Coreopsis Dyeing

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

Coreopsis tinctoria (lat. Coreopsis tinctoria) - an annual herb with bright baskets of inflorescences is one of the plant species of the genus Coreopsis, which is part of the Astrovye family. The plant is relatively unpretentious, drought-resistant, with winter-hardy seeds, sun-loving, but also tolerates a thin shade.

Description

Since the life of one plant is limited to the spring-summer-autumn period, Coreopsis dye tries to quickly grow its thin stems, reaching heights from 30 centimeters to one meter, depending on the selected variety.

The thin stem is overgrown with even thinner, but strong, lateral stems, bearing pinnately-divided thin leaves of a light green hue, consisting, as a rule, of three linear-lanceolate leaves. Leaves mainly appear on the bottom of the plant, leaving the top to bloom effectively.

Thin flower stalks show the world two-colored shiny baskets of inflorescences, forming a lush and bright bouquet in a flower garden. Like all plants from the Asteraceae family, the basket consists of two independent "branches". The tubular, fertile flowers of the central disc of the inflorescence are colored by nature in a reddish-brown color, which seems to splash out of the core and partially stain the asexual marginal flowers. Then nature catches itself and paints the rest of the petals in a rich yellow color, traditional for Coreopsis.

For such a magnificent outfit of inflorescences, the plant is sometimes called "Coreopsis bicolor" and enjoy its flashy beauty all summer.

For a number of abilities of the "Coreopsis dye", similar to the abilities of the plant with the name "Train", which is a relative of Coreopsis in the Astrovye family, it is called the "Golden Line".

Small seeds of the achene fruit, falling into the ground, steadfastly wait for the warm spring sun, or germinate in the fall, leaving under the snow in the form of a low rosette of leaves.

Growing

"Coreopsis dye", being a native of the plains of Western America, prefers full sun, but will not protest in partial shade.

Many types of soils are suitable for an unpretentious plant, but Coreopsis Coloring still gives preference to sandy or slightly rocky soils, which are distinguished by good moisture permeability, which guarantees freedom from stagnant water that is harmful to the roots of the plant. This saves the gardener from tedious watering and periodic fertilizing, although it does not exclude them 100 percent.

Like other relatives of "Coreopsis dyeing", the plant does not succumb to the onslaught of insect pests, fearing only excessive dampness, which provokes root rot.

Also, strong gusts of wind are not to the taste of the thin stems of Coreopsis Dyeing, from which it is better to artificially protect the plant when choosing a suitable planting site.

Usage

Unpretentiousness to living conditions and lush flashy flowering made "Coreopsis dye" a very popular plant in the improvement and landscaping of country and backyard territories and flower beds. The plant is especially in demand on poor and dry soils.

It will make a beautiful bright floral border that flanks the garden path that leads to a secluded bench or gazebo. A separate lush bush will emphasize with its brightness the monotony of a green lawn or a lawn for children's games, as well as decorate any type of flower garden, creating a contrast for ornamental plants with pale colors of flowering.

In addition, for knitting lovers, you can use the flowers of Coreopsis dyeing plant to dye woolen yarn red.

Before the acquaintance of people with coffee beans, "Coreopsis dye" was used to prepare an invigorating hot drink. Why not remember him today?