The approach of spring pleases not only with warm days, but also with the first early flowers that begin to bloom immediately after the snow melts. After a long and cold winter, primroses seem especially beautiful. Snowdrops, blueberries and crocuses bloom in mid-April, while pansies, primroses, hyacinths and many other early spring flowers bloom in May. Happy owners of home gardens and summer cottages are looking forward to the appearance of primroses, which become the decoration of the beginning of spring.
Bulbous primroses
The most beloved and popular among spring flowers are all kinds of bulbous plants. All of them grow both in the wild and in home gardens. Each of them has its own peculiarity and personality.
Snowdrop
The snow in the garden has not completely melted yet, but the first snowdrops are already beginning to bloom. Depending on the climatic regions, these cold-resistant primroses appear in March or April. Snowdrop or galanthus in nature grows on wet rocky slopes, in broad-leaved forests, forest edges, meadows.
Snowdrops are different:
- linear leaves;
- drooping double flowers, consisting of six slices and having a length of 2-3 cm;
- peduncles up to 25 cm high;
- elongated bulbs with white scales.
Galanthus propagate by seeds or daughter bulbs. When propagated by seeds, the plant blooms only in the third year of life. Bulbs are planted immediately after flowering or at the end of summer.
Found in nature 18 types of snowdrops, looking at the photos of which you can immediately understand that these flowers are truly magnificent.
Scilla
Scilla or blue snowdrop is found in nature in Europe, Central Asia, Siberia, and the Caucasus. On household plots, the Siberian blueberry is most often grown, which begins to bloom from mid-April.
Blue snowdrop can be recognized by sky-blue drooping bell-shaped flowers (pictured) and flattened peduncles about 20 cm high. Its ovoid, small bulbs are covered with brown-violet scales.
To plant these first spring flowers in your garden, you will need to choose a semi-shady place under the crowns of trees or shrubs. The soil for them should not be too light, and moderately moist.
Spectacularly the blueberry will look against the background of evergreen perennials on an alpine hill and among other bulbous ones in rockeries.
Vesennik
In early spring, when the garden is not yet full bright colors, blooms the first bright spring Flower – springweed or erantis. Its sunny golden flowers bloom in March or April and are not afraid of even late snowfalls.
In nature, springweed grows under deciduous shrubs and trees. It needs moist soils without stagnant water.
The tiny flowers of erantis will look spectacular in group plantings in combination with other bulbous primroses.
Reticulated iris or iridodictium
It's low bulbous plant, whose flowers resemble irises. Graceful attractive plant up to 10 centimeters high loves the sun very much. That is why it is recommended to plant mesh iris in open sunny areas. Iridodictium is an ephemeroid, that is, after the flowers of the plant fade, its leaves will also begin to die.
Irises bloom from late March to April, and look great in rocky gardens, among other bulbous plants and lawn grass. Bulbs should be planted in early autumn.
Muscari
At the end of April, muscari or mouse hyacinth blooms in the gardens. This primrose passes the baton to tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.
There are about forty varieties of mouse hyacinth, which differ in the height of the peduncles, size of inflorescences and color of flowers. The most popular among gardeners are:
Mouse hyacinth reproduces very intensively. Because of this, his landings become denser over time. However, due to narrow leaves, plants for a long time do not need a transplant.
Blue primrose looks very impressive in rock gardens, borders and large groups. If different varieties blooming at different times are planted on one site, then they will delight with their splendor with early spring until the middle of summer.
Crocus
Among the first spring flowers special place occupied by crocuses. This plant has many species, each of which differs in color and shape of the petals. Botanical species of crocuses in some regions bloom as early as February. A little later they wake up and begin to surprise and delight with their size and bright flowers dutch hybrids.
It is better to plant crocuses in autumn in the scattered shade of shrubs and trees or in sunny areas. Their bulbs are very fond of rodents, so it is recommended to use baskets when planting.
Crocuses are appropriate almost everywhere. They can be planted in small groups on the lawn, in flower beds, under bushes or trees.
Spring herbaceous perennials: photo
Not so many herbaceous perennials bloom in early spring. But each of them is beautiful and effective in its own way.
lilies of the valley
This one of the most famous flowers belongs to to the lily family. In order for lilies of the valley to bloom as early as possible, they should be planted from September to November. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that all the sprouts are covered with earth, and the root is not bent.
Lilies of the valley love moist, fertilized soil. Their root system is highly developed, so it is not recommended to plant them next to other flowers. The best option is to plant lilies of the valley under trees and bushes.
daisies
One of the first to bloom in spring perennial daisies. They begin to bloom in early May, and the buds keep all winter.
These small plants with large flowers will look beautiful in the form of borders and along the paths. Incorporating daisies into your lawn will give it a starry look.
Daisy seeds should be sown on temporary beds in July. Flowers are planted in a permanent place in early autumn or early spring. Further, the plants will dissipate themselves, and bloom every year.
Hellebore
This spring plant blooms most often. for the Easter holidays, therefore in Europe it is called "Christ's rose". More than twenty species of hellebore grow in nature. In garden plots, garden hybrids are most often grown, which begin to bloom in early April.
Flowers of hybrid plants can be yellow, pink, white or red. The most popular are bright purple flowers with a greenish tint.
Even under the snow, the evergreen periwinkle will retain its green foliage. It is covered with numerous pale blue flowers in April. Varietal plants may have single or double flowers purple, white or red.
Periwinkle can be propagated in July-August by cuttings. It should be planted in well-drained, neutral soils without stagnant water. The plant loves shady and semi-shady areas, and grows rapidly.
Primrose
In May, the ground primrose blooms with a variety of colors. The plant blooms profusely for four weeks. Some species may re-bloom at the end of summer.
primrose there are more than 550 species. The most common are:
- high;
- serrated;
- auricula.
Plants do not like direct sunlight, and grow well in partial shade next to trees and shrubs. You can grow primroses not only in the garden, but also in containers located on terraces, loggias and balconies.
This list of names and descriptions of primroses is, of course, not exhaustive. It can be complemented with tulips, hyacinths, anemones, chionodoxes, white flowers and many other spring flowers. However, we tried to describe and show photos of the most popular and unpretentious flowers, which are the first to delight us with their flowering after a long cold winter.
flowers primroses
As a child, my parents often took me to the forest for blueberries. Today, I grow many primroses myself near the house, and all the guests are sure that these modest kids make the yard the most comfortable and “warmest” on the whole street. In botany, primroses are a specific species (you will learn about them below). But we gardeners also call primroses many other early spring plants that bloom when the snow lies. I will show a photo of each of them, and also talk about their breeding.
- Almost all the first spring flowers are not demanding to care for.
- These plants love well-lit places, as well as moist soil (but without puddles).
- On the same bed, you can “make friends” with perennials that bloom in late spring. They will replace the primroses when they fade.
- Bulb flowers should be planted in the fall (exception: crocuses and hyacinths). As for root plants (such as lungwort, hellebore), they can be remembered in the spring.
- Some species of wild plants are still practically uncultivated. The fact is that they take root very poorly in kindergartens. These include: forest anemone, mountain adonis and bathing suit.
- The best types of cultivated primroses are: crocuses, hazel grouse, irises, hyacinths.
- Varietal types of flowers, which were once wild, amaze with their colors. Yes, some snowdrops can be pink, bluebells can be white and pink.
Facts you didn't know about these flowers
- Many primroses are considered endangered in the wild, therefore they are listed in the Red Book. You can not pick in the forest (neither for sale, nor even for a bouquet) hellebore or wintering, primrose, liverwort, large-flowered corydalis. Many species of snowdrops are also under threat. Although, of course, no one forbids you to buy seeds or bulbs, grow these babies in the country, and make bouquets from them.
- If blueberries are forest flowers, then there are also steppe primroses: backache, single-flowered tulip, naked holly.
- Some of these plants are used not only for decorative purposes, but also for medicinal purposes. Yes, lungwort is a diuretic, expectorant, and also a natural antiseptic, spring primrose is a cold remedy, and mealy primrose is our hair's best friend.
Snowdrop (galanthus)
A cold-resistant flower that appears simply from under the snow, even if it is still frosty outside. In the wild, it grows mainly in forests.
It grows from a bulb, it is not picky about the soil. True, when the earth is not loose and moisture stagnates in it, rotting can begin in the bulb. This baby does not need to be watered (exception: little snowy winter and dry spring).
In the garden, it is better to plant it under bushes and trees.
It reproduces with the help of baby bulbs. It is worth transplanting them in the summer months.
Scilla (scilla)
Another forest dweller blooming blue flowers at the end of March.
This perennial, propagating by dividing bulbs, as well as self-sowing. Plant them only once, and they will “register” on your site for many years. These kids are not capricious, they grow up on lawns, flower beds or gardens with equal success. The soil is fertile.
Important: they are not afraid of frost, but if the winter promises to be very cold, it is better to “wrap” the flower garden with them in autumn with fallen leaves.
crocuses
Blooms in early April.
Most gardeners in one flower bed combine different types (that is, shades) of crocuses, so the flower garden looks especially elegant. Also, these flowers are usually planted against the background of decorative stones. They look no less successful on the lawn, but there is one important point: such a lawn will have to be mowed late, when the last leaf of primroses fades.
Their bulbs are planted in the fall, and it doesn’t matter if they are in the shade or in the sun (although in a well-lit area, the flowers will grow juicier, brighter, and, moreover, earlier than the “shadow ones”). The bulbs overwinter in the ground (in the cold season, a flower bed with them can be mulched).
They reproduce by dividing the bulbs.
Vesennik (erantis)
They bloom very early, even more often than snowdrops. Flowering can last up to 14 days.
They like rich, moist soil. In dry spring, it is better to water them a little. It is better to plant under bushes or trees (but not conifers).
This perennial flower is propagated by seeds. It is predominantly self-seeding. A plant that hatches from a seed will bloom only in the third year.
Muscari (mouse hyacinth)
Perennial bulbous plant. Likes both shade and sun. The main thing is that the soil must be drained, as the bulb is afraid of excess moisture.
Blooms from April to May. Inflorescences can be white, pinkish, blue, blue.
Important! This flower can behave un-gentlemanly, quickly spreading to the site. Therefore, it is better to plant it in a closed flower bed.
Primrose
A plant with over 500 types of color (!). It can be planted both in a flower bed and in pots.
It starts blooming in April.
He likes nitrogen (in early spring) and phosphorus (when flowers open) fertilizers. The soil should be moist, well-drained, without puddles.
Propagated by dividing the bush. This should be done when all the flowers have gone (the first month of summer).
Spring primroses (spring primrose, rams, lady's hands)
Forest herbaceous perennial plant.
Despite the promising name, it blooms from April to June.
It has a root, propagated by seeds and root division.
The soil is unpretentious - it can be loamy, clayey or drained. Loves moisture, so it should be watered often. It is better to plant in partial shade.
Interestingly, the leaves of this plant are considered edible. They can be added to cabbage soup or salads.
Lungwort
Low-growing perennial plant, not afraid of even deep shade. However, if you have the opportunity, it is better to plant a flower in partial shade. Remember: in this place, the plant can “register” not for a year or two, but for several decades.
The soil likes fertile, slightly acidic.
Propagated by dividing the bush (this "procedure" also helps thin out the bed, which is important for this flower).
Lungwort can be lightly watered, once fertilized with mineral top dressing.
Backache (sleep-grass)
The earliest species of this plant pleases with its color from April to May. Not afraid of frost.
Likes well-drained calcareous soil.
Unlike other primroses, this flower is whimsical. For example, it will not grow in alkaline soil, as well as in dampness. Loves sunny places, frequent top dressing (nitrogen, lime, less often phosphorus and potassium).
Propagated by seeds (they can be collected in late May - early June). They should be sown in early summer. Blooms in the second year of life. It has a strong rhizome.
Lesser known primroses
Do you want your spring flowerbed to cause not only admiring glances, but also surprise? Choose flowers whose names even experienced flower growers may not know. For instance…
Iridodictium (snowdrop irises)
Bulbous perennial low (up to 10 cm) plants that can also hatch from under the snow. Sometimes they resemble simple irises, but irises bloom in May-June, and iridodictium in early spring (March).
There are different colors: blue and blue, purple and purple, orange and red, sometimes with colored spots and stripes.
Not afraid of rocky soil. These small beauties are planted in groups in the flower garden.
As for care, you can handle this flower if you have already grown tulips. Iridodictium loves a lot of sunlight, light soils, a lot of food. Plant them in the first month of autumn, along with tulips. When the plant has faded, it is customary to dig it up. Then separate the bulbs (one gives up to two babies).
Hellebore (Christmas rose, Christ flower)
This plant even has its own legend: many believe that it was the hellebore that the shepherds brought as a gift to baby Jesus. It was also believed that if you plant a plant under the window, black magic and damage will not enter the house.
It is an evergreen perennial herb. Blooms after snowdrops and crocuses. It can bloom with light frosts (up to -5 degrees).
It can please with various shades of flowers, have both one and two rows of petals.
It is not demanding on the ground, loves partial shade (so plant it under a tree, but remember - the flower does not like transplants, so it will grow in this place for many years). Propagated by seeds, you can also divide the bushes.
Anemone (anemone)
These flowers come in different colors. It is easy to confuse red anemones with poppies, but they appear in spring, while poppies appear in summer.
In the wild, they grow in forests and bloom in white, covering the glades with a carpet.
In the garden, they like nutritious (with humus), alkaline, moist soil. They grow from the root, multiply by dividing it (this should be done in early spring). For the winter, the flower bed should be mulched, as the roots lie high and can freeze.
Liverwort (coppice)
So named because the shape of the leaves resembles this organ.
Grows in forests. Flowers can be pink, bright blue.
It has a root, it reproduces itself (you can separate the bushes). It should be planted in late spring or early autumn. Afraid of open places (with direct sunlight), loves moisture.
Grouse
A perennial plant with a bulb, a relative of the lily.
The imperial and chess hazel grouse are considered the best garden species (pictured).
There are many cultivated, garden primroses. But still, wild snowdrops are the very first to bloom.
After a cold winter, the first sprouts that appear from under the snow cover bring special joy. The main place in the spring garden is occupied by early flowering species. The bright array of spring flowers attracts insects, and even on cloudy days they enliven the landscape.
All primroses are divided into several groups depending on their morphological characteristics. There are biennial and perennial, as well as rhizomatous, herbaceous, bulbous and bulbous spring-flowering plants.
- Flore Pleno - with a terry crown;
- Sandhill Gate has 6 slightly bluish petals of equal length;
- Viridapice with a clear heart-shaped green pattern on the three inner petals and a more diffuse pattern on the outer ones;
- Snow White Gnome - according to the name, really snow-white miniature (up to 5 cm tall).
- L "Innocence (from French "innocence") - snow-white;
- Ann Marie - pale pink
- Pink Pearl ("pink pearl") - pink with a darker stripe;
- Ostara has a blue-violet hue;
- Miosotis - pale blue;
- Jan Bos - raspberry.
- Cantab - pale blue;
- Harmony - blue
- Edward - blue purple
- J. S. Dijt - purplish purple;
- Pauline - bright blue.
- Fantasy Creation - blue-green;
- Christmas Pearl - purple;
- Blue Spike - multi-flowered double silver blue.
- 1. Tubular. Combines plants with flowers having a long crown - a tube. For example, Arctic Gold, Brighton, Las Vegas, Little Gem, Foresight.
- 2. Large-crowned with a wide large crown: Ice Follies, Armada, Velasques, Daydream.
- 3. Small crowned: Amor, Barrett Browning, Rockall, Sabine Hay.
- 4. Terry represent the most diverse spectrum in the form of flowers: only a crown can be terry, or many wide petals add up to one large flower. There are also multi-flowered daffodils. Representatives of terry daffodils: Ice King, Acropolis, Bridal Crown, Double Fashion, Rip van Winkle.
- 5. Triandrus. The earliest group with small flowers arranged 2-6 per stem. Perianth petals are bent, the crown is not large: Ice Wings, Thalia.
- 6. Cyclamenoid also have petals bent back, but their tube is narrow and long. Early dwarf group: Wisley, Jumblie, Tete-a-Tete.
- 7. Jonquil daffodils tend to bloom late compared to other groups. They bear several small flowers on peduncles: Baby Moon, Bell Song, Sweetness, Hillstar
- 8. Tacety. Round flowers with a short crown, 4-8 per stem: Grand Soleil d "Or, Orange Wonder, Scarlet Gem.
- 9. Poetic. Late (May flowering): Actaea, Sarchedon.
- 10. Narcissus Brandushka - bright yellow, has a large long crown surrounded by small sharp petals.
- 11. Split-crowned. The crown is large, strongly cut. The most popular group. Some varieties: Dolly Mollinger, Cassata, Orangery, Tricollet, Pink Wonder.
- Siberian, has white flowers.
- Two-leaved and its subspecies with white, pink, pale and dark blue corolla.
- Lucilia, formerly called chionodoxa, includes varieties of several tones.
- 1. Checkerboard - a low plant (up to 35 cm) with single flowers of white, reddish and purple tones, often with a checkerboard pattern. Flowering - end of March - beginning of April.
- 2. Imperial ("royal crown") - a powerful (up to 1 m) stem bears several large (6 cm) orange or yellow flowers located at the same height under the top - a tuft of bright green leaves.
- 1. Simple early. They are characterized by a height of 25-40 cm and classical form flowers: Christmas Marvel (purple pink), Diana (white), General de Wet (orange), Prins Carnaval (yellow with red flame), Ruby Red (rich red).
- 2. Terry early grow up to 30 cm. bright colors and the ability to keep a flower for a long time is appreciated by landscape designers and florists. Monte Carlo (yellow), Montreux (white), Queen of Marve (lilac pink), Orange Princess (orange).
- 3. Triumph. Includes varieties of medium flowering period (from mid-April). The flowers are large goblet-shaped, on high - up to 70 cm - strong peduncles: Gavota (dark red with a wide yellow border), New Design (pale pink with white-edged leaves), Happy Generation (white with crimson flame), Lustige Witwe (crimson with silver edge), Mascara (ruby red).
- 4. Darwin hybrids bloom a little later than the Triumph class. The most powerful of all - the height reaches 80 cm. Dawnglow (dense pink with an apricot edge), Ad Rem (red), Banja Luka (golden yellow with a red border).
- 5. Simple late ones are slightly lower than Darwin hybrids (50-75 cm) and later in terms of flowering (mid-May). Blushing Lady (apricot yellow with a pinkish sheen), Catherina (white), Queen of Night (purple black), Aileen (yellow).
- 6. Lily-flowered - late series with sharp recurved petal tips. Opening in the daytime, the flower really looks like a lily. Height - 50-60 cm. Adonis (red), Akita (cherry with white border), Ballade (yellow), Lilac Time (purple).
- 7. Fringed. They bloom at the same time as Darwin hybrids. Fabio (red with yellow fringe), Smirnoff (white), Valery Georgiev (carmine), Santander (pink).
- 8. Green-colored tulips have a characteristic green pattern on the back of the petal. Flowering time - from mid-May. Artist (salmon pink), Dancing Show (yellow), Doll's Minuett (raspberry).
- 9. Rembrandt tulips include all variegated varieties: Saksia (yellow-red), Columbine (white-pink).
- 10. Parrots are unusual in the shape of the petals, strongly dissected and intricately curved. Apricot Parrot (orange), Black Parrot (purple black), Caland (cherry).
- 11. Terry late flowers resemble peonies - large and bright. Flowering occurs in the second half of May. Blue Diamond (pearl lilac), Anfield (red), Angelique (pink).
- 12. Kaufman - the earliest class (bloom from early April). Small height (15-5 cm) and large flowers with long petals give them a special appeal. Alfred Cortot (red, leaves with purple stripes), Ancilla (white with crimson back), Berlios (yellow with striped leaves).
- 13. Foster is distinguished by even larger flowers in comparison with T. Greig. Height - 30-50 cm, flowering - from the end of April. Charley Kuntz (white with reddish back), Copenhagen (red).
- 14. Greiga - later long flowering and variegated speckled leaves. They grow up to 35 cm in height. American Cocktail (red), Bella Vista (yellow with a reddish back).
- 15. Wild species bloom early, have small stature. Some are very fragrant. T.biflora (cream with a yellow center, star-shaped), T.gesneriana rosea (crimson).
- 1. Adonis, Adonis (Adonis) paints April glades with bright yellow colors. A bright background is created by emerald green pinnately dissected leaves. Prefers sunny places and loose infertile soils.
- 2. Arabis (Arabis) without requiring care, pleases abundant flowering. In the design of the garden, Caucasian arabis is used, which has a snow-white color. To date, varieties have been bred with bright pink flowers (Lotti Deep Rose).
- 3. Aubrecia, obrieta (Aubrieta), like arabis, belongs to the cold-resistant cruciferous family. Its compact habit attracts landscapers: one low, spreading plant is capable of forming a flowering lake. The group looks even brighter. Having overwintered under the snow cover, the shoots of shaving already in March are covered with countless medium-sized (up to 2 cm in diameter) flowers of pink, lilac, purple, lilac color. Aubration is widely used in the design of rock gardens.
- 4. Badan hearty, bergenia (Bergenia). It is remarkable for its large, juicy, shiny evergreen leaves and small pale pink flowers, which rise 40 cm in the form of an umbrella-shaped inflorescence. With age, the bergenia rhizome becomes bare, so it is recommended to plant it once every 3-5 years.
- 5. Hellebore (Helleborus). Black hellebore is widely used in culture, which became the ancestor of many interesting variety series with white, red, green, purple-black, pink flowers. They can be simple and terry, of pure color and with dark speckles in the middle. Evergreen. The leaves are palmate, dense, rich green in color. It is unique in that the peduncles develop already in autumn, and in winter they appear from under the snow. The root system is not too branched, so in adulthood the bush suffers during transplantation. It reproduces well by seeds, but young plants will bloom only in the 5-7th year.
- 6. Liverwort (Hepatica). In March, when almost all vegetation is still sleeping, medium-sized blue flowers are already beginning to appear. Heart-shaped leaves grow later. Unpretentious culture, loves partial shade.
- 7. Primula (Primula) - a genus with more than 500 species. In a temperate climate, the following feel good: fine-toothed (spherical inflorescence of white, lilac, purple tones on a powerful plant); ear with painted flowers, yellow center; high up to 20 cm and flowers about 2 cm. Polyanthus and stemless, which are so loved for large flowers and a compact bush, almost do not hibernate in the ground. Primroses are propagated by fresh seeds and division of the bush.
- 8. Fragrant violet (Viola odorata) is one of the first to meet spring in April. Stemless compact plant with small fragrant flowers. Gives good self-seeding.
- 9. Corydalis (Corydalis) - a flower of forest edges, where since March it can form carpets of openwork leaves and fragrant flowers. One of its advantages is resistance to diseases and pests. After flowering and seed formation, the aerial part dies off, a rounded tuber remains in the ground, waiting for the next season.
- 10. Chistyak spring (Ficaria verna) has a rhizome in the form of a tuber, thanks to which it winters well and recovers, blooming at the end of March. Plant height - only 10-15 cm. The flowers are bright yellow, shiny. Shortly after the 2-week flowering period, the plant sheds its leaves and sleeps to open the next season with renewed vigor.
- 11. Erantis, spring (Eranthis) is like a chistyak with a tuberous root and yellow flowers. Propagated by dividing the bush in the period after flowering. Blooms in April-May. Height - 15-20 cm.
- 1. Agrotechnical requirements. Lovers of sunny beds are planted in an open, well-lit place to avoid stretching. Shade-loving species avoid applying for planting in the sun due to possible burns. The same principle works in the case of soil acidity requirements - calcephobes cannot stand alkalization and vice versa.
- 2. Ease of care. Do not combine spring-flowering in dense plantings with perennials or shrubs that need winter shelter. This will create additional difficulties and the likelihood of damaging green sprouts.
- 3. Aesthetic component. It consists in a successful combination of color shades and the optimal configuration of flower beds. Following the first of these rules, compositions are made monochromatic or contrasting. The second involves planting plants of the same kind in groups, arrays, which will give the effect of naturalness and colorfulness. Narrow even rows will spoil the impression even when using rare beautiful crops.
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Bulbous
Their peculiarity is that the flowers grow from succulent storage plant organs - bulbs. The list of bulbous is very diverse. It includes both miniature species (scilla) and powerful plants about 1 meter tall (grouse).
Modern ornamental gardening is not complete without representatives of this class. Both wild subspecies and varieties bred relatively recently are popular.
Spring white flower (Leucojum)
Low (15-20 cm) tender plant, coloring and belt-like leaves resembling a snowdrop. The flowers are bell-shaped, white with greenish markings at the tip of each of the 6 petals.
whiteflower
Blooms in April, loves places with a semi-shady location. The bulbs have a short dormant period, after which fresh roots begin to form. Therefore, it is best to plant the white flower after the yellowing of the leaves. It also reproduces well by seeds, which are carried by ants around the site.
Galanthus, snowdrop
Snowdrops - translated from English, this name means "snow drops". Famous and loved by everyone, one of the first pleasing to the eye in spring. If a connoisseur of beauty finds a secluded shady corner for him in the garden, the galanthus will thank for this with regular flowering from snowy thawed patches.
Galanthus
The common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) is the most commonly found in gardens. In addition to the species form, several interesting varieties are grown:
Due to the poaching destruction of huge areas of the plant, it was listed in the Red Book.
Eastern Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
This series of primroses is famous not only for its colorful blooms and outstanding aroma. All varieties of hyacinths are easier than all bulbous crops to be distilled in pots. If desired, it is possible to grow a flowering ear of hyacinth even for the New Year holidays. V open ground blooms in April, after the snowdrops.
The most popular varieties:
Iridodictium, reticulated iris (Iridodictyum)
You can rightfully call it a spring miracle. As soon as the snow melted, its unusual little irises with a speckled beard appear from the ground. They bloom for only a few days, but they are so colorful that the flower bed comes to life, attracting the first awakened insects. After flowering, thin leaves appear like sharp skewers. This mini-iris prefers sunny places.
Iris reticulated
Of the brightest representatives of the species can be noted:
No less popular is the Dunford iris with bright lemon flowers, earlier and more compact (up to 10 cm).
Muscari, mouse hyacinth (Muscari)
Begins flowering in the second half of spring. Belongs to a completely different species compared to hyacinth. The only similarity is the shape of the inflorescence. The small tubular flowers sit tightly together on the stem, giving the impression that this is not a flowering plant, but a miniature bunch of grapes.
Interesting varieties:
Narcissus
Due to the diversity of species and varieties, the flowering of this crop is extended: it begins in March and continues until the flowering of late May tulips.
daffodil
Main groups:
Species daffodils have found application in gardens with a natural landscape. Medium-sized and unpretentious, they grow, forming flowering pictures.
Scilla (Scilla)
One of the first to emerge from under the snow. The species received its Russian name because of its tendency to grow on forest edges. Small blue flowers peek out from under the snow.
Scilla
The genus includes about 90 species. In a temperate and cold climate, some of them have become widespread:
Prefers sunny or semi-shady areas.
Pushkinia (Puschkinia)
A small plant that looks like a weed. In gardens, mainly 2 species are grown - proleskovidnaya and hyacinth. The first of them blooms in March, the second - after about 2 months.
A distinctive feature of Pushkinia is small pale blue flowers with a dark blue stripe in the center of the petals.
Pushkin
Grouse, fritillaria (Fritillaria)
Enough unusual plant, flowering in mid-spring. The name is due to the color of the bell-shaped flower of some species: they can be checkered or painted, variegated, "rippled". Of the many varieties in ornamental gardening, they use:
It is important to provide the hazel grouse with good drainage and top dressing for stable flowering.
Imperial hazel grouse
Tulip (Tulipa)
The most famous bulbous plant allows you to admire the flowering from the end of March to May inclusive, depending on the flowering period. According to this criterion, varieties are divided into 4 groups: early, medium, late. The 4th group includes wild-growing species and varieties.
In addition to group membership, each variety is included in a certain class:
A wide palette of shades makes it possible to create excellent colorful compositions. Many series are used for cutting and forcing. Dwarf varieties are the best suited for a small flower bed.
Planting bulbous
The optimal time is the end of summer - the beginning of autumn. The bulb has time to take root before the cold weather, and in the spring flowers appear. The dormant period occurs at the end of spring and summer. At this time, all vital processes freeze. In regions with high summer temperatures, it is recommended to dig up tulip and hyacinth bulbs after yellowing of the leaves: this method will avoid the degeneration of hyacinths when the bulbs become smaller, and the disease of tulip variegation, on which mosaic spots and stripes appear.
If you carefully consider the choice of planting material, its preparation and planting, you can ensure abundant flowering. After acquiring the bulbs, they are carefully examined, the damaged parts of the scales are cut out, the sections are treated with crushed charcoal or an antifungal drug in powder.
When planting the bulbs, their dimensions are taken into account: the depth of planting from the bottom (the place where the roots form) should be equal to the height of the bulb itself, multiplied by 3. On heavy soils (for example, clay), the depth is reduced by half or three times. For the purpose of obtaining more onion babies are planted higher. For full flowering, observe the standard location relative to the level of the soil horizon.
Often in the markets you can see blooming blueberries, tulips and other bulbs sold with a bare root system. This transplantation method cannot be called successful: during flowering, all the power of the plant is directed to the formation of offspring (seeds), the roots serve as powerful conductors of water and nutrients in this process. When digging, this process is disrupted, the root system is injured. This affects future flowering and growth strength. In addition, one cannot expect instant beauty from plants: their flowers and leaves wither and turn yellow, and there may be no flowering next season. good option there will be a purchase of bulbs grown in pots. In this case, the integrity of the roots is ensured, the metabolic processes in the bulb and the aerial part will not be disturbed.
Since the bulbs have retracting roots, with age the bulb itself is at too great a depth, which will certainly affect flowering. Therefore, plantings are updated, planting bulbs at least once every 2-3 years.
corms
Their difference is that instead of the parent corm, several daughter ones are formed. The main storage organ dies, and the children germinate next spring. Then each of them is divided according to the same principle.
Spring corms touch with their uncomplicated beauty and tenderness. These are low plants with cup-shaped flowers. Petals - 6, curved with a rounded edge.
Crocus, saffron (Crocus)
From a large number of species in gardens, a botanical one with small flowers is grown. different shades and large-flowered, the diameter of its flowers reaches 5.5-11 cm.
Most famous varieties: Jeanne d "Arc (white), Negro Boy (rich purple), Pickwick (lilac with purple stripes), Flower Record (purple, flower size up to 11cm).
Crocuses are unpretentious, but grow better on loose nutrient soils. Need periodic seating.
Bulbocodium, brandushka (Bulbocodium)
Of the two types of brandushka, one blooms in autumn, the flowering period of the second falls on the end of April - May. Petals - lilac-lilac, the flower resembles a crocus, reaches 7 cm in diameter.
Looks great in group plantings. This species is planted every 4-5 years.
bulbocodium
herbaceous perennials
Early flowering overwintering plants can tolerate low winter temperatures without compromising flowering. Most of them above-ground part dies off in late autumn, and new flowers and leaves appear in spring. Other cultures are evergreen - retaining leaf mass throughout the winter.
Group representatives;
biennial flowering plants
Their peculiarity lies in the fact that in the first year of life a rosette of leaves is formed, which overwinter and bloom in early spring of the second year. With the onset of hot weather, the plant ages and dies.
Viola and daisies are among the most beloved biennial flower growers. Most of their varieties have good winter hardiness. The flowering of well-developed bushes begins in autumn and continues after the snow melts. And in winter thaws, 2-year-old flowers create an unexpected colorful accent among the snowy thawed patches.
Viola, pansies (Viola)
Violas have a very wide range of colors, which became descendants of the tricolor violet. Their flowers can be small (1.5-2 cm) and large (10 cm), and the bush is compact or ampelous habitus.
Modern breeding has gone far ahead in terms of breeding new groups and colors, and this makes it possible to widely use violas in landscape design. There is practically no such color that would not be available in a particular series.
Viola hybrid (Viola x Wittrockiana)
This group is characterized by large (5 cm or more) flowers. The color is pure and with a pattern, combined in 2, 3 and even 4 colors within the variety. There are series of hybrids and varieties for early growing(Delta, Dynamite), and there are late large-flowered positions (Swiss Giants), resistant to heat and temperature extremes (Mammoth).
Viola hybrid
Viola horned (Viola cornuta)
Its difference is a large number of medium-sized (up to 3-3.5 cm in diameter) flowers. Unpretentious and frost-resistant, it has a rich palette of colors - from pure tones (snow-white, yellow, blue, red, violet, lilac) to unusual combinations (series with a black eye, "antennae", two-flowered with contrasting upper and lower petals).
Varieties of horned viola give abundant self-sowing, which allows you to observe flowering without interruption: while the mother plant has not yet faded, seedlings are already gaining strength, which will continue to grow almost until the autumn of next year.
Daisy
Particular attention when growing 2-year-olds is paid to humidity. 2 simple rules work here: do not water cold water and do not wet the leaves overnight. If they are not observed, the leaves appear white coating, which indicates the development of a fungal disease - powdery mildew, which is difficult to get rid of.
reproduction
Bulbous and corm plants are propagated by a baby - daughter or replacement bulbs, formed as a result of division, budding them from the mother.
2 year olds are grown from seed. From sowing to the beginning of flowering takes 10-18 weeks.
Herbaceous species reproduce by seed and vegetatively. The latter includes several techniques: dividing the bush, cuttings, planting root offspring.
Care
For spring-flowering, the laying of peduncles and the storage of nutrients in the season preceding flowering are characteristic. For this reason Special attention give watering (if necessary, in a dry spring period) and top dressing. Most plants of this group are responsive to organo-mineral fertilizers, but do not tolerate fresh manure. During flowering, the amount of potassium is increased in fertilizing solutions, phosphorus is increased during the formation and active growth of the root system, and nitrogen is increased during the development of leaves.
Mulching - effective reception to avoid soil crust formation. In addition, a kind of microclimate is formed in the root zone, which contributes to the active absorption of minerals, and the flowers grow wonderfully.
To prolong the flowering of herbaceous species and the formation of large storage scales in bulbous plants, a technique called decapitation is used.
This operation consists in removing the heads of fully opened flowers. It is used to strengthen the root system, which will not consume many resources for the formation of seeds. Saved potential goes to development more children in bulbous and more powerful root system in herbaceous plants.
Pest control and disease prevention
Even when planting, pay attention to the quality of seedlings and bulbs, patients are culled because of the risk of further infection. It is useful to carry out preplant treatment with fungicides (antifungal drugs) and / or growth stimulants. For example, tulip bulbs are kept in a 0.5% solution of "Fundazole" for 30 minutes.
On heavy clay soils, the root system often rots. To prevent this from happening, a 3-4 cm layer of coarse river sand is placed at the bottom of the landing pits and the soil is lightened. To do this, use compost or peat with neutral acidity.
Systematic weeding will not only rid the flower beds of weeds, but also prevent infections from developing.
Great damage to the plantations is caused by the larvae of the May beetle. To get rid of voracious insects, glue traps are used and birdhouses are hung to attract birds to the garden.
Placement of plants on the site
No matter how beautiful the flowers are, it is important to arrange them, taking into account several planting laws:
One of the main concepts of garden decorating is as follows: spring flowering must be taken care of in advance. Bulbous and herbaceous plants are planted in August-September, biennials begin to sow in early or mid-summer, followed by picking in the fall to a permanent place.
When a quality one is purchased planting material, a timely disembarkation was made and the basic rules of care were observed - in the garden or in the country house, spring will sparkle with new, bright colors and bring inspiration.
With the appearance of the first flowers in our gardens, real spring begins. These tender touching creatures, which appear before others, fill the soul of any gardener with joyful awe. I offer a selection of flowers that are the very first to wake up after a winter sleep.
1. Snowdrop (galanthus)
This flower is familiar to everyone since childhood. Who does not remember the fairy tale "12 months"? These unpretentious touching flowers with white bell flowers are among the first to appear in early spring. Snowdrops bloom for about a month, they tolerate temperature extremes well and are not afraid of early spring frosts.
2. Scilla (scylla)
Scilla is sometimes called a blue snowdrop, because of its resemblance to the latter, and also because it appears as soon as the snow melts. In fact, they are different plants. These blue or blue flowers also do not scare spring frosts.
3. Hellebore
The name itself suggests that it blooms in the cold. In the south, hellebore blooms in winter, at the end of February. Its buds and flowers are not afraid of frost or snow.
4. Erantis (spring)
These sunny golden blooms will add mood to a dull spring garden. Erantis also blooms in early spring, in March-April, and is not afraid of frost and snowfall.
5. Primula (primrose)
There are many varieties of this plant, only a small part of them is grown in culture. Primroses bloom profusely and for a long time in early spring, in some species repeated autumn flowering is possible.
6. Lungwort
Lungwort blooms in April-May. Grows well in light, well-drained soils. After flowering, it forms many colorful leaves.
7. Crocus
Bright low crocus flowers also appear along with the first spring warmth. Crocuses bloom for a short time, only 5-7 days, without a transplant in one place they can grow up to 5 years. There are types of crocuses that prefer to bloom in autumn.
8. Periwinkle
The evergreen periwinkle retains its foliage even under snow. As soon as the soil begins to thaw, it forms new shoots, and in April it is covered with pale blue flowers.
9. Adonis or Adonis
Bright yellow, like little suns, adonis flowers appear on the very first fine spring days. Prefer well-lit areas and light fertile soil.
Chistyak spring appears immediately after the snow melts. Its cute yellow flowers fully bloom only in the bright sun, that is, in the middle of the day, and close in cloudy weather and at night.
11. Liverwort
The liverwort is popularly called the coppice, because it does not like open places and grows only in the forest. Her elegant, bright blue lush bouquets are so nice to find in the forest after a long winter.
12. Violet
Fragrant violet is a perennial early spring plant. During flowering, the whole district is filled with its aroma. In the south, if a warm long autumn is issued, the violet may bloom again in October-November. And it happens that its flowering continues all winter.
13. Muscari
Muscari or mouse hyacinth is a perennial bulbous plant. Its tiny bell flowers are collected in racemose inflorescences of blue, blue, purple or white color, depending on the type. There are also bicolor species of this plant.
14. Whiteflower
The spring belotsvetnik blooms in April for 20-30 days. The height of the plant is 20-20 cm. Green or yellow spots are clearly visible at the ends of its white bell flowers.
15. Chionodoxa
Chionodox appears in early spring, it is also called the snow beauty. The leaves of this plant appear at the same time as the buds. Flowers can be solitary or collected in small inflorescences. Chionodox is white, blue, blue or pink.
16. Pushkinia
Pushkinia is a herbaceous bulbous plant 15-20 cm high. The flowers are collected in racemose inflorescences of white or blue color. Blooms in early spring.
17. Corydalis
Unpretentious frost-resistant plant, blooms in early spring. Corydalis reaches a height of up to 20 cm. After flowering, its ground part dies off, after which the plant is not afraid of any mechanical impact, it does not care about trampling or digging.
18. Iridodictium (iris net)
These tiny bulbous irises bloom in April and give off a pleasant fragrance. They reach a height of 10 cm. They grow well in sunny areas, but they also tolerate slight shading.
19. Kaluzhnitsa
Kaluzhnitsa is very similar to chistyak, but these plants still have differences. The foliage is preserved until October, this is their main difference. Prefers well-moistened swampy soils.
20. Anemone or anemone
This plant is called anemone because the petals of most species fall off easily in the wind. Depending on the species, anemones may bloom in early spring, summer or autumn.
21. Hyacinth
Hyacinth can rightfully be considered a favorite of the spring garden for its spectacular inflorescences and amazing intoxicating aroma. These plants begin to bloom in April and delight with a rich palette of shades of white, blue, orange, yellow and pink.
22. Hyacinthoides
Another early spring plant. Outwardly, this plant resembles a blueberry, but has larger and elongated flowers. There are plants of white, blue and pink flowers. Blooms for a long time, up to three weeks
23. Bulbocodium (brandushka)
This is a very beautiful stemless multicolor, forms 2-4 flowers surrounded by leaves. It blooms for two weeks, spreading an intoxicating aroma around itself.
24. Brunner (forget-me-not)
Herbaceous perennial up to 40 cm high. This unpretentious frost-resistant plant grows well in shady corners of the garden. The flowers are small, collected in apical inflorescences. Blooms in May.
25. Tulip
Wild varieties of tulips, unlike their cultivated counterparts, bloom much earlier, as early as April. In total, there are more than 100 species of this plant.
26. Narcissus
Despite the fact that beautiful, bright varietal flowers and shrubs delight the eye in almost every garden, we cannot pass indifferently past their modest forest relatives. Surrounding ourselves with lush floral splendor, we lose the thread of natural harmony. And simple forest flowers give us it again. This is probably why many of us want to move a “piece of forest” to our site. And it is quite possible to do this, because wild plants, for the most part, unpretentious. They are well adapted to their natural habitat. They do not need weeding, additional watering, artificial pollination.
However, when planting forest flowers, one very important factor must be taken into account - their compatibility with new conditions. For example, if a tall bell, accustomed to shady, damp places, is planted in a sunny flower bed, then in the first year it will become small, and in a year it may not bloom at all. And his neighbors marigold, wintergreen and calla in such conditions can die immediately. Also, not everyone normally tolerate loosening the soil. Weeds around the two-leafed love should not be weeded out, but periodically cut short. But wild-growing bulbs are normal for weeding. Some flowers in a cramped bed may not have enough space, while others can multiply very strongly and will be difficult to get rid of. Therefore, before planting wild plants in your area, you need to study how they grow in their vivo a habitat.
Forest plants prefer moist soil with a large proportion of leafy soil. It is necessary to plan their planting in such a way that the chosen place is as close as possible to their natural growing conditions. If the plant becomes larger every year, grows and blooms profusely, then these conditions are suitable for it.
Let's get to know some of the green inhabitants of the forest closer.
In spring, snow still lies in the forest, and the first leaves and flowers are already visible on the thawed patches. Represent such residents spring forest like snowdrop, blueberry, muscari, crocuses, lilies of the valley, violets, anemones no need. They are well known to everyone, breeders have bred many ornamental varieties of these plants. In spring, you can also find such forest flowers as sleep-grass, lungwort, marigold, ivy-shaped budra, fragrant violet, spring primrose, fragrant woodruff and many others. Let's get acquainted with some of the more rare guests of garden plots.
Liverwort
Noble liverwort (Hepática nobilis)- the Ranunculaceae family, a small herbaceous perennial (5-15 cm). Flowering occurs in April, the color of the flowers is from whitish to blue-violet. One flower does not fade for almost a week. The diameter of the corolla is 2-4 cm. The three-lobed leaves vaguely resemble the human liver in their shape (hence the name). The leaves remain under the snow all winter (only fade a little). Numerous fluffy hairs on the bottom of the leaves and on the petioles help to keep warm and survive the spring frosts. After flowering, a fruit is formed with seeds about 8 mm in diameter. It is odorless and attracts insects with its pollen. Most often, this flower can be found in a spruce forest. Therefore, an open place is suitable for the noble liverwort, where the sun will be from early morning until 2 pm. The soil needs loose, rich in humus. Is medicinal. Often this plant is confused with snowdrop and blueberry.
Corydalis
Corydalis (Corydalis)- Dymyankovye family, herbaceous plant 10-20 cm high. Dissected leaves. Inflorescences - a dense brush. The flowers are sometimes white, but more often red-purple or light purple. Flowering continues from April to June. Tuberous plant. Grows in mixed forests. Very resistant to frost, as well as pests and diseases. Prefers slightly acidic humus soils. It multiplies quickly, does not like stagnant water. Has many types.
Chistyak spring
Spring Chistyak (Ficaria)- family Ranunculaceae, low perennial (10-30 cm). Lacquer leaves in the form of a hoof of emerald green color. The flowers are small bright yellow glossy stars. Blooms one of the first along with snowdrops. Looks like a small bouquet. It looks bright and delightful against the backdrop of the still bare earth. But it multiplies very quickly and can become a weed. By the time the seeds ripen, it becomes poisonous. Medicinal plant.
summer flowers
In summer, the flowers in the forest surprise with their diversity. These are gentian, leucanthemum, wild-growing bergenia, officinalis veronica, bluebells, forget-me-nots, cornflowers, moonwort, common sorrel, wild poppy and many others. Let's take a closer look at some of them.
Fireweed angustifolium or willow-herb (Epilobium angustifolium L.)- Onagric family. The stem of the fireweed is erect with lanceolate leaves, it will grow from 50 cm to 2 m. The inflorescence is a brush of large pinkish-crimson flowers that bloom gradually from bottom to top. Flowering occurs in the second half of summer and lasts about 30 days. It grows in forests, on the edges, conflagrations, clearings, slopes of ravines. Unpretentious, frost-resistant. The rhizome grows very strongly, so it needs to be thinned out before the seeds ripen. Amazing honey plant. It has a lot of useful medicinal properties.
Kupena or Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum)- the Liliaceae family, a herbaceous plant with a curved stem 60-70 cm. Oval leaves (10-12 cm) are located on the stem in symmetrical pairs. Axillary flowers, whitish-cream in shape, resemble elongated bells up to 1.5 cm. They practically do not smell. Kupena remotely resembles a large lily of the valley. Blooms in early June. Then black berries form in place of the flowers. The shoot dies off every year. Kupena is unpretentious, but does not like dry places. A wild plant can be propagated on the site by dividing the rhizome. Toxic. Has medicinal properties. Grows in deciduous-spruce forests.
Blue or azure cyanosis (Polemónium caerúleum)- the Sinyukhov family. The stem is erect, from 40 cm to 1 m. The leaves are oblong, pinnate. Blooms in June-July. The inflorescence is a panicle of beautiful blue flowers. After flowering, the plant does not look decorative, it is recommended to cut it immediately. After cutting, it quickly recovers and becomes pretty again. The cyanosis is winter-hardy and unpretentious, but loves low-lying areas where groundwater is close. In nature, it grows in forest-steppe zones in damp places. Has medicinal properties.
Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet or meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)- the Pink family, has an erect stem, reaching two meters. Dark green large three-lobed leaves are pubescent below. When rubbed, they emit a characteristic cucumber smell. The inflorescence is an upright panicle of many small white-pink or pale yellow flowers. Blooms in mid-summer. Has a very strong aroma. Thick, creeping rhizome forms new shoots by August. Meadowsweet - cold-resistant and moisture-loving plant. Distributed in forests and forest-steppes, in humid places. Excellent honey plant. It is a medicinal plant.
Among the spring primroses, the leading position is undoubtedly occupied by bulbous flowers. And it is well deserved. After all…
Autumn flowers
In the autumn forest, which is full of bright colors, the flowers become less flashy and not so noticeable, they also bloom in autumn, but in a special, more modest way. What flowers can be found in the forest in autumn? Basically, these are summer autumn flowers that continue to bloom, gentian, meadow calico, calico, clover, cinquefoil, oak maryannik, cumin, umbrella hawk, autumn kulbaba, black cohosh and others.
At the beginning of autumn in the forest, the flowers of oregano, goldenrod, twisted bluebell, violets are delighting us with farewell to summer.
Oregano or oregano (Origanum vulgaris L.)- family Lamiaceae, a small perennial (30 to 80 cm). Small two-lipped flowers are collected in oval spikelets, which at the end of the branches are collected in panicles. The color of the flowers is pinkish-purple, rarely white. Blooms all summer and early autumn. In August, the seeds begin to ripen. The plant is cold-resistant, undemanding, but does not grow well on heavy acidic soils. Light-loving. Distributed very widely. It grows in the steppes, in clearings and forest edges, on the slopes of ravines. He loves pine and aspen forest areas. It has a pronounced pleasant aroma and a bitter-spicy taste. It is a medicinal plant and is used in cooking as a spice. It is used in the design of mixborders, rockeries, discounts.
goldenrod
Common goldenrod or golden rod (Compositae)- Asteraceae family, perennial with reddish stems from 40 cm to 1 m. Oblong-oval leaves with small teeth along the edge. Paniculate inflorescences are collected from baskets, which, in turn, consist of small yellow flowers. From the second half of summer until the end of September, they bloom. It grows in forests, on the slopes of ravines, on the edges, clearings, clearings. Unpretentious. Sometimes requires a garter. If you want to avoid self-seeding, then immediately after flowering, you should cut it off. Goldenrod is possible, also suitable for flower beds and mixborders.
Twisted bell
Twisted or assembled bell (Campanula glomerata L.)- family Bellflowers, perennial up to half a meter high. It has broad lanceolate leaves. Capitate inflorescences resemble small bouquets, consisting of small blue-violet bells (sometimes white). Blooms all summer and early autumn. Unpretentious. It grows on the edges and clearings in the forest, as well as among shrubs. Medicinal plant. In landscape design, they are used for planting under trees, in flower beds, natural gardens and for cutting.
Violet tricolor
Violet tricolor or pansies (Viola tricolor L.) and field violet (V. arvensis Murr.)- the Violet family, annual and biennial herbaceous plants with an erect, slightly ribbed stem 10-45 cm. The leaves are ovate in shape and have jagged edges. The flowers are solitary, irregular, consisting of 5 petals, located on a long pedicel. The violet has a tricolor long corolla. The upper two petals are purple or dark blue, the two side petals are of the same color, only lighter, and the lower large petal with a spur is light yellow (maybe with a purple edge). And in violets, the field corolla is not long and the flowers are smaller. They also differ in color. The field violet has white upper petals, while the middle and lower petals are bright yellow. Violets bloom from May to early October. It is found everywhere on the edges and clearings in the forest, in forest belts, as well as along roads. Violet is undemanding and hardy. Soils prefer neutral. Does not like fertilizer with fresh manure! Care for wild violets is the same as for its ornamental varieties. It is a medicinal plant.
But there are flowers in the forest that bloom in autumn, these are autumn colchicum. The name itself suggests that it blooms at the wrong time, not like all its bulbous counterparts. He confused spring with autumn.
Colchicum autumn
Colchicum autumn or Colchicum (Colhicum autumnale)- the Liliaceae family, a bulbous plant about 10 cm. The aerial stem is erect, rounded. Three or four broad-lanceolate leaves are collected in a rosette around the fruit, they die off in the middle of summer, and with the onset of cold weather, large flowers up to 25 cm appear, similar to crocuses. Flower color ranges from white to purple. Blooms in the first half of autumn. In nature, it is found in wet water meadows, along rivers and streams. Colchicum - unpretentious plant. In the fall, he will be able to decorate the site, and will stand in a vase for about 5 days. It is only necessary to remember that the whole plant is poisonous. You need to work with it with gloves and take precautions.
Non-flowering forest plants
Walking through the forest, you suddenly stop looking at a plant that does not stand out for flowering, but still has some kind of special attraction. After all, not only the delicate charm of forest flowers, but also beautiful or unusual leaves make wild plants very decorative.
Cuff (Alchemilla)- Rosaceae family, creeping perennial (15-60 cm). The cuff has unremarkable flowers, they are small, false umbrellas are collected in inflorescences, an inexpressive greenish-yellow hue. Blooms from May to late summer. But the main advantage of this plant is the leaves. They are light green, round, fan-shaped, pubescent, with slightly concave lobes. Due to the pubescence, dew drops linger on the sheets. In the light of the first rays of the morning sun, it looks just amazing! The plant is unpretentious, but loves moist soil. Self-seeding well, so you need to immediately cut dry flower stalks. Successfully coexists with tall plants (bells, delphiniums, etc.). Medium-sized undersized plants should not be planted near the cuff (more on which you can learn), growing, it can simply close them. Good cuff for Alpine rollercoaster and as a border. In the wild, it is found in ravines, forest edges, banks of water bodies and wet meadows.
Ferns and horsetails will add a unique pristine atmosphere to your garden. These ancient representatives of the plant world have interesting and lush foliage. They grow in our forests many species.
Kochedyzhnik (Athyrium)- This genus includes approximately 200 species of ferns. There are 12 species in our area. These are large ferns up to 1 m, growing mainly in the forest. Leaves with short petioles, pinnately dissected, covered with brownish scales. Very widespread in moist forests, can form entire thickets. It reproduces intensively by spores. Considered poisonous. He likes wet shady places, he is often planted near artificial reservoirs.
Common bracken (Pteridium oquilinum)- perennial fern plant up to 1 meter high, branch width with leaves up to 70 cm. Pinnate or pinnate, lanceolate leaves are blunt at the ends, located on long petioles, dense. They have a peculiar smell. It does not grow as a bush, the leaves are arranged singly and are connected underground by a rhizome. Reproduces by spores. It grows most often in oak and pine forests. Unpretentious. It is considered poisonous, although it is used as food by the peoples of the Far East.
horsetail- herbaceous perennial spore plant, which has an interesting texture. It has hard branched green jointed shoots 30-60 cm and cone-like spore-bearing spikelets. Often found in forests in marshy areas. Some types of horsetails are used in landscaping.
forest shrubs
There are many beautiful shrubs in our forests, you just have to look closely. Here hung beautiful long catkins hazel, wild species of willow meet spring with fluffy “seals”, wolf bast, euonymus, honeysuckle, dogwood, brittle buckthorn, privet delight with flowering and decorative fruits. Beautiful and useful black elderberry, hawthorn and blackthorn. Do not count everyone.
Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra)- this shrub in the wild is found everywhere. Its height is 6-10 m, the leaves are large, slightly shiny. In May, it is covered with fragrant whitish-cream umbrellas of inflorescences. And closer to autumn, flower umbrellas turn into brushes of black berries. This unpretentious shrub on the site causes trouble with active reproduction. However, this is not a reason to refuse this pretty and very useful medicinal plant.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn (Crataegus)- tall bush, Rosaceae family. Has many types. This plant retains its decorative effect for almost the entire warm season. At first, the bush pleases the eye with beautiful white flowers, and in autumn it flashes with red-orange clusters of very useful berries. Fruit color can range from light orange to black. Very undemanding and strong plant. Beautiful in hedges, thorny branches will make such a barrier impenetrable. It also looks decorative alone on the edges.
Blackthorn or blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.)- branched thorny shrub from 1.5 to 4 m, from the Rosaceae family. Oblong-oval leaves with denticles along the edges. In spring, it is covered with medium-sized white five-petal flowers, and in autumn, black-gray fruits resembling small cream appear in their place. Sweet and sour in taste, they have a slight astringency. The plant is medicinal. In the wild, it grows in the forest-steppe zone. Unpretentious.
Forest plants in landscape design
A bunch of forest guests we can "invite" to our garden plot. Growing in the harsh conditions of the wild, in a well-kept garden, they can reveal their full potential. It is best, of course, to use plants from your area.
For the Mauritanian lawn, some forest flowers are suitable: leucanthemum, bluebells, wild poppy, forget-me-nots. On a shady area, you can plant ferns, horsetail, kupena, they will give this part of the garden a touch of mystery and peace.
Liverworts will decorate rocky hills in a group with small-bulbous primroses. Kaluzhnitsa, Ivan-tea, meadowsweet will look great on the shore of an artificial reservoir. Sinyukha will decorate any flower bed. Oregano can be used for mixborders and discounts.
Most shrubs are suitable for creating hedges and will perform well in a single planting. A wonderful border will come out of the cuff.
Now such a direction in landscape design as “natural garden” or “eco-style garden” is coming into fashion. The basis of this style is the recreation of a corner of wildlife in the garden. Of course, everything should be done as naturally as possible. For this, wonderful plants of our forests are used, which are in perfect harmony with the inner world of man.