Trachelium

The genus Trachelium contains 7 herbaceous, usually woody at the base, perennial low-resistant plant species. The leaves are simple and regular. Flowers are collected in lush apical corymbs (less often they are single and axillary). Both the calyx and corolla are tubular in shape. The name comes from the Greek word trachelos: in ancient times, this plant was considered curative, healing from diseases of the trachea. Very widespread is blue Trachelium (Trachelium coeruleum), erect, 20-30 cm high. The leaves are elliptical saw-blades, the stems and petioles are slightly reddish. Blue or purple small and numerous flowers on high peduncles are collected in corymbose dense inflorescences. Numerous varieties have been obtained from this species, which are grown as flowers for cutting (they can grow more than 1 m in height), as annuals in flower beds and potted plants. The variety 'Umbrella white' flowers are white, 'Purple umbrella' - purple. Trachelium asperuloides (T. asperuloides) is a small species (up to 5 cm high) that forms dense pads. The tiny leaves are ovate to rounded in shape. Small flowers, light blue with a pink tint, are either single or collected in inflorescences. Some authors also refer trachelium Rumelliana (T. rumellianum), a groundcover plant with egg-shaped toothed leaves and bright blue flowers, to the previous species.

The genus Trachelium contains 7 herbaceous, usually woody at the base, perennial low-resistant plant species. The leaves are simple and regular. Flowers are collected in lush apical corymbs (less often they are single and axillary). Both the calyx and corolla are tubular in shape. The name comes from the Greek word trachelos: in ancient times, this plant was considered curative, healing from diseases of the trachea.

Very widespread is blue Trachelium (Trachelium coeruleum), erect, 20-30 cm high. The leaves are elliptical saw-blades, the stems and petioles are slightly reddish. Blue or purple small and numerous flowers on high peduncles are collected in corymbose dense inflorescences. Numerous varieties have been obtained from this species, which are grown as flowers for cutting (they can grow more than 1 m in height), as annuals in flower beds and potted plants. The variety 'Umbrella white' flowers are white, 'Purple umbrella' - purple.

Trachelium asperuloides (T. asperuloides) is a small species (up to 5 cm high) that forms dense pads. The tiny leaves are ovate to rounded in shape. Small flowers, light blue with a pink tint, are either single or collected in inflorescences.

Some authors also refer trachelium Rumelliana (T. rumellianum), a groundcover plant with egg-shaped toothed leaves and bright blue flowers, to the previous species.

Cultivation

Trachelium is grown in the open ground as plants for borders and rock gardens or (the most stunted) in stony mountain gardens (mainly in dry climates). There are interesting varieties that are used as flowers for cutting. Trachelium is cultivated both as indoor plants (in a cool room) and on balconies and terraces. Plant in well-drained soil, you can not be too fertile, it is better to slightly alkaline or slightly calcined (many species in nature grow in rock cracks). The land for planting should be fertilized with organic materials-5 kg/m2 each, or complex minerals in the amount of 30 g /m2. For growing in containers, a mixture of garden soil, leaf humus and sand, taken in equal parts, is used, to which a mineral complex fertilizer is also added. During the spring and summer period, liquid (with watering) top dressing is carried out.

Trachelium is grown in the open ground as plants for borders and rock gardens or (the most stunted) in stony mountain gardens (mainly in dry climates). There are interesting varieties that are used as flowers for cutting. Trachelium is cultivated both as indoor plants (in a cool room) and on balconies and terraces. Plant in well-drained soil, you can not be too fertile, it is better to slightly alkaline or slightly calcined (many species in nature grow in rock cracks). The land for planting should be fertilized with organic materials-5 kg/m2 each, or complex minerals in the amount of 30 g /m2.

For growing in containers, a mixture of garden soil, leaf humus and sand, taken in equal parts, is used, to which a mineral complex fertilizer is also added. During the spring and summer period, liquid (with watering) top dressing is carried out.

Location

An open sunny place is required; in the rooms-to shade from the bright sun.

Temperature

In winter, 5-10 °C is sufficient, not higher than 15 °C. Easily tolerate high temperatures in summer. In cold climates, where they are grown as annuals, they are resistant to temperature fluctuations. In the rooms, it is necessary to observe the ventilation mode.

Watering

In summer, they are watered often and abundantly. In winter, it is sufficient to keep the soil slightly moist. Avoid both over-drying and stagnation of moisture.

Transplant

Replant overwintered specimens in the spring.

Care

Usually, it is enough to remove withered flowers and dried leaves.

Reproduction

The easiest way is to propagate by dividing the bushes in the spring, after which the resulting parts are immediately planted in the ground. Another method is to sow seeds in winter at 20 °C in boxes filled with a mixture of sand and peat. As soon as the seedlings grow up, they are thinned and pinched, and in the spring, they are planted on a permanent planting site. In winter, young plants should be protected from the cold, not allowing the temperature to drop below 9 °C.

Diseases

If the ground is waterlogged or poorly drained, it is very easy to develop root rot, which can even lead to the death of the plant. It is necessary to pay attention to the requirements of the crop for cultivation, avoiding the occurrence of conditions that contribute to the appearance of fungi (infected soil, stagnant moisture).

Acquisition

Young specimens of t Trachelium can be found in horticultural centers with a wide selection of crops, primarily in those specializing in plants for rock gardens and mountain gardens. Choose healthy and well-branched specimens from the base. Seeds can also be purchased in specialized companies. Check the expiration date on which their germination depends.