2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Mylnyanka also known as saponaria. This culture belongs to perennial plants, but sometimes you can also find annual and biennial crops. In total, there are about thirty different varieties in this genus, however, only the following species have become widespread in the culture: soddy soapwort, medicinal and basilicum.
Actually, the very name of this plant is associated with the ability of the roots of this plant to form foam. In height, this plant can reach about ten centimeters or one meter, these values will be directly dependent on the type of soapwort. As for the color of the flowers, they can be either yellow and white, or pink or red. The flowers are collected in inflorescences, which are panicles. It is noteworthy that there are some varieties that are endowed with double flowers. This culture is especially valuable due to its long and abundant flowering. This bloom will begin in June or July. Among other things, it is worth noting that the soap dish is also endowed with very valuable medicinal properties.
Description of the features of the care and cultivation of soapwort
The soapwort prefers sunny or slightly shaded areas for growth. With regard to soil, it is recommended to give preference to light and well-drained soil or fertile soil, the reaction of which will be alkaline. Around the bushes of soapwort, the soil should be mulched with crushed stone or gravel.
As for watering, these measures will only be required on especially dry days. Excessive moisture can lead to damping of plants. It is noteworthy that this plant does not need feeding, however, mineral fertilizers can be applied, which will contain a fairly high content of phosphorus. Such top dressing must be applied in the spring time after the snow melts. When the soapwort is grown on heavy clay soils, it is necessary to apply compost with sand: such measures are taken in order to improve the composition of the soil.
In the event that faded inflorescences are removed in a timely manner, secondary flowering will occur, which, however, will be weaker. After flowering is over, it is important to prune the shoots, and for the winter period, the shoots should be completely cut off. However, it is noteworthy that pruning is not required for all species, but only for some perennial soapworms: basilicum and medicinal.
It is recommended to transplant this plant in the autumn period, as needed. It is noteworthy that in one place this plant can grow even for more than eight years. As for the perennial species of this plant, they are especially hardy. For this reason, these species also do not need additional shelter for the winter period of time.
Reproduction of soapwort
Reproduction of this plant can occur by dividing the bush, as well as with the help of seeds and cuttings. It is noteworthy that, among other things, the soapwort is also able to reproduce by self-seeding.
The division of the bush is required to be performed in the autumn period of time, while the divisions are planted directly to a permanent place. The distance between plantings should be about thirty centimeters. It should be noted that such new plants should be watered moderately from time to time.
It is important to cut the cuttings in the spring or summer even before the flowering period begins. The tops of the shoots are rooted in a light and moist substrate. Rooted cuttings must be planted directly in a permanent location.
