2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Pernettya (lat. Pernettya) - a genus of evergreen shrub plants of the Heather family. The most common representative of the genus is the species Pernettya mucronata (lat. Pernettya mucronata). Homeland - South Africa. The genus includes about 20 species.
Characteristics of culture
Pernettia is an evergreen semi-shrub or shrub up to 1 m in height with a large number of thin straight stems. The root system is fine-fibrous, branched, in the process of development we form many rhizome shoots (or, as they are also called, stolons). Leaves are dark green, small, glossy, oval-lanceolate, pointed at the ends. The flowers are small, water-lily, white or cream, outwardly similar to Erica flowers, bloom in the third decade of May.
Fruits are spherical, showy, as a rule, have a marble color from light pink to burgundy. Fruits appear in October - November and do not fall until next spring. The fruits are not eaten, although they are not poisonous. They do not attract birds, but they are a wonderful decoration of the garden. Most of the existing varieties of pernettia are represented only by male and female plants, so it is advisable to plant both of them on the site, otherwise there will be no fruit.
Growing conditions
Pernettia grows well on loamy or clayey, moist, loose, acidic soils. Accepts the culture of sour high-moor peat and a mixture of peat with sawdust and needles. The addition of sulfur is not prohibited for acidification. Negatively, pernettia refers to soils with a high lime content. The culture is thermophilic, and without shelter in regions with a cold climate, it can freeze out to the very roots.
The location is preferably sunny, however light shading is permissible. You can grow pernettia as a room culture, in this case the plants will delight their owners with beauty and originality. The optimum temperature for growing pernettia at home is 18-20C, in winter - 15-16C. The plant should not be placed close to heating devices.
Reproduction and planting
Pernettia is propagated by seeds and cuttings. Plants grown by sowing seeds do not retain the properties of the parent plant, therefore, cuttings are the most common method among gardeners. Cuttings are cut in October-November and planted in a substrate consisting of sand and peat in equal proportions. With the appearance of roots on the cuttings, they are planted in separate containers. Plants are transplanted into open ground only after 1-2 years.
Care
Pernettia care consists of systematic weeding, dressing, watering and pruning. Pruning is necessary to give the plants a certain shape, in addition, this procedure promotes the growth of new shoots, which is also important for obtaining beautiful ornamental shrubs. Pruning is carried out in early spring, at the same time feeding is carried out. As a fertilizer, you can use the drug "Kemira-Universal". Water the pernettia as needed, it is undesirable to allow the top layer to dry out.
It is recommended to mulch the soil in the near-trunk zone with fallen needles and sawdust. Mulch will not only protect plants from the action of harmful weeds, but also additionally acidify the soil. In regions with a cold climate, pernettia is sheltered for the winter. Natural material should be used as a shelter. The culture is resistant to diseases and pests, but at a high pH value the plants are exposed to chlorosis, as a result, the leaves become yellow. An excess of moisture also adversely affects the pernettia, the root system rot, and the berries turn sour.
