2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Greenlandic ledum (lat. Ledum groenlandicum) - decorative and medicinal shrub; a representative of the genus Ledum of the Heather family. In nature, it is found on rocky slopes, peat bogs and well-watered coasts of North America, Europe and Asia. In culture, it is found less often than other species, despite the fact that it has high decorative properties.
Characteristics of culture
Greenland wild rosemary is a small shrub up to 100 cm high, with a rounded shape. The leaves are green, oblong-oval, dense, leathery, with a pronounced midrib up to 2.5-3 cm long. The flowers are white, numerous, small, up to 1.5 cm in diameter, collected in umbellate inflorescences. Greenland rosemary blooms from the second decade of June to the second decade of July, sometimes earlier, depending on climatic conditions. Annual flowering, abundant. Blooms in the third year after planting. The fruits ripen in the third decade of September.
Moderate growth. Winter hardiness is high, but in severe winters, the tips of young immature shoots freeze slightly in plants. Propagated by seeds and cuttings. Good rooting is possible only when the cuttings are treated with growth stimulants. Greenland rosemary has one decorative form Compacta (Compact). The form is represented by evergreen erect shrubs no higher than 50 cm high with cream-white flowers, collected in spherical inflorescences. Abundant flowering occurs in late May - early June. Suitable for creating heather gardens, easily gets along in alliance with crops that prefer acidic soils.
Landing features
It is preferable to plant greenland rosemary seedlings in spring, autumn planting is also possible, but in this case the seedlings must have a closed root system. The planting hole is dug in advance, its depth varies from 30 to 45 cm. At the bottom, they arrange high-quality drainage of pebbles or coarse-grained river sand with a layer of at least 7 cm. The hole is filled with a mixture of coniferous soil, sand and high-moor peat in a ratio of 2: 2: 3. After planting, the soil is thoroughly compacted, watering and mulching are carried out with organic materials, for example, peat, fallen needles or foliage. The distance between plants should be about 70 cm.
Subtleties of care
An important condition for the successful cultivation of Greenland rosemary is acidic soil. You can maintain an optimal acidity level with acidified water, which is watered at least 2 times a month for plantings. Peat and humus can also acidify the soil; it is best to mulch the foot with these materials. Despite the fact that Greenland rosemary grows well on poor soils, it needs additional fertilizing with full mineral fertilizers diluted in water. The species in question is moisture-loving, and does not tolerate commonwealth with dry and compacted soils, therefore, it is necessary to periodically loosen, but very carefully, because most of the roots of the plant are located close to the soil surface.
Water rosemary as needed, it is important not to allow the soil to dry out, otherwise the plants will start to wither. In the summer, which does not indulge in precipitation, watering is carried out weekly at 7-8 liters per adult bush. Formative pruning of greenland rosemary is not required, but it is not recommended to exclude sanitary pruning, not only the health of the shrub, but also the appearance depends on it. Therefore, in the spring it is necessary to remove broken and dry twigs. The wild rosemary are resistant to pests and diseases, possibly due to the pungent and frightening odor emanating from the branches, leaves and flowers.
Reproduction
As already mentioned, the greenland rosemary is propagated by seeds and cuttings. Cutting has its own characteristics, so only experienced gardeners can handle this procedure. After cutting, the cuttings are dipped in 0.01% heteroauxin solution for a day, after which they are thoroughly washed with running water and planted in a container filled with a moist and nutritious substrate. Roots are formed only the next year, then the rooted cuttings can be planted in a permanent place or for growing.
Recommended:
Ledum
Ledum (Latin Ledum) - a genus of the Heather family (Latin Ericaceae). In Western countries, species of the genus are referred to as the genus Rhododendron. In nature, wild rosemary grows in countries with a temperate climate. Currently, the genus has 10 species, of which only 4 are cultivated in Russia.
Ledum Creeping
Ledum creeping (Latin Ledum decumbens) - decorative and medicinal woody plant; a representative of the genus Ledum of the Heather family. Another name is Prostrate Ledum. The species is widespread in Greenland, northern regions of North America, Chukotka, Kamchatka, Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands, as well as in the Khabarovsk and Primorsky territories.
