Doronicum

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Doronicum (lat. Doronicum) - a numerous genus of flowering plants belonging to the Asteraceae family. Another name for the plant is Kozulnik. In nature, doronicum is found in many countries of Europe and Asia, as well as in the northern regions of Africa. Most often it grows in the mountains and at the foot of the mountains. The real goat is actively used in ornamental gardening, it is used not only on personal backyard plots and gardens, but also in large city parks. The genus includes 40 species in total.

Characteristics of culture

Doronicum, aka Kozulnik, is represented by perennial herbaceous plants with weakly branched or simple stems bearing regular stalk-enveloping leaves that form on elongated petioles. The inflorescences of the species under consideration are in the form of bell-shaped or hemispherical baskets. Baskets can be either single or collected in small shields (6-8 pieces each).

The wrapper of the baskets is two- or three-row, the leaves are lanceolate or linear, hairy or glandular-hairy. Doronicum fruits are elongated, brownish or black-brown with obvious ribs, covered with whitish stripes over the entire surface, may have a barely noticeable crest, sometimes it is completely absent. Baskets consist of tubular and ligulate flowers of yellow shades (from faded to saturated).

Doronicum is distinguished by high winter-hardy properties, in addition, it is unpretentious to growing conditions and care. It will decorate the garden with yellow baskets for 30-50 days, some species and varieties can boast of longer and more abundant flowering. In the southern regions, doronicum blooms in early spring, in central Russia - at the end of May, June or July. Also on the garden market are varieties that show all their attractiveness in August.

Common types

Doronicum Altai is considered to be one of the most widespread species of the genus. Unlike its relatives, it is used not only in gardening, but also in folk medicine to prepare decoctions that help heal dry coughs. In the wild, it grows along the banks of rivers flowing in the mountains or at the foot. In height, this species reaches 70-80 cm, there are also dwarf specimens not exceeding 10-15 cm. Baskets are yellow, remarkable, reaching 5-7 cm in diameter.

Another equally popular species is Austrian Doronicum. His homeland is the Mediterranean. In the process of growth, it forms branched bushes about 50-80 cm high with oblong foliage and small baskets, collected in loose shields. Quite a bright and interesting representative of the genus, which has been actively used in summer cottages for several hundred years.

It should be noted the decorative properties of the eastern doronicum, or, as it is also called, the Caucasian. The last name is not surprising, because in nature it is found in the Caucasus, it is a frequent guest in Asian and European countries. The species is represented by low plants, a distinctive feature of which is its rhizome (it is swollen). Baskets of the Caucasian Doronicum reach a diameter of 4-5 cm, the color is light yellow.

Also noteworthy is the plantain doronicum species. Perhaps this representative of the genus is most often used in Russian gardening, which is associated with a wide variety of interesting varieties. In nature, the view can be captured in Western Europe, less often in southern Europe. The plant is represented by tall plants with oval or elliptical foliage and large inflorescences-baskets of rich yellow color. The flowering of doronicum plantain is long and abundant.

Care features

As already mentioned, representatives of the genus Doronicum are undemanding to growing conditions. However, to ensure the beauty and abundant flowering of plants, you need to pay a little attention. We are talking about regular and moderate watering, especially at the time of flowering, and careful loosening (the root system of plants is too close to the soil surface). The culture is also favorable to mulching. This procedure will prevent rapid evaporation of moisture from the soil and protect against weeds. If mulch is not applied, it is also important to carry out weeding. It is recommended to use straw or sawdust as mulch.