Doronicum Plantain

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

Doronicum plantagineum (lat. Doronicum plantagineum) - an ornamental perennial plant; a representative of the genus of the small genus Doronicum, adjacent to the family of Compositae, or Astrov. It occurs naturally in the southern and western regions of Europe, as well as in the United States of America. Nowadays it is actively grown in many countries of the world, including Russia.

Characteristics of culture

Doronicum plantain is represented by perennial herbaceous plants, reaching a height of 1-1.4 m and bearing elliptical or valle-elliptical petiolate basal foliage narrowed to the base. The inflorescences-baskets in the species under consideration are rather large, reach 10-12 cm in diameter, consist of tubular and lingual yellow flowers.

Flowering occurs in the third decade of May, and lasts 1, 5 months, sometimes longer. By the end of July, the plants lose their decorative effect, the leaves die off, and the curtains look very sad. For this reason, doronicums are recommended to be combined with other flowering and ornamental crops. The species is relatively frost-resistant, under a layer of snow it is able to withstand a short-term drop in temperature to -30C. In snowless and harsh winters, plants freeze out.

Today, one large-flowered form (f. Excelsium) of the plantain doronicum is presented on the garden market, its peduncles reach a height of 1.5 m, and the baskets delight with rich color and large size. For several years now, it has been a favorite among gardeners and florists, many use it to decorate semi-shaded areas and areas located near unremarkable garden buildings.

Features of cultivation

In general, plantain doronicum is unpretentious, although to obtain dense clumps with an abundance of flowers, you need to try a little in terms of providing the culture with optimal soil conditions and the most convenient location. The species in question belongs to sun-loving plants, accordingly, it should be located in well-lit areas, preferably with light shading in the afternoon. Direct sunlight can burn the delicate and juicy foliage of the doronicum, then there can be no question of any decorative effect.

In general, this culture is hardy in all respects, and unlike its congeners, it firmly tolerates prolonged drought and the scorching sun. It is not recommended to plant doronicum plantain in a thick shade, in such areas it will bloom poorly. The soil for cultivation is preferably nutritious and moist, but in moderation. Damp areas are not suitable for cultivation. Soil fertility plays an important role for plants. It is noticed that in well-fertilized areas, the plantain doronicum blooms more abundantly, and the flowers are formed larger and more saturated in color.

Care

The care consists of standard procedures. Watering should be carried out as needed. By the way, all types of doronicum have a unique feature, they are able to store moisture in thick rhizomes, it follows that they tolerate drought without prejudice to growth and flowering. But in general, it is impossible to stop watering, otherwise the flowering will be meager and inconspicuous. Watering is especially important during the formation of the baskets; it should be abundant.

Another important procedure on which plant health depends is the fight against diseases and pests. They don't bother the culture very often. Among the dangerous diseases, powdery mildew should be noted, it manifests itself with thickened plantings. Aphids, snails and nematodes are also dangerous. It is quite difficult to fight the latter.

In order for the plantain doronicum to please with flowering as long as possible, the plants should be fed. One or two dressings are enough: the first is carried out after the snow melts, the second after flowering. For top dressing, it is preferable to use complex mineral fertilizers and rotted compost, fresh manure, chicken droppings and other fertilizers are not suitable.

Use in the garden

Doronicum plantain or, as it is also popularly called, yellow chamomile is actively used in ornamental gardening. The plant looks especially good in alliance with early flowering crops, such as tulips, irises and, of course, daffodils. Also, doronicums are in harmony with fern, veronica, pyrethrum, nivyanik and rogersia. It is not forbidden to plant a crop against the background of trees and shrubs with an openwork crown.

Yellow daisies are beautiful in rustic gardens that do not take much time to care for. Doronicum plantain is suitable for decorating rocky gardens and flower beds, including rockeries and alpine hills, however, in the latter case, only low-growing varieties are suitable. You can grow plants along garden paths, by the porch and near the reservoir, but in a non-flooded area, otherwise the plants will start to rot and die.