2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Hipcarp (lat. Eccremocarpus) - a small genus of perennial lianas belonging to the Bignonium family. Among the people, the representatives of the genus are called the Chilean vine. This aspect is related to the homeland and natural habitat of the culture. Plants are found in Chile (South America). Hedgehogs are very capricious, they love warmth and sun, but they are suitable for cultivation in Central Russia as an annual.
Characteristics of culture
Hedgehogs are represented by perennial herbaceous vines, the stems of which reach 3-5 m in length. In the process of growth, a huge number of antennae are formed on the stems, due to which the vines climb any support. They can safely decorate fences, picket fences, walls of houses, outbuildings for decoration. The foliage of the clover is opposite, complex-pinnate, includes from 3 to 7 lobes, due to which the plants look delicate, airy.
Flowers are tubular, small, collected in racemose inflorescences, formed at the tops of the shoots. The color is fiery, red or orange. Flowering occurs in early June, lasts 2-2.5 months. After flowering, in place of the flowers, small polyspermous fruits of a pale green color and pepper-shaped are formed. The fruits bear winged seeds. As a rule, fruits are formed in the first or second decade of August. Their formation has a bad effect on the decorative properties of vines, or rather the activity of flowering.
It should be noted that the underground part of the vine is represented by tubers. In natural nature, tubers do not die, but in middle latitudes they die even at a temperature of 0C. Therefore, plants in Russia and European countries are grown as an annual, or as a perennial with a transfer to the cold in a room with a positive temperature.
The genus includes only three species. The most popular species is the scrub (Eccremocarpus huianaccapac). It is actively used in breeding. To date, very interesting varieties have been obtained, for example, Tresco Rose is famous for its pink-cherry flowers with an orange throat, and Pink Lemonade boasts a pink color of flowers. The Tresco Gold variety is also attractive, it is characterized by golden flowers with a yellowish undertone.
Growing features
It is advisable to plant droppings on well-lit areas; southern slopes or the southern side of the house / building are possible. Plants also have special requirements for soil. It should be moderately moist, nutritious, loose, well-permeable, loamy or sandy loam. If the soil is poor, it is important to apply mineral and organic fertilizers before planting. When the plant is transferred to the house with the onset of cold weather, the transplant is carried out into a container with a universal mixture. Remember that damp areas and areas with heavy clay soils are not suitable for growing the crop in question.
The tubers are planted in the ground with the arrival of heat, but only after the threat of night frosts, otherwise the tubers will die. Tubers are planted in pre-prepared holes, then sprinkled with earth, slightly compacted and watered abundantly. It is advisable to arrange high-quality drainage at the bottom of the holes. The distance between plants should be at least 300-350 cm.
Caring for a culture consists of simple manipulations. It is important to pay special attention to watering. The soil should not be dry, this can destroy the plant. Watering is necessary as needed, the soil should always be slightly moist, but waterlogging should not be allowed. If the vine is grown in a container, then watering on hot days should be done at least 1-2 times.
Vines readily respond to feeding. If you exclude this procedure, droplets will not please with active growth and abundant flowering. For top dressing, it is recommended to use complexes of mineral fertilizers for flowering plants. Over the summer, it is enough to carry out 3 dressings. The first when planting tubers / planting plants, the second one month after planting / planting, the third in the phase of flower formation.
To prolong the decorative properties of plants, it is recommended to systematically remove faded flowers. The garter is done only when necessary, usually the droppings, due to the large number of antennae, climb the support on their own. Experienced gardeners and florists advise directing the growth of the stems, this manipulation will prevent the appearance of gaps.
