2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Few people know that there is such an unusual dryad flower. The name itself speaks of its ancient origin. It turns out that it has been preserved in our flora since the time of the dinosaurs, dates back to the Mesozoic era
Looking at the flower beds of friends, I noticed unusual plants with fluffy spikelets and dark green jagged leaves. It turned out that this is a representative of the Rosaceae family - the dryad. This is how my acquaintance with this amazing flower began.
Botanical description
The Greek name for dryad is translated as "oak". It arose due to the structural features of the leaf plate, similar to the leaves of giant trees. A low-growing evergreen shrub reaches a height of 10-15 cm. The popular name is partridge grass.
More than 11 species grow on the territory of Russia. In vegetable gardens, the eight-petal dryad is most often found. Single large white inflorescences with many bright yellow long stamens reach up to 4 cm in diameter. They look colorful against the background of dark greenery.
In the wild, it grows in the mountainous and arctic northern regions. It tolerates harsh wintering conditions well. It starts growing as soon as the snow melts.
Leaves are hard, glossy, dark green toothed, with silvery-white pubescence on the underside. An adult bush is up to 60 cm in diameter. It blooms in late spring. Then the fruit is formed - many achenes with long hairs, similar to fluffy spikelets. Does not lose its decorative appearance from early spring to late autumn.
Growing conditions
Prefers sunny or slightly shaded dry areas. Does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil. In nature, it grows on alkaline rocky soils. On loams, it is preferable to create a drain to drain excess water.
In snowless periods, it freezes in autumn, so it is better to cover the plants through a box with non-woven material. This technique will help prevent spring leaf sunburn. It hibernates well under a thick layer of snow without shelter.
Reproduction
There are several ways to breed a dryad:
• dividing the bush;
• seeds.
In early spring before flowering or at the end of summer, an adult plant is completely dug out of the soil. The rhizome is divided into several parts. At least 2 processes are left in each piece. They are planted at a distance of 30-40 cm from each other, on pre-prepared beds with a good drainage system.
Seed propagation is more difficult. Fruits quickly lose their germination, rarely form full-fledged seeds. Only freshly picked boxes are suitable for germination. In the fall, they are immediately sown in the garden. For friendly seedlings, a long period of stratification (2-3 months) is required.
Seeds are spread over the surface of the substrate without embedding. The best temperature is 19-22 degrees. Seedlings quickly grow green mass. Such plants bloom for 2-3 years. Sometimes it reproduces by self-seeding.
Care
Dryad does not have special care requirements. In dry summers, regular watering in small doses is necessary. Landing on a soil well filled with humus, excludes feeding. Loosening the soil helps control weeds, improves aeration in the root area.
Small lush bushes look beautiful on alpine slides, rockeries, rabatkas, next to miniature hosts. They are originally framed by deciduous shrubs, conifers, and small trees of medium height. The luscious dark greenery of the dryad makes a good backdrop for the vibrant flowers in the flower beds.
Along with the eight-petal dryad, other subspecies can be found in private collections: Drummond, Integrifolia, Zyunderman, Chonoski, Caucasian, point. All of them differ from each other in the size and shape of the inflorescences, the dimensions of the bushes, the structure of the leaves.
The price of these plants in nurseries ranges from 100 to 200 rubles. By planting a beautiful "goddess - the patroness of trees" in your garden, you will receive protection of forest nymphs for many years. This is what the Greek tradition says.
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