Reasons For The Popularity Of Heuchera. Continuation

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

We will continue to reveal the reasons for the popularity of the most decorative heuchera flower. Let us dwell on the methods of reproduction and the variety of forms in more detail

Easy reproduction

When propagating, 2 methods are used: seed and vegetative (cuttings of rosettes).

The germination rate of own seeds is much higher than purchased ones, it is about 60%. They look like small particles of a dusty structure. 1 gram contains about 20,000 seeds.

Sow on seedlings at home superficially in late February - early March. A light substrate is selected based on peat and sand in equal proportions. Moisten gently from a spray bottle as the soil dries up. A month later, the first seedlings appear.

In the phase of 3-4 leaves, a pick is carried out into cells with a diameter of 2.5-3 cm. As the container grows, the container is increased to 6 cm. Once every 2 weeks, they are fed with a complex fertilizer for flowers. They are transferred to open ground in late May - early June. The distance between the bushes is set at 20 cm.

Cutting is carried out 1 time in 6 years, with a strong growth of outlets. Heuchera is completely dug up. Pieces of cuttings without roots are separated. Dip in root. Instill in the nursery to the level of leaf petioles. Water the garden. Creates a lightweight film cover to maintain high humidity. After a month, real roots appear, new leaves begin to grow. This is one of the surest signs of successful rooting. The film is gradually removed.

Cutting is best done in May or after the first flowering. In the latter case, the plants are left in the garden until spring. The optimal place for the cuticle is light partial shade.

Variety of varieties and shapes

In the wild, the most common species is the blood-red Heuchera. Its leaves are pubescent, very dense, toothed, collected in a compact rosette 25 cm high. Thorny flowers of pink, red, crimson color form a panicle 20 cm high. Flowering lasts 2-3 months. Introduced into culture in 1882.

For decorative purposes, several more types are used.

The largest is the cylindrical heuchera with a powerful rosette of sertate-rounded pubescent leaves. Tall peduncles are covered with large yellowish-green inflorescences. There is an alpine form as a variety.

Small-flowered Heuchera is distinguished by silvery-gray spots on the leaves very similar to maple. Inflorescences are loose, openwork with pink-cream bells. Opens from late May to early August. This species is relatively thermophilic. Easy shelter in winter makes it possible to grow it in Central Russia. A striking representative is the Purple Castle variety.

Heuchera American is prized for its variety of decorative foliage. Small rosettes up to 20 cm high. On high petioles there are rounded-heart-shaped leaf plates, sometimes on the reverse side, painted in a lilac-brown hue. Small greenish-yellow flowers bloom from June to August. Introduced into culture in 1656.

The use of wild species in the process of crossing has led over time to a wide variety of cultivars, united under the general name of Heuchera hybrid.

Modern representatives differ:

• extended flowering periods;

• corrugated leaf edges;

• incredible color combinations of bushes;

• bright inflorescences;

• good adaptation to wintering conditions.

All of the above factors make it possible to expand the growing area of this culture. Make it attractive to gardeners. Provide extensive material for breeding work. Nowadays there is practically no plot where heuchera is grown. Therefore, it is so popular among flower growers. It takes the main place in the flower beds.