Content
Seaside Armeria (Armeria maritima) is a low-growing herbaceous perennial of the Vinaceae family. Under natural conditions, it can be found in Europe and North America. The culture is characterized by high decorativeness, unpretentiousness and frost resistance, therefore it has recently gained wide popularity as an element of landscape design. Growing Magnificent Armeria from seeds requires patience and endurance from the grower, but if you take into account all the recommendations, the end result will be as expected.
This type of crop prefers to grow near water bodies
Description and characteristics of Armeria seaside
The plant forms a cushion-shaped dense clump, the height of which reaches 15-20 cm, and the spreading width is 20-30 cm.The rosette of Armeria seaside consists of many narrow linear leaves of a bright green color with a bluish bloom.
The root system of the perennial is taproot. The underground part is dense to the touch. The root of Armeria maritime does not go into the deep layers of the soil, since its length does not exceed 10-15 cm, so the plant needs regular watering in the absence of seasonal rains.
The plant blooms in May and continues until September. During this period, flower stalks appear, the height of which reaches 30-60 cm, depending on the variety. The buds of the plant are small; when fully opened, their diameter is 0.3-0.5 cm. They consist of five uniform petals, and there are five stamens in the center.
The buds are located on short stalks and are collected in spherical apical inflorescences 3-5 cm in size. The shade of the petals of Armeria seaside can be white, pink, purple and lilac.
As a result of pollination, fruits are formed in the form of a single-seeded capsule. After ripening they open up.
Varieties of Armeria seaside
Breeders managed to develop decorative varieties based on the natural form of the crop. They differ in the height of the clump and the color of the flowers, which has increased the demand for the plant among professional and novice flower growers. To understand the differences, it is necessary to consider the most popular of them separately.
Armeria seaside Elegy
The variety is distinguished by the lilac-pink color of the buds, which are included in capitate inflorescences with a diameter of 4-5 cm. Maximum decorativeness can be achieved by growing the perennial in sunny open areas with regular watering. The height of the shoots of Armeria seaside Elegy is 20 cm, and the diameter of the growth is 20-25 cm.
Elegia is actively forming buds from the second half of May
Armeria seaside Morning Star
The variety is characterized by a compact clump, the height of which does not exceed 15 cm and a diameter of about 30 cm. The shade of the petals can be white or deep pink, depending on the variety. Flowering at the seaside Armeria Morning Star begins in the first half of May and continues until the end of July.
Morning Star is characterized by abundant flowering
Armeria seaside Armada Deep Rose
An unpretentious species that produces numerous flower stalks from May to September. The color of the petals is rich, pink-lilac. The height of the clump reaches 10 cm, and the diameter of its growth is 20 cm. Armeria seaside Armada Deep Rose should be planted in open areas. But planting in shaded areas is also permissible, provided that the plant receives direct sunlight for at least six hours a day.
The Armada Deep Rose variety should be planted at the rate of eleven seedlings per 1 sq. m.
Armeria seaside Dusseldorf Stolz
One of the most popular crop varieties. The plant reaches a height of 10-20 cm and a width of about 25 cm. The color of the flowers is pink-crimson. The Dusseldorfer Stolz variety begins to actively form buds in the last ten days of May and continues until the end of July. In winter, shelter is not required in the middle zone, but in regions with difficult climatic conditions it is necessary to protect yourself with spruce branches.
The diameter of the inflorescences of the Dusseldorf Stolz variety reaches 5 cm
Armeria maritime Vesuvius
A new abundantly flowering variety of the crop.Forms dense cushions consisting of narrow lanceolate green leaves with a smoky purple bloom. The height of the curtain reaches 10 cm, and the width is about 20 cm. The first flowering of Vesuvius occurs at the end of May and lasts 1.5 months. The plant begins to form buds again with the arrival of autumn. Flower color is dark pink. Planting and caring for Armeria seaside Vesuvius (photo below) is no different from other species.
To maintain its decorative appearance, Vesuvius needs regular feeding.
Armeria maritime Alba
An early flowering variety of the crop. The plant begins to form buds in early May and continues until mid-September. The height of the clump is 20 cm, and the diameter of its growth is about 25-30 cm. The color of the flowers of the Alba variety is snow-white, the diameter of the inflorescences is 3-4 cm. The narrow-linear leaves have a bluish-green tint.
The peduncles of Armeria seaside Alba are pubescent
Reproduction methods
To obtain new seedlings of Armeria Primorica, you can use several methods. Each of them has its own characteristics that should be taken into account. Therefore, to avoid serious mistakes, you need to study them in advance.
Dividing the bush
This is the simplest method of propagation, but it allows you to obtain a limited amount of planting material. The plant can be divided in the fall after flowering has ended. During this period, it is necessary to dig up the entire plant. Then carefully peel the root from the soil and cut it into pieces with a knife. Each of them should have a growing point and well-developed underground processes.
After dividing, it is necessary to immediately plant the seedlings in a permanent place and water them abundantly.
Seeds
This method should be used to obtain a large number of seedlings. Freshly harvested Armeria maritima seeds are suitable for this. Sowing should be done in the fall in open ground or in the spring for seedlings. At the initial stage, the soil should always be kept slightly moist.
After the seedlings have grown and become stronger, they can be transplanted to a permanent place in the garden. Such seedlings bloom in the second year.
Seeds of Armeria Primorica have a high germination rate
Cuttings
This vegetative propagation method can be used throughout the entire growth period of the perennial. To do this, it is necessary to separate young rosettes without roots from the clump and then plant them in loose, well-drained soil. To create favorable conditions, you need to build a mini-greenhouse on top. Rooting of cuttings occurs after 7-14 days. During this period, it is necessary to regularly ventilate the cuttings and water them when the top layer of soil dries out.
The seedlings can be replanted next year, when they become stronger and form a full-fledged root system.
Planting and caring for Armeria seaside
In order for the perennial to fully develop and bloom profusely every year, it is necessary to properly plant it taking into account the requirements of the culture, as well as subsequently provide the necessary care. Therefore, you should first study the basic rules, which will allow you to avoid serious mistakes.
When to sow seeds
You need to sow seeds in open ground at the end of September or early October. You should also additionally focus on the climate of the region. There should be about two to three weeks until lasting frosts.Direct sowing during this period allows the seeds to undergo natural stratification in winter.
Also, to obtain seedlings by the beginning of the season, you can sow Armeria primorita in the first days of March. In this case, the seeds should first be wrapped in a damp cloth and then wrapped in polyethylene. Place the resulting bundle in the refrigerator for stratification.
Soil and site preparation
For seaside armeria, you should choose an open sunny area with light shading during the midday hours. Its preparation must begin two weeks in advance. To do this, dig up the bed and add 40 g of superphosphate and 30 g of potassium sulfide per square meter. m. The best option for this crop is loamy and sandy loam soils.
When planting armeria in heavy soil, you should first add 10 kg of sand and peat per 1 square meter. m. You also need to additionally lay a layer of drainage so that excess moisture does not erode the root system of the perennial.
Sowing seeds
The plant should be planted in holes at a distance of 20 cm from each other. This planting scheme allows you to get an even flowering carpet on the soil surface. If you want to grow armeria seaside in separate clumps, the distance between plants should be increased to 40 cm. After this, the bed should be watered abundantly and covered with agrofibre to obtain uniform shoots.
The seeding depth should be 1-2 cm
Aftercare
For successful cultivation, it is necessary to provide the plant with regular watering during dry periods. To do this, you should use settled water. Irrigation should be carried out in the evening.But at the same time, moisture should not stagnate in the soil, as this can lead to the development of root rot.
You need to feed the seaside armeria (brilliant) three times a season. It is recommended to give preference to mineral fertilizers. They should be applied for the first time in early spring during the period of active growth of new leaves. At this time, it is best to use nitroammophoska 30 g per 10 liters of water. The second and third feeding should be carried out during the formation of buds and after flowering. During this period, you should use 40 g of superphosphate and 25 g of potassium sulfide per bucket of water. The use of these fertilizers will improve flowering and increase the plant’s immunity to adverse factors.
Caring for seaside armeria includes timely loosening of the soil, as well as removing weeds until the clumps close together.
Wilted flower stalks need to be cut off regularly
It is recommended to cover only young plants for the winter. To do this, you should use spruce branches and fallen leaves.
Diseases and pests
Seaside Armeria (Armeria maritima) has high natural immunity. But with improper care and watering, the root system can become affected by rot. Therefore, it is necessary to moisten only when the top layer of soil dries out. In addition, at the first signs of the development of the disease, you need to water the perennial with a working solution of the drug “Previkur Energy” or “Maxim”.
Among the pests, aphids can cause damage to the plant. To prevent this, you should periodically spray the clumps of Armeria Primorii with insecticides such as Inta-Vir, Kinmiks, and Previkur Energy.
What plants does it go with?
Armeria maritime is ideal for borders, rock gardens and rock gardens. The perennial can also be used to decorate the foreground of a flower bed. You should choose low-growing crops as companions to it, which will allow them to complement each other.
Best neighbors:
- Carpathian bell;
- alyssum;
- saxifrage;
- creeping thyme;
- low growing phlox;
- Turkish cloves;
- hosts.
Different varieties of Armeria seaside, differing in the shade of their buds, go well together.
How and when to collect seeds
Collection of seed material can be carried out throughout the entire flowering period. To do this, you need to tie the inflorescences with gauze so that when the fruits ripen, the seeds do not scatter. The remaining wilted flower stalks must be removed in a timely manner so that the plant does not waste its energy.
Conclusion
Growing Armeria splendidum from seeds will not be difficult even for gardeners who do not have many years of experience. The main thing to remember is that stratification is necessary for successful germination. Only under this condition can friendly and uniform shoots be achieved.
