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The mirabilis flower is popular all over the world. It is grown in flower beds in summer cottages and in private houses, in city gardens and parks, in covered premises. The plant is relatively unpretentious and incredibly beautiful during the flowering period. Currently, more than 60 of its varieties are known. In most cases, these are perennials, less often annuals. Mirabilis is a night beauty (as it is also called by the people), because it is at this time of the day that the flowers open and you can feel a delicious aroma. He is not one of those flowers who like bright sunlight, although he prefers to grow in such conditions. During the day, mirabilis is often unremarkable, even during the period of active flowering. But, as soon as night falls, or rather, it begins to darken, the flowers gradually open up.
Description of mirabilis
Mirabilis flowers come from the USA. They came to Europe thanks to the Spaniards. With their help, they learned about the plant in North African countries, Morocco and Egypt. Very soon the mirabilis Yalapa became one of the favorite decorations of European, Egyptian, Moroccan parks and gardens. The mirabilis plant is easy to grow, but you need to know some nuances. For example, the temperature of the air and soil should not be too high. The optimum range is 20-25 ° C.
He also does not like waterlogged swampy areas. Therefore, watering is abundant and often unnecessary.
Mirabilis
The description of mirabilis flowers can often be found in poetry and prose, and can be seen on canvases. The color palette is very extensive. Dominated by:
- white;
- pale pink;
- bright pink;
- red;
- orange colors.
There are also varieties whose flowers include two or more colors that are close in color.
Planting and caring for mirabilis
There are several options for breeding mirabilis:
- cuttings;
- seeds;
- tubers.
Mirabilis is easy to grow from seed. The fact is that mirabilis seeds can be purchased at any store, and in one season the plant will have time to grow and start blooming. Therefore, most people who decide to plant it in open ground prefer this method.
Propagation by cuttings is used extremely rarely. To do this, it is imperative to cut off semi-lignified processes. The cut site must first be dried. Then put it in a special solution for several hours, which will promote rooting and kill pathogenic bacteria. It can be purchased by visiting any flower shop. Then the cutting is placed in a container with a peat substrate for 10-14 days, where it should take root. The room temperature should be in the range of 20-22 ° C. After that, it is transplanted into open ground.
Planting and caring for mirabilis
Many people who grow house flowers dig up tubers in the fall to plant them again in the spring. This can be done with mirabilis as well. Tubers are usually stored in sawdust, and the air temperature should not be lower than 5 ° C. However, not everyone is able to preserve planting material until spring. For many, they dry out, so it is not surprising that sowing with seeds is the best option.
About growing from seeds more
After scarification, the seeds need to be poured with warm water for a day, then 2 of them. sow in pots. These can be special containers for seedlings or ordinary food disposable cups.
The soil should be neutral or slightly alkaline. This is a prerequisite for the seeds to germinate. Such a primer can be purchased ready-made at any flower shop.
The seeds need to be planted about a month before being sent to a permanent place in the flower garden. In Russia, this period falls on the beginning - mid-April. The air temperature should be within 19-22 ° С. Watering should be moderate. After the emergence of shoots, one of them must be removed, leaving the strongest in the glass. After a month, the seedlings, together with an earthen lump, can be transplanted into open ground.
About growing from seeds more
Features of watering, fertilizing the soil
This plant is native to Mexico, so it knows very well what drought is, and tolerates it well. Mirabilis white, like other species, will survive the heat more easily than over-watering. But this does not mean that watering is not necessary at all. By the way, for this characteristic feature, the plant is so popular among summer residents, because they can come on weekends or even less often and not be afraid that the bush will dry out.
Many people wonder why mirabilis does not bloom. The reasons can be different, including due to lack of nutrients. You need to feed 3-4 times no more in the season. It is recommended to use a substrate or humus for this, as well as mineral complexes. The plant, although it does not bloom in the bright sun, still needs it. Therefore, it should be planted in a sunny, well-lit place, protected from the wind. He will endure partial shade, but the flowering will not please so abundant. Therefore, it is often planted along the curbs, near openwork metal fences.
How to properly care
This plant can be used not only as a garden plant in the garden. It grows well in greenhouses, pots and pots, on balconies. The main advantage is unpretentiousness. Usually, gardeners who are just getting acquainted with mirabilis need only one season to understand what a flower is, in order to avoid mistakes later. But the majority and the first time manage to make friends with him.
The main thing is to follow the basic rules. Since the plant is southern, therefore, it does not tolerate cold. For the winter, it is better to dig up tubers or prepare seeds. If it grows in the southern region, then it is worth covering it for the winter. There is every chance that he will postpone this period. In any case, it will be possible to plant seeds or tubers again in the spring.
Mirabilis is a beautiful, interesting and unusual plant that transforms the garden at night. It is lightweight and easy to plant and maintain, which even a novice florist can do. Yes, and blooms all summer until September. That is why he won the love of summer residents the first time!
