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Heliopsis variegated is a common perennial plant that is grown for decorative purposes. This flower has gained great popularity among gardeners due to its ease of care and resistance to frost and drought. Variegated heliopsis can grow in almost any conditions. At the same time, it blooms regularly and for a long time, decorating the area.
Description of variegated heliopsis
Herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae family. The average height is 80-90 cm. Some specimens reach 160 cm. The plant is erect, with numerous shoots.
The difference between variegated heliopsis and other species lies in the color and arrangement of the leaves. In most representatives of this genus they are dark green, opposite or alternate. In variegated heliopsis they are light in color, some varieties have small fibers, which is why a silvery sheen appears.
The flowers of the plant are often yellow. Rarely there are varieties with orange, red, purple or lilac buds. Heliopsis, belonging to the variegated group, blooms at the end of June or in July.
Flowering continues throughout the summer
The shape and size of the buds varies depending on the variety of Heliopsis variegated. There are terry and simple baskets, as well as complex paniculate inflorescences.
Types and varieties
When choosing a variegated heliopsis for planting on your site, you need to take into account several important features of the plant. The varietal affiliation is of primary importance. There are many types.
Heliopsis variegated
A herbaceous plant, up to 90 cm high. It has several erect stems with dense feather-like foliage. The inflorescences are simple, basket-shaped. Their diameter reaches 10 cm.
Flowering continues from early summer until autumn. The color of the petals is bright yellow. The central part of the flower is orange.
The decorative value lies in the unique color of the foliage. In the photo of variegated heliopsis, dark green veins are visible on light plates.
The flower is planted in partial shade so that the leaves look more contrasting
The most striking representative of variegated heliopsis is the variety Lorain Sunshine. It has beautiful foliage that remains decorative until late autumn.
Terry
Some types of Heliopsis variegated have complex inflorescences consisting of a large number of petals. Typical representatives of terry varieties are Summer Night and Goldenfieder.
These are plants with tall, erect stems, dense foliage, and numerous round-shaped flowers.
The height of terry heliopsis is up to 120 cm
The flower grows well in sunlit areas. Planting in partial shade is allowed.
The plant is resistant to adverse factors. It is practically insensitive to diseases and rarely attracts pests.
sunflower
An erect, branched subshrub, up to 1 m high. It consists of a large number of stems, abundantly covered with large oval leaves with jagged edges. Inflorescences-baskets with a diameter of up to 9 cm.
Some varieties bloom twice per season
The flowering of sunflower-shaped heliopsis continues all summer. Under favorable conditions, the plant begins to fade only in October.
Rough
It is considered the most numerous variety. Includes many varieties with double and semi-double flowers.
Among the most popular:
- Summer Sun;
- Sunburst;
- Golden Plume;
- Burning Hearts;
- Sonnen Child.
Rough heliopsis does not require garter or additional support
The plant blooms in mid-summer. In the south and in the regions of the middle zone, flowering continues until the first frost.
Other varieties
Variegated heliopsis are divided depending on the height of the plant. In landscape design, medium-sized varieties are usually used.
These include:
- Ballerina;
- Asahi;
- Tuscan Sun;
- Summer Green.
Such specimens grow up to 70 cm. Some gardeners prefer to grow tall, variegated heliopsis.
Among them:
- Golden Plum;
- Midwest Dream;
- Venus;
- Summer Knight (Summer Night).
Low-growing varieties of heliopsis are used as ground cover plants. Many of them are not intended for planting in open ground.
Application in landscape design
Variegated heliopsis is used for single and group planting. The flower is unpretentious, so different varieties can be combined and planted in close proximity.
Variegated heliopsis goes well with other ornamental plants:
- asters;
- chrysanthemums;
- gladioli;
- delphiniums;
- phlox;
- hydrangeas.
Heliopsis is often used to create a floral arrangement in yellow-orange tones. For a monochrome garden, they are combined with other plants with a similar color.
Light-loving crops are planted next to variegated heliopsis
Variegated heliopsis are suitable for planting in rockeries and rock gardens. They are often included in mixborders, giving them a central position in the flower garden.
Reproduction of variegated heliopsis
You can get a new plant by dividing the bush. It is also possible to grow from seeds.
Dividing the bush
The procedure is carried out in spring or autumn. The mother bush should be healthy, 4-5 years old.
Division stages:
- Dig the plant and remove it from the soil.
- Clear the roots of hard lumps of earth.
- Separate several shoots with roots from the bush.
- Return the mother plant to the soil.
The cuttings are disinfected and soaked in a growth stimulator. After this, they are planted in open ground or in a container.
Growing seedlings from seeds
Sowing is carried out in winter, in February.Stratification is required first. For planting, use seedling cassettes, pots or containers.
You can grow heliopsis seedlings in peat tablets
Seeds are sown at a distance of 4-5 cm. They are lightly sprinkled with loose soil and sprayed. The container is covered with film, which is removed periodically. Sprouts emerge after 2-3 weeks. When 3 leaves appear, a pick is made.
The seedlings are kept on the windowsill so that they receive light. A month before planting in the ground, they begin to harden it, taking it out into the open air.
Planting and caring for variegated heliopsis
In order for the plant to develop normally and bloom annually, you need to follow the growing technology. The planting procedure in the ground requires special attention.
Deadlines
Seedlings grown in late winter are planted in early to mid-May. The air temperature at night should not be below 8 degrees. Planting in early June is acceptable, but then there is a risk that the variegated heliopsis will not begin to bloom in the first year.
Site selection
The bush is planted in an area with loose, nutritious soil. The place should be well lit by the sun, protected from the wind. A standard soil mixture for ornamental plants is recommended.
It consists of:
- leaf soil;
- turf;
- peat;
- river sand;
- compost.
The mixture is made 2-3 weeks before planting. If possible, it should be sterilized by heat treatment.
Landing algorithm
The place needs to be cleared of weeds and other plant debris removed. Planting is best done in the evening.
How to plant heliopsis:
- Dig a planting hole 35-40 cm deep.
- Place a drainage layer of expanded clay or pebbles on the bottom.
- Sprinkle with soil.
- Remove the seedling from the seedling container.
- Place it in the hole.
- Cover with soil and water.
After planting, variegated heliopsis requires liquid. It should be watered every 3-4 days.
When and how to replant
Variegated heliopsis bushes grow in one place for up to 20 years. A transplant is not always required. It is carried out only if the bush grows greatly and takes up a lot of space. At the same time, division of the roots is performed.
Watering and fertilizing schedule
Heliopsis is drought tolerant. In summer it is enough to water once a week. In case of heavy rainfall, the frequency can be reduced. In autumn, water is given once every 12-14 days. The liquid is poured under the root, trying not to get on the leaves.
Each bush requires 10-15 liters of water
Fertilizers are introduced from the second year. It is enough to apply fertilizer once a month. They use complex mineral compositions for flowering plants. Variegated heliopsis can be fertilized with organic matter in the spring.
Loosening and weeding
Stagnation of liquid in the soil is destructive and can cause rotting of the roots. As the soil compacts, it needs to be loosened to a depth of 10-12 cm. The procedure is carried out with care so as not to touch the surface roots.
Periodically you need to remove weeds growing near heliopsis. The greatest danger is posed by liana-like plants that can twine around the stems.
Other events
Variegated heliopsis varieties lend themselves well to pruning. For preventive purposes, it is carried out in spring and autumn. Peduncles, dried shoots, and leaves are removed from the plant.
To form a bush and abundant flowering, pinching can be done. During the procedure, the upper part of the young stems is removed. This stimulates the growth of side shoots.
Wintering
Preparation involves complete pruning.The stems are removed to ground level. To protect the roots lying close to the surface, cover with dry leaves or pine needles. Such procedures must be carried out before the first frost. It is not recommended to apply mineral fertilizers.
Diseases and pests
The technology for planting and caring for variegated heliopsis provides for additional measures aimed at preventing diseases. The plant exhibits resistance to many infections. However, the risk of disease is not completely excluded.
Possible diseases:
- rust;
- powdery mildew;
- gray rot;
- Fusarium
Treatment involves removing the affected shoots and spraying the bush with Bordeaux mixture or copper sulfate solution. Treatment is carried out 2-3 times with an interval of 2 days.
For prevention, bushes can be sprayed with fungicides
Black aphids are common among heliopsis pests. You can get rid of it with insecticides or folk remedies. The most effective is considered to be an infusion of tomato with celandine or wormwood. They spray the flower with it, adding it to soapy water.
Conclusion
Heliopsis variegated is an ornamental perennial that is valued by gardeners for its long, vibrant flowering and ease of care. The plant does not require special growing conditions and thrives in sun and partial shade. Heliopsis is drought-resistant and, with proper preparation, tolerates winter well.
