and the Middle East. In culture, it is often cultivated, since it is famous for its high decorative properties.
Characteristics of culture
Anagallis is represented by annuals, biennials and perennials, endowed with fragile, simple and strongly branching stems that rise upward. Foliage, in turn, is opposite, whole-edged, sessile, sometimes ringed. The flowers are characterized by five-lobed calyxes with lanceolate or awl-shaped lobes deflected to the sides.
Also, bell-shaped or wheel-based corollas are inherent in flowers, which, depending on the species, have a snow-white, blue-blue, pale blue, red, brick or orange color. Anagallis fruits are represented by globular scarious capsules containing a large number of small flat conical seeds.
Common types
In culture, only two types have become widespread:
• Field anagallis (lat. Anagallis arvensis) - soil type; in height does not exceed 25-30 cm. It is famous for its numerous medium-sized flowers that form in the leaf axils. Depending on the shape, they can have a rich red or blue color. Also, the species is characterized by bright green foliage, iridescent with a distinct shine.
• Anagalis large-flowered (lat. Anagallis grandiflora) - a perennial grown in Europe and Russia as an annual crop. This aspect is associated with the lack of winter-hardy properties; often in cold winters, plants freeze out even under a layer of snow. This representative of the genus is characterized by large blue flowers that open only in the sun. In cloudy weather and at night, the flowers close, hiding their unearthly beauty. The species in question is most relevant in ornamental gardening, since it boasts abundant and long flowering, usually it lasts until mid-late September.
Use of culture
It is important to note that representatives of the genus are actively used not only in ornamental gardening, but also in alternative medicine. Scientists have proven that a decoction and infusion of dried herb anagallis is effective in fighting cancer, insomnia, depression and even rabies. However, using it without consulting a doctor can be harmful, since the aerial part contains poisonous substances that can cause poisoning. Before including the infusion or decoction of anagallis in the complex of treatment, it is important to consult a specialist and strictly follow his recommendations.
Growing features
Most often, Anagallis is propagated by sowing seeds. They can be sown both in open ground and through seedlings. The second method is the most relevant. Sowing for seedlings is carried out in the third decade of April - the first decade of May. Seedlings appear together in 10-14 days. If you provide the seedlings with proper care and favorable conditions, the seedlings will quickly gain strength. Landing in open ground is recommended to be carried out not earlier than the first decade of June.
Often, gardeners and florists propagate the plant vegetatively, to be more precise, by cuttings. Cuttings, in turn, are harvested in the second decade of May. Usually, cuttings root quickly, after which they can be transplanted into open ground. By the way, the soil for successful cultivation of a crop is preferable to be poorly fertile, moderately moist, loose and light. She does not like swampy, heavy, highly acidic and saline soils.
Anagallis is unpretentious in leaving. He does not need top dressing, however, if the soil is too poor, in the spring you can add rotted organic matter to the soil, for example, humus and complex mineral fertilizers, but in small quantities. But watering should be given special attention. If the weather is dry and sunny, it is recommended to provide abundant watering, but avoid waterlogging.
