Kermek

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

Kermek (Latin Limonium) - a numerous genus of herbaceous plants belonging to the Pig family. Previously, the genus was assigned to a separate family Kermekovye. The genus includes more than 200 species, according to other sources - more than 350. In nature, representatives of the genus can be captured in Asian countries, the Mediterranean, as well as on the territory of the Russian Federation. Typical growing areas are light meadows and glades, as well as areas with saline soils. On the latter, so-called weeds are found mainly.

Characteristics of culture

Kermek is represented by perennial herbaceous plants; there is also a life form called dwarf shrubs. They are characterized by large, green foliage, most often forming basal rosettes. The flowers are small, five-petaled, collected in large panicles. Depending on the species and varietal accessory, the flowers can have a pinkish, yellowish or purple-burgundy color.

Common types

Kermek notched (lat. Limonium sinuatum) represented by herbaceous annuals equipped with short stems. The foliage, in turn, is basal, pinnate, lobed or pinnatipartite, petiolate, green, formed in huge numbers. The flowers are small in size, do not exceed 0.5-1 cm in diameter, have a pink, purple or snow-white calyx, collected in spikelets that form large shields. The species takes part in the selection. To date, a number of attractive varieties and mixtures have been obtained. For example, a mixture of Mixed Hybrids of hybrid origin allows you to get plants over which pinkish, purple-burgundy, creamy white and pale yellow flowers flaunt.

Chinese Kermek (lat. Limonium sinensis) It is represented by herbaceous perennials, which during the growth process form large basal rosettes of compacted leaves endowed with a distinct glossy sheen. The flowers are small, yellow, equipped with funnel-shaped perianths. These, in turn, form exquisite inflorescences. In terms of external properties, the appearance is similar to the previously considered - notched kermek. This representative of the genus also participates in selection. Several varieties can be found on the market today. For example, Elegant is famous for its creamy buds.

Kermek Bonduelli (lat. Limonium bonduellii) represented by perennial plants, reaching a height of 0.9-1 m. In culture, the plant is cultivated only as an annual. It has delicate and fragile stems that are endowed with scallop-shaped outgrowths. A distinctive feature of the species are rather large flowers of yellow or snow-white color.

Growing features

Representatives of the genus under consideration are light-loving plants. It is recommended to plant them in well-lit areas. Areas with dense and even thinner shade are not suitable, as lack of sunlight slows down growth and does not allow for abundant flowering. Plants do not have special requirements for soil conditions, however, for successful cultivation, it is advisable to choose areas with nutritious, moderately moist, permeable, neutral and loose soils.

All species of the genus belong to the category of drought-resistant plants, but during a period of prolonged drought they require moderate watering, otherwise flowering will not please with brightness and abundance. Feeding is no less important. Complex mineral fertilizers should be applied at least once every 2 weeks. This approach activates growth and provokes the formation of a large number of flowers. Mulching with natural material is also encouraged. Mulch, in turn, protects the root system from overheating, and the plants from rapid evaporation of moisture.