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Buzulnik Vicha (Ligularia veitchiana) is a perennial from the Astrov family and belongs in its biological genus to a group with pyramidal inflorescences. The first description of this species was given by the British botanist William Hemsley. The plant has decorative qualities, therefore it is used in landscape design.
Description of the species
Buzulnik Vicha comes from the western regions of China. Due to its decorative effect, this species is popular in gardening. It has been cultivated since the beginning of the XNUMXth century.
Buzulnik Vicha is a powerful upright plant.
Its main characteristics:
- height up to 2 m;
- the stem is thin, but strong and rigid;
- high spike-shaped inflorescences, bloom from the bottom up;
- flowering begins in August, lasts more than a month;
- disc flowers in large numbers, yellow;
- yellow baskets, diameter up to 6,5 cm;
- flowers have 12-14 reeds, oblong shape, length up to 2,5 cm;
- the foliage is dark green, smooth and glabrous on both sides;
- basal leaves up to 30-40 cm long and 35 cm wide, heart-shaped, edges with sharp teeth, characterized by elasticity and brilliance;
- length of petioles 45-60 cm, semi-cylindrical shape;
- the fruit is an oblong achene with a tuft;
- high cold resistance – the plant can withstand frosts down to -29 ° C;
- decorative throughout the season.
In Buzulnik Vicha, both flowers and leaves have decorative properties.
Application in landscape design
Buzulnik Vicha, thanks to large leaves, looks good in single plantings. It can be planted on a lawn, placed under a tree or near a pond.
Buzulnik Vicha is moisture-loving, therefore it grows well near natural and artificial reservoirs
Buzulnik Vicha also looks impressive in group plantings. It can be combined with various green and flowering plants. For harmony in the form of inflorescences, its neighbors can be: spikelet veronica, loosestrife loosestrife, lupine, fennel (fennel) multi-grate, foxglove and Transylvanian sage.
Buzulnik Vicha effectively planted along paths, fences, various buildings
The leaves and inflorescences of Vicha buzulnik are suitable for cutting.
Features of reproduction
Buzulnik Vicha can be propagated by seeds or by dividing the bush. The second method can be applied throughout the season, but it is better to plan for May or September-October. When planted in spring, plants take root better.
Buzulnik Vicha seeds can be collected independently. To do this, you need to wait for them to fully mature. It is convenient to wrap the inflorescences with gauze. After that, the seeds must be dried and laid out in paper bags.
Dividing a bush is easy:
- Select a plant and carefully dig it out. This measure is optional, you can simply separate the desired part with a shovel.
- Rinse the bush with water.
- Cut it into pieces with a knife. Each must have a growth bud. Treat slices with crushed charcoal or a solution of potassium permanganate.
- Plant cuttings on dug up and fertilized area. Deepen them so that the growth buds are 3-5 cm above the surface.
When propagated by seeds, the buzulnik begins to bloom only after 3-4 years. When dividing, this happens already in the next season.
Planting and care
Buzulnik Vicha is planted in open ground with seeds. Growing seedlings is not required.
Buzulnik needs complex care. It can include pruning to maintain the decorativeness of the plant. You need to get rid of wilted flower stalks.
Recommended dates
Buzulnik Vicha seeds are planted in spring or autumn. It is better to plan work for May.
The plant can also be planted with seedlings. This should be done in the spring.
Site selection and soil preparation
In order for Vicha’s buzulnik to successfully grow, develop and retain its decorative effect, it is necessary to choose the right place for planting it. It must meet the following requirements:
- partial shade, although it is permissible to place the bushes in the sun if they are regularly and plentifully watered;
- the earth is preferably light and loamy, rather loose and moist;
- soil acidity is neutral, slightly acidic or slightly alkaline reaction is allowed.
The area chosen for the buzulnik must be dug up, going deep into the bayonet of the shovel. Loosen the surface thoroughly.
In addition to fertile garden soil, humus is needed when planting – 1 bucket for each seedling. Wood ash and superphosphate are added from fertilizers.
Buzulnik is conveniently planted under trees that provide the necessary shading.
Landing algorithm
Planting Vicha’s buzulnik is easy. If you grow it from seeds, then the algorithm is as follows:
- Prepare the area.
- Make grooves or holes.
- Sow the seeds, sprinkle with earth and compact it. Deepen 2 cm.
- Before winter, cover the bed until spring.
When planting a buzulnik in autumn, the seeds undergo a natural stratification. Plants need to be thinned out as they grow. As a result, at least 0,5 m should remain between the bushes.
Watering and fertilizing schedule
Buzulnik Vicha is moisture-loving, therefore it must be watered often and plentifully. It is enough to do this once a week. On dry days, watering is increased every 1-3 days. If the air is too dry, then you should spray the plants in the morning or evening so that they retain their decorative effect.
The first top dressing is carried out when plants are planted, when humus, wood ash and superphosphate are added to the soil. Then 2 top dressings per season are enough for the buzulnik:
- mullein solution (10%) – add under each bush until the end of spring;
- humus in autumn at the end of flowering.
Loosening and mulching
During the season, the soil near the bushes must be loosened. This should be done after watering or rainfall. The first loosening is carried out in the spring, as soon as the snow melts, and the frosts pass.
Less loosening of the soil will be required if its surface is mulched. It is better to use humus or peat. The mulch will keep moisture at the roots and prevent weeds from growing.
Preparation for winter
Buzulnik Vicha is cold-resistant, therefore it survives the winter well. Special preparation for it is not required, with the exception of pruning at the root for the first frost.
Shelter should be done only in regions with severe winters or little snow cover. In other cases, preventive mulching with needles or tree bark is sufficient.
Diseases and pests
One of the attractive features of Vicha buzulnik is resistance to diseases and pests. The main problem of the plant are slugs. They feed mainly on young leaves. There are several ways to deal with these pests:
- mechanical obstacles – mulching with stone chips, needles, ash, crushed nut or egg shells, ash;
- chemical compositions – granules with metaldehyde “Thunderstorm”, aluminum sulfate powder;
- traps – a plastic glass buried in the ground with beer or milk (pour only on the bottom), cabbage leaves or wet burlap laid out on the surface;
- natural enemies – birds, lizards, toads.
For the prevention of slugs, autumn garden cleaning and burning of plant residues is important.
Buzulnik Vicha can suffer from powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that must be fought with fungicides – copper sulfate, Fitosporin, Topaz. Prevention is the burning of plant residues.
The main symptom of powdery mildew is a white coating on the leaves.
Conclusion
Buzulnik Vicha is an unpretentious perennial that is easy to grow in the garden. You can plant it with seeds or seedlings, propagate by dividing the bush. It is easy to care for him, all activities are standard for garden plants.
