2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Dimorphotheca (lat. Dimorphotheca) - a genus of annuals and perennials belonging to the Asteraceae family, or Astrov. Found naturally in Africa. The genus includes 20 species.
Popular species and their characteristics
* Dimorphotheca notched (lat. Dimorphotheca sinuata) - the species is represented by annuals no more than 45 cm high, forming hemispherical bushes with straight, highly branched stems bearing opposite, elongated, lanceolate leaves. The inflorescences are in the form of baskets, which reach 8 cm in diameter. The inflorescences consist of tubular and long orange or yellow reed flowers.
* Dimorphotheca rain (lat. Dimorphotheca pluvialis) - the species is represented by annuals about 50 cm high, equipped with highly branched stems. The inflorescences are in the form of baskets, reaching a diameter of 7-8 cm. The inflorescences consist of brown tubular flowers and white marginal flowers.
Dimorphoteka is considered a highly decorative crop with many varieties and hybrids, striking a variety of colors. The marginal flowers can be blue, pink, peach, white, etc. Dimorphoteca blooms from July to September. In the open sun, dimorphoteka has a more intense color.
The subtleties of growing
Dimorfoteka prefers sun-loving, it develops better in sunny areas, it is possible to grow in an openwork shade. In a dense shade, dimorphoteka grows slowly, often does not bloom. Cultivated soils are desirable well-drained, light, permeable, medium-nutritious with a neutral pH reaction. The culture negatively perceives damp, heavy, strongly acidic and waterlogged soils.
Breeding features
Dimorphoteka is propagated by seeds. The sowing of the culture is carried out in the first - second decade of May, but in order to obtain stronger and healthier specimens that will delight with flowering in early summer, it is best to grow dimorphic seedlings. Seeds for seedlings are sown in early April in small containers with nutritious soil. After sowing, the soil is abundantly moistened and covered with glass or polyethylene. The room temperature must be at least 17-18C.
Seedlings appear in 1, 5-2 weeks, in the phase of 1-2 leaves they dive into pots. Seedlings are planted in the ground in the third decade of May by transshipment, without damaging the earthen lump and keeping a distance of 30-35 cm. Flowering occurs in the seventh week after planting.
Care
In general, dimorphoteka is unpretentious. She needs regular and moderate watering without waterlogging. No less important for the culture is systematic weeding and loosening, as well as the introduction of organic matter and mineral fertilizers (twice a season is enough). For a general decorative look, faded baskets are periodically cut off from plants.
Usage
Dimorphoteka is a flowering plant, it is suitable for all types of flower beds, made in a wide variety of styles. They are appropriate in rabatkas, rock gardens, flower beds and even on the lawn. Dimorphoteka is grown both in single and group plantings.
Dimorphoteka is often used as ampels. Dimorphoteka is combined with other flower cultures, for example, nasturtiums, ageratums, arctotis, heliotropes, acrocliniums, venidiums.
