Doronicum Turkestan

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

Doronicum Turkestan (lat. Doronicum turkestanicum) - one of the species belonging to the genus Doronicum, adjacent to the numerous family Compositae, or Astrovye. In natural nature, it lives in meadows, gravelly and stony areas located on the territory of Kazakhstan and Siberia. Also, the plant is a frequent guest of the eastern part of Central Asia. The species is uncommon, but it is still used by gardeners to ennoble personal backyards and summer cottages.

Characteristics of culture

Doronicum Turkestan is represented by perennial plants no more than 80 cm high; in culture, dwarf specimens not exceeding 30 cm in height are most often found. The plant is distinguished by a single strong stem, pubescent with scattered glandular hairs in the lower part and under the inflorescence-basket, inherent in all representatives of the Compositae family … The foliage of the species under consideration is lobed or obovate, less often oblong or rounded, often several forms of leaves are found on the same plant. The lower foliage is petiolate, the upper foliage is sessile, stem-embracing.

The inflorescence-basket is small, usually up to 4 cm in diameter, equipped with a wrapper with lanceolate pointed pubescent leaves arranged in two rows. The ligulate flowers are light yellow, slightly larger than the leaves of the envelope surrounding the inflorescence. Tubular (or disc) flowers are darker in color. Doronicum Turkestan is a drought-resistant and frost-resistant species, easily tolerates frosts without shelter, although in some years it freezes if the temperature in winter drops to -30 C.

The species blooms in mid-summer, it is possible to re-bloom closer to September, but this factor largely depends on climatic conditions and care. In general, the considered representative of the genus is highly decorative, because flowering lasts almost a month. At the end of flowering, the plants are cut to the very root, otherwise the flower garden will take on a very unattractive look, and spoil the overall impression of those who are contemplating.

Care

There is nothing supernatural in the care of the Turkestan doronicum. The plant needs regular weeding, moderate watering, feeding twice a season and light loosening. The last operation should be carried out with extreme caution, since the roots of the plant are located close to the soil surface. Top dressing is carried out with the onset of spring, and then closer to flowering. Complex fertilizers and organic matter are ideal for spring feeding, but it is not recommended to use rotted, fresh manure, it can damage the delicate roots of plants and destroy them. Otherwise, there are no peculiarities in the care.

Fight disease

Doronicum Turkestan is an unpretentious plant, but insufficient care can affect its health. It can also lead to the appearance of various diseases and damage by pests, which will not be easy to get rid of later. It should be noted that the culture is very susceptible to powdery mildew, especially when planting thickened. Powdery mildew is a fairly common fungal disease, accompanied by a grayish or whitish bloom that forms on foliage, shoots and flowers (in rare cases).

Parts of the plant affected by the disease, over time, begin to curl, undergo deformation and, ultimately, dry out and fall off. Prevention of the disease is the correct location (doronicums love illuminated areas), free arrangement (plants should be located at a distance of 25 cm from each other, tall varieties - at a distance of 30-35 cm) and regular fertilization.

Of the control methods, the most effective treatments are ground sulfur diluted in soapy water, or purchased in powder, every 2 weeks; spraying with a copper-soap solution prepared on the basis of soapy water mixed with copper sulfate; treatment with salicylic acid, coupled with baking soda. No less effective is the infusion of hay dust and dry foliage or garlic.