Kotula

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

Kotula (lat. Cotula) - a small genus of herbaceous plants of the Asteraceae family, or Asteraceae. According to some reports, slightly more than 60 species are included, other sources mention another figure - 80 species. Another name for the plant is Ladonnik. In nature, representatives of the genus are found in South and Central America, as well as New Zealand and Australia.

Characteristics of culture

Kotula is represented by herbaceous plants up to 30 cm high; in nature, specimens up to half a meter high can be captured. In the process of growth, the culture forms abundant green bushes that completely cover the ground with a carpet. It is for this reason that representatives of the genus are used to decorate empty areas, rocky gardens and alpine hills.

A distinctive feature of the genus under consideration is a strong difference in species in terms of external characteristics. They differ in almost everything - foliage, receptacle, achenes and even inflorescences. It is difficult for an inexperienced gardener and florist to determine belonging to one or another species. The only thing in which the species are similar is the baskets. They have, like all Astera, the shape of a disk, and are completely devoid of edge flowers, but, despite this, all representatives of the genus are decorative.

Among the known species in culture, the dwarf species is most often used - cotula barbata (lat. Cotula barbata). Its homeland and typical habitat is South Africa. As the plant grows, it turns into a lush bush no more than 15 cm high, on which pinnately dissected basal leaves of a light green color develop. Against the background of greenery, bright yellow discs, reaching a diameter of 1 cm, are actively playing.

Growing features

All representatives of the genus are warm and sun-loving plants. Accordingly, it is preferable to plant them in sunny and warm areas, protected from the action of cold northern winds. Cultivation in the shade is extremely undesirable; on such sites, plants develop poorly, bloom poorly, often lie down, stretch in height, are often affected by pests and diseases, and subsequently die.

Soils, in turn, should be moderately moist, drained, light, nutritional value does not matter, since plants feel great in poor areas. You should not try to cultivate a cauldron in areas with heavy, clayey, waterlogged and acidic soil. In the latter case, cultivation is possible only on condition of preliminary liming.

Representatives of the genus are propagated by seed. Sowing is carried out in the second - third decade of April in seedling boxes or immediately into open ground under a temporary film shelter in May. As a rule, seedlings appear quickly - after 7-14 days, when sowing in open ground, it is possible to stretch the germination period up to a month, which depends on climatic conditions.

Plants enter the flowering phase in the second decade of June, with late sowing - in the first or second decade of July. Long-lasting, active flowering. By the way, the kotula looks great not only in the garden, but also in short bouquets, for example, in combination with small-flowered plants of blue, purple, blue color.

Care

It should be noted that the kotula belongs to the category of unpretentious plants. It can be safely planted in country-style gardens, as well as for those who do not have free time for long-term care manipulations. It is enough to periodically water the plants with settled water, loosen the soil and remove weeds at the first stage (after that the plant will cover the soil with a carpet and prevent the appearance of harmful "guests"). Top dressing is not required for the kotula at all; it grows easily even on very poor soils. And this aspect is not at all reflected in its decorative effect.