Content
Terry calistegia (Calystegia hederifolia) is a vine with effective pink-like flowers, which gardeners often use as an element of landscape design. The plant is characterized by high frost resistance and endurance. At the same time, calistegia remains decorative until the first autumn frosts. But in order for the vine to fully develop and bloom profusely, it must be properly planted and cared for, taking into account the requirements of the culture.
Terry calistegia is ideal for vertical gardening
Botanical description
Terry calistegia or povoy, as the plant is also called, is a representative of the Convolvulaceae family. Under natural conditions, it grows in countries with a temperate subtropical climate. Terry calistegia is a perennial with herbaceous shoots, the length of which reaches 3 m. They have a smooth brown surface. The above-ground part of the plant dies off with the arrival of frost and resumes vegetation only in the spring.
The shoots of the plant are thin, flexible, but at the same time very strong.Along their entire length there are pointed dark green leaves with a heart-shaped base. The plates are matte; on their surface you can see a relief pattern of veins. They are attached to the main stem using petioles.
Terry calistegia can adapt to any climate
This type of rootstock, like all others, is an aggressor. This means that the plant is able to grow into surrounding areas and gradually move around the garden. The liana is characterized by a well-developed root system of a creeping type up to 1.5 m. At the same time, the growth of new seedlings along its length is possible. Therefore, when planting terry calistegia, it is recommended to deepen limiters into the ground, which will not allow it to grow uncontrollably.
Also, in the absence of special support, a plant is able to find it on its own. And therefore, over time, the vine can take over the crown of closely planted shrubs and trees, suppressing their growth.
The flowers of double calistegia, like fluffy ones, resemble a rose in appearance. But, unlike the latter, it has delicate petals and loose buds. They grow along the entire length of the shoots from the axils of the leaves. When the flower is fully opened, its diameter reaches 1 cm. The shade of the petals is soft pink with a pearlescent tint.
The terry type of rootstock blooms in July and continues until October. However, the beginning of the flowering period may shift, depending on the light intensity. When planted in a sunny area, it occurs in due time, and in partial shade - 2-3 weeks later. At the end of flowering, fruits are not formed in terry calistegia.
Application in landscape design
This vine is increasingly popular as an element of vertical gardening. This is facilitated by the rapid growth of shoots. They reach their maximum height in the second year after planting and are already beginning to form buds profusely.
It is recommended to plant the liana near arches, pergolas, gazebos, balconies, and it can also be used to create green fences by placing seedlings close.
This vine can wrap around any support in a short period
Reproduction methods
Terry calistegia can only be propagated by dividing the root, since this part of the plant has a high regenerative ability. To do this, you need to dig up a vine with a lump of earth in the fall. Until spring, it should be stored in the basement, keeping the soil slightly moist.
In March, you need to take out the calistegia, clean the root from the soil and wash it thoroughly so that all the shoots become visible. After this, divide into segments 5-7 cm long, and sprinkle all fresh cuts with wood ash.
The cuttings need to be planted in boxes filled with a moist nutrient substrate to a depth of 3-5 cm. When the sprouts grow to a height of 7 cm, they need to be pinched, which will stimulate branching. You can plant seedlings in a permanent place when the ground warms up well.
Planting and caring for terry calistegia
The liana will delight with its appearance and abundant flowering only if it is correctly placed in the garden, as well as observing the cultural requirements. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with the planting conditions and the features of further care of the terry calistegia plant.
Recommended timing
It is recommended to plant a rootstock seedling at the end of May, when the top layer of soil has warmed to a depth of 20 cm. You should also make sure that the threat of return frosts has completely passed. Otherwise, low temperatures may negatively affect the development of young pagons.
Site selection and preparation
For the terry calistegia vine, you need to choose sunny, open areas, protected from cold gusts of wind. The plant is not demanding on the composition of the soil, but it is important that the soil is nutritious and has good moisture and air permeability.
A week before planting, you need to dig up the area and add humus at the rate of 5 kg per 1 sq. m. m. If the soil is clayey, then additionally you need to add the same amount of peat and sand.
Landing algorithm
In advance of planting the terry calistegia, you need to prepare any material that can actually be used to limit the growth of its roots. In this capacity, you can use roofing felt or slate.
Procedure:
- Dig a hole about 60 cm deep.
- Install slate or roofing felt on the sides.
- Pour into the center of the earth.
- Add 40 g of superphosphate and 20 g of potassium sulfide, mix thoroughly with the soil.
- Place a calistegia seedling in the middle so that the root is at a depth of 20 cm.
- Sprinkle with earth and compact the surface.
- Water generously.
When sprouts appear, they need to be pinched at a height of 7 cm to stimulate branching of the vine.
Watering and fertilizing schedule
Calistegia terry easily tolerates short-term drought.But if there is no rain for a long time, the plant should be watered. This should be done 1-2 times a week, soaking the soil by 20 cm. You can also periodically spray the shoots and leaves with water, which will help remove accumulated dust from them.
During hot periods of the year, peat or humus mulch should be laid at the base of the plant. This will prevent overheating of the root system and prevent excessive evaporation of moisture.
Throughout the growing season, the Calistegia vine continues to form numerous buds. Therefore, the plant needs feeding. To do this, it is necessary to use organic matter in the spring, and use phosphorus-potassium mineral mixtures in the summer.
Trimming
Calistegia terry does not have the ability to self-clean. Therefore, every week you need to trim off the faded buds, as they reduce its decorative effect. More drastic pruning should be done in late autumn with the onset of the first frost. During this period, the vine shoots need to be cut off at the base.
Preparing for winter
Adult plants of terry calistegia do not need shelter for the winter. They easily tolerate temperatures down to -30 degrees. But young seedlings are not so resistant. Therefore, until the age of three, the vine root should be sprinkled with a layer of peat or humus 10 cm thick.
Need for transplant
Experienced gardeners do not recommend replanting an adult vine, as it does not tolerate this procedure well. Calistegia can grow in one place for 10-15 years. And then you should completely renew the plant.
Pests and diseases
Any gardener, even those without many years of experience, can cope with growing double calistegia. After all, this plant has high immunity to diseases and pests, so it won’t cause much trouble.
But if the growing conditions are inappropriate, the plant may suffer from powdery mildew. Infestation can be identified by a whitish coating on the leaves. In this case, you should completely spray the plant with Topaz or Skor. Repeat the treatment every 5 days until the plant recovers and begins to grow.
Powdery mildew causes premature leaf fall of the rootstock
Conclusion
Calistegia terry is a liana that is distinguished by beautiful flowers of a soft pink hue. When creating minimal conditions, this plant can delight throughout the entire warm period. But at the same time, you need to allocate a separate place for the crop on the site so that it does not interfere with the growth of other garden crops.
