2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Dorotheanthus (lat. Dorotheanthus) - flowering culture; a small genus of the Aizovy family. South Africa is considered the birthplace of culture. The genus has only 7 species. The people often call the plant a crystal chamomile. This aspect is due to the fact that the foliage and stems of the plant are covered with small glandular hairs that shine in the sun like lenses. Also, representatives of the genus are often called midday, which is also associated with a feature of plants, namely, the maximum opening of flowers at noon. Like many plants belonging to the Aizaceae family, dorotheanthus folds its buds in cloudy and rainy weather.
Characteristics of culture
Dorotheanthus is represented by perennial herbaceous plants, which are grown in the open field in Russia and European countries as annuals. Plants are characterized by a fibrous root system, individual roots of which go down to 30 cm deep. The aboveground part is of short stature, often dwarf. The shoots are dense, fleshy, emerald in color, always creeping, due to which the plants form lush carpets. The foliage is sessile, green, completely devoid of a petiole, has an oval shape, rounded tips.
Flowers, depending on the species and variety, can have white, red, yellow, purple and other colors. Outwardly, the flowers, as already mentioned, are very similar to chamomile. The flowers do not exceed 5-6 cm in diameter. Flowering is observed from the first or second decade of July and ends with the onset of cold weather, for example, in the southern regions and countries, dorotheanthuses delight with their incredible beauty until the third decade of November. By the way, currently on sale you can find varietal mixtures that include over 10 shades of flowers.
Of the most common species that have already won the recognition of gardeners and florists, it should be noted
dorotheanthus daisy (lat. Dorotheanthus bellidiformis) … This species is characterized by fleshy, narrowed leaves, creeping shoots and medium-sized flowers of yellow, red, pink and salmon color. This type is used in breeding. We have already obtained varieties with a double color in a wide range of colors: from snow-white to cyclamen.
Also very attractive and valuable
dorotheanthus eye (lat. Dorotheanthus oculatus) … It is famous for its highly branched shoots, relatively large foliage, medium-sized flowers of pink, white and red color. A distinctive feature of the representatives of the species under consideration is the presence of a bright central part of the flower. Not inferior to him
dorotheanthus gramineous (lat. Dorotheanthus gramineus) … This species is characterized by a growth of no more than 10 cm, strongly branched shoots with a reddish tint, as well as red, orange and pink flowers with a diameter of no more than 3.5 cm.
Growing features
Dorotheanthus, like all members of the Aizov family, are warm and sun-loving plants. It is recommended to plant them in well-lit areas, protected from cold northerly winds. Soil also matters. It is recommended to cultivate the crop on loamy and sandy loam, loose, water and air permeable soils. It will not be superfluous to add small broken bricks and charcoal to the soil. Heavy clayey, saline, waterlogged soils are not suitable for growing dorotheanthus.
Sowing for seedlings and planting in the ground
Dorotheanthus is grown through seedlings. Sowing is carried out in the third decade of March - the first decade of April. The seedling boxes are filled with light nutritious soil mixed with sand and peat. Since the seeds of the dorotheanthus are small, they are not buried in the soil. It is enough to scatter the seeds on the ground, water with a spray bottle and cover with foil or glass. It is important to systematically ventilate crops and irrigate. With proper care and a favorable temperature (18-20C), seedlings appear already on the 10th day.
Three weeks after the emergence of seedlings, the seedlings are dived from separate containers. It is best to use peat pots. Young plants are transplanted into open ground in the second or third decade of May - the first decade of June. The exact time of transfer depends on the climate of the region. It is important to plant seedlings in open ground after the threat of night frosts has passed. The optimal distance between dorotheanthuses is 20-25 cm.
Culture care
Dorotheanthus care consists of simple procedures. First of all, it is, of course, watering. They are recommended to be carried out as the soil dries up, preferably in the morning. By the way, plants are not afraid of drought, they are able to extract moisture and nutrients on their own. Top dressing is welcome, one dressing in early spring is enough per season when preparing the soil.
