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Fox-tailed Mirikaria, planting and care
Myrikaria foxtail is a perennial plant that belongs to the family of deciduous shrubs. Due to its unusual foliage and crown shape, it is used in landscape design.
Characteristics of the myrikaria plant
This herb looks like heather. The shrub grows in many countries of the world on plains, plateaus and uplands. The plant can even adapt to the harsh conditions of the northern regions.
Mirikaria should be watered abundantly
Description of foxtail myrikaria:
- Erect shoots reach a height of up to 2 m and a diameter of more than 1,5 m, slightly branched, spreading, grow directly from the roots. They have light brown shades.
- The leaves are small, scaly. They sit tightly on the shoots and cover them along the entire length, gray-green in color.
- The flowers are elongated, pale pink or purple tones. Inflorescences slightly droop down, have a paniculate shape or spikelet. They bloom unevenly, starting from the bottom and gradually rising upward. They begin to bloom in late spring and finish in early autumn.
- The seeds are in a hairy capsule. The fruits ripen in autumn in several stages. They look very impressive, with their fluffy appearance they resemble a fox’s tail.
This herb grows fast and loves light and moisture. Differs in resistance to diseases and pests.
Planting and caring for myrikaria
Plant the plant in spring or fall. The place should be sunny, open, but sheltered from the winds. Grows well on fertile soil, with neutral acidity. A soil containing clay and sand is ideal. You can also prepare your own soil mixture by mixing loam with peat in equal parts.
Prepare a hole no more than 1,5 m deep.Fill 20-25 cm with a drainage from broken bricks and rubble. Apply organic fertilizer. When planting a seedling, do not deepen the root collar, leave it at ground level. Cover with soil on top, compact and water. Maintain the distance between the bushes at least 1 m.
To form a neat and beautiful shrub, prune it regularly
Water the plant abundantly once a week, at least 9 liters per adult bush. If rainfall occurs, then reduce watering. Then loosen the soil and cover with mulch. In the spring and summer, fertilize and feed with mineral mixtures.
Mirikaria grows and beautifies the site without requiring much effort on the part of the gardener. Give the plant a minimum of attention and care, and it will delight you with its quirky and lush appearance.