Content
Ismene (ismene) is an unusual bulbous plant with snow-white flowers. It is not as common as lilies and tulips, but deserves no less attention. Planting and caring for ismena is not difficult.
The plant is suitable for growing both in a pot and in open ground
Description of the flower Ismene with photo
Ismene grows in tropical climates, preferring South America and Mexico. Some plants are cultivated in Europe. There they grow in parks and squares. The species is native to Peru, where it can be found in large quantities.
The plant belongs to the genus Hymenocallis, whose name translates as “beautiful membrane.” Ismena probably owes this to the characteristics of the flower and stamens. In Russia, its cultivation may be problematic, since Ismena loves warm areas.
When cold weather sets in, the plant has to be dug up and planted in the ground again next spring.
However, gardeners are willing to put up with all the inconveniences in order to enjoy beautiful flowering. The buds open by mid-summer and remain beautiful for a month.The ismena plant can be a wonderful addition to flower beds, loggias and terraces, as well as fit into the landscape of an ordinary garden.
The plant has voluminous leaves reaching 60-70 cm in length. The shoots are collected in groups. The foliage has a glossy surface that reflects daylight. On the reverse side there is a thick vein running down the middle.
The peduncles end in umbrella-shaped inflorescences neatly located between the leaves. They are voluminous and fleshy, the length ranges from 80 cm or more. Ismena buds have a light aroma. They consist of several white petals, rising more than 70 cm from the ground. The inflorescences look neat and at the same time impressive.
The flowers of the plant have characteristic cups, which seem to be strung on a tube located below. The latter is surrounded by six sepals, intricately twisted near the perianth. Botanists say this feature makes it look like a tropical butterfly.
The root system of the plant is well developed and has an elongated structure. The bulb is located in a dense shell that makes up the neck. The underground part is very large and has a whitish tint.
The seeds are collected in fruits - oblong capsules. In Russia, Ismena is almost not pollinated, which leads to poor reproduction. Although the smell of the flowers is fragrant and attracts pollinating insects, due to the fact that in the Russian Federation the plant is mainly kept at home, the number of ismena is very low. In addition, green seeds rarely ripen in cold soil.
Ismena is often visited by bees, but in apartment conditions the plant will remain unpollinated
The best varieties
Breeders have managed to develop a number of unique varieties of ismena that have managed to maintain decorative properties and resistance to various diseases. Depending on the variety, the size of the crop varies from 40 to 90 cm.
Popular varieties:
- Sulfur Queen. Ismene has characteristic yellow-white buds, the height of which reaches up to 45 cm.
Ismene Sulfur Queen has softer leaves
- Festalis. The plant is compact in size. Oblong leaves and snow-white flowers with a pleasant aroma are its main advantages.
The Ismena variety Festalis has much larger sepals than other plants of the genus Hymenocallis
- Variegata. A distinctive feature of the plant is the foliage, framed by a whitish border.
The shape of the Ismena Variegata flower resembles a hexagon
- Sulfur Yellow. This variety is characterized by golden buds. Petals are shorter than other varieties.
Unlike other plants, Ismena Sulfur Yellow survives heat well
- Diana (Diana). A pest-resistant variety that is perfect for planting at home.
The Ismena variety Diana is often planted on a balcony or in a greenhouse
The listed plants are only a small part of the selection results. However, there are reasons for their demand: high decorativeness, resistance to external influences, and long flowering time.
How to plant ismene
When choosing a place for future planting, take into account the birthplace of Ismena.It is difficult to imitate the tropical climate in Russia, but it is possible. To do this, select a sunny area, closed from drafts - the wind can damage the flower and knock over the container.
Since the plant does not tolerate frost well, it is grown at home or in a greenhouse. They are moved outside at the end of spring, when the thermometer shows more than 17 °C. Ismene loves moist, loose soil with a good drainage system and a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. Relates well to organic matter.
Excess moisture and prolonged heat negatively affect the condition of flowers. The optimal temperature is from 24 to 31 °C. Lighting should be abundant, but not direct.
To plant ismena in open ground, you can use other bulbs. In this case, propagating the plant will be easy. The time depends on the local climate. In any case, you will have to wait until the ground becomes warm. In the Moscow region, work will begin in mid-May.
Wear gloves before boarding. Weed the area to remove weeds and remove excess debris. Garden soil is mixed with organic matter and leveled with a rake. This is done a month before planting.
When the time comes for work, dig a hole 15 cm deep and 10 to 25 cm in diameter. Drainage is laid at the bottom - crushed brick or small stone. The bulbs are placed in the center of the hole, carefully covered with soil.
The neck should be above ground level
Caring for ismena in open ground
Despite its exotic nature, the plant is grown even in harsh climates. Planting after early change is not difficult, nor is caring for it. The main thing is to regularly examine the culture in order to study its habitual behavior and then navigate according to it.
Watering and fertilizing
Like other plants, Ismena needs watering. Particular care should be taken to moisturize during bud formation. The soil should be slightly wet, but not swampy. In the last ten days of August, watering is stopped, as the plant will prepare for sleep. By the beginning of autumn, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and dry out - this is normal.
Among fertilizers, preference is given to multicomponent formulations. They are sold in all garden stores. The first feeding is applied at the beginning of summer, the subsequent ones - after the appearance of buds. If the soil is poor, the plant bulbs must be provided not only with nitrogen, but also with magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and organic substances.
Trimming
Peduncles are cut off after the end of the growing season. This operation accelerates metabolic processes and provides the necessary strength for adaptation. Sanitary pruning is carried out annually: dry leaves, frozen shoots, and diseased parts are removed.
Excavation and storage
Ismena may suffer due to exposure to freezing temperatures. Even short periods of cold can cause damage.
A fall below +3 °C is undesirable, so the plant is dug up before frost arrives.
The bulbs are carefully removed from the soil, treated with a fungicide and dried indoors (near a heat source) for 15 days. When the ismena becomes dry, spoiled samples are eliminated. The tested material is placed in a box, mixed with dry sawdust.The box is placed in the cellar or on the balcony if it is closed. The temperature should not rise to +16 °C until spring arrives.
Reproduction methods
Ismene is a plant that can only be propagated by children. They form after two or three years. This is the main advantage of culture. From several bulbs, up to 30 viable children are obtained, ready for independent life.
Diseases and pests
Ismene prefers loose and moderately moist soils. If you neglect the drainage system, the bulbs may become rotten. The plant can also be affected by red spotting, which appears on the bulbs and roots in the form of red dots. Fungicides and folk remedies will help protect change from diseases. Regularity is important in this regard.
Ismena does not have many pests. When grown in open ground, the plant may be attacked by slugs. They are dealt with using traditional means – saline solutions. If the leaves of Ismena are affected by aphids, they are treated with laundry soap.
Application in landscape design
Thanks to its snow-white petals, Ismena is of interest not only to gardeners, but also to professional designers. The plant can add an exotic touch to a flower bed, a pot on a balcony or an open area.
Ismena looks great alone, but is not afraid of neighbors
Botanists advise combining ismena with irises, hyacinths and gladioli, as well as other bulbous plants
The inflorescences can be used for cutting.True, their flowering does not last long, and the bouquet will not last long.
Conclusion
Planting and caring for ismena are identical to other bulbous plants. The main problem is insufficient winter hardiness: when grown in open ground, the Russian gardener will have to dig up the bulbs and move them indoors.
