2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Tithonia (lat. Tithonia) - a few and uncommon genus of flowering plants of the Asteraceae family. The genus got its name in honor of the king Titon, who was revered by the goddess Eos. The genus includes only 10 species. The homeland is considered to be South America, where plants still live in natural conditions. The people call titonia the Mexican sunflower. And indeed they have some similarities.
Characteristics of culture
Tithonia is represented by annual and perennial herbaceous plants, less often by shrubs, which are endowed with very strong branched stems, lignified over time at the base. The foliage of the representatives of the genus is alternate, whole, sometimes three-lobed, petiolate, light or dark green. Inflorescences are baskets, rather large, bearing one row of marginal flowers and a large number of disc flowers. Baskets flaunt on thick and long peduncles, which are not afraid of the wind. The fruits, in turn, are represented by hemicarps endowed with crests.
It should be noted that titonia deserves special attention, because it is characterized by stateliness, showiness and brightness. She will easily decorate with bright inflorescences even the most boring garden, becoming a soloist or, set, will become an excellent component of a tandem with other flower crops that cannot boast of large inflorescences. The only drawback of the culture is the demand for heat and moisture. She will not tolerate areas that are not protected from northern winds, as well as lowlands with stagnant cold air. Shady areas will also ruin the culture.
Among the species of the genus under consideration, gardeners are especially fond of Tithonia rotundifolia. It boasts not only large and rich inflorescences (over 7 centimeters), but also a huge amount of greenery with silky pubescence. A distinctive feature of the species is considered a pleasant sweetish aroma, which, unfortunately, can only be recognized by sniffing the bushes, it does not flutter over long distances. And, by the way, round-necked titonia is one of the most cold-resistant species, it blooms before the onset of cold weather and goes into winter along with asters and other resistant crops.
Growing features
In order for the representatives of the genus to feel comfortable, it is important to follow a number of rules. So, it is recommended to plant titonia in well-lit areas, in extreme cases, semi-shaded areas with diffused light. It is not forbidden to plant plants along fences, walls of houses and other places that will provide full protection from drafts, which the plants tolerate extremely poorly. By the way, Titonia also does not like rainy weather, so gardeners living in regions where it often rains should abandon the idea of growing a Mexican sunflower.
It is equally important to pay attention to the soil. Titonia prefers loose, moderately moist, drained, light soils with a neutral pH reaction. Do not plant plants on swampy, waterlogged, highly acidic, poor and heavy soils. This threatens with frequent diseases, pest damage, root rot and, as a result, death. It is also very important to observe the distance between the bushes, optimally - 40-50 cm. If the bushes are highly branched, which is possible - at least 60 cm.
Tithonia care
Titonia cannot be called a whimsical culture, but you will have to try to ensure active growth and abundant flowering. It is necessary to systematically water the plants with warm and settled water, trying not to overmoisten, remove weeds and gently loosen the soil. Top dressing plays an important role, especially if initially planting was carried out on poor soils. In the spring, it is worth adding rotted compost and mineral fertilizers to the mail, then 30 days after planting the seedlings and the last one at the time of bud formation.
