2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Lamarckia (lat. Lamarckia) - an ornamental plant, actively used by gardeners and flower growers for the decoration of personal backyard plots. It is a monotypic genus that belongs to the Cereals family. The genus includes only one species - golden Lamarckia (lat. Lamarckia aurea). The genus got its name in honor of the famous naturalist - J. B. de Lamarck. In nature, the only representative of the genus is found in some Asian countries and the subtropical zone of the Mediterranean. Typical habitats are rocky and sandy areas, as well as mountain slopes.
Characteristics of culture
Golden Lamarckia is represented by annual herbaceous plants, which do not exceed 40 cm in height. Also, in culture and in the natural environment, there are dwarf specimens no more than 10 cm in height. They are characterized by erect stems, crowned with linear lanceolate foliage of light green color. The foliage, in turn, is collected in small loose bunches.
The inflorescence of the considered representative of the genus is complex, paniculate, reaches 5-7 cm in length. The color of the panicle is greenish-silver, over time the inflorescence becomes golden, and then with a reddish tint. Flowering culture is observed in the third decade of May - the second decade of June, which depends on climatic conditions. Due to its high decorative properties and low growth, golden lamarka is used for decorating borders. Often, the inflorescences are cut to make winter bouquets.
Growing features
Golden Lamarckia cannot be called a whimsical plant, but in order to achieve active development and flowering, it is important to follow a number of rules. It is preferable to plant a crop in sunny and warm areas, protected from cold squally winds. Light openwork shade is also acceptable, but areas with thick shade are not the best solution. Soils are desirable light, well-drained, moderately moist, nutritious. Waterlogged soils are not suitable. It is worth noting that abundant and regular watering can lead to early flowering when the plants are only 5-7 cm long.
Culture care is not difficult. It assumes moderate watering as needed. Water volumes increase only during dry periods and the initial phase of flowering. Top dressing is welcome. The first feeding (organic and nitrogen fertilizers) is carried out at the time of planting, the second and third (complex mineral fertilizers) - before flowering. The crop responds especially well to nitrogen fertilizers. If you apply them in the spring before planting in the optimal amount, most likely, the plants will delight you with a second wave of flowering closer to mid-August - early September.
Golden Lamarckia is propagated by means of seeds. They are sown in the first or second decade of May in open ground under a shelter. As a rule, seedlings appear together in two weeks, sometimes earlier. After 1-2 weeks, thinning is carried out, leaving a distance of 12-15 cm between the plants. Plants should not be planted too often, they do not like crowding. In the middle lane, golden Lamarckia is preferably grown through seedlings, and it is recommended to sow in seedling containers in September. Before planting in the ground, they should be kept in a cool room or heated greenhouse, periodically watering with warm, settled water.
Usage
As already mentioned, golden lamarkia is suitable for decorating borders, but this is not the only field of application. Low-growing plants will perfectly blend in tandem with other crops on an alpine slide. They will delight with their presence in the rocky gardens. It is not forbidden to plant lamarkia on the front line of mixborders, it will favorably emphasize tall flowering plants. To use inflorescences in winter bouquets, preliminary drying is required, but only in a suspended state, otherwise they will turn out to be unequal.
