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Godetia Originally from warm California, this flower grows in nature only in South and North America. There are many varieties and varieties; this flower is loved by many gardeners; today it is grown everywhere and in different climatic zones. Godetia is loved not only for its large flowers and bright colors, but also for its long flowering - from the first days of July until late autumn. These bright lush flowers can be used in different ways: in the design of flower beds and flower beds, in mixed and single plantings, as decoration for window sills, balconies and flowerpots.
The characteristics of this type of flower, the different varieties and the rules for growing Godetia grandiflora from seeds will be discussed in detail in this article. Here we will also talk about how to care for a southern guest in the climatic conditions of the middle zone.
Characteristic
Godetia grandiflora is one of the varieties of a beautiful plant. Of the dozens of species, domestic flower growers prefer to grow large-flowered and double varieties. These varieties are considered the most beautiful and thrive in temperate climates.
The features of this elegant flower are as follows:
- Godetia grandiflora is a herbaceous, annual plant intended for open ground;
- belongs to the fireweed family;
- stems are erect, well branched, can reach 60-80 cm in height;
- racemose inflorescences, lengthening as new flowers bloom;
- cup-shaped or bell-shaped flowers;
- the inflorescences are large, numerous, the diameter of the flower can be 8-10 cm;
- Godetia can have absolutely any color: from salmon to purple and cherry;
- In place of flowers, fruits appear over time - small boxes with seeds;
- godetia propagates by seeds or seedlings;
- the plant is unpretentious and does not require special care;
- the flower loves loose soil, warmth, and sufficient humidity;
- the scorching sun is destructive for the delicate herbaceous godetia;
- The delicate flower is perfect for decorating the local area, decorating gazebos and terraces; godetia can be planted in flowerpots and boxes; it looks great in bouquets and flower arrangements.
Varieties and types
Godetia grandiflora is not the only species planted by gardeners in the country. There are four large groups, each of which contains several dozen excellent, very beautiful varieties:
- Godetia grandiflora. The stems of this plant are erect; at the beginning and middle of the growing season, they are herbaceous and fragile (therefore, the flowers can lie on the ground). At the end of the season, the stem of Godetia grandiflora becomes woody and becomes denser.The leaves are lanceolate and small. The bushes are compact, plant height ranges from 20 to 40 cm. The inflorescences are very large, up to 10 cm in diameter. The flower shape is cup-shaped or bell-shaped. The petals are very delicate, silky, and can be white, pink, red, cherry or lilac. Flowering begins in mid-July and ends around October with the onset of the first frosts. Most often, large-flowered godetia is used to decorate borders and carpet flower beds.
- The lovely godetia can grow up to 60 cm. This is a bushy plant with smooth, erect stems that are not very resilient. The leaves are narrow, pointed. The flowers are medium in size, their diameter sometimes reaches 5 cm. The shape of the petals is spade-shaped, the surface is satin. The beautiful coloring is most often red, but flowers of purple or crimson hue can be found. This variety of godetia blooms from early July to mid-September.
- Terry godetia is one of the varieties of the large-flowered variety. Depending on the density of the inflorescences, double varieties are divided into: semi-double, double and densely double. Such flowers are usually called azalea-shaped; they are very good in compositions and can have a lot of shades.
- Tall godetia capable of growing up to a meter in height. This variety has both regular and double flowers. Thanks to their long and strong stems, tall varieties are perfect for cutting, so they are actively used in bouquets.
Below are the most popular varieties of godetia, the merits of which will help you to see photos of these flowers.
Cybill Sherwood
Compact bushes growing up to 30-40 cm.The stems of this godetia are colored greenish or pinkish. The leaves are pointed, very elongated. The flowers have a semi-double structure and are pale salmon in color. The petals tend to lighten from the middle to the edge, acquiring a more pink color. The diameter of the inflorescences is quite large - about 5 cm.
Weiser Ostrich
A large-flowered annual bush about 40 cm high. The flowers are snow-white, have a wavy edge, their diameter is about 6-8 cm. This variety loves the sun, so it must be planted in well-lit areas. Godetia Weiser Ostrich tolerates cold well, making it suitable for cultivation in the northern regions of the country. The delicate plant will bloom until October, until frost begins.
Bohemia
Bush variety of mixed colors. Godetia variety Bohemia can be grown both in open ground and in pots or boxes. The bushes are compact, up to 40 cm high, the inflorescences are painted carmine red and white. The flowering of this species is very abundant and long lasting. The big advantage of Bohemia is its early flowering - the buds open several days earlier than other varieties.
Lava
A semi-double variety, the bushes of which rarely grow above 40 cm. The flowers are large, carmine-red, the edges of the petals are wavy. The plant is very resistant, can grow both in the sun and in partial shade, tolerates cold well, and can bloom even on wet, wet soils.
Bride
The large azalea-shaped inflorescences of this godetia variety are painted in a snow-white shade.The flowers are double, very large (about 10 cm in diameter), with silky petals. Sometimes pinkish shades may appear on the Bride’s petals, which makes the flower even more beautiful and interesting.
Orange Glory
Semi-double variety with an average bush height of up to 45 cm. The bushes are spherical and compact. The inflorescences are large, dense, painted in a soft orange hue with pink undertones. It is recommended to plant godetia in the sun; it tolerates temperature drops and fluctuations well. The best place for Orange Glory is the front of flower beds and borders.
Maiden Blush
Large-flowered godetia, intended for planting in open ground, in pots and boxes. Luxurious lush bushes of average height reach 40 cm. The flowers are large, painted in a rich pink color. The diameter of the flower varies from 5 to 8 cm, the edges of the petals are wavy, which gives the inflorescence volume. Godetia blooms from July to October.
Honey Moon
This godetia is a mix, the package contains a mixture of red, pink and white flowers. The bushes are spherical, small (up to 35 cm). Godetia Honey Moon will bloom well in a sunny and warm place with fertile, loose soil. However, the plant also tolerates poor conditions: partial shade, cold, high soil moisture.
Rembrandt
A terry variety with hemispherical compact bushes, up to 30-35 cm high. Godetia leaves are lanceolate, elongated, and the shoots are colored greenish-pink. The edges of the petals are wavy, the flowers are pink, covered with small spots of red along the edges. The diameter of the flower is 5-6 cm, the edges of the petals are slightly indented.
Meteor
This variety of godetia grandiflora amazes with its rich shade of flowers - carmine red.Petals are glossy and shiny. The inflorescence is dense, densely double. It is necessary to plant compact meteor bushes according to a 30x40 cm pattern, then their shape will be correct and the bush will be spreading.
Reproduction
It is recommended to propagate godetia grandiflora by seeds. The seeds of this flower take root well when sown directly in warm soil. Typically, flower planting begins in mid-April.
In the northern regions or where it is necessary to accelerate the flowering of godetia, it is grown through seedlings. The soil for seedlings needs to be nutritious and loose. The seeds are simply laid out and lightly pressed. After 10-12 days, tender miniature sprouts should appear.
You can collect godetia seeds yourself, just keep in mind that hybrid varieties are unstable (you will have to buy such seeds annually).
Landing
For fragile but persistent godetia, choose a well-lit area protected from strong winds. The soil must be fertile. The flower grows poorly on sandstones; loams are more suitable for it.
If the soil is poor, before planting it is necessary to fill it with humus, wood ash and a complex of mineral fertilizers. You can sow godetia seeds as early as early May (in the south of the country - from mid-April).
It is necessary to make small grooves in the ground and simply spread the seeds at the required interval (at least 20-25 cm). Sprinkle the plantings with a thin layer of dry soil and water generously with warm, settled water.
Care
It is easy to care for godetia grandiflora, because this flower is very unpretentious. However, such a plant does not forgive mistakes. To make the flower bed beautiful and tidy, you must do the following:
- Water flowers correctly using warm water. Do not over-moisten the soil or allow the soil to dry out - the watering schedule must correspond to the weather conditions in the region.
- Although the flower loves the sun, overheating is very dangerous for godetia. In extreme heat, it is better to shade a flowerbed with this species.
- Insects and caterpillars love to chew on the tender leaves, so you should inspect the bushes and, if necessary, spray them with special products.
- In order for the flowers to bloom profusely throughout the season, at least a couple of feedings are necessary. They use mineral complexes that are simply diluted in warm water.
Conclusion
Godetia is a beautiful flower, very bright, but at the same time very delicate. Large flowers of various varieties combine well with each other and with other types of plants, allowing you to create unique compositions.
Caring for elegant flowers is easy - you don’t need any special knowledge or skills. All this once again proves that starting godetia next season is a “minimum” task for every gardener.
