2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Cortusa matthioli (lat. Cortusa matthioli) - a perennial herb belonging to the small genus Kortuza of the Primroses family. It is a relict plant of the tertiary flora. Today, natural specimens are protected in many countries. It is actively used by gardeners and flower growers as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Another name is zarzhitsa.
Characteristics of culture
Cortusa Mattioli is represented by polycarpic plants equipped with a short rhizome. Their distinctive ability is considered to be multiple flowering and fruiting. In height, the culture does not exceed 40 cm, it is characterized by petiolate rounded leaves, which, in turn, are shallowly incised into several blades, equipped with denticles of different sizes. It should be noted that the foliage of the Mattioli cortusa is pubescent with white or reddish hairs, and on the reverse side the foliage is pubescent mainly along the veins and is very strong at the heart-shaped base.
The flowers of the culture are pink or purple with a purple tint; specimens with a whitish tint are less common. Flowers are collected in umbellate inflorescences, as a rule, one umbel includes 10-15 flowers. The bracts of the plant are short, serrated. The flowering of the Mattioli cortusa is observed in late spring - early summer, which largely depends on climatic conditions. The fruits of the species in question are presented in the form of a polyspermous egg-shaped capsule, which, in turn, can be rounded or elongated. As a rule, one fruit contains up to 40 seeds, the size of which does not exceed 1 mm.
Growing features
Kortuza Mattiolli is unpretentious, but she is especially impressed by areas close to natural habitat. We are talking about loamy, calcareous and dolomite soils, as well as soils with a high humus content. No less important is soil moisture; in dry areas, the culture feels defective, in fact, as in waterlogged areas. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the Mattioli cortusa along artificial and natural reservoirs, or to ensure regular and abundant watering.
Like other members of the genus, the Mattioli cortusa is a shade-loving culture. It develops well and blooms profusely even in densely shaded areas. In the open sun, it also grows well, but subject to systematic watering. This type is also suitable for decorating the rocky zone of the garden and rocky areas, which, in principle, is not at all surprising, because in nature plants are found in mountainous regions.
Even an inexperienced gardener will not be difficult to propagate the species in question. It can be divided, it is better to carry out this procedure in spring or autumn. Whereas the transplant must be carried out at least once every 3-4 years, because in one area the plant does not live for a long time, and if this condition is not observed, it becomes thinner and very shallow, which naturally affects the decorative properties.
Despite the fact that many flower cultures are warm and light-loving creatures, the shady beauty has companions, for example, the marsh marigold. She also loves shade and moist soil. A good considered species looks together with marsh violet and yellow sedge. If you plant the listed plants on the shore of the reservoir, the site will be full of incredible beauty, and will be able to compete with even the brightest and most large-flowered specimens.
Mattioli does not impose strict requirements on the care of the cortus. The main thing is to water during cultivation in a dry area. For the winter, it is recommended to cover the plants with natural material, for example, fallen leaves or spruce branches, and in the spring to remove the insulating layer, otherwise podoprevanie cannot be avoided. Do not forget about top dressing, it is on them that the growth activity and the abundance of flowering depend.
