Author: Natalya Category: Garden plants Published: December 31, 2018Republished: March 1, 2019Last edits: January 20, 2021
- When to plant
- Growing conditions
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Chamomile, or Matricaria (lat. Matricaria) is a genus of flowering perennials of the Asteraceae family, uniting about 20 species, among which the most famous is chamomile, widely used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Representatives of the genus are widespread in Eurasia, South Africa and America, and they were also brought to Australia. Daisies are the name given to plants similar to matricaria in other genera of the Asteraceae family: pyrethrum, navel, cornflower, gerbera, aster, doronicum, since all these plants have inflorescences that look like a basket. The scientific name of the genus Matricaria comes from the Latin word translated as “uterus”: chamomile is traditionally used to treat gynecological diseases. And the Russian name is borrowed from the Polish language and is derived from the word romana, which translates as “Roman”: in Poland in the 16th century, the matrikariya was called “Romanov color”.
Matricaria, what it looks like, varieties, cultivation
Matricaria, fam.
Asteraceae. Species of the genus Matricaria are often included in the genus Chrysanthemum or assigned to the latter. Under the generic name Matricaria we present here those species that are known and distributed in gardens under this name. This, by the way, especially applies to the garden species Matricaria eximia. The real, correct botanical name of this species growing wild in Europe is Chrysanthemum parthenium Pers. (Matricaria odorata Pers.). The named species has two main groups, or two garden subspecies, namely the common chrysanthemum - Ch. p. simplex, with yellow flower heads, and Chrysanthemum parthenium tubularis – Ch. p. tubulosum
This last form, reaching 60 cm in height, is the plant that is called Matricaria eximia in gardens. Only its double varieties have cultural value, especially the large-flowered form, known in gardens as Matricaria eximia grandiflofa flore pleno, which blooms with white flowers. It should be noted that in general Matricaria values white-flowered varieties, and not yellow-flowered ones, to which the low-growing one, 30 in height, belongs see variety with double flowers called Pumila flore pleno, or Tom Thumb - Pumila flore pleno, Tom Thumb.
Of the low-growing or dwarf yellow-flowered varieties belonging to the species M. eximia, a double variety called nana flore pleno, or Goldball, is also especially recommended. But, besides this last variety, of the same height of 30 cm, there is also a white-flowered, also double variety called Snowball. Another species worthy of attention is the cape matricaria - M. capensis Hort. (M. parthenioides Desf., Anthemis parthenioides Bernh.), about 60 cm high, with white flowers, and only its double forms have cultural value. The third species found in cultivation is the Matricaria Camomilla - Chamomilla L. (Chamomilla officinalis C. Koch. ), about 30 cm tall, with white fragrant flowers. All of the above Matricaria are perennial plants, but are cultivated as annuals.
They bloom profusely from July to autumn. Matricaria in taller forms are suitable for planting in flower beds and edgings along with other annuals, but are also suitable for pot planting, for which low-growing varieties are also used, especially recommended for borders. Taller varieties provide good cutting material. Matricaria culture does not present any difficulties.
Matricaria care in the garden
Even an inexperienced gardener can cope with growing chamomile in his garden plot. The fact is that it is distinguished by its undemandingness in care and growing conditions. In order for the bushes to grow and develop within normal limits, they need to be provided with timely watering, weeding, fertilizing and loosening the soil surface. In order for the bushes to maintain their high decorative value, it is necessary to trim off the flowers that have begun to fade in a timely manner. When the bushes fade, take a sharp, sterilized tool and remove all broken or dried stems. And if you want to grow chamomile on your site as a perennial, then before frost sets in, you need to cut off the bushes completely, and then the area is covered with a layer of dry foliage, peat or sawdust, which is covered with spruce branches on top.
How to water and feed correctly
When watering such a crop, one must remember that it is one of those plants that can tolerate short-term drought much more easily than stagnation of liquid in the root system. The area must be watered systematically, especially during a long dry and hot period. Warm water is used for irrigation, and the procedure itself is carried out early in the morning or in the evening (not earlier than 16:00).
The bushes need to be fed for the first time after 15–20 days have passed since they were planted in open soil. To do this, you can use both organic and mineral complex fertilizers. Then the plants are fed regularly every 15–20 days. When the bushes fade, they stop adding fertilizers to the soil.
Matricaria pests and diseases
This plant is highly resistant to diseases and harmful insects. However, problems can arise with it too. If it is grown in unfavorable conditions, then the likelihood of it being affected by diseases such as rust, gray rot, powdery mildew and fusarium increases. If a fluffy gray coating is noticed on the bushes, then they should be removed from the site as soon as possible and burned, since these plants are affected by gray rot, which is considered incurable today. For preventative purposes, healthy plants remaining on the site should be sprayed with a solution of a fungicidal preparation. Other fungal diseases can be dealt with using a solution of Fundazol, Kuproxat, Oxychom, Topaz or other drugs with a similar effect. In order for chamomile to recover completely, it will need at least 2-3 treatments.
Marticaria can also be damaged by aphids, wireworms, star flies and thrips. For prevention purposes, make sure that there are no weeds in the area; they are pulled out immediately after they appear. If you do find pests on the plants, then spraying them with insectoacaricidal agents such as Karbofos, Actellik or Agraveritn will help to save them. These drugs are often used to combat arachnids and other harmful insects that have settled on both garden and indoor crops.
Also, the marticaria can be seriously damaged by the wireworm, which is the larva of the click beetle. It lives in the soil and can severely damage the root system of bushes. Often, such pests can be found in an area that is located near a potato field. To get rid of it, it is recommended to make special traps. To do this, not very deep holes are made in different places on the site, into which the bait is placed; pieces of fresh beets, carrots or potatoes can be used as it. The top of the trap should be covered with a piece of plywood, board or metal. After two to three days, check the trap; during this time, a fairly large number of wireworms should crawl towards the bait. Take out pieces of vegetables and burn them along with the pests, and if necessary, you can put fresh bait in their place.
Pyrethrum terry: rules for caring for the crop
Pyrethrum terry is another variety of Matricaria. The flowers are quite lush and can decorate any garden. But before planting, you must be sure to familiarize yourself with all the features and rules for caring for the crop.
Features of care include:
- Watering is quite rare, since the plant does not need excessive moisture, but if the temperature outside is high, the ground should be irrigated;
- Feeding with mineral supplements and loosening the soil near the bushes so that the soil can breathe. If you select the right additives and apply them in a timely manner, you can be sure that flowering will be long and abundant.
- Mandatory removal of faded buds to maintain the beautiful appearance of the shrub. In addition, timely removal will allow new buds to appear quickly.
- After the flowering season is over, the area should be inspected and all broken and dry shoots should be torn out.
- Preparing the crop for the winter period. To do this, the soil of the plant must be mulched, and the bushes themselves must be covered with spruce branches or other suitable material.
If all the recommendations are followed, then you can improve any area of your garden. This can be done by transplanting, which can be done even at the time of flowering. This is why most gardeners use this plant to cover empty areas.
Pyrethrum is a plant that is known not only for its beauty, but also for its medicinal qualities. It can be used to make special products that repel pests, such as caterpillars or sawfly beetles. And if you add a little soap to the tincture, it will not be washed off the plant for a long time, and this will greatly help gardeners. Therefore, matricaria is valued not only for its external indicators.
To summarize, it should be said that Matricaria is a plant that can decorate any area. In addition, a bouquet of these plants will be an excellent gift for your significant other. And it is precisely because of the appearance and unpretentiousness in caring for the plant that many gardeners preferred these flowers, especially since in addition to beauty, the plant also includes a large number of useful properties.
Growing from seeds
Although Matricaria is considered a perennial, it is propagated every year by seeds, since every year the plant loses its decorative properties.
Sowing
Sowing of seeds is usually carried out at the end of March - in April. To do this, place the seeds at a distance of 20-30 mm in loose, moist soil and deepen them 10 mm into the ground. After this, the crops should be moistened and covered with transparent polyethylene and ventilated periodically. If condensation appears on the surface of the film, it must be removed. Dry soil should be moistened. The main thing is not to overdo it so that the seeds do not rot.
Seedling care
When you see the first seedlings, you should remove the covering material and move them to a cool place so that the plants do not grow too tall. For seedlings, you need to provide bright, diffused light. After the first leaves appear, the sprouts dive into beds sheltered from the wind or into boxes at a distance of 5 cm from each other.
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Pyrethrum parthenium, maiden chrysanthemum or exceptional matricaria (Pyrethrum parthenium),
This compact plant, with its numerous miniature inflorescences, resembles snow flakes (double varieties) or snowflakes (simple varieties). For decorative purposes, Matricaria is used for planting in borders or flowerpots.
Known since ancient times, it is a perennial by nature, but in temperate countries it is cultivated as an annual. It has a strongly branching stem, varying in height from 20 to 80 cm. The root system is strong and fibrous. The leaves are double- and triple-pinnately dissected with rounded edges, the upper ones are sessile, the lower ones are petiolate, and have a typical chrysanthemum scent. Inflorescences are baskets with a diameter of 1.5 to 3 cm, in many forms double, collected in apical corymbose inflorescences. Coloring is only white, cream and yellow. Flowering is very abundant and long lasting from early July until autumn frosts.
The varieties Schneeball and Goldball are known with round, dense bushes up to 25 cm high, the inflorescences are densely double, spherical, respectively, white or yellow in color with an outer row of reed flowers, forming a kind of lace skirt. The Virgo variety has bushy plants up to 80 cm high with white button-shaped inflorescences without a skirt. The Ball's Double White variety has the same inflorescences, plants up to 25 cm high.
Matricaria is a light-loving, fairly cold-resistant plant. She needs to be given a sunny place with limed, moderately fertile, moist soil. Seeds are sown in the third decade of March. In the second ten days of May, after preliminary hardening, they are planted in place after 20-30 cm. Young plants tolerate light frosts, and older ones in the fall and stronger frosts - down to -4 ° C. Care consists of watering in dry weather, loosening and fertilizing. It is imperative to pinch off the flowering baskets, otherwise the formation of new inflorescences is inhibited, and plants with browned baskets lose their decorative properties.
This plant is highly resistant to pests and diseases. Matricaria is grown in open ground conditions, after sowing seeds for seedlings. The pyrethrum plant is frost-resistant, but is demanding on the soil and is very responsive to fertilization. Planting areas should be relatively dry; Matricaria does not like waterlogging. But it is not particularly picky about lighting: it can grow in light partial shade.
Matricaria seeds are sown in early spring, in March - April, in boxes. Varieties with non-double flowers can be sown directly in open ground, however, the seedlings are very sensitive to moisture, and during this period they can be affected by fusarium. Terry varieties have poor germination, so they practically do not germinate in open ground. Therefore, it is always preferable to use the seedling method for pyrethrum; the plant easily tolerates transplantation. Small seeds are scattered on the surface of light soil, lightly sprinkled with river sand or soil and covered with glass or plastic film to retain the moisture necessary for seed swelling. Young seedlings require warmth and comfortable conditions: seedlings appear at a temperature of 18 °C after 1 - 2 weeks. Seedlings are planted in open ground in May, at a distance of 20 - 35 cm from each other.
Depending on the variety, Matricaria can have a compact size - stem shoots are 5 cm high, or it can be a fairly branched bush up to 150 cm high. Flowering continues from July until frost. Perennial varieties of pyrethrum bloom only in the second year. Perennial pyrethrum is also propagated by dividing the bush: in spring or late summer, in August - September, 3 - 4 year old bushes are divided and planted. Matricaria also survives pruning well; in the spring, red and pink perennial pyrethrum is even used for propagation by cuttings.
Young root shoots are selected for cuttings; they are rooted throughout the summer in boxes with sand. Without replanting in one place, the plant can grow for up to 4 years; it is only advisable to apply liquid fertilizers based on complete mineral fertilizers to the garden bed.
Pyrethrum has good seed productivity - a literal desire to leave offspring is detected 20 - 25 days after flowering, the seeds have time to ripen before the end of summer. Pyrethrum fruit is a ribbed seed collected in a basket that is easy to collect.
For the winter, it is better to dig up mother plants and store them in cold greenhouses: especially valuable and decorative perennial varieties can die during frosts.
In areas with mild, slightly frosty winters, Matricaria can be grown as a perennial. It is sown in the ground in May-June and planted in place at the end of summer. It blooms in June next year. In autumn, faded stems are cut off and mulched for winter. Matricaria is also easily propagated in summer by cuttings. It overwinters in some winters in central Russia, covered with spruce branches.
Low Matricaria are very good for borders, groups in the foreground of the flower garden, various outdoor flowerpots and containers, balcony and window boxes on the sunny side of buildings. The tall variety Virgo is planted in prefabricated flower beds in groups or rows on ridges. The inflorescences are widely used for cutting into bouquets. They remain in water for a long time, up to 10 days.
Description of Matricaria
A low bush compact plant that can grow no more than half a meter in height, the average size of the crop is about 30 cm. However, there are also quite tall varieties, reaching 1.5 meters in height and, conversely, very short ones - up to 10 cm.
Some species are perennial plants, and some can delight with their beauty only for one year. The leaf plates are small in size, reminiscent of bird feathers. The branches are strewn with multiple simple or double inflorescences of white or beige shades. The plant has a weak but specific aroma that attracts honey insects.
Chemical composition of chamomile
Chamomile inflorescences contain an essential oil consisting of the main biologically active substance - chamazulene, its precursor - prochamazulene and other monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Of the sesquiterpenes, the most important ones are matrix lactones and matricarine, since chamazulene is also formed from them during the processing of raw materials. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (farnesene and cadinene), sesquiterpene alcohols (bisabolol, bisabolol oxide, ketoalcohol), and caprylic acid were found in the essential oil. The flowers of the plant contain flavonoids, coumarins, sitosterol, choline, carotene, ascorbic acid, isovaleric and other organic acids and polysaccharides.
Features of marticaria
Marticaria is a not very tall herbaceous perennial. The pinnately dissected leaf blades include many small lobes. The scutes consist of hemispherical inflorescences-baskets, reaching 0.4–2 centimeters in diameter. Such baskets are formed by bisexual tubular flowers of yellow color, which are collected in the middle into a disk, and also by pistillate false reed flowers - they are painted white and frame the disk. The fruit is an achene. This crop has a not very strong, but specific smell; its pollination occurs due to bees or wasps. Seed material remains viable for 3 years.
Types and varieties of Matricaria with photos and names
As a rule, the most popular among gardeners are representatives of the Asteraceae family, such as popovnik, cornflower, aster and gerbera. However, some types of marticaria are also quite often chosen to decorate gardens and flower beds.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Or medicinal chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), or peeled chamomile (Chamomilla recutila). This plant is the type species of the genus Marticaria. The not very tall bush has a weak specific aroma. Its root is taprooted and branched. The erect, highly branched single stem is hollow from the inside; it can reach a height of about 0.4 meters. Sessile, alternately arranged leaf plates have a doubly pinnately dissected shape, and their composition includes pointed, narrow-linear lobules. At the tops of the stems there are small single inflorescences-baskets, which include white reed flowers and yellow tubular flowers. Under natural conditions, this flower prefers to grow on sandy soils. And in garden plots it is planted together with wildflowers. Or you can choose an area for it, which will then be dug up.
Chikhacheva chamomile (Matricaria tchihatchewii)
This lush blooming species is very decorative. In nature it can be found in Asia Minor. The height of branched bushes can vary from 0.15 to 0.3 meters. Single inflorescences-baskets grow on a leafless long peduncle. Often this species is cultivated in rock gardens or on rocky soils, where other crops grow very poorly.
Chamomile (Matricaria discoidea)
This species is native to the Far East and North America. However, today it can be found in almost all countries, and such a flower grows like a weed. The height of a bush with a specific smell can vary from 0.1 to 0.3 m. In the upper part, the shoots are highly branched. The sessile, alternately arranged leaves are doubly pinnately divided into pointed lobes of a flat, linear shape. Small baskets-inflorescences grow on short stalks, which contain only tubular flowers of a yellow-greenish color; they grow on short stalks. This type is widely used for medicinal and also for cosmetic purposes, for example, for hair coloring.
Maiden's chamomile (Matricaria parthenium)
Either Matricaria eximia or Chrysanthemum parthenium. This species is found in the wild in Europe. It is very similar to a small chrysanthemum due to its characteristic aroma and lobed carved leaf blades. The plant forms compact bushes that branch very strongly, their height can reach about 0.4 m. A large number of inflorescences-baskets are formed on them, reaching about 25 mm in diameter. Their center is yellow, and the shape of the reed white flowers is oblong-round. The baskets are part of the dense scutes. Flowering begins in mid-summer and ends in late autumn. This species has a large number of varieties and garden forms:
- White Star. Simple inflorescences-baskets are painted white.
- Aureum. Large-lobed leaf blades have a golden color. The baskets have a yellow center and white marginal flowers.
- Golden Ball. The spherical inflorescences of golden color contain only tubular flowers.
- Snow globe (Snow Ball). The short reed flowers are wide and white.
- Lemon Santana. The color of the baskets is light yellow.
Botanical description of chamomile
An annual herbaceous plant of the Compositae family.
The root is taproot, the stem is erect, branched, 15-90 cm high.
The leaves are bright green, alternate, sessile, double-pinnate, strongly dissected, with narrow-linear pointed segments apart.
Small (1.5-2 cm in diameter) baskets with 12-18 white reed flowers located at the ends of the main stems and lateral shoots. The receptacle is hemispherical, hollow (the main difference from other types of chamomile, unsuitable for medical use). The inner flowers are yellow, tubular, bisexual. Five stamens fused by anthers into a tube surrounding the style. The flowering period of chamomile extends from May to September.
The fruit is an oblong achene. Weight of 1000 seeds is 0.026-0.053 g.
Application in landscape design
Matricaria on the site is often used as a border plant - it is in this capacity that it looks best. If you plant a flower along the paths in the garden, you can enjoy an attractive and well-groomed view of the garden until late autumn. Matricaria is also good in flower beds - both in monoplantings and in the company of other plants.
Plantings look most attractive in combination with plants such as:
The flower also looks great against the background of low coniferous plants.
If you plant a plant around the site in the fall, when all other flowers have already faded, the garden will still be picturesque thanks to the bright spots of matricaria plantings.
So, we met a magnificent garden flower - Matricaria. Although the plant is southern and tropical, it grows and blooms quite safely in our climate. The main thing is to plant it in the right place and then properly care for it.
Many gardeners have modest bushes with small white or multi-colored daisies in their flower beds. But no one thinks that such a simple flower has an unusual name - Matricaria. Its lush and long-lasting flowering throughout the summer will never go unnoticed. And the snow-white flowers in the form of baskets stand out attractively against the background of carved green foliage. But still, what attracts flower garden lovers to this plant?
How does it reproduce?
To increase the population, use any of the following methods:
- Division. As soon as the bush has bloomed, dig it up and carefully shake off the soil from the roots. They are divided into several rosettes, which are planted separately. Care is the same as for adult specimens. Experienced gardeners advise dividing regularly. The procedure promotes rejuvenation.
Planting maiden primrose
- Cuttings. For propagation, root shoots are taken. Cuttings are rooted in the summer, but choose a shaded place and cover with film. Then the young seedlings will not dry out.
- Seeds. For a plant such as pyrethrum, growing from seeds is also relevant. But the problem is that daughter bushes often lose the characteristics of their parents. If you just need to decorate the area with new flowers, feel free to sow the collected seeds. If the priority is to preserve the existing characteristics of the variety, try propagation by other methods.
Growing conditions
Let's find out in which place in the garden Matricaria will grow best.
Plot
For full development and long flowering, the plant needs an open area, well lit and warmed up. A sparse shadow is acceptable - for example, from nearby bushes and trees. In a heavily shaded place, Matricaria will not be able to grow or bloom normally.
The soil
Matricaria does not make any special demands on the composition of the soil. There is no need to prepare special soil mixtures for it - ordinary garden, turf soil, which is available on the site, is quite suitable. However, Matricaria does not like acidic soil, and if the soil is like that, it must be limed.
Selecting a location
Matricaria is unpretentious, it will not be difficult to grow it even for novice gardeners, it does not require particularly careful care. But all this is possible only if you choose the right place. Criteria for its selection:
- Open area.
- The sun's rays should illuminate the flower well.
- Minimal shading is allowed. If you overdo it, the compact low bush will begin to stretch out, and its flowering will not be abundant.
- No special soil preparation is needed; it will take root on what is available on the site.
- It loves moisture, but there is no need to be zealous with it, since swampiness is detrimental to the roots.
Pyrethrum double
Fact! The bush reproduces well by self-sowing, and if the seeds fall on fertile soil, you can get strong, strong bushes for the next year.
Fluffy blue perennial - a magical garden decoration
A variety such as pink pyrethrum is preferably planted in moist soils with good drainage. If it is nutritious, the bush will delight you with flowering even earlier.
In the autumn, it is advisable to dig up the bush and divide it, in which case next year you will be able to get even more decorative beauty in the flowerbed. If this is not done, the bush will be very green and large, but with few flowers.
Diseases and pests
The plant is not afraid of diseases and pests. But if the crop is not provided with favorable conditions, then it can also be affected by the following diseases: rust, gray rot, powdery mildew.
Insects such as aphids and wireworms can also attack chamomile. If a fluffy gray coating has formed on the leaves, then the plant needs to be dug up and destroyed, since gray rot cannot be treated. The remaining plants must be sprayed with a special solution.
Other diseases, such as powdery mildew, can be controlled with fungicidal medications. To completely get rid of the scourge, you will have to treat the plant at least twice.
Also, the flower bed where Matricaria flowers grow must be weeded and weeds removed, otherwise the plant may die. To prevent diseases, bushes can be sprayed with green soap every two weeks.
The flowering perennial plant Matricaria, also called chamomile, is a member of the Asteraceae family. This genus includes approximately 20 species. The most popular among them is chamomile, which is widely used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Under natural conditions, this plant can be found in South Africa, Eurasia and America, and it was also brought to Australia. Daisies are also called plants of other genera, similar to marticaria, belonging to the Asteraceae family, for example: navel, gerbera, doronicum, pyrethrum, nivaria and aster. The fact is that all these plants form inflorescence-baskets during flowering. For such a plant, the scientific name was derived from the Latin word, translated meaning “uterus”, this is due to the fact that chamomile has long been used to treat gynecological diseases. The Russian name was borrowed from the Polish language, while it is considered to be derived from the word romana, translated as “Roman”, this is due to the fact that in the 16th century marticaria was called “Roman flower”.
Reproduction
Dividing the bush
An unpopular type of propagation, which is suitable only for some species, in order to preserve rare varietal characteristics. The bushes need to be divided after flowering or when the flowers have lost their decorative effect.
Cuttings
In late spring to mid-summer, cuttings can be taken from plants and planted in a garden bed. The soil should be well moistened and covered with wet moss. Then cover with clear plastic to provide warmth and diffused light. Having provided such a greenhouse effect, rooting will occur within 14-20 days. After this, the cuttings are transplanted into an open flower garden.
Growing from seeds
One of the most popular breeding methods. Seeds with the most preferred characteristics can be purchased in specialty stores.
Planting in open ground
Experienced gardeners advise planting seedlings at intervals of 20-30 cm from each other so that the plants develop freely. As they grow, they will begin to branch and there will be no more empty space. The seedlings, together with a lump of earth, are placed in depressions in the ground in order not to damage the fragile roots. After this, the plant should be watered generously and the area near the stem should be sprinkled with dry soil or compost. Thus, the planting and care of matricaria in open ground is carried out.
Disembarkation dates
But before the marticaria is transplanted into open ground, it should be hardened. Two weeks before planting (late May), young plants are transferred to a loggia with a constantly open window, letting fresh air into the rooms where the plants are located. This procedure is carried out gradually. At the beginning of summer, after the night temperature becomes above zero and the ground has warmed up well, young plants are transplanted into open ground.
Place
Marticaria loves light, so you need to choose an open, well-lit place without shade for it. If it is difficult to select such an area, then slight shading is allowed. In dark areas where little light reaches, plants become very tall and stop branching and blooming.
The soil
The culture feels comfortable in any soil: the composition can be anything. But it is advisable to carry out additional soil drainage and feed well so that the plant continues to delight with lush and lush flowering.
Landing
Matricaria bushes are planted in depressions located at a distance of 20-30 cm so that the plant can fully feed and develop. After planting, the plants should be watered well. After the soil has absorbed water, sprinkle with dry soil.
Description
Matricaria is a perennial from the Aster family. Translated from Greek, the name means “heat.” The plant is found wild in southern Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
In ancient times, the flower was valued not only for its decorative appearance, but also for its analgesic properties. Due to its analgesic ability, matricaria tincture was often used during childbirth.
The shape of the plant is spherical, the crown is quite dense. The leaves are light green, multiple. The peduncles are elongated, the flowers themselves have a double texture and are light in color: white, beige, yellow. The flowering period of Matricaria is long - the plants delight with their decorativeness from June until the very end of autumn. Look at the wonderful photos of flowers.
There are both simple varieties of Matricaria, with one row of petals, and terry varieties - with several rows. Simple varieties are similar in appearance to ordinary chamomile, especially when the petals are white. Terry varieties are more decorative, they have more petals, and the inflorescence itself is more magnificent and voluminous.
There are varieties of Matricaria, also annuals and perennials. However, most gardeners prefer to grow annual or biennial varieties, since the decorative qualities of the plant decrease with each new year. The height of the bushes also varies - there are very short varieties with a height of 10 cm, and there are also very tall ones - up to one and a half meters.
Varieties
The most popular varieties of Matricaria include:
- Goldbal. A plant with double petals of a beautiful yellow sunny shade. A real flowerbed decoration.
- Snowball. Also a terry variety, but in this case the petals are white.
Other well-known and popular varieties are:
Care
Caring for decorative Matricaria flowers is quite simple. Each plant needs its own area to develop. As they grow, the seedlings branch, close together, and form a beautiful and picturesque sketch. Chamomile is completely undemanding and unpretentious to growing conditions. For a crop, it is enough to carry out the basic stages of care: watering, fertilizing, loosening the soil, removing weeds, removing faded inflorescences to maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance.
Chamomile meadow is an amazing sight that can decorate any local area
Lighting
Matricaria chamomile flowers prefer sunny, open places or partial shade. In the shade of buildings and tall trees, plants will stretch in height and flowering will be less intense.
Decorative chamomile “loves” the bright rays of the sun, so it blooms luxuriantly and profusely in open meadows
The soil
There are no special requirements for the composition of the soil for different varieties of Matricaria chamomile. The culture prefers universal soil, since in the natural environment plants are found on almost all continents. Chamomile will grow and develop more successfully if you provide high-quality drainage, sufficient fertilizer and moisture. Attention should be paid to groundwater levels. The accumulation of water after snowmelt and the rainy season can cause waterlogging of the soil and cause the death of the root system.
Matricaria flowers can reproduce by self-sowing in any soil
Fertilizer
Complex organic and mineral fertilizers are suitable for decorative chamomile. The first fertilizing is applied 2-3 weeks after transplanting the seedlings into open ground. During the growth period and at the budding stage, fertilizing with nitrophoska (2 tablespoons of the drug per 10 liters of water) is ideal.
All subsequent feedings are carried out every 2-3 weeks throughout the entire flowering period. After flowering is completed, use potassium sulfate or superphosphate (1 tablespoon of product per 10 liters of water).
It is important to periodically fertilize decorative matricaria with compost, rotted manure or peat to ensure more active flowering
Watering
Decorative Matricaria chamomile flowers “prefer” regular, moderate watering. The plant tolerates drought more easily than stagnation and excess moisture, which harm the root system. Experienced gardeners recommend watering chamomile with warm water in the morning or evening.
Decorative chamomile should be watered after sunset to avoid exposure to the sun's scorching rays.
Trimming
After flowering, wilted Matricaria flowers are cut off so as not to spoil the decorative appearance of the flower garden. Using sterile, sharp garden tools, it is necessary to cut off injured, broken, dried stems, shoots, leaves, and flower stalks so that the plants look neat.
In late autumn, the bushes are trimmed completely, covered with peat, sawdust, leaves, and spruce branches.
In spring, the cover is removed, perennial bushes of decorative chamomile develop with renewed vigor
Pharmacological properties of chamomile
The effect of chamomile preparations on organs is due to a complex of pharmacological properties contained in the plant of physiologically active substances (essential oil, azulene, flavonoids, polysaccharides, vitamins, etc.). Chamomile preparations have antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, sedative and some analgesic effects; reduce isolated intestinal spasm in animals, increase bile secretion, reduce experimental edema, have a pronounced antiulcer effect, stimulate the processes of regeneration and tissue healing in animals with experimental gastric ulcers.
An infusion of chamomile flowers, when taken orally, increases the secretion of the digestive glands, has a choleretic effect, reduces fermentation processes, and relieves intestinal spasms. The mechanism of antispasmodic action is explained by the m-cholinolytic properties of plant glycosides. Chamomile essential oil somewhat enhances and deepens breathing, increases heart rate, and dilates blood vessels in the brain.
Types and varieties of myricaria
Of the 10 species of Myricaria, only 2 species are found in landscaping: foxtail with an apical inflorescence and Dahurian with inflorescences that are located on the side branches. These 2 species lend themselves well to restoration after winter damage, and thanks to their sophisticated appearance during flowering, they enliven the monotony of popular deciduous shrubs.
Miricaria dahuriana
Distributed in Eastern Siberia and Mongolia, where it grows singly or in groups on pebbles along rivulets and streams.
Shrub 2 m in height, with brown-gray bark on old shoots and yellow-green bark on young shoots. The leaves of Myricaria dahurica are bluish-green, sessile, infrequent, oblong-ovate on the primary branches, and linear-lanceolate on the secondary branches. Flower racemes, both apical and lateral, simple or complex, 10 cm long, lengthen during the flowering period.
The bracts are broadly ovate, with a small pointed point. Calyxes 4 mm long, slightly shorter than petals, calyx lobes widened towards the base; The petals of Myricaria daira are pink, oblong-oval, 6 mm long. The fruits are narrow capsules. The seeds are small, with an awn half covered with long white hairs. Myricaria dahuriana blooms from June to August, at the same time the fruits ripen.
Photophilous and winter-hardy. Propagated by cuttings, seeds and shoots from a stump. Miricaria Dahuriana is decorative thanks to its beautiful crown and green coloring of scale-like leaves. Recommended for hedges as it tolerates pruning well.
Miricaria foxtail
It grows under natural conditions in Western Europe, Siberia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Miricaria foxtail is a shrub with graceful, spreading shoots covered entirely with alternate, fleshy, bluish-green leaves. From May to September with small, numerous, pink flowers, collected in dense, almost spike-shaped, drooping inflorescences.
Flowers begin to bloom from the lower part of the inflorescence, gradually moving to the upper part. During flowering, the inflorescences of Myricaria foxtail lengthen 5 times, reaching half a meter. The fruits ripen at different times.
Myricaria foxtail propagates by cuttings, seeds, and shoots from a stump. Photophilous, resistant to pests. Grows well in well-drained, fertile areas.
Tolerates haircuts well. Beautiful during the growing season. In spring, it is recommended to feed it with complex mineral fertilizer. Miricaria foxtail can freeze to the level of snow cover and grows back over the season.
For the winter, you need to tie the shoots and tilt them to the ground. The shrub is suitable for planting in flower beds with tall perennial plants and near a pond.
Possible problems
Pyrethrum is most vulnerable to root rot. This kind of trouble happens if flowers grow in poorly drained soil or are regularly “flooded”.
Another possible problem is insect attack. Despite its insecticidal properties, young (in the first 1-2 years) matricaria are sometimes attacked by green aphids, mites, nematodes, and flower thrips.
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Matricaria, growing and caring for flowers.
Inflorescences of double flowers completely cover the entire bush. Of the tall varieties (up to 60 centimeters in height), M. capska is the most common.
Growing Matricaria:
This is a perennial plant, but they are propagated annually by sowing seeds, since this produces stronger flowering plants in the first year. Seedlings with simple, non-double inflorescences have no value and must be removed immediately.
Seeds are sown in April. After the development of the first pair of true leaves, the seedlings dive under the frame of protected soil or directly onto beds protected from the winds at a distance of 5 x 5 centimeters for further planting of terry specimens in a permanent place at a distance of 20 x 20 centimeters.
Low varieties are used for border plantings, sometimes for potted crops. High varieties are used for cutting. Matricaria bears seeds in abundance and often produces abundant shoots from self-sowing in the spring.
Planting and propagation of plants
Peretrum is quite unpretentious, so even novice gardeners do not have any difficulties with its cultivation, care and propagation. Landing can be done:
- seeds;
- seedlings;
- cuttings;
- rosettes (dividing a bush).
Planting seeds outside
In regions with a long warm period, seed material can be planted directly in open ground. In soil heated to 15 degrees, seeds sprout vigorously within 14 days. If in the spring the weather is not pleasant with warm days, then it is better to build a mini greenhouse. This will not take much time and effort, but the first shoots will appear much faster.
Planting Matricaria seeds
The simplest mini greenhouse is, of course, a five-liter plastic bottle. It is enough to cut the bottom and you will have an impromptu greenhouse that does not require financial costs, special care, and is completely suitable for propagating flowers.
Attention! Despite the fact that Matricaria is not picky about soil composition and grows well on any soil, to germinate seeds it is still better to take a mixture of compost and coarse river sand.
Operating procedure:
- Loosen the soil well.
- Sow the seeds 1 cm apart.
- Cover the planting site with soil. Make sure that the poured layer does not exceed 15 mm.
- Water the soil at the planting site.
- Cover with the cut bottle. Try to bury it 5 centimeters into the ground. This will help create a favorable microclimate with sufficient humidity and temperature in the mini greenhouse.
- Water as the soil dries out. And on very hot days, ventilate the greenhouse by unscrewing the cap from the neck of the bottle
The method of planting under glass is considered no less effective and fast. For this:
- Dig a hole 15 cm deep.
- Place a 5cm layer of sand and compost mixture on the bottom.
- Sow the seeds and cover with a 1.5 cm layer of soil.
- Cover with thick glass or polycarbonate.
- Sprinkle the edges of the glass with soil to seal the greenhouse.
Matricaria sprouts
When the soil warms up well and the threat of the last frost has passed, the grown sprouts are transferred to a permanent place in open ground.
In regions with a short warm period, it is wiser to grow seedlings indoors or in stationary heated greenhouses.
Dividing the bush
Matricaria can also be propagated by dividing the bush. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to separate several rosettes without digging up the entire mother plant. Therefore, the bush is often dug up completely and divided into several fragments, leaving 3 to 4 rosettes in each.
It is important not to injure the root system so that new seedlings quickly take root in a new place. If the composition of the soil on the site is acceptable for plant growth, then you do not need to apply organic and mineral fertilizers before planting. However, if the soil is rocky, clayey or too poor, then the soil in the planting hole should be replaced.
Cuttings
Agree, there are often times when it is not possible to buy seeds or bushes of the plant you like. It is then that they resort to propagation by cuttings. It's not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. To do this, you need to acquire one or more branches from a Matricaria bush. The lower parts of the shoots are most susceptible to rooting; be sure to take this botanical feature into account when planting.
Matricaria cuttings will not cause any difficulties
Cut the lower part of the cutting with a sharp knife at an angle of 45 degrees. It is this cut that provides the maximum cross-sectional area through which the sprout will absorb nutrients from the ground at first. Bury the cutting into the soil 2/3 of its length and water it generously. Choose places for planting where the seedlings will not be threatened by drafts and scorching sun rays.
To speed up the rooting process, cover the top of the seedling with a plastic bottle or regular jar. Within a month, the first roots and new leaves will appear, but the plant should be planted in a new place no earlier than next year.
Attention! Plants with a closed root system tolerate planting in open ground well throughout the season.
Landing
Let's get acquainted with the main nuances of planting matricaria in the ground.
When to plant
Matricaria are usually planted in the open air at the end of May - at this time in most regions the possibility of return frosts is already excluded. This concerns seedlings.
If planting occurs immediately with seeds, then this method is suitable for the southern regions - and sowing in this case occurs in early May. After the seeds fall into the ground, seedlings appear ten days later.
How to plant
The first step is to dig holes: between them it is necessary to maintain a distance of 25-30 cm. This distance will allow the roots of the plant to develop freely, and the shrub itself to branch and be lush.
After planting, the soil is compacted slightly and the plants are watered. It is also recommended to mulch the bed with compost or dry soil. This measure will allow the roots to retain moisture longer.
Planting and care are important for matricaria: having become familiar with the nuances of planting, let’s now consider the main points of care.
Watering
The plant grows safely in open ground and without watering if the weather is cool and rainy. But if there are hot days, the matricaria is watered to protect it from drought.
After moistening the soil, it is recommended to loosen it to make the soil more permeable. In light, loose soil, Matricaria feels great and blooms magnificently.
Top dressing
Fertilizers are applied for the first time 2-3 weeks after planting - just by this time the plants fully adapt and begin to actively develop. Before applying fertilizers, the soil should be loosened, thereby clearing the way for air and additional nutrition to the roots.
To feed matricaria, you can use both minerals and organic matter. Fertilizers are applied every 2-3 weeks.
Transfer
The plant tolerates transplantation quite well, so this procedure, if necessary, can be carried out even during the flowering period of the matricaria. Landscape designers, taking advantage of this property of the plant, often fill voids with matrixaria.
Trimming
For the decorative appearance of the flower bed, it is important to remove dried Matricaria inflorescences in a timely manner. Faded inflorescences not only spoil the appearance of the flower garden, but also take away nutrients from the still blooming buds
In addition, if you do not tear off the old inflorescences, new ones will not be able to bloom.
Wintering
Since Matricaria is a southern flower, it is unlikely to survive our harsh winter without shelter. Therefore, before the cold weather, it is necessary to trim the plants and mulch their root area with organic matter. The trimmed bushes themselves are covered with spruce branches or agrofibre.
Matricaria is good because it does not require global care. This plant is also chosen by busy summer residents who do not have the opportunity to appear often on the site - Matricaria tolerates irregular care procedures quite well. But these procedures must be present in any case.
Matricaria planting and care: photo
It should be said right away that this plant is planted in open ground around the end of May.
It is very important to choose the correct planting placement. This will ensure not only beautiful flowering, but also ease of care.
Young pyrethrum plants are moved along with a lump of earth and placed at a certain distance. Experienced gardeners advise leaving 25-30 cm between seedlings. If the distance is too small, the bushes will begin to stretch out over time and their appearance will become untidy, and the amount of flowering will drop significantly.
The answer to the question about soil will please every gardener, since a snow globe does not need sophisticated soils and any soil available on the site will do. Additionally, even if your soil is very poor, pyrethrum can reproduce without problems by self-seeding. That is why its bushes become stronger over time.
Basically, Matricaria can take root in any type of soil, both dry and excessively wet. However, it is very important to pay attention to drainage.
This is why it is better to plant the plant in the ground:
- Waterproof;
- Breathable.
If, during the growth process, the flowers are fed with nutrients, the plant will begin to develop much faster. If there is excess acidity in your soil, then it is better to dig it up and add a little ash. This will ensure comfortable growth for the matricaria.
Growing Matricaria from Seeds
Sowing seedlings
Experts advise growing decorative varieties of marticaria exclusively through seedlings. Sowing is carried out in March or April. To do this, containers or boxes are filled with loose, light, moist and nutritious soil mixture, on the surface of which the seeds are distributed, while a distance of 20–30 mm must be maintained between them. They are buried only 10 mm into the substrate. Moisten the crops with a spray bottle and cover them on top with glass (transparent film). Move the containers to a bright and warm place. Caring for crops is simple; they need to be systematically ventilated, accumulated condensation must be removed from the shelter, and, if necessary, the surface of the soil mixture must be moistened.
Seedling care
Immediately after the first seedlings appear, the shelter is removed from the container and moved to a cool place, because the plants will stretch out in the warmth. The seedlings also need to be provided with a large amount of bright light, but it must be diffused. Picking is carried out after the plants begin to form a second true leaf blade. For picking, you can use individual cups or a larger box in which the bushes are planted in increments of 40 mm.
Matricaria flowers: cultivation
Flowers such as Matricaria can be grown in several ways.
For example:
- Through direct sowing into the ground;
- With the help of seedlings.
You can see how flowers are planted in the photo. Regardless of the choice, as already mentioned, the planting material will retain its germinating ability for about 3 years.
The sowing time will differ, it depends on how the sowing will be carried out. So, for example, if you use seeds, then planting can begin in March or April. If planting will be carried out directly in open ground, then it is better to start this process in early or mid-May.
Regardless of the landing method, it is imperative to maintain distance.
Growing matricaria is not a whimsical matter; it is enough to follow some rules and the plant will very soon show its first shoots.
For example, make sure that when initially growing, the plant is in a sufficiently warm and bright place. If you take this into account, then the first shoots can be seen within 10 days, and after a couple of months you will see the first flowers.
Growing Doronicum from seeds
Sowing
Doronicum is grown from seeds through seedlings, and this is the most reliable method. However, seeds can also be sown directly into open soil; this is done before winter in late autumn or in May. Sowing of seedlings is carried out in April; for this purpose, a mesh tray is used, into which an earth mixture consisting of coarse sand and peat (1:1) is poured. 2 or 3 seeds are sown in one cell, then the container is covered with film (glass) and transferred to a place protected from direct sunlight (the light needs to be bright, but diffused). Caring for crops is very simple. To do this, they need to be systematically ventilated, remove accumulated condensation from the surface of the shelter, and, if necessary, moisten the soil mixture with a spray bottle.
Seedling care
If conditions are favorable, the first seedlings may appear 1.5–2 weeks after sowing. Immediately after this, the shelter is removed, while the plants are moved to a more illuminated place, but they are also protected from direct rays of the sun. If natural light is very poor, then a fluorescent lamp or phytolamp will have to be installed above the seedlings at a height of 20 to 25 centimeters from the container. Simple incandescent lamps are not suitable for this purpose, as they can overheat, and they also emit rays that cannot benefit the plants.
After the height of the plants is 40 mm, thinning is carried out. To do this, only one most developed seedling should be left in each cell, and the rest should not be pulled out, but cut with sharp scissors at the level of the substrate surface. To make the bushes more lush, when the seedlings have 3 or 4 leaves, you will need to pinch them.
Features of planting
When to plant a plant? Matricaria seedlings are planted in open ground at the end of May, when the threat of return frosts is eliminated and stable warm weather has established. If seeds are sown directly in open ground, the procedure is carried out in early May. In about ten days, the first shoots will appear, which will bloom in three months.
Selection of location and soil
To grow a healthy and lush plant, you need to choose the right place for planting.
Matricaria feels comfortable in open areas that are well lit by sunlight. The place may be a little dark, but strong shade should not be allowed, otherwise the crop will stretch out and bloom weakly.
It is recommended to choose a place on a hill where moisture will not stagnate, which threatens to rot the root system. It is necessary to equip a drainage system to avoid stagnation of water. Matricaria does not have any special requirements for soil composition. There is no need to prepare special soil mixtures for it; the soil available on the site will do. The plant will thrive in nutritious lime soil. If the soil is too acidic, add a little ash.
Planting process
The landing looks like this:
- planting holes are dug at a distance of twenty-five to thirty centimeters. It is necessary to maintain the recommended distance so that the crop develops quickly, branches freely and eventually forms one large carpet;
- the bushes are placed in the holes, the root system is straightened and sprinkled with earth, making sure that no voids are formed;
- the soil is compacted;
- plants are well watered;
- The area around the stem is sprinkled with dry soil or compost.
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