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Dahurian gentian (Gentiana dahurica) is one of the representatives of the numerous Gentian genus. The plant received its species name based on its territorial distribution. The main accumulation of perennials is observed in the Amur region, Transbaikalia and Buryatia.
Description of the species
The perennial herbaceous plant grows singly or in small groups along the banks of reservoirs, in forest clearings, meadows, and rocky areas. Settles on moist fertile soils (neutral or slightly alkaline). Daurian gentian is a shade-tolerant plant; its vegetation is not affected by a lack of ultraviolet radiation; it does not lose its decorative properties in an open area. To decorate the landscape, the Daurian gentian variety Nikita (Gentiana dahurica Nikita) is used.
External characteristics of the type:
- The height of an adult plant is 25-40 cm.
- The stems are rigid, thicker in the middle part, dark green, with a fine edge along the surface. Panicle inflorescences form towards the crown.
- The shoots of the wild species are erect, while those of the Nikita variety are lodging. They form dense clumps, which during flowering are completely covered with inflorescences.
- The basal leaves are lanceolate, elongated, with one central vein, the stem leaves are opposite, smaller in size, and rich green in color.
- Peduncles are short, formed from the leaf apical axils.
- The flowers are bell-shaped, the calyx is light green, deeply dissected. The base of the petals of the wild plant is pale blue, the tops are blue. The Nikita variety has purple, five-membered flowers near the calyx.
- The filaments are white, the anthers are beige.
- The rhizome is short, taprooted, with numerous filamentous processes of varying lengths and thicknesses.
Application in landscape design
In the design of gardens or plots, the Dahurian gentian variety Nikita is often used. The plant is distinguished by large flowers that form dense inflorescences. The stems lie down, forming a dense clump. Gentian is grown as a ground cover. It is used to design stone gardens and rock gardens. Included in compositions with late flowering crops.
The species harmonizes well with conifers and ornamental shrubs as part of mixborders in flower beds or ridges. Design techniques using photos will help you create compositions with gentian in any area:
- The plant can become a decoration for a rock garden.
- A ground cover crop will create a corner of wildlife in remote areas of the garden.
- Gentian can be used in mixborders with flowering and coniferous crops.
- The plant will fit well into a garden with blue flowers.
- Gentian is included in compositions with ornamental cereal herbs.
Features of reproduction
Daurian gentian reproduces vegetatively and generatively.The division method can be used, with each plot containing at least two viable buds and part of the root system. Work is carried out at the beginning of the growing season or after the flowering phase.
The plant forms a developed stem and can be used for cuttings. The method is less effective, because the material takes root poorly. Cuttings are harvested from the middle part of the shoot (before flowering).
In its natural environment, Dahurian gentian reproduces by self-sowing. The seeds ripen at the end of September, fall off and undergo natural stratification. They sprout in spring. This biological feature is taken into account when growing wild Dahurian gentian from seeds on the site. Seeds are planted before winter.
Hardening can be done at home. To do this, the seeds are mixed with coarse sand and placed in the refrigerator. They are kept for at least two months; this can be done immediately after collection.
When growing seedlings of Daurian Nikita gentian from seeds, it is not necessary to stratify them.
Sow seeds for seedlings in February in containers; you can use special or homemade wooden containers. Sequence of work:
- The containers are filled with a substrate made from compost sand and peat.
- Seeds mixed with sand are scattered over the surface.
- Moisten the soil and cover the container with film.
- Gentian is constantly ventilated; after germination of the seeds, the polyethylene is removed
After the first leaves appear, the plants are transplanted into separate containers.
Planting and caring for Daurian gentian
The technology of planting and subsequent care of Dahurian gentian Nikita does not differ from the agricultural technology of the wild species. The culture is shade-tolerant, so you can set aside an area with periodic shading for it. In an open place, the flowers fade, but the growing season does not slow down. Soils are chosen that are moist with good aeration and drainage. The moisture-loving Daurian gentian cannot grow on heavy, dry soil, but it also gets sick on soils with constant stagnation of liquid.
Terms and rules of sowing
For planting before winter, set aside a small bed, cover it with compost and dig it up. Seeds are sprinkled on top, covered with sand and left until spring. Sprouts should appear in early spring. When the gentian reaches 10 cm in height, it is transplanted to the site.
Rooted cuttings are placed in a permanent place in May and covered for the winter. Seedlings are placed in open ground at the end of May.
Planting technology:
- They dig up the area under the Daurian gentian, make a mixture of peat, compost, and a turf layer, and add small pebbles.
- The root of the plant is treated with an antifungal drug, and the seedlings are planted together with a soil ball.
- The pit is made taking into account the root system, drainage layer and nutrient substrate. The root must be completely recessed.
The plant is placed in the prepared hole, covered with soil mixture, compacted
Watering and fertilizing schedule
The watering schedule for Daurian gentian depends on the location. If the soils are moist or the crop grows along the banks of a reservoir, seasonal rainfall is enough for it.In the case of a dry summer and an open dry area, watering is carried out with a small amount of water at the root at the first signs of soil compaction.
In the first year of the growing season, gentian is not fertilized. She has enough nutrients from the mixture when planting. The following year, nitrogen fertilizers are applied in the spring. Before flowering, phosphorus and potassium are used. Superphosphate is given during flowering. During the entire growing season, you can add organic matter (along with watering).
Weeding and loosening
Loosening Daurian gentian is necessary for better soil aeration. If mulch is used, it prevents the formation of crusts and there is no need for loosening. Weeding is a mandatory event. Grass has poor competitive ability and is often replaced by weeds, so they are removed as they grow.
Preparing for winter
Daurian gentian is characterized by high frost resistance; an adult plant does not require shelter for the winter. The above-ground part completely dies and dries out in the fall. The stems are cut off at the root and the plant is watered. The hole can be covered with compost, it will serve as additional nutrition in the spring. The current year's seedlings are covered with straw or wood chips. Their root system is not mature enough to withstand low temperatures.
Diseases and pests
Daurian gentian of the Nikita variety does not get sick when placed in a moderately humid area. The cause of infection is stagnation of water, which can lead to root rot. At the first signs, the plant must be replanted and treated with a fungicide.
Among the pests that parasitize the crop, thrips are used to get rid of them using any insecticide. During the rainy season, slugs may spread to the area.They are collected by hand.
Secondary spread of slugs is prevented by "Metaldehyde"
Conclusion
Dahurian gentian is a perennial plant with high frost resistance and simple agricultural technology. Grows in open or lightly shaded areas and grows quickly. In ornamental gardening, the Nikita variety is used to decorate rock gardens and create mixes with late-flowering crops.
