Archive for the ‘Blooming plants’ Category

Дек
03

Dahlia and Georgina

Posted under Blooming plants, Plants, Uncategorized by ruola
Purple DahliaRed DahliaRed Dahlia with white tipsNeedle DahliaYellow DahliaWhite DahliaPink Dahlia
Purple Dahlia

Purple Dahlia

This sample of Dahlia has a huge head (20cm in diameter) and very deep colors.

Blooming after planting — 30-70 days
Blooming period — 70 days
Light — sunny places
Area — spacious
Watering — generous but not frequent

In both cases the plant received its name after a man: Dahlia is named after a Swedish botanist Anders Dahl and Gerogina is named after a German naturalist Johann Gottlieb Georgi who worked in Russia. Since that time to the most of the world the plant is known as Dahlia while in Russia and nearby countries it’s known as Georgina.

Like no other plant Dahlia is famous for a wide variety of species with all its numerous colors and forms. Dahlia is a fine decoration of any garden: big flowers of bright deep colors always draw attention and deserve to be the centre of a garden bed. The flowers can be cut for a buquet and live in the vase for about 1-2 weeks.

Another advantage that makes Dahlia suitable even for a beginner is that the plant doesn’t require special care. Though there are some simple requirements that you need to meet. First of all ensure that Dahlia has enough of sun and water. The soil should be mellow enough or otherwise use fertilizers.

In April take the bulbs of Dahlia and check them for rotten parts which you need to remove. Put the bulbs into the soil so that the top of the bulb is 2-3 cm above the soil level. This will prevent the bulbs from rottening. Plant bulbs in such a way that there is a distance of 70 cm between them. This is a must-action because Dahlia needs a big area for nutrition and in case you don’t follow this recommendation there’s a big chance that flowers will be smaller than you expect.

When the first stems appear, choose only three most healthy and strong and cut the rest of stems with a sharp knife. If you do so the flowers will be bigger and more decorative. If you plan to cut Dahlia flowers for bouquets, you need to leave only one bud on the stem and remove the rest.

During its growth Dahlia does not require much attention. Watering is mainly important for the development of bulbs and it needs to be generous but not frequent. Sometimes rain will be enough for a normal growth. And of course, fertilizers will do only good to the plant. The choice of fertilzers is so big that you are free to choose. A natural fertilizer is ash which has necessary components for Dahlia bulbs.

In autumn when the temperature drops to 0 C the stems of Dahlia would fade and get dark. This is a right time to cut the stems leaving about 10-15 cm of each stem. A good temperature for storage is +5 C and this is why it is better to remove the bulbs from the soil for winter. For this purpose prepare a box with ventilation holes and wood chips (or other suitable material). Put the first layer of bulbs and cover with wood chips, then you can put another layer of bulbs which you also need to cover with wood chips. For storage choose a dark, dry and ventilated place.

Dahlia is known from ancient times and deserved its fame throghout the years. Thanks to a huge variety of colors and rich foliage it can find its place in any garden.

Июль
13

Iris

Posted under Blooming plants, Uncategorized by ruola
Iris doublet White blue IrisYellow irisAnother yellow IrisGorgeous Iris
Iris doublet

Iris doublet

Depending on points of view Iris can change its shape drastically

Among all the garden flowers Iris is probably the most beautiful one. Iris has a rich hystory which roots into 2 B.C. At that time rulers of ancient civilizations admired the beauty of Iris. The flower is depicted on the walls of Knoss palace which is placed on Crete. During all those years a lot of wonderful legends were made by people throughout the world. Here’s one of them.
The first Iris started to bloom millions of years ago and it was so beautiful that not only birds, animals and insects but also the wind and water came to see it. It was so admirable that the wind and water took its seeds throughout the world. And when the seeds enrooted and grew into flowers, Iris became the favourite flower among all people.

Another legend says that Iris received its name from a greek word “Iris” which can be translated as “rainbow”. In greek mythology gods’ messanger Iris used a rainbow to go down to the earth from heaven and bring messages to people.

Iris has been widely used by people at all times as a decoration - at churches, monasteries and parks. There are over 300 species of Iris known in the world. Thanks to a wide range of colors and fanciful shape Iris is beloved by many gardners at present time as well.

Iris is normally cultivated outside. It likes dry places with a lot of sunshine but little winds. During a blooming period (from May to July) the plant demands a proper watering. As soon as flowers fade they should be removed from the stem.

Thanks to its beauty and hystory Iris has entrenched itself in different fields: floristics, aroma therapy; the name of Iris is used to call companies and Iris picture is used on crests and flags to symbolize hope, grace and strength.

Июнь
15

Garden Flowers

Posted under Blooming plants, General, Uncategorized by ruola
Violet irisFlower of briarHeartseaseWhite heartseaseYellow tulip
Violet iris

Violet iris

Magnificent iris in the green field

We are used to see flowers in composition - this is so “natural” today to make a garden look organized, to have some idea in it. We are getting used to admire mostly the composition and start making notes in the mind how to repeat it in our own garden. This sometimes can make us forget about the beauty of each flower separately.
At weekend i took my camera out to the garden of my friend. The garden is a place where you can find a great variety of flowers including wild flowers which are not cultivated on purpose. In my opinion the more colors in the garden the better - flowers should strike the eye and bring us joy wih all those unrealistical bright colors. On the photos i especially like a tiny flower by the fence that looks so touching and shy. Looking at this flower i start missing a simplicity in the life.

Март
07

Amaryllis - Propagation with Bulbs

Posted under Blooming plants by ruola

p30712971 So it is spring now and it’s time to look around and check which of your plants needs a new pot or fresh soil. Spring is time for renovation! My eyes caught the view of young Amaryllis which appeared in my house about a year ago. I could see that some of its leaves are growing not from the main bulb itself but from somewhere underneath. There’s an opinion that Amaryllis won’t bloom if it has bulbils attached because otherwise they will take a big part of nutrients from soil. Probably that was the reason why it didn’t bloom during last year unlike the second amarallys in my house.

Having chosen the correct soil for my Amaryllis which should include humus, peat mould and sand i carefully took the plant out from the pot. Then i shook it carefully to remove the rest of the soil from the roots and could see that the bulb has 3 bulbils. All of the bulbils has its own leaves — from one to three and its own roots. So they were independant enough to leave its parent bulb. I decided to put all the bulbs in one pot because they are very small yet — about ½ in (1cm) in diameter and thus they will look more decorative.

As for the parent bulb i removed the top dry layer and old rotten roots, refreshed it soil and put it back into the pot.

During a year young bulbs will grow the half of the size of its parent bulb. And in 2-3 years time they will delight my eyes with first flowers.

Авг
19

Hoya bella

Posted under Blooming plants by ruola

Water: heavy

Light: much indirect sun

Temperature: 22-25

Blooming: may - july

The origin of Hoya goes to India, Thailand and China. The plant is named after English gardener T. Hoya. 

In winter Hoya takes rest and the best temperature during this period is +15. No spray and heavy watering in winter. Hoya can live through winter in higher temperature but it will mean that next blooming won’t be rich.

There is also another type of Hoya - Н. camosa R. Br (see the picture). The flowers are almost the same. The main difference lies in leaves: Hoya camosa has bigger thick dark green leaves. It also looks very beautiful and moreover it is less capricious.

Both types of Hoya can serve as a good decoration of your house. Hoya Bella looks gorgeous in hanging pots and the same true for Hoya camosa which you can also put somewhere on the window-sill or a table where its tiny diamonds will boost your spirits during rainy days.  

Hoya flowers are like small diamonds maybe this is why its name includes latin word ‘bella’ - beatuful.

The surprising thing about Hoya’s flowers is that it looks like so as if it consists of two seperate flowers glued together. The flower also represents a contrast. The white part of the flower is soft and delicate while the pink crown is firm. The plant is remarkable by rich blooming - during the blooming period you can see numerous clusters throughout the whole plant. It’s not recommended to touch or move the plant during blooming.

Talking about other requirements it is important to mention that Hoya likes a lot of sun but not direct.

Water and spray the plant thoroughly in spring and summer. Hoya likes when the room is well ventilated though cannot be put outside. When clusters fade and fall do not touch those places where these clusters were because next year clusters will appear at the very same place and it’s important not to damage those spots.

In winter Hoya takes rest and the best temperature during this period is +15. No spray and heavy watering in winter. Hoya can live through winter in higher temperature but it will mean that next blooming won’t be rich.

There is also another type of Hoya - Н. camosa R. Br (see the picture). The flowers are almost the same. The main difference lies in leaves: Hoya camosa has bigger thick dark green leaves. It also looks very beautiful and moreover it is less capricious.

Both types of Hoya can serve as a good decoration of your house. Hoya Bella looks gorgeous in hanging pots and the same true for Hoya camosa which you can also put somewhere on the window-sill or a table where its tiny diamonds will boost your spirits during rainy days.

Авг
12

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana

Posted under Blooming plants, Succulents by ruola

 

Water: moderate/generous in summer and spring, moderate/sparing in winter

Light: direct summer during a blooming period, moderate in winter time

Temperature: 16-18

Blooming: February till May

 

Kalanchoe blooms with numerous tiny flowers about 1 cm in diameter collected in clusters. The flowers color can be red, pink, yellow, violet and others. The plant belongs to succulent group.

Kalanchoe came to us from South Africa.

The best time for seeds is April when temperature is not very high.

 Reasons to have this plant in your house.

  1. Kalanchoe is one of the most popular indoor plants thanks to its low requirements and a generous blooming.

  2. There was a tradition to give Kalanchoe as a present for Christmas. Nowadays you can present it on a different holiday.

  3. It is a compact plant which you can put even on a narrow window-sill.

  4. The plant is easy to combine with other plants.

 

 If you want this plant to bloom on a certain date you need to put it into light for 8-10 hours every day. This should last for 4-6 weeks after that it starts blooming. When flowers fade remove them and put the plant into a shady place for about a month.

 Tips. Do not overwater this plant. In summer the soil should remain wet slightly, in winter – almost dry.

In winter put it in a light but a cool place (10-15˚C). In summer make sure there is no hot sun shining directly on the plant. (This is though a general rule for many plants with tender thin leaves).When the outside temperature is high enough it will be good to put your Kalanchoe outside on the balcony or in a garden. Replant Kalanchoe yearly in spring or if worst comes to worst once in two years.

 

Июль
02

Spathiphyllum - Enjoy the Beauty

Posted under Blooming plants by ruola

 Water: warm, moderate

Light: shadow, half shadow

Temperature: +20C

Blooming: yes, white flowers

 

Spathiphyllum is one of the most popular plants among indoor plants. The reason of its popularity is a magnificent appereance and low requiments. There are few important rules which you need follow to keep this plant healthy. First of all avoid direct sun beams on the leaves as the foliage tissue is tender and the sun can cause serious sunburns. Temperature is another important aspect. Spathiphyllum doesn’t like cold and overwatered soil. The temperature shouldn’t drop lower than 16 degrees. Avoid excessive watering, just make sure the soil doesn’t get completely dry.

For blooming Spathiphyllum needs a bit more sun than usually and it happens in most cases naturally in spring or summer. Cut the scrape when you notice brown spots on the flower thus you will help Spathip hyllum bloom again and longer. To achieve best results spray the plant twice a day or make a bath for it, especially if the air is dry in your house.

If there’s too much light Spathiphyllum will react the way you can see on the picture. In this case find a more shaded place.

Июнь
27

Eucharis Grandiflora (Amazon Lily)

Posted under Blooming plants by ruola

Water: moderate

Light: indirect defussed

Temperature: in summer up to 25,

in winter not lower than 15

Blooming: october - march

 The origin of Eucharis is South America. It has lustrous green leaves. Leaves are quite large and at the same time very elegant (eucharis is a greek word meaning ‘very elegant’).

Flowers are of a white color and by its form remind an umbrella. At a time there can be up to 6 flowers with a diameter of about 12 cm on one stem. Another thing you will like about Eucharis is a long blooming period.

To have this plant blooming well and regularly replant it every 3-4 years. Most of the roots lie in the upper layer that’s why choose a wide and not very deep container for you Eucharis. The optimal soil is 3 parts of foliar soil, 1 part of peat and 1 part of sand. Put several bulbils in one pot - it will not only make the plant look more splendid but it is also important for blooming. After replanting do not water it for a week and a week later water the plant once in 3-5 days. When flowers fade cut the stem in the bottom.

Dormant period for Eucharis is from April till August. At this period do not water the plant but make sure the soil doesn’t get absolutely dry.

It is recommended to spray the plant regularly and wipe the leaves with a soft sponge because Eucharis doesn’t like dust. Though take it as a rule for every plant in your house – no plant will develop properly when the leaves are covered with a layer of dust.

In general Eucharis is a grateful plant. With little care from your side the green wonder will please your eyes all year around.

Июнь
22

Cyclamen - a plant that blooms in winter

Posted under Blooming plants by ruola

Water: moderate, in a pot plate

Light: indirect, moderate

Temperature: +170С

Blooming: yes, - march

 The origin of the name Cyclamen is a Greek word ‘Kyklos’ i.e. round, cycle. Cyclamen are widespread in Mediterranean in central Europe. It used to be a beloved plant at Antient Rome where it was put into the ground together with Narcissus and Violets. Maybe Cyclamen will find its place in your house too.

Ancient doctors used Cyclamen to treat rheumatism, sinus trouble and a bite from a poisonous snake. Unfortunately history keeps silent about recipes for treatment of those illnesses.

There are sevel sorts of cyclamen but the most famous are Cyclamen europaeum L. and C. persicum Mill with their varieties. I’ve chosed Cyclamen persicum Mill because for me it is important to have blooming plants in winter. This Cyclamen differs from Cyclamen europatum L by bigger leaves. When Cyclamen blooms its flowers bend down and with little of imagination it can remind you of butterflys hovering above the plant.

You can also notice that Cyclamen persicum Mill has its bulb half above the soil surface. Make sure no water gets on the bulb otherwise the plant can die. The best way to water it is to pour water into the pot plate.

Cylamen doesn’t like high temperatures (the optimal t. is +170С) and too much sun.

When blooming period is over Cyclamen needs rest: its leaves get yellow and drop. Usually in this case you give it little water - just enough not to let the soil get very dry. Also it’s recommended to put the plant in a dark and cool place. When new leaves start coming out the plant is put again into the sun and watered as necessary. It would be good to replant cyclamen at that time to provide enough minarals and other plant food.

Following these simple rules you can have this plant blooming during a long period giving you a feeling of happiness at winter evenings.