Alyssum Iberian

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

Alyssum pyrenean (lat. Alyssum pyrenaicum) - a dwarf representative belonging to the genus Alyssum of the Cabbage family, or Cruciferous. Not the most common type, however, it is cultivated on personal backyards and summer cottages. The homeland of the species in question is the Pyrenees mountain system, located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Biscay, and covering Spain and France. Natural specimens are also found there.

Characteristics of culture

Alyssum Pyrenean is represented by dwarf herbaceous perennials, not exceeding, as it grows, a height of 20 cm. The stem of the culture under consideration is pubescent with short hairs, bears a large amount of oval silvery foliage, which makes the plant unusual. Against the background of "silver" small white flowers, collected in rather compact racemose inflorescences, flaunt. A distinctive feature of the flowers are brown anthers. Flowering occurs in late spring, it is annual, abundant.

Alyssum Iberian cannot be called whimsical, in fact, like other representatives of the genus. It is drought-resistant, relatively cold-resistant, resistant to diseases and pests. It is not very picky about soil conditions, but it develops and blooms best in nutritious, moderately moist, drained areas, protected from cold winds. The location for successful cultivation is preferably sunny or semi-shaded with diffused light. The plants have a negative attitude to the thick shade, they do not show their true beauty and attractiveness on them, because they practically do not bloom, and they lag significantly behind in growth.

Similarly, Pyrenean Alyssum behaves in areas with saline, waterlogged, waterlogged and heavy soils, therefore, cultivation on such soils is impossible, in the blink of an eye the plants will wither and die. The species in question is propagated by seeds and cuttings. The second operation is carried out at the beginning of autumn. The first is carried out in the spring, sowing seeds in open ground in May or in seedling boxes in March. By the way, the Pyrenean alissum tolerates small frosts, but only with shelter. It is important to provide wintering plants with full protection from dampness, he does not like it and, accordingly, does not react in the best way.

Features of cultivation

Gardeners and florists grow this species mainly through seedlings. The grown seedlings are planted after the threat of frost has passed. The soil is prepared in advance, it is dug up and organic matter (rotted) and complex mineral fertilizers are introduced. Strongly acidic soils are preliminarily limed.

It is important to remember that in the process of growth, the Pyrenean Alyssum grows strongly, respectively, it should be planted taking into account a distance of 35-40 cm. The pits form shallow, the root system, shrouded in earth, should fit into it without deepening. Landings are spilled abundantly. Later, with strong growth, thinning is carried out, if this is not necessary, the procedure can be skipped.

Caring for the Pyrenean alyssum is standard, it does not take much time. Watering is moderate, but regular, weeding, feeding and pruning are the main procedures that a crop requires. In dry weather, watering should be increased, but waterlogging should not be allowed, otherwise the root system will begin to rot, and the aboveground part will lose its decorative effect.

Mulching the soil in alyssum is desirable, but not necessary, although this aspect reduces the work of caring for plants to a minimum. Fertilizers are recommended to be applied in early spring and before flowering. Pruning involves the removal of weak and diseased shoots, this procedure, among other things, affects the growth activity and the abundance of flowering. After flowering, pruning is repeated, but in this case, all the shoots of the alissum are shortened. Such a hike promises a second bloom.