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Many summer residents are fond of landscape design and create original and unique flower arrangements from various cultures on the plots. Arctotis deserves special attention due to the variety of colors of inflorescences and undemanding character.
Characteristics of the plant
The Arktotis flower belongs to the Astrov family. The name of the plant literally translates as “bear’s ear”. There are about 30 types of flowers, which are annual, biennial and perennial.
The Arktotis flower has erect, branching stems from 20 to 70 cm high. The leaves of the herbaceous or semi-shrub Arktotis are slightly pubescent, have a silvery-greenish tint. The main difference between the species is manifested in the parameters, shapes and shades of colors. Inflorescences of saturated shades up to 7-10 cm in diameter. In the flower, the marginal petals are painted in bright colors of white, pink, orange or deep purple. The tubular petals are distinguished by dark shades of purple, brown or crimson.
The cultivated flowers of Arktothis are predominantly perennials, but the shrubs do not overwinter in the central or northern regions, so they are grown as annuals. The luxurious flowering of Arktotis is distinguished by a long period – from July almost to autumn frosts. It is noteworthy that the inflorescences fully open only in bright weather. The most common are hybrid varieties obtained by crossing different species.
The most popular and frequently planted are several varieties of Arktotis:
- The hybrid is distinguished by flowers painted in red-orange shades (Harlequin Mixed) or dark pink inflorescences (Wine). The stems grow to a height of 30-45 cm. Hybrid Arctotis with semi-double petals look very elegant;
- Stehastolisty variety can be attributed to the most common. Flower baskets about 70 cm in diameter grow on stems about 8 cm high. This Arctotis is distinguished by two-color inflorescences with snow-white petals along the edges and brilliant middles of a deep blue hue (photo). It is noteworthy that the garden variety has longer leaves and wide inflorescences than the main species;
- Arktotis Stemniy grows no higher than 15 cm. Inflorescences of bright rich orange hues are formed by reed petals;
- The stemless variety of the plant has long (15-20 cm) basal leaves with a green front surface and a white-gray underside. Elegant inflorescences of small diameter (about 5 cm) are distinguished by a black and red central part;
- Rough Arktotis grows no higher than half a meter. It is distinguished by reed petals of yellow color with thin brownish strokes.
It is impossible not to mention rare varieties: Arktotis Beautiful is short (up to 30 cm) with bluish petals along the edges of the basket.
Eared grows up to 45 cm and has rich yellow marginal petals.
The flower Arctotis Magnificent is notable for large orange petals along the edges of the flower basket.
Planting seeds
You can grow a flower by sowing seeds in open ground or planting seedlings. The seeds of Arctotis are usually quite small, with a brownish surface and a slightly pubescent appearance. Sowing material is sown in open ground in the first half of May.
Sowing stages
Growing seedlings of Arktotis is the best option, and it is better to sow the seeds in late March or early April.
- Since the tap root system of plants is quite long, the seeds are sown in separate specially prepared containers so as not to damage the roots when planting Arktotis sprouts. You can use a nutritious soil mixture offered in flower shops. Or prepare the soil yourself – mix sand, garden soil and peat in equal proportions. To disinfect the soil, it is recommended to pre-calcine it in the oven.
- In containers, holes are made in the center of the moistened nutrient mixture and 2-3 Arktotis seeds are placed (in each cup).
- The wells are carefully sprinkled with earth and additionally moistened (you can use a sprayer).
- To prevent the soil from drying out, all containers are covered with glass or plastic wrap. Suitable conditions for the emergence of seedlings – a warm and well-lit place.
When the first sprouts appear after a week and a half, you can remove the covering material. It is recommended to water the seedlings through the pallet. Arctotis flowers need regular but moderate watering.
In warm southern regions, seeds can be sown immediately in open moist soil in early May. When preparing the holes, you need to take into account the size of future flowers and apply the appropriate layout of the holes. 5-6 seeds are placed in each hole. The seed germinates in 10-12 days, and after a week, the sprouts can be carefully thinned out, removing weak seedlings. A bush is formed from 2-3 sprouts. Since Arktotis flowers tolerate short-term cold snaps well, you can not be afraid for plants during late spring frosts.
Features of care
In order for the plant to bloom for a long time and profusely, in the summer cottage for planting Arktotis flowers, well-lit places protected from the winds are allocated. The plant prefers light-drained soils and does not thrive in permanently moist soils. Also, the flower reacts negatively to the introduction of fresh organic fertilizers into the ground.
Moreover, undersized flowers Arktotis are placed according to the scheme 25×25 cm, and tall ones – 40×40 cm. Since the plant forms a long and powerful central rod, seedlings can be transplanted only once.
Since in natural hot conditions the flower grows on stony soils, it does not need abundant watering. The main requirement when choosing a place for planting Arktotis flowers is open areas.
It is recommended to use mineral compositions (phosphorus) in small quantities during the flowering period of Arktotis. It is better to make nutrient solutions while watering the bushes.
After watering, it is recommended to loosen the soil and remove weeds. To stimulate lush flowering, it is recommended to constantly remove faded baskets. Please note that tall varieties may need additional support.
Since Arktotis flowers are not left to winter in the middle / northern regions, in the fall the bushes break out and are burned. Planting material is easy to stock up on your own. To do this, you need to observe the faded inflorescences. After about one and a half to two weeks, wilted baskets are covered with a fluffy layer. Cut them off and dry them in a cool, dry place. Seeds are cleaned from baskets and packed in thick paper bags.
Pest Control
Arktotis flowers are resistant to diseases and pests. Sometimes plantings can suffer from aphids or root rot.
Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap. Many pest species can carry diseases. The first visible signs of damage to the Arktotis flower – the leaves begin to turn yellow and curl, small bugs of a greenish or black color appear on the shoots. Most often, the insect infects fresh or weakened plants. If the pest is not fought, then the growth of the bushes slows down, and the leaves and flowers begin to deform. The reason for the appearance of aphids can be ants or a long period of humid, hot weather. In case of damage to single plants, insects can be eliminated by washing the green mass of the bushes with a stream of water. If a large area is affected, then the plants are sprayed with insecticides (Fiore, Aktellik).
When wet weather sets in in summer with sudden changes in temperature, gray rot can damage plants. The fungus infects all above-ground parts of the plant. First, the disease appears on the lower leaves, and then spreads to the stem. The disease manifests itself in the form of light brown dry spots. Fighting the spread of a fungal disease does not make sense. Therefore, at the first signs of the disease, the damaged plant is carefully dug up and burned. For prevention, you can spray the remaining bushes with “Fundazol”.
Flowers in landscape design
Arktotis harmoniously look both in separate groups and in flower arrangements in flower beds. Gardeners recommend planting the plant on rocky crusts. High varieties exquisitely decorate plantings with low flowers (marigolds, verbena, petunia). Low views look great along the curbs or in the clearings next to summerhouses.
Arctotis requires very little attention. Thanks to the constant flowering, the dacha will delight the owners and guests with elegant and bright flowers all summer long.
