The basic techniques of planting the "immortal" flower gomphrena
Among the many green plants that populate planet Earth, the "immortal" species stand out. Gomfrena is a charming representative of vibrant undying flowers. When you observe such plants, you involuntarily wonder why people live so little. Some turtles live 300 years, trees - a thousand, and humans only 70 - 80. Despite this, we manage to enjoy the earthly beauty to the fullest, especially flowers.
Subtle strokes of the "immortal" flower
Gomfrena is considered a charming representative of dried flowers, which are widely used to decorate summer cottages. She belongs to the Amaranth family and is very similar to common clover... In contrast, the plant is much larger, and the buds come in different colors.
Gomfrena is an outdoor herb that can create stunning carpet beauty. The shoots of the flower are erect with many branches. Some varieties have a creeping character. They grow up to half a meter in height and are covered with dense sessile elliptical foliage. On each leaf plate, gray miniature hairs are visible.
Small buds are collected in inflorescences in the form of a ball and are located mainly on the tops of the lateral and main stems of the flower. Each of them is covered with original natural paper that will never fade. In addition, light dots can be seen on the heads of bright buds. They resemble small golden-colored insects that enjoy the sweet nectar of the inflorescence.
In its natural environment, the gomphrene plant throws out buds of various colors, namely:
- snow-white options;
- pink shades;
- red tones;
- yellow and orange;
- purple.
Interestingly, the perianth of the gomphrene also has a pubescent structure, like the leaves. This "design" gives the plant a certain charm and originality. The buds bloom with the onset of summer, delighting the hearts of summer residents until the first autumn frosts.
The buds that bloom the very first on the plant do not lose their beauty for the whole season. For this unique property the "immortal" flower is valued.
Original varieties of gomphrene
When it comes to dried flowers, you understand that these unique flowers practically do not lose their decorative effect. Therefore, breeders have provided gardeners with several varieties.
Charming Ball Gomphrena
A plant with such a simple name is a branchy bush that resembles a ball. Gomphrene Spherical has elliptical leaves, which are covered with thick delicate hairs. When the rays of the sun hit them, the plant seems to plunge into a gray fog, which causes considerable admiration.
Delicate pubescent buds are no less attractive on a bright summer day. Although they are tough to the touch, this does not prevent the dried flowers from attracting the attention of gardeners. The refined tones of Gomphrene flowers never cease to delight their fans for the whole season.I would like to note the following:
- snow white;
- cream;
- carmine;
- purple or purple.
An interesting fact - the buds do not lose their color even after they are completely dry. That is why flowers are used in decorative bouquets for home interiors.
The first flowers of Gomphrena Spherical appear in early July, the last in September-October. The seeds ripen in autumn, most often on the main stem of the plant. They are stored in achene - a small fruit of a flower.
To obtain high-quality planting material, ripe buds are dried. They are hung up with their roots up indoors or outdoors under a canopy. Then they are threshed and seeds are obtained.
Exotic variety - gomfrena Strawberry
The incredibly bright annual belongs to the undying dried flowers. Its branchy bushes grow only up to 30 cm in height, and resembles a strawberry meadow. The foliage of the strawberry gomphrene is dark green and elongated. Large inflorescences are located on long peduncles. They are decorated, like strawberries, in bright red. The variety loves loose and nutritious soil. The best growing option is sunny areas. Gomfrena Strawberry is used to decorate the suburban area, as a creeping plant. Florists also love her when they create flower bouquets from dried flowers.
Gomfrena the Scattered
This type of dried flower has creeping shoots that can grow in different directions. Based on the observations of gardeners, it was noticed that one bush can cover 1 m² of a country flower bed in a short time. When grown in hanging containers, the shoots fall down, creating a weeping shape.
Gomfrena Hare
The plant will grow up to 30 cm, which is successfully used for landscaping the backyard area. In summer, bright orange or coral flowers appear on the tips of the green creeping stems.
In the photo of Gomphrene Hare, you can see these gorgeous buds of unprecedented beauty.
The main techniques of planting an "undying" plant
In order for the flower to appear in the country flower bed, as early as possible, it is important to plant it correctly. After all, it depends on this whether the flower will take root on the site or not. Although it is a dried flower, it still requires attention.
Growing homphrene from seeds in early spring in containers makes it possible to see its flowering already in the coming season. To do this, in March or early April, you need to prepare a suitable soil. First, the substrate is disinfected with chemicals or simply poured with boiling water. Then the soil is loosened to make it soft. Gomphrene seeds are sown thickly in shallow holes, sprinkled with earth and covered with foil.
A too hot environment should not be created for the plant. Crops do well at temperatures around 20 degrees.
As soon as the first shoots appear, the containers must be taken out to a bright place. After 14 days, crops can be dived into separate containers or pots. Interestingly, gomfrena tolerates the diving process well and is quickly taken on new soil. The main condition for her is moderate watering.
Planting gomphrene in open ground and caring for it begins when the last threat of frost disappears. The best option is late May or early June. It is also important to successfully select a site for a heat-loving plant. Sunny places are suitable, where the soil warms up well throughout the season. In areas with frequent summer rains, it is advisable to grow gomfren in greenhouses.
To provide the plant with comfortable care, it is important not to forget to plow the soil regularly. This must be done carefully, without damaging the young shoots. Timely watering will provide gomfrene with constant access to life-giving moisture. And feeding complex fertilizers, promotes the rapid emergence of buds.
Often, fertilizing begins to be added to the soil already in containers with seedlings.After planting on a flower bed - at intervals of every 2 weeks. If the plant is grown in flower pots, then fertilizers are added more often, but in low concentration. When gomfrena begins to bloom, feeding should be stopped immediately. The landing shown in the photo of Gomfren, and the care of which, carried out competently and in a timely manner, never ceases to delight its fans.
If the soil is fertilized immoderately with organic matter, the plant will thrive with greenery. But for a whole season it may never bloom.
Gomfrena and beauty lovers
Since gomphrene belongs to decorative dried flowers, it is used to create various flower arrangements. When the plant blooms luxuriantly, the buds are carefully cut and dried. To do this, they are placed in a dark room with good ventilation. Shoots are collected in bunches of several pieces and hung with buds down. After complete drying, the flowers are used by florists and lovers of natural beauty.
Gomfrena looks wonderful in bouquets:
- with zinnias:
- in a company with exotic succulents;
- in tandem with English roses;
- adjacent to craspedia.
Such flower arrangements are striking in their sophistication and beauty. Therefore, they often appear in the houses and apartments of nature lovers.
In landscape design, gomfrena is used in rock gardens, in garden beds, in hanging containers and floor pots. Mainly used as:
- decorative filling of various voids between trees;
- border decoration of the main flower beds;
- an exquisite plant surrounded by garden decorations;
- flower in a huge pot at their summer cottage.
In addition, gomfrena is used to treat various diseases. For example, in India it was used to give strength to the elderly. Modern "healers" prepare various decoctions from a flower and use it in the treatment of bronchitis or general strengthening of the body. Be that as it may, it is important to wisely approach any treatment for disease. After all, what helps one person may be harmful to another.
Summing up, it can be noted that gomfrena takes its place of honor in garden design. She amazingly decorates country flower beds. Looks great when cut and can retain its color and properties in winter bouquets for a long time. Truly an undying natural masterpiece.