Action Lemoine

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

Deytsia Lemoine (Latin Deutzia x lemoinei Lemoine) - flowering shrub; a hybrid of graceful action and small-flowered action (Latin D. gracilis x D. parviflora). It was bred in 1891 by the French breeder Victor Lemoine. In natural conditions, the species under consideration does not occur. It is grown mainly in European countries; it is not popular in Russia.

Characteristics of culture

Deytsia Lemoine is an early flowering ornamental shrub up to 2 meters high with a rounded crown and arched bare or almost naked shoots of red-brown color, raised upward. The root system is strong, gives abundant root growth.

Leaves are gray-green, lanceolate, opposite, unequally serrate along the edge, with a wedge-shaped base, up to 10 cm long, covered with dense hairs on the underside. In autumn, the foliage is painted in yellowish, reddish and pinkish tones, remains on the branches for a long time, decorating the garden with bright shades. That is why this kind of action is often used in autumn flower gardens (automnals).

The flowers are snow-white, up to 2 cm in diameter, numerous, have no aroma, collected in erect pyramidal panicles, the length of which varies from 3 to 10 cm. The fruit is a capsule. Lemoine deytsia blooms in May - June, depending on the region, abundant flowering. In addition to high decorative properties, the hybrid boasts winter hardiness. In severe winters, plants freeze even under cover, but in spring they quickly recover and bloom.

Varieties

As a result of selection, several varieties of Lemoine deytion were bred. Among them it should be noted:

* Boule De Neige (Boule-De-Neige) - the variety is represented by shrubs up to 2.5 m high with arched shoots and white flowers, collected in pyramidal panicles. It boasts an abundant and long-lasting bloom that begins in June. Winter-hardy variety.

* Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields) - the variety is represented by shrubs up to 1.5 m high with large raspberry flowers, which have a pinkish tint from the inside. Flowering takes place in June.

* Pink Pom-Pom (Pink Pompon) - the variety is represented by shrubs up to 1.5 m high with white-pink or bright pink double flowers, collected in lush hemispherical inflorescences. Buds, unlike flowers, have a carmine color. Was obtained by German breeders. A relatively new variety.

* Mont Rose (Mont Rose) - the variety is represented by loose shrubs up to 2 m high with large pink flowers with a burgundy tint and petals twisted around the edges. When flowering, the flowers become whitish. Blooms in June. A distinctive feature is noticeable yellow anthers.

All varieties are of interest in landscape design. They look harmoniously in single and group plantings, as well as in non-cut hedges. Suitable for growing in central Russia, they need shelter for the winter.

The subtleties of growing

Deytsia Lemoine, like other representatives of the genus, is photophilous, but needs shading at noon. Direct sunlight at this time is dangerous for plants. Also, the culture does not tolerate cold winds. To soil conditions, Lemoine's action is undemanding, but it develops more actively and blooms more abundantly on nutritious, moist, loose, water and air permeable soils. The pH value does not play a special role, but it is advisable to exclude strongly acidic soils, on which the plants feel defective. Also, Lemoine will not tolerate heavy clay, saline and waterlogged soils.

Despite the fact that the species in question is drought-resistant, it requires regular watering, especially in hot and dry weather (at the rate of 10-15 liters per 1 adult plant). To ensure annual and abundant flowering, the Lemoine deutium needs fertilizing with organic and mineral fertilizers and rejuvenating pruning. Top dressing is carried out in early spring or a couple of weeks before flowering, while using rotted manure, wood ash and complex mineral fertilizers with trace elements. For the winter, the plants are covered with spruce branches or any other non-woven material, and the near-stem zone is mulched with a thick layer of dry fallen leaves, which are removed with the onset of heat and, if necessary, a new, but thinner layer is applied to protect against weeds and retain moisture.

The Lemoine action is propagated by root shoots, which are formed in large quantities, green and lignified cuttings and dividing the bush. Cutting gives the best results, the rooting rate of cuttings when treated with growth stimulants is 100%. The seed method is not acceptable for hybrids, it is suitable only for species of plants. It is preferable to plant Lemoine's seedlings in the spring. The size of the planting pit depends on the degree of development of the root system. The root collar is not buried during planting.