If you are picking up a perennial undersized plant for a flower bed, rock garden, rabatka, rocky garden or curb, then take a closer look at the armeria. From July until the beginning of golden autumn, it will produce capitate inflorescences, the color of which, depending on the variety, will be red, purple, pink or white.

General information about armeria

The name "Armeria" (armeria) is translated from Latin as "living next to the sea." AT natural conditions lives in the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, some regions of Siberia, Mongolia, and America. The height of this herbaceous plant, belonging to the family of gilly, can be from 15 to 60 cm. There is a short tap root in the ground, and on the surface there are many whole linear-lanceolate leaves forming a dense rosette, it is also called a “pillow”. The flowers are small, collected in delicate capitate inflorescences - purple, pink, red, purple, white. Each flower has 5 sepals, which are fused into a tubular calyx, 5 petals, which are also fused at the very base. There are 5 stamens in a circle.

Of the 100 types of armeria, the following are most often found in flower growers:

Alpine- it gives dense green “pillows”, the diameter of which is up to 30 cm, the height of such plants is 15 cm, and the peduncle rises 30 cm, you will see light pink flowers on it. You can choose a variety with white flowers ("Alba"), with intense pink flowers ("Rosea"), with carmine-red petals ("Laucheana").
Primorskaya- in this type of plant, up to 20 cm in height are obtained. The capitate inflorescences have a pink-lilac color, there are film bracts. If you want red flowers, then plant varieties - "Dusseldorf Stolz" or "Vindictive". And in another variety, called "Louisiana" flowers are pink.
Soddy(another name is juniper-leaved) - this species has narrow leaves, a rosette about 15 cm high. On short peduncles (up to 6 cm), capitate inflorescences of red or pink color are formed, framed by membranous bracts. Flowering is so intense that during this period (from July) green rosettes of leaves are not even so noticeable. Here are the varieties double flowers- Bivan's Variety, Brno.
ordinary- its height is up to 60 cm. The leaves are large, their length can reach up to 12 cm. Pink-carmine inflorescences are formed on the peduncles, and even with a pleasant aroma.
Beautiful- in this species, rosettes consist of evergreen leaves, their height is up to 40 cm. Here are several varieties: "Joystick White" (with white "balls"), "Bees Ruby" (with pink "balls"), "Red Planet" (at her red "balls").

Useful Grass will also list the less common types of armeria among gardeners:

beautiful;
Velvich;
bulbous;
Japanese;
prickly.

How to propagate armeria

There are several ways of reproduction: seeds, cuttings and division of overgrown curtains. Seeds can be sown directly in open ground. You can do this in spring or autumn. When planting in the spring, soak the seeds of armeria for eight hours in a glass of warm water. Then scatter on the surface of the earth and sprinkle with a layer of soil of 5 mm. If you sow fresh seeds, then you do not need to soak them, during the winter months they will undergo stratification under the snow, and in the spring they will sprout. By the way, armeria spreads well and self-seeding.

If possible, you can plant seedlings, then the seeds should be sown in containers or cups in the last days of February or in the first days of March. Seeds germinate at a temperature of 15 to 21 degrees, so containers or cups can be placed on a glazed loggia or in a greenhouse. Then the grown seedlings can be planted under a film shelter. Strong seedlings can be planted in open ground in a flower bed when the frosts are already behind. About two weeks before the day of planting, dig the soil, while adding organic matter. Make holes at a distance of 25 cm from each other. When placing an earthen ball in the hole, make sure that the root neck does not go deep, and the outlet is not covered. When you fill the hole with earth, then tamp the soil. And then water the plants. If you want a “mat” to turn out soon from armeria, then do not make holes, but small trenches, leaving a distance between plants of about 15 cm. Plants that are obtained from seeds bloom at the very beginning of autumn, or already in the second year.

Every three years, it is advisable to divide the curtain into several parts after flowering. Each branch will quickly take root and take root in a new place.

Small rosettes can be taken on cuttings; they successfully take root from spring to autumn.

Where to place armeria

Best of all, armeria develop in sunny places, where the soil is light and moist. Moreover, it is better if the reaction of the medium there is acidic, dolomite flour, these plants tolerate lime poorly. You can place armeria on sandy, rocky soils. The plant does not tolerate moisture stagnation in the soil layer where the root system is located. Therefore, in the area where you plan to plant armeria, make good drainage.

Interesting compositions are obtained by planting armeria with creeping thyme, sedum, saxifrage, lobelia, stonecrop, low bells or phlox.

After planting in the first weeks, try to water your plants more often. Then you can do it less often when the soil dries out. Usually settled armeria has enough rainfall to grow and bloom well. But in a dry summer, soil moisture next to the plants will have to be taken care of additionally. In subsequent years, feed the armeria two or three times per season by adding mineral complexes to the water for irrigation.

If you want a long flowering, then after the inflorescence withers, cut off its peduncle. Then, from the middle of the rosette, new flower stalks will again appear and develop.

Adult plants, when they are 3-5 years old, should be seated, divided into parts. Such divisions, if desired, can be distributed to acquaintances, neighbors in the summer cottage.

Usually armeria grows healthy, it is not bothered by pests. But if the soil is not acidic, then such misfortunes as spotting or aphid colonies appear. Then flower growers prefer to carry out a radical pruning of damaged shoots.

Armeria are considered winter-hardy perennials, so they can not be covered for the winter. The main thing is to throw more snow on these places. If you have soddy armeria growing, then this species must be covered before the cold weather, using peat, spruce branches. If the winters in your area are last years with little snow, then for safety reasons it is better to cover other types of armeria too.

Armeria are easy-to-care perennials whose green rosettes look very decorative all season long. And during flowering (from 50 to 70 days), spherical inflorescences will make your site bright and elegant.

Creating your own flower garden, few gardeners can pass by the seaside army. It's wonderful the plant impresses with its dense, green foliage and bright flowers, which will please the eye for 2-3 months.

Seaside Armeria is a herbaceous, perennial, which is part of the family of pigs. AT wild nature such a flower can be found growing on the sea coast located in northwestern Europe or North America.

Due to its unpretentiousness and high frost resistance, this plant is very popular among flower growers who have successfully cultivated this species since the 17th century.

By appearance Seaside Armeria is a lush and small bush, no more than 15-20 centimeters high and with a diameter not exceeding 15 centimeters. The leaves of such a plant are linear, long and flat, painted in a bluish color. Usually, they are collected in a pineal rosette.

Globular inflorescences are located on peduncles that rise above the leaves, on average, their height is 20 centimeters. Rounded and lush inflorescences consist of many small flowers, with a diameter of not more than 1.5 centimeters. Usually, their petals are painted in a pink-lilac color, but the hybrids bred by breeders have a more varied color.

On average, seaside armeria begins to bloom in mid-May. The duration of this process is 60-80 days. In the presence of favorable conditions the plant can bloom again in late August - early September.

The most popular varieties of armeria

Thanks to scientific experiments in the world, there are a huge number of varieties of seaside armeria, which differ most often in the color of the petals.

Alba

The plant has narrow and linear leaves of rich green color. A feature is the snow-white color of the petals, thanks to which the inflorescences become like small clouds.

Rosea Compacta

Such a shrub grows to medium heights, and its flowers, growing against a background of straight, emerald leaves, painted bright pink.

splendensPerfect ( Splendens Perfecta)

This variety is the smallest and most compact representative of Seaside Armeria. Its leaves are especially narrow, somewhat reminiscent of arrows. Raspberry inflorescences, very bright and saturated.

Rubrifolia (Rubrifolia)

Such an army differs from its relatives in dark, purple leaves and shoots. Spherical inflorescences are painted in a delicate, purple color.

Nifty Thrifty

The leaves of this plant are straight and narrow, there is a white border on their edges, while the main part is shown in green. Inflorescences resemble bright, pink balls.

Bloodstone

Your name this variety received thanks to dark red, almost burgundy inflorescences, which look very advantageous against the background of rich green linear leaves;

Roeschen

The petals of these flowers are very delicate and beautiful, painted in pale pink. The leaves, like those of other varieties, are narrow and straight.

Is it possible to grow armeria from seeds?

Seaside Armeria, as well as other species of this group, reproduces in the wild by self-sowing, so it can be easily grown from seeds.

There are two methods of growing this flower from seed.:

• sowing in open ground;
• seedling cultivation.

Given the good frost resistance of this plant, you can sow seeds in open ground in early March or before the start of the first frost. In this case, the planting material will be able to undergo natural stratification and the percentage of germination will greatly increase.

When choosing a seedling method, seeds are planted in containers at the end of February. Transfer young flowers to permanent place will be available at the end of May.

Rules for planting flowers in open ground

Seeds for planting armeria can be purchased at a specialized store or collected independently. In the second case gauze is wound on fading inflorescences and then wait until the plant is completely dry.

At the next stage, you need to remove the gauze and select the largest seeds without visible damage. They are thoroughly cleaned of the remains of flowers and additionally dried.

For armeria, a sunny area with light, sour soil is best suited. For such purposes, sandy or rocky soil is usually used. You can also use a mixture consisting of the following components:

• greenhouse land;
• river sand;
• turf;
• chopped dry grass;
• sawdust or hay.

Before planting a flower, the soil is additionally loosened and organic fertilizers are applied, about 5-6 kilograms of peat or humus per 1 square meter.

If the land chosen for planting was previously limed, it will need to be neutralized. This effect can be achieved by digging the soil with the introduction of ammonium nitrate, or the place can be watered with a weak solution of acetic acid.

To plant seeds in open ground, they are scattered on the surface of the earth and added dropwise with a layer of soil equal to 5 millimeters, after which they are watered with warm water.

According to the same scheme, seedlings are planted, only in this case, the seeds must undergo artificial stratification. To do this, they are wrapped in a damp cloth and kept in the refrigerator for 7-9 days.

Seedling care consists in regular watering of seedlings. The first shoots should appear in 2-3 weeks. The optimum temperature for seedlings will be 18-20 degrees.

As soon as the last frosts have passed, armeria can be transferred to open ground. Work is carried out according to the following rules:

• hole size should be small and match the size of the root system;
• the seedling is immersed in a hole so that the sheet socket must remain on the surface;
• with a successful outcome first bloom will appear next year.

Plant care rules

Since in nature the seaside armeria grows near water, when growing such a plant, in no case should the soil dry out. Water the flowers regularly while using a moderate amount of water.

Armeria is very responsive to fertilization. To make flowering more lush and plentiful in spring, complex mineral fertilizers. This procedure can be repeated every month, simply scattering the granules with top dressing before watering.

Also it is necessary to loosen the soil in time, remove weeds and prune dry flowers and flower stalks. Armeria does not require shelter for the winter and tolerates cold very well right in the open field.

Every 3-5 years, flowers need to be planted in order to maintain their decorative effect.

reproduction

In addition to seed propagation, vegetative methods can be used.

The division of the bush

To carry out such work a plant at the age of 3 years is dug out of the ground and divided into several parts shovel or sharp knife. In addition, each of the divisions must have developed roots. Then the resulting planting material is planted in a new place.

You can “divide” armeria both in spring and autumn, but many flower growers note that delenki prepared in the autumn have the best survival rate.

cuttings

Root cuttings are used as cuttings., which can be harvested throughout the summer season.

Cut shoots are rooted in a moist substrate, consisting of equal parts of sand, peat and leafy soil. To create a greenhouse effect, plantings are covered with non-woven material. In the first week, cuttings, in addition to watering, must be sprayed daily.. With the advent of 2-3 true leaves, flowers can be seated in a permanent place.

Diseases and pests

Armeria seaside is not afraid of diseases and pests. When growing it, it is very rare to encounter such a problem as leaf spot. It is extremely easy to detect the disease, in addition to the characteristic spots on the green part of the plant, you can notice that flowering becomes more rare and dull.

The appearance of spotting is due to excessive watering, therefore, in order to get rid of the disease, it is necessary to reduce the amount of moisture introduced and treat with fungicides.

Another aphids can be a problem. To avoid its appearance in spring, plants are treated with special chemicals, such as Intavir, Karbofos, etc. If insects still appear, then the treatment should be repeated again, but using another means.

Application in landscape design

Thrift looks good as a single composition, and as part of various groups of annual and perennial plants. Usually, with the help bright inflorescences adorn alpine slides, rocky gardens, rockeries and borders. Armeria is also used to focus on tall perennials.

Of the undersized species the best neighbors considered:

• thyme;
• love.

Seaside Armeria is just a godsend for a beginner grower. With the help of bright and unusual inflorescences, you can decorate any garden plot , and the unpretentiousness of the plant will not leave anyone indifferent.

A beautifully designed plot is the pride of any gardener and owner of a private house. That is why every spring and autumn you can meet large crowds of people in the markets and garden centers, who are in search of the most beautiful and unusual plants capable of highlighting their garden or flower garden. To date, breeders have bred just a huge number of flowers and plants, among which every gardener will definitely find a suitable specimen. Literally a century ago, the armeria flower became very popular - a beautiful flowering mop bush, which stands out as a bright spot in any area.

Pink, red or white shades of the inflorescences of this flower create one huge composition, especially if they are planted in a group. This will make your flower bed look like a fragrant sea, consisting of delicate flowers of armeria plants.

In this article, we will consider the features and description of armeria, give the characteristics of the most popular species and varieties of this crop, and also note highlights planting and care.

Features and description of armeria

Armeria is a herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to perennials. All plants of this culture are representatives of the Svinchatkovye family. In the last century, armeria has become very popular due to its bright and sophisticated appearance. At its core, armeria is a frost-resistant ornamental garden plant that will certainly decorate any site. In culture, armeria has been used since the 18th century and is still often found in flower beds. Many amateur gardeners mistakenly consider Armenia to be the birthplace of this culture, which is consonant with the name of the flower "armeria". However, this is a delusion, there is nothing to do with this plant and eastern country. Natural habitat The habitat of the representatives of the family Svinchatkovye is considered to be the territory of the Mediterranean, some species are also found in the countries of Eastern Europe, in the territory of America, Mongolia and Siberia.

Despite the rather long history of growing armeria, disputes regarding the history of the origin of the name of this amazing culture still do not subside. To date, there are two versions. According to some, the name of this flower is of Celtic origin. Translated from this language, "ar" means "near, near", and "mor" - the sea, which can literally be translated as "next to the sea, near the sea." This is due to the fact that most natural species and varieties of armeria grow on the coasts, in the dunes. According to another version, the name of the flower comes from the French word armoires, which means "bearded carnation" in translation. Looking at Armeria, we can say with confidence that there are certain similarities between these two cultures, especially in the botanical aspect.

In nature, there are a large number of types of armeria. Botanists number about 93 of them, which are found in various parts of Europe and America, as well as in some parts of Asia. In culture, only a small part of the entire variety of armeria is grown - about 50 species.

Description of armeria:

• Armeria - herbaceous plant for open ground, which is characterized by good resistance to our severe frosts.
• These plants are botanically classified as perennials, although many species and varieties can be cultivated as annuals, provided that in winter time temperatures drop below 15 degrees below zero.
• Armeria is distinguished by a rather short and unbranched tap root system.
• The leaves of the culture grow directly from the root, which form a beautiful and lush basal rosette. The leaves are lanceolate, linear with an entire margin, numerous, sitting directly on the stem without a petiole, which allows you to create a dense cushion.
• The color of the foliage is dark green, silver or purple.
• From the pillow of lanceolate leaves rise single shoots-peduncles. They are straight, without foliage, dark green hue. In some varieties, the shoots are smooth, sometimes there are flowers with a slightly pubescent peduncle.
• In terms of height, there are both undersized representatives, as well as taller and larger ones. On average, the flower can rise to a height of 15-60 cm, depending on the particular variety.
• At the tops of the shoots, small capitate inflorescences are formed that resemble small balls.
• Inflorescences are formed by small delicate flowers, which reach about 0.5 cm in diameter. In their shape, these flowers resemble the inflorescences of the well-known warty carnation.
• The main advantage of armeria is the simultaneous flowering of all flowers, which makes the plant very spectacular. Flowering begins in May and can last until the end of summer.
• The color of the inflorescences can be different shades purple, pink, red and white.
• The flowers are self-pollinating; after flowering, a single-seeded fruit is formed in place of the bud.
• This plant looks great landscape design and is used to decorate flower beds, flower beds, rock gardens, rockeries.

Popular types and varieties of armeria for growing in the garden

Approximately 50 various kinds armeria, which differ in different height of the stem, color of inflorescences and level of frost resistance. Consider the characteristics of the most popular species that gardeners use.

• Armeria alpine. This is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows rapidly and forms lush curtains, reaching a height of about 15 cm. Peduncles grow up to 30 cm, the tops of which are crowned with light pink flowers collected in capitate inflorescences. Inflorescences in diameter reach about 3 cm. The leaves of the plant can endure winter, provided there is not severe frost. This type armeria includes several popular varieties: Alba - blooms with white inflorescences, Luceana - armeria with beautiful carmine-red inflorescences, Rosea - with bright pink flowers.

• Seaside armeria. The plant is ornamental, perennial, can reach a height of about 20 cm. In nature, this flower grows in coastal dunes. A lush bush of bluish-green lanceolate leaves forms at the roots. Shoots or peduncles grow among the leaves, on which capitate inflorescences are formed, consisting of pinkish-lilac small flowers. The plant has so many flowers that they cover the flower bed with a dense carpet, covering even the leaves. The flowering of the seaside armeria begins in May and lasts only 10 days. Flowers of this species may re-bloom in autumn. Main Feature seaside armeria is a mandatory landing near a reservoir. Popular varieties include: Bloodstone - Armeria with dark red inflorescences, Louisiana - a plant with beautiful pink flowers, Elegia and Magnificent varieties, Vindictive - with red flowers.

• Armeria is soddy. This is a perennial herb that grows naturally in the mountainous regions of Spain and Portugal. The flower can reach a height of 15 cm. Long lanceolate leaves form a lush basal rosette, which reaches about 20 cm in diameter. Peduncles are low, only 6 cm in height, crowned with small capitate inflorescences of a red or pink hue. Flowers are surrounded by membranous bracts. During flowering, a large number of flowers bloom, sometimes linear leaves are not visible behind their density. Flowering begins in July and lasts for 45-50 days. Varieties: Brno - the plant is distinguished by double purple flowers, Bivanz Variety - blooms with double pale pink inflorescences.

• Armeria Velvich. This type of plant has the highest growth of all existing. Peduncles in height can reach about 35 cm. During flowering, large capitate inflorescences bloom, which delight with their beauty longer than other varieties. The inflorescences consist of small pink flowers, which are approximately 2 cm in diameter. An important rule for growing this type of flower is the presence of a large amount of calcium in the soil.
• Armeria is beautiful. A herbaceous plant that reaches a height of about 40 cm. A basal rosette of evergreen leaves is formed at the roots. During flowering, white or pink flowers bloom. Flowering begins around the beginning of summer and lasts for 3 months. Popular varieties: Red Planet - armeria with red inflorescences, Joystick White - a flower with white inflorescences that can be grown as an annual plant.
• Armeria ordinary or garden. A herbaceous perennial plant that can reach a height of about 60 cm. Lanceolate linear leaves can reach 12 cm in length, form a beautiful and lush basal rosette. On long bare shoots, large capitate inflorescences are formed, consisting of small carmine-red flowers. One plant can have a large number of flowers, reaching about 40 pieces.

• Armeria is prickly. This perennial plant can reach a height of about 30 cm. The rosette is formed by lanceolate linear leaves of a bluish tint. Pink capitate inflorescences bloom on the shoots.
• Armeria Siberian. It's pretty rare view, which is distinguished by the beauty of flowering. In height, the herbaceous plant Siberian armeria reaches about 30 cm. Capitate spherical inflorescences appear on the peduncles in July, consisting of small flowers that reach a diameter of 0.5 cm. Flowers are pink in color.
• Armeria is beautiful. also beautiful and amazing view plants. The basal rosette is formed by long evergreen lanceolate leaves of dark green color. Strong shoots grow from the rosette with capitate inflorescences, reaching about 5 cm in diameter. The inflorescences consist of a large number of small flowers in white, pink or red. Flowering begins in early summer and lasts until frost.

Reproduction of armeria: the most common methods

Armeria can be easily bred independently on your site. This culture can be propagated different ways: seeds, rhizome division and cuttings. Each method is different various features and cultivation technology, which must be taken into account when deciding to use one of them.

Seed propagation of armeria

• Armeria from seeds can be grown by self-sowing, or you can work hard and collect the seeds yourself. After the buds bloom and the fruits ripen, the seeds scatter around on their own, so in the future they grow on their own and require only separation every few years.
• If you want to plant this plant elsewhere, you can collect the seeds yourself after the buds have faded. For this required amount flowers need to be wrapped with gauze and wait for them to fully ripen.
• Armeria seeds can be sown directly in open ground or grow seedlings from them.
• In open ground, seeds are sown in autumn or early spring. At autumn planting seeds undergo natural stratification and will sprout together in the spring.
• At seedling method seeds are sown in prepared containers in February or March. Before this, the seeds must be stratified, for which the seed is placed in the refrigerator for a week.
• Before planting, the seeds should be placed in warm water for about 6-8 hours.
• Next, you need to prepare containers with soil. Sow the seeds on the surface and lightly sprinkle them with soil, the embedment depth should be approximately 0.5 cm.
• Containers are placed in a bright and warm place until shoots appear. Armeria seeds have good germination.
• After the appearance of leaves, seedlings need to dive into the soil of the greenhouse. Here the plants are kept until they get stronger.
• With a seedling method of growing, armeria will bloom only in the second year, if you sow seeds before winter, autumn flowering is possible.

Reproduction by division

• This method is considered the most appropriate, since adult armeria plants need to be replanted often, it is advisable to do this every autumn.
• Armeria bushes that have reached the age of three are suitable for division.
• Immediately after flowering or a little later, it is necessary to dig up adult and healthy curtains.
• Thereafter root system need to be divided into several parts, most often into three or five.
• When dividing, it is important to choose parts of the roots with healthy and strong roots without rot and shrunken shoots.
• Next, prepare the holes in the place prepared in advance and plant the delenki separately. It is important to maintain an acceptable distance, which averages 15-20 cm.
• Armeria delenki take root quite well and it is best to do this in the fall than in the spring.
• The young plant will bloom only in the second year, as the armeria is a perennial flower.

Propagation by cuttings

• This is another way with which you can independently breed armeria in your area.
• It is allowed to carry out cuttings throughout the summer period.
• To do this, you need to prepare planting material. Young small rosettes are taken as cuttings.
• In the warm season, cuttings can be planted immediately in open ground, only slightly sprinkled with soil.
• However, in the cool period, it is best to plant cuttings in small greenhouses or cover the plantings with film or plastic bottles.
• Young sockets take root quite quickly and do not cause big problems.

Preparatory stages before planting armeria in the ground

Armeria is a very beautiful and delicate plant that has been popular among gardeners for many years. This is a rather unpretentious culture, however, for its proper cultivation it is important to follow all preparatory stages before the landing of the army. First of all, choose a method for obtaining plant seedlings, and also find the most suitable place and soil on your site.

Stage 1. Selection of varieties and seedlings of armeria

• First of all, it is necessary to choose the right variety and planting material for the crop.
• Pay attention only to zoned varieties that have been grown in the climate of your city or town. This way you will have a better chance of successfully growing armeria.
• You can plant a plant from self-collected seeds or use cuttings from an adult plant if it grows on your site or with your friends.
• If you do not want the hassle of growing seedlings, you can contact a garden center or an agricultural company that is professionally engaged in growing plant seedlings.
• Here you can get competent advice on planting and caring for a young plant, as each variety requires special attention.
• Seedlings are sold in small containers with a closed root system. Often you can find seedlings with flowering inflorescences.
• Before buying, carefully check the seedlings, they should not have damage or signs of disease. The leaves should be green and whole, with no dry patches. The soil in the container must be clean and moist.

Stage 2. Choosing a landing site

• Armeria is quite capricious regarding the place of cultivation, so it is important to carefully choose a suitable site for planting.
• This plant prefers to grow in well-lit areas without direct sunlight. The exception is the soddy armeria, which can only grow in a shady place.
• A semi-shady or shady area is also suitable for planting.
• All varieties of crops love moist soil, but cannot grow in places of stagnant water.
• It is best to choose places on slopes and small hills, near ponds and reservoirs.
• Also, an alpine hill, rockeries, a rocky garden will be an ideal place for armeria.

Stage 3. Selection and preparation of soil for planting

• The optimal soil for planting armeria is rocky or sandy.
• It is also important that it was well-drained and perfectly passed air and moisture.
• It is necessary to pay attention to the acidity of the soil. The plant requires a slightly acid reaction, so if it is alkaline, it is important to treat it with ammonia acid.
• Before planting, it is important to dig and loosen the selected area well. This is done about two weeks before planting seedlings. At this time, it is also recommended to add organic fertilizers to the soil.

Armeria planting technology

• Armeria seedlings are planted in open ground in autumn or spring.
• First of all, it is important to prepare a place for landing. Decide what composition you want to end up with. If you are planning a single planting of armeria, then keep a distance between seedlings of 30-40 cm. If you need to get a flower bed planted with a solid carpet of armeria, then you need to dig a small trench for planting and plant seedlings at a distance of 10-15 cm from each other.
• If fertilizers were not applied during preparation, it is important to add them without fail at this stage.
• Next, you need to carefully remove the seedlings from the containers and plant them in the planting pits. It is important to place the young plants at the same depth as they were grown in the containers.
• Also, when planting, make sure that the rosette of leaves does not go deep into the soil, and the root neck should be flush with the surface.
• Seedlings must be sprinkled with soil and gently pressed with your hands.
• The first three weeks, young plants should be constantly watered, with a short pause before the next watering.

Agrotechnics of growing armeria: secrets and nuances of care

Caring for armeria is not difficult, since this plant is not capricious, so it will not be difficult for you to grow a beautiful armeria on your site. And subject to all the rules of cultivation, this plant will delight you with its delicate flowers for a long time.

• Watering. Armeria is a drought-resistant plant, so it can go without watering for a long time. The exception is the first three weeks after planting young plants. In a particularly hot summer, it is still worth paying attention to watering the plant and slightly irrigating the soil. However, you should definitely monitor the amount of water introduced, since the armeria does not tolerate stagnant moisture at the roots, which can cause the flower to die.
• Loosening. Flowers like to grow in light and loose soil, so it is periodically recommended to loosen the soil around the armeria. This will provide access to the roots of oxygen and moisture. Also pay attention to the extension of flowering, which is ensured by the removal of faded buds.
• Top dressing. If you applied organic fertilizers and a mineral complex, then at first the armeria does not need to be fed. In the future, top dressing is carried out before flowering, and then twice after flowering. It is recommended to use complete mineral fertilizers as fertilizers. Their introduction is not necessary, however, without fertilizer, the armeria will bloom rather poorly and not for a long time.
• Fight against diseases and pests. Distinctive feature armeria from many other flowering herbaceous plants is that this crop has good resistance to diseases and pests. The exception is when the plant is planted in calcareous soil. Then it can be affected by spotting, which is difficult to deal with and it is necessary to completely cut out the shoots.
• Wintering of the army. Armeria is considered a frost-resistant plant, therefore, in the presence of snow, it can do fine without shelter. The exception is the soddy armeria, which will die without shelter. If, according to forecasts, the winter will be little snowy, it is better to cover the plants. To do this, use spruce.

Photo armeria in landscape design

Armeria is a very beautiful and unique plant that looks great both in single landings, and a solid flowering carpet. Many gardeners use this culture to create unusual alpine slides and rockeries.

Having planted a gentle armeria on your site, you will admire the bright and beautiful flowers, which cover the entire landing site with a dense carpet.

Thrift

General characteristics

Perennial undersized plant with a strong tap root. The leaves are lanceolate, collected in a dense rosette and form tussocks-pillows at the ends of short shoots.

Flowers and fruits

The flowers are small, collected in capitate inflorescences on bare peduncles 20-40 cm long. The color of the flowers is most often pink. Blooms from May to September.

Optimal growing conditions, planting and care

Unpretentious in care, drought-resistant plants, but are afraid of snowless winters. In drought, watering is necessary, but they cannot stand soaking. Inflorescences should preferably be cut after flowering. Well-lit areas with light, well-drained soils are preferred. Drought-resistant.

Reproduction methods

Propagated by dividing the bush and seeds. Armeria bushes divide in early spring during their germination or in August. Seeds are sown in May - June immediately into the ground. In August, they are transplanted to a permanent place. In this case, the armeria blooms in the second year. For flowering in the first year, seeds are sown in February-March in boxes in a greenhouse or in a room.

Application

They are used for planting in borders, in rockeries, on discounts and rocky areas. The compact rosettes of armeria look especially impressive in the crevices of the retaining walls and between the slabs of the paths. They coexist well with other ground cover plants.

Species, varieties, forms

(Armeria alpina)

Perennial plant forming dense cushions 20-30 cm in diameter and 8-15 cm tall. Leaves in basal rosette, linear-lanceolate. Part of the leaves overwinter. The flowers are small, light pink, collected in a capitate, axillary inflorescence up to 3 cm in diameter. Peduncles 20-30 cm tall, leafless. Blossoms in June 25-35 days.

(Armeria welwitschii)

The tallest member of the genus. The leaves are large, up to 10 cm long, 5 cm wide. The flowers are pink, up to 2 cm in diameter, collected in capitate inflorescences on peduncles up to 35 cm tall. Blooms very profusely and for a long time from June to the first snow. Calcium-rich soil is required for successful growth.

(Armeria juniperifolia)

Perennial plant forming a dense cushion 5-15 cm tall, 15-20 cm in diameter. The leaves are narrow, linear, collected in a rosette. The flowers are red or pink in capitate inflorescences surrounded by dry bracts, completely covering the green rosettes. Peduncles 5-6 cm tall. Blooms from July 40-50 days. Old pillows usually fall apart starting from the center.

(Armeria alliacea)

Evergreen, herbaceous perennial from 20 to 50 cm tall with pink flowers, blooms from May to July. There are varieties with white flowers. Requires open sunny position and well-drained soil. Frost-resistant.

(Armeria formosa = Armeria pseudarmeria "Formosa")

The plant forms compact evergreen rosettes of green, narrowly linear leaves. Stems are rounded, rigid, erect, 12-18 cm tall. Inflorescence 4-5 cm in diameter. Blooms profusely in June, individual flowers appear until October. Inflorescences come in different shades of white, pink, red. For successful cultivation need an open sunny place and sandy soil with good drainage.

(Armeria maritima = Armeria vulgaris)

Cushion-shaped perennial plant, 15-20 cm tall and 15 cm in diameter, with narrow, linear, flat, obtuse blue-green leaves. The flowers are purple-pink, collected in capitate inflorescences, covered with membranous bracts. Peduncles up to 20 cm tall, pubescent. It blooms from May for about 70 days, sometimes again in autumn.

It has several forms and varieties:

(Armeria pseudodarmeria)

Plant with strong stems up to 40 cm tall. Forms compact evergreen rosettes of green linear leaves. Stems are rounded, rigid, erect. Inflorescence spherical of small flowers white or Pink colour. Mass flowering occurs in June, individual flowers appear until October.
Has several varieties:
"Joystick White" - bright white, spherical inflorescences on strong 40 cm stems. Blooms in the year of sowing and can be grown as an annual.
"Bees Ruby" - 40 - 60 cm high, blooms in June-August with bright pink flowers. "Thrift" - 15-20 cm tall.

(Armeria sibirica)

Perennial herbaceous plant. The flowers are small, pink, up to 0.4 cm in diameter, collected in capitate inflorescences up to 2 cm in diameter. Peduncles 20-30 cm tall. Blooms from June for about 40 days. Fruiting.

Armeria is one of the most beautiful and delicate flowers that can please the gardener's eye for more than one year. The most common type of armeria is seaside. Planting and caring for it do not require special knowledge. This plant is quite unpretentious and frost-resistant. Under natural conditions grows in Europe and North America on sea dunes and coasts. The plant has perfectly taken root in our climate and is able to bloom throughout the summer, it perfectly coexists with other flowers. With minimal care, these flowers will serve as a real decoration of any garden.

Seaside Armeria is a perennial plant, no more than 20 centimeters high. The stem is straight, smooth. Has a small root. The flowers are small, pinkish-lilac, collected in spherical rosettes. Due to its short stature and brightness, it can act as a "carpet" area if the planting is tight enough. Looks good in the neighborhood with creeping plants. Flowering takes place from May to August.

Armeria seaside -
growing from seed

Seed cultivation of armeria can be carried out by seedling and seedless methods. In open ground seeds are planted before winter or early March. If it is supposed seedling cultivation, then the sowing of seeds occurs at the end of February. You should first hold the seeds of armeria for a week in the refrigerator, and just before sowing, soak them for 8 hours in warm water. Flower seeds are planted in wooden or plastic containers and kept in a dry, warm place. Wherever the seeds of armeria are sown - immediately into the ground or into containers for seedlings - lay them shallow, sprinkling half a centimeter of earth on top. When the seedlings reach a height of several centimeters and a couple of true leaves appear, the seedlings dive into greenhouses and grow until they get stronger. You can also cover the sprouts with a film (with holes for ventilation!) or gauze, creating a greenhouse effect. After that, the sprouts can be transplanted into open ground.

Reproduction of armeria carried out by seeds or dividing the bush. Bushes are divided in spring or early autumn, put in water and wait for sprouts to appear, and then planted in the ground. Each bush is best divided into small parts that can easily and quickly take root.

Armeria seaside -
landing features

Armeria should be planted in areas with moist, light, not very alkaline soil. The place should be chosen open and sunny, only a slight dimming is possible. The soil should be kept loose and moist at all times. It is better if these are sandy and rocky areas. During the preparation of the site for planting, great attention is paid to drainage, since the flower does not tolerate the accumulation of moisture at the roots.

Plant seeds are planted in open ground in late autumn or early spring. Top lightly sprinkled with earth. It is very important to keep the beds constantly moist, but you need to water very carefully so as not to wash the seeds and bury them far into the soil. If planting in open ground is carried out by seedlings, then armeria are placed at a distance of 20 centimeters from each other to create a dense flower carpet. Landing is done in rows, in shallow trenches. In the first weeks after planting, regular plentiful watering is necessary. However, waterlogging of the soil should be avoided.

Armeria seaside -
plant care

Armeria flower is quite unpretentious. So that the plant distributes all its forces to the formation of new buds and pleases long flowering, you need to remove wilted flowers in time, as well as flower stalks, on which new buds will no longer form. In the heat, it is recommended to moisten the leaves of the flower. Top dressing is carried out before flowering. During the season, organic and mineral fertilizers are applied about 2-3 times. Much attention must be paid to top dressing if the armeria grows on peat, clay and loamy soils. Since armeria is frost-resistant, no special shelter is required for the winter. But the plant does not tolerate winters with little snow, ice crusts, long wet periods. Therefore, it would be right to plant a flower on the hills, and cover it with leaves or spruce paws for the winter. When the armeria reaches the age of five, it must be dug up, divided into several small parts and seated. In the future, this procedure must be carried out every 2-3 years, otherwise the plant will grow.

Armeria seaside -
diseases and pests

Armeria is not at all afraid of either diseases or pests. But planting a plant on acidic soils with stagnant moisture in winter period can cause the flower to become weak and vulnerable to aphids. Fighting this pest is a complete pruning of the plant. Preventive treatment of the flower in early spring also helps well.

WHERE TO BUY ARMERIA SEEDS

The Scientific and Production Association "Gardens of Russia" has been implementing the latest achievements in the selection of vegetable, fruit, berry and ornamental crops into the wide practice of amateur gardening for 30 years. The association uses the most modern technologies, a unique laboratory of plant micropropagation has been created. The main tasks of the NGO "Gardens of Russia" is to provide gardeners with high-quality planting material of popular varieties of various garden plants and novelties of world selection. Delivery planting material(seeds, bulbs, seedlings) is carried out by Russian post. Looking forward to shopping: