Colutea

The genus Pemphigus, or Colutea, includes more than 25 species of deciduous, occasionally prickly shrubs. The most common is a spreading tree-shaped pemphigus (Colutea arborescens) with a characteristic brown bark with a light tint; the leaves are alternate, non-pinnate, and consist of 7-13 oval light green leaflets. Flowers are yellow, moth-like, consisting of a sail, an upper petal, two oars, side petals, and a boat - two fused petals, collected in hanging axillary racemes and blooming from May to July. In place of the flowers, fruits are formed - a multi-seeded swollen bean (hence the name of the genus), which then turn a bright red or copper hue. The decorative form is bubbly-compact, with rather slow growth. Eastern bubblegum (C. orientalis) is a shrub with a rounded crown, bluish-green leaves and copper-red flowers. From the crossing of two species: tree pemphigus and eastern pemphigus, a hybrid was obtained - medium pemphigus (Colutea xena) with a lush crown, grayish leaves and abundant flowering of bronze-yellow flowers.

The genus Pemphigus, or Colutea, includes more than 25 species of deciduous, occasionally prickly shrubs. The most common is a spreading tree-shaped pemphigus (Colutea arborescens) with a characteristic brown bark with a light tint; the leaves are alternate, non-pinnate, and consist of 7-13 oval light green leaflets. Flowers are yellow, moth-like, consisting of a sail, an upper petal, two oars, side petals, and a boat - two fused petals, collected in hanging axillary racemes and blooming from May to July. In place of the flowers, fruits are formed - a multi-seeded swollen bean (hence the name of the genus), which then turn a bright red or copper hue. The decorative form is bubbly-compact, with rather slow growth.

Eastern bubblegum (C. orientalis) is a shrub with a rounded crown, bluish-green leaves and copper-red flowers.

From the crossing of two species: tree pemphigus and eastern pemphigus, a hybrid was obtained - medium pemphigus (Colutea xena) with a lush crown, grayish leaves and abundant flowering of bronze-yellow flowers.

Cultivation

Pemphigus is cultivated as an ornamental shrub, as it is characterized by long flowering, brightly colored flowers, reddish fruits. These are unpretentious, sustainable species. They are planted in the open ground in late autumn or early spring. They are not demanding of the soil, as long as it is well drained and allows moisture to pass through. In March, dry, frail and poorly located branches are removed, the strongest ones are shortened, leaving only a couple of buds at the base of each, so that the shrub looks neat.

Location

Pemphigus prefers open sun.

Temperature

This plant is resistant to high and low air temperatures.

Watering

Water young plants when planted in the ground. Then watering is required only during a prolonged drought. In general, the plant is drought-resistant.

Reproduction

Propagated, as a rule, by seeds. Sowing is carried out in the spring in the seed soil, it is possible in the open air. Seedlings are finally planted only in autumn, in October. They are also propagated in late summer by lignified cuttings 10 cm long, planted in a soil of peat and sand in a closed but unheated room. Next spring, the seedlings are planted one at a time in containers with a diameter of 10 cm. After one or more transfers to larger containers, they are finally planted in the following October.

Diseases

Very wet soils and poor drainage can lead to root rot. To prevent this from happening, be sure to check the condition of the soil when planting. Branch cancer is associated with Nectria cinnabarina. Remove the affected parts, and then treat the plant with a copper sulfate-based preparation.

Acquisition

It is quite easy to find bubble plants in the best specialized gardening centers and nurseries. Choose small, well-formed plants.

Plant for slope plots Bubblegum can be successfully used to hold crumbling soil and improve the appearance of uncultivated areas, even if the soil is not particularly suitable. The best time to plant a crop in this case is winter, it is recommended to choose plants with a height of at least 50-60 cm so that they take root faster. Planting is done in a staggered order, the distance between plants should be 40-80 cm. On scree the holes are made vertical, creating a kind of pocket so that the water for irrigation reaches the roots. At the bottom of the hole put rotted manure or compost, closing it 10-15-centimeter layer of earth so that the roots do not directly touch them. The plant is placed, covered with a lump of earth and shed abundantly. Water the next time only in the spring (if it does not happen naturally with rain). Usually, after rooting, watering is no longer required.

Plant for slope plots

Bubblegum can be successfully used to hold crumbling soil and improve the appearance of uncultivated areas, even if the soil is not particularly suitable. The best time to plant a crop in this case is winter, it is recommended to choose plants with a height of at least 50-60 cm so that they take root faster. Planting is done in a staggered order, the distance between plants should be 40-80 cm. On scree the holes are made vertical, creating a kind of pocket so that the water for irrigation reaches the roots. At the bottom of the hole put rotted manure or compost, closing it 10-15-centimeter layer of earth so that the roots do not directly touch them. The plant is placed, covered with a lump of earth and shed abundantly. Water the next time only in the spring (if it does not happen naturally with rain). Usually, after rooting, watering is no longer required.