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. Primroses appear especially beautiful after a long and cold winter. Snowdrops, woodlands and crocuses bloom in mid-April, and pansies, primroses, hyacinths and many other early spring flowers bloom in May. Happy owners of backyards and summer cottages are looking forward to the appearance of primroses, which become an adornment of the beginning of spring.
Bulbous primroses
The most beloved and popular among spring flowers are all kinds of bulbous plants. They all 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 yet completely melted, but the first snowdrops are already beginning to bloom. Depending on the climatic regions, these cold-hardy primroses appear in March or April. Snowdrop or galanthus grows in nature on damp rocky slopes, in deciduous forests, forest edges, meadows.
Snowdrops are different:
- linear leaves;
- drooping double flowers, consisting of six lobules and having a length of 2-3 cm;
- peduncles up to 25 cm high;
- elongated bulbs with white scales.
Galanthus propagated by seeds or daughter bulbs. When propagated by seeds, the plant blooms only in the third year of life. The bulbs are planted immediately after flowering or at the end of summer.
Occurs in nature 18 types of snowdrops, looking at the photos of which you can immediately understand that these flowers are truly magnificent.
Proleska
The blue snowdrop or blue snowdrop is found naturally in Europe, Central Asia, Siberia, and the Caucasus. In household plots, Siberian forest trees are most often grown, which begins to bloom from mid-April.
Blue snowdrop can be recognized by its 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-shaded place under the crowns of trees or shrubs. The soil for them should not be too light, and moderately moist.
The scrub will look spectacular against the background of evergreen perennials on an alpine hill and among other bulbs in rockeries.
Vesennik
In early spring, when the garden is not yet full bright colors, the first bright bloom spring Flower – springman or erantis... Its sunny golden flowers bloom in March or April and are not afraid even of late snowfalls.
In nature, the spring plant grows under deciduous shrubs and trees. It requires moist soils without stagnant water.
The tiny flowers of erantis will look spectacular in group plantings in combination with other bulbous primroses.
Net iris or iridodictium
It is 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 wither, its leaves will begin to die off.
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 that differ in the height of peduncles, the size of the inflorescences and the color of flowers. The most popular among gardeners are:
Mouse hyacinth multiplies very intensively. Because of this, its plantings become denser over time. However, thanks to the narrow leaves, plants for a long time do not need a transplant.
The blue primrose looks very impressive in rock gardens, borders and large groups. If you plant various varieties blooming at different times on one site, then they will delight with their splendor with early spring and until mid-summer.
Crocus
Among the first spring flowers special place are occupied by crocuses. This plant has many species, each of which differs in color and shape of the petals. Botanical crocus species bloom in some regions as early as February. A little later they wake up and begin to amaze and delight with their size and bright flowers Dutch hybrids.
It is better to plant crocuses in the fall in the diffused shade of shrubs and trees or in sunny areas. Their bulbs are very fond of rodents, therefore, it is recommended to use baskets when planting.
Crocuses are appropriate almost everywhere. They can be planted in small groups on lawns, 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 shoots are covered with earth, and the root does 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
Spring flowers are among the first to bloom perennial daisies... They begin to bloom in early May, and the buds remain throughout the winter.
These short plants with large flowers will look beautiful in the form of borders and along paths. Inserting daisies into your lawn will give it a star-like appearance.
Daisy seeds should be sown in temporary beds in July. Flowers are planted in a permanent place in early autumn or early spring. Further, the plants will disperse themselves, and bloom every year.
Hellebore
This spring plant most often blooms for 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.
The 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 plant will retain its green foliage. It is covered with numerous pale blue flowers in April. Varietal plants may have simple or double flowers lilac, white or red.
Periwinkle can be propagated by cuttings in July-August. It should be planted on well-drained, neutral soils without stagnant water. The plant loves shady and semi-shady areas, and grows quickly.
Primrose
In May, primrose primrose blooms with various colors. The plant blooms profusely for four weeks. Some species can bloom again at the end of summer.
Primrose there are more than 550 species... The most common are:
- high;
- toothed;
- 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 supplemented 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.
Primroses flowers
As a child, my parents often took me to the forest behind the woods. Today I grow many primroses myself near the house, and all the guests are sure: these modest kids make the yard the coziest 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, as well as tell you about their breeding.
- Almost all the first spring flowers are not demanding to care for.
- These plants love well-lit areas as well as moist soil (but no puddles).
- On the same bed, you can "make friends" them with perennial plants that bloom in late spring. They will replace the primroses when they have faded.
- Bulbous flowers should be planted in the fall (exception: crocuses and hyacinths). As for root plants (such as lungwort, hellebore), they can be remembered in spring.
- Some species of wild plants have remained practically uncultivated to this day. The fact is that they take root very poorly in kindergartens. These include: forest anemone, mountain adonis, and bathers.
- The best species of cultivated primroses are considered: crocuses, hazel grouse, irises, hyacinths.
- Varietal species of flowers that were once wild are striking in their colors. Yes, some snowdrops can be pink, while spines can be white and pink.
Facts You Did Not Know About These Colors
- Many primroses are considered endangered in the wild, therefore they are listed in the Red Book. You can not pluck 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 threatened. Although, of course, no one forbids you to buy seeds or bulbs, raise these kids in the country, and make bouquets of them.
- If the woods are forest flowers, then there are steppe primroses: lumbago, single-flowered tulip, nude shark.
- Some of these plants are used not only for decorative purposes, but also for treatment. Yes, lungwort is a diuretic, expectorant, and also a natural antiseptic, spring primrose is an anti-cold remedy, and powdery primrose is the best friend of our hair.
Snowdrop (galanthus)
A cold-resistant flower that appears simply from under the snow, even if the frost still reigns 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. There is no need to water this baby (exception: winter with little snow 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 replanting them in the summer months.
Proleski (screech)
Another forest dweller, blooming blue flowers at the end of March.
it perennial, multiplying by dividing bulbs, as well as self-seeding. Plant them only once, and they will “register” on your site for many years. These kids are not capricious; they grow up with equal success on lawns, flower beds or gardens. They love fertile soil.
Important: they are not afraid of frost, but if winter promises to be very cold, it is better to "wrap up" a flower garden with them in fall foliage in autumn.
Crocuses
They bloom in early April.
Most gardeners in one flowerbed combine different types (that is, shades) of crocuses, so the flower garden looks especially elegant. It is also customary to plant these flowers against the background of decorative stones. They look no less successful on the lawn, but there is one important point: you will have to mow such a lawn late, when the last leaf of primroses withers.
Their bulbs are planted in autumn, and it does not matter, in the shade or in the sun (however, in a well-lit area, the flowers will grow juicier, brighter, moreover, earlier than the "shady" ones). Bulbs overwinter in the ground (in the cold season, a flower bed with them can be mulched).
Propagated by dividing the bulbs.
Vesennik (erantis)
They bloom very early, even more often than snowdrops. Flowering can last up to 14 days.
They love nutritious moist soil. In dry spring it is better to water them a little. It is better to plant it under bushes or trees (but not conifers).
This perennial flower is propagated by seed. It is predominantly self-sowing. A plant that hatches from a seed will bloom only in the third year.
Muscari (mouse hyacinth)
Perennial bulbous plant. Loves both the shade and the sun. The main thing is that the soil must be drained, since the bulb is afraid of excess moisture.
Blooms from April to May. Inflorescences can be white, pinkish, blue, blue.
Important! This flower may not behave like a gentleman, quickly spreading on 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 begins to bloom in April.
Loves nitrogen (in early spring) and phosphorus (when flowers open) fertilizers. The soil should be moist, well-drained, and free of puddles.
Propagated by dividing the bush. This should be done when all flowers are gone (first month of summer).
Spring primroses (spring primrose, rams, God's hands)
Forest herbaceous perennial plant.
Despite its promising name, it blooms from April to June.
Has a root, propagated by seed and root division.
The soil is unpretentious - it can be loamy, clayey or drained. Loves moisture, so it should be watered frequently. 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
A low-growing perennial plant that is not afraid of even deep shadows. 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 loves fertile, slightly acidic.
Propagated by dividing the bush (this "procedure" also helps to thin out the garden, which is important for this flower).
Lungwort can be lightly watered, fertilized once with mineral fertilizing.
Lumbago (sleep-grass)
The earliest species of this plant pleases with its color from April to May. Not afraid of frost.
Loves drained lime soil.
Unlike other primroses, this flower is whimsical. For example, it will not grow in alkaline soil or in dampness. Loves sunny places, frequent feeding (nitrogen, lime, less often phosphorus and potassium).
Propagated by seeds (they can be harvested in late May - early June). They should be sown in early summer. The lumbago blooms in the second year of life. Has a powerful rhizome.
Lesser known primroses
Do you want your spring flower bed to cause not only admiring glances, but also surprise? Choose flowers that even experienced growers may not know the names of. For example…
Iridodictium (snowdrop irises)
Bulbous perennial low (up to 10 cm) plants, which can also hatch from under the snow. Sometimes they resemble simple irises, but irises bloom in May-June, and iris bloom in early spring (March).
There are different colors: blue and blue, violet and purple, orange and red, sometimes with colored spots and stripes.
They are not afraid of stony soil. These small beauties are planted in a flower garden in groups.
As for grooming, 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 fall, along with tulips. When the plant has faded, it is customary to dig it up. Then separate the bulbs (one gives up to two children).
Hellebore (christmas rose, christ flower)
This plant even has its own legend: many believe that it was the hellebore that was presented by the shepherds as a gift to the baby Jesus. It was also believed that if you plant a plant under the window, black magic and damage will not penetrate the house.
It is an evergreen perennial rooted plant. Blooms after snowdrops and crocuses. It can bloom with light frosts (up to -5 degrees).
It can delight with various shades of flowers, have both one and two rows of petals.
It is not demanding on the soil, it likes partial shade (so plant it under a tree, but remember - a flower does not like transplanting, 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 a variety of shades. Red anemones are easy to confuse with poppies, but they appear in spring and poppies in summer.
In the wild, they grow in forests and bloom in white, covering the glades with a carpet.
In the garden, they love 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, since the roots are high and can freeze.
Liverwort (coppice)
It is named so because the shape of the leaves resembles this organ.
Grows in forests. Flowers can be pink, bright blue.
Has a root, reproduces itself (you can divide the bushes). It should be planted in late spring or early autumn. He is afraid of open places (with direct sunlight), loves moisture.
Grouse
A perennial plant with a bulb, a relative of the lily.
The best garden species are imperial hazel grouse and chess (pictured).
There are many cultivated, garden primroses. But still, wild snowdrops are the first to bloom.
After a cold winter, the first shoots that emerge from under the snow cover give a special joy. The main place in the spring garden is occupied by early flowering species. The vibrant outfit of spring flowers attracts insects, and even on cloudy days, they bring the landscape to life.
All primroses are divided into several groups depending on their morphological characteristics. Distinguish between biennial and perennial, as well as rhizome, 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 green heart-shaped pattern on the three inner petals and more blurred on the outer;
- Snow White Gnome - according to the name, really snow-white miniature (up to 5 cm tall).
- L "Innocence" (French for "innocence") - snow-white;
- Ann Marie - soft pink
- Pink Pearl - pink with a darker stripe;
- Ostara has a blue-violet hue;
- Miosotis - pale blue
- Jan Bos - raspberry
- Cantab - light blue
- Harmony - blue
- Edward - blue-violet
- J. S. Dijt - purple violet;
- Pauline is a bright blue.
- Fantasy Creation - blue-green
- Christmas Pearl - purple
- Blue Spike is a multi-flowered terry silver blue.
- 1. Tubular. Combines plants with flowers that have a long crown - a tube. For example, Arctic Gold, Brighton, Las Vegas, Little Gem, Foresight.
- 2. Large crowns with a wide large crown: Ice Follies, Armada, Velasques, Daydream.
- 3. Small-crowned: Amor, Barrett Browning, Rockall, Sabine Hay.
- 4. Terry flowers represent the most diverse spectrum in terms of flower shape: only the crown can be terry, or many wide petals fold into one large flower. There are also multi-flowered double daffodils. Terry daffodils: Ice King, Acropolis, Bridal Crown, Double Fashion, Rip van Winkle.
- 5. Triandrus. The earliest group with small flowers, 2-6 per stem. The perianth petals are bent, the crown is not large: Ice Wings, Thalia.
- 6. Cyclamenous also have petals bent back, but their tube is narrow and long. Early dwarf group: Wisley, Jumblie, Tete-a-Tete.
- 7. Jonquil daffodils bloom mostly late in comparison with other groups. Several small flowers are carried on peduncles: Baby Moon, Bell Song, Sweetness, Hillstar
- 8. Tacetnye. 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. Daffodil Brandushka - bright yellow, has a large long crown, surrounded by small sharp petals.
- 11. Split-crown. The crown is large, strongly cut. Most popular group. Some varieties: Dolly Mollinger, Cassata, Orangery, Tricollet, Pink Wonder.
- Siberian, has white flowers.
- Two-leaved and its subspecies with white, pink, soft and dark blue corolla color.
- Lucilia, formerly called chionodox, includes varieties of several tones.
- 1. Chess - a low plant (up to 35 cm) with single flowers of white, reddish and purple tones, often with a checkerboard pattern. Flowering - late March - early 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 classic form flowers: Christmas Marvel (lilac pink), Diana (white), General de Wet (orange), Prins Carnaval (yellow with a red flame), Ruby Red (deep red).
- 2. Terry early grow up to 30 cm. Their bright colors and the ability to hold 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 (from mid-April). The flowers are large, goblet, on high - up to 70 cm - strong peduncles: Gavota (dark red with a wide yellow border), New Design (pale pink with white-bordered leaves), Happy Generation (white with a raspberry flame), Lustige Witwe (raspberry 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 (deep pink with an apricot edge), Ad Rem (red), Banja Luka (golden yellow with a red border).
- 5. Simple late ones a little lower than Darwin's hybrids (50-75 cm) and later on in terms of flowering (mid-May). Blushing Lady (apricot yellow with a pinkish finish), Catherina (white), Queen of Night (purplish black), Aileen (yellow).
- 6. Lily-colored - late series with sharp bent tips of petals. Opening in the daytime, the flower really looks like a lily. Height - 50-60 cm. Adonis (red), Akita (cherry with a white border), Ballade (yellow), Lilac Time (purple).
- 7. Fringed. Blossom at the same time as Darwin's hybrids. Fabio (red with yellow fringes), Smirnoff (white), Valery Georgiev (carmine), Santander (pink).
- 8. Green-colored tulips have a characteristic green pattern on the back of the petal. Flowering time is from mid-May. Artist (salmon pink), Dancing Show (yellow), Doll's Minuett (raspberry).
- 9. Rembrandt tulips include all varieties with variegated colors: Saksia (yellow-red), Columbine (white-pink).
- 10. Parrots are unusual in the form of petals, strongly dissected and fancifully curved. Apricot Parrot (orange), Black Parrot (purple-black), Caland (cherry).
- 11. Double 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 the beginning of 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 a 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 a reddish back), Copenhagen (red).
- 14. Greig - 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, are small in growth. Some are very fragrant. T.biflora (cream with a yellow center, star-shaped), T.gesneriana rosea (raspberry).
- 1. Adonis, the adonis, paints the April glades with bright yellow colors. Emerald green pinnately dissected leaves create a bright background. Prefers sunny places and loose, infertile soils.
- 2. Arabis does not require 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. Aubretia, Aubrieta, like Arabis, belongs to the cold-hardy Cruciferous family. Its compact habit attracts gardeners: one low, spreading plant can form a flowering lake. The group looks even brighter. After overwintering under the snow cover, the shoots of the aubriet already in March are covered with countless small (up to 2 cm in diameter) flowers of pink, lilac, purple, lilac color. Aubretia is widely used in the design of rock gardens.
- 4. Badan heart-leaved, bergenia (Bergenia). It is notable for large, juicy shiny evergreen leaves and small pale pink flowers, which rise by 40 cm in the form of an umbrella-shaped inflorescence. With age, the rhizome of bergenia becomes bare, therefore it is recommended to plant it once every 3-5 years.
- 5. The hellebore (Helleborus). In culture, black hellebore is widely used, which has become the ancestor of many interesting variety series with white, red, green, purple-black, pink flowers. They can be simple and double, clean in color and with dark specks in the middle. Evergreen. Leaves are palmate, dense, deep green. It is unique in that flower stalks develop already in autumn, and in winter they appear from under the snow. The root system is not too ramified, therefore, 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 the vegetation is still asleep, medium-sized blue flowers are already beginning to appear. Later, heart-shaped leaves grow. Unpretentious culture, loves partial shade.
- 7. Primula (Primula) - a genus numbering more than 500 species. In a temperate climate, the following feel good: fine-toothed (spherical inflorescence of white, lilac, lilac 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 their large flowers and compact bush, hardly hibernate in the ground. Primroses are propagated by fresh seeds and dividing the bush.
- 8. Fragrant violet (Viola odorata) is one of the first to meet the spring in April. Stemless compact plant with small fragrant flowers. Self-seeding is good.
- 9. Corydalis (Corydalis) is a flower of forest edges, where from March it can form carpets of openwork leaves and fragrant flowers. One of its advantages is disease and pest resistance. After flowering and seed formation, the aerial part dies off, a rounded tuber remains in the ground, waiting for the next season.
- 10. Spring cleaver (Ficaria verna) has a rhizome in the form of a tuber, thanks to which it hibernates and recovers well, blooming at the end of March. Plant height is only 10-15 cm. Flowers are bright yellow, shiny. Shortly after a 2-week flowering period, the plant sheds its leaves and sleeps to re-energize the next season.
- 11. Erantis, the spring (Eranthis) is like a peel with a tuberous root and yellow flowers... Propagated by dividing the bush after flowering. Blooms in April-May. Height - 15-20 cm.
- 1. Agrotechnical requirements. Lovers of sunny flower beds are planted in an open, well-lit place to avoid stretching. Shade-loving species avoid using for planting in the sun due to possible burns. The same principle works in the case of soil acidity requirements - calcephobes cannot tolerate alkalization and vice versa.
- 2. Convenience in 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 the green shoots.
- 3. Aesthetic component. It consists in a successful combination of color shades and an 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 brilliance. 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 plant organs - bulbs. The list of bulbous plants is very diverse. It includes both miniature species (woodlands) and powerful plants about 1 meter tall (hazel grouses).
Modern decorative 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) delicate plant, with flowers 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.
White flower
Blooms in April, likes places with partial shade. The bulbs have a short rest period, after which fresh roots begin to form. Therefore, it is best to plant a white flower after the leaves turn yellow. It also reproduces well by seeds, which are carried around the site by ants.
Galanthus, snowdrop
Snowdrops - translated from English, this name means "snow droplets". Famous and beloved by everyone, one of the first pleases the eye in spring. If a connoisseur of beauty finds a secluded shady corner for him in the garden, Galanthus will thank him for it with regular flowering from snow thawed patches.
Galanthus
Most often in the gardens you can find the common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis). 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.
Oriental hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
This series of primroses is famous not only for its colorful flowering and outstanding aroma. All varieties of hyacinths are easier to distill in pots than all bulbous crops. If desired, it is possible to grow a blooming ear of hyacinth even for the New Year holidays. V open ground blooms in April, after snowdrops.
The most popular varieties:
Iridodictium, reticulated iris (Iridodictyum)
You can rightfully call it a spring miracle. As soon as the snow has melted, its unusual small irises with a speckled beard appear from the ground. They bloom for only a few days, but 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 gives preference to sunny places.
Iris net
Of the brightest representatives of the species, it can be noted:
No less popular is Dunford's iris with bright lemon flowers, earlier and more compact (up to 10 cm).
Muscari, mouse hyacinth (Muscari)
It begins to bloom in the second half of spring. Belongs to a completely different species compared to the hyacinth. The only similarity is the shape of the inflorescence. Small tubular flowers sit tightly to each other 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 culture is extended: it begins in March and continues until the late May tulips bloom.
Narcissus split-crown
Main groups:
Species daffodils are used in gardens with a natural landscape. Small and unpretentious, they grow, forming blooming pictures.
Scilla
One of the first to emerge from under the snow. The species got its Russian name because of its tendency to grow on forest edges. Small blue flowers still peek out from under the snow.
Proleska
The genus combines about 90 species. In temperate and cold climates, some of them have become widespread:
Prefers sunny or semi-shaded areas.
Pushkinia
A medium-sized plant that resembles woodlands. In the gardens, mainly 2 species are grown - the scrub 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.
Pushkinia
Grouse, fritillaria (Fritillaria)
Enough unusual plant blooming in the middle of spring. The name is due to the color of the bell-shaped flower of some species: they can be checkered or painted, variegated, "speckled". Of the many varieties used in ornamental gardening:
It is important to provide the hazel grouse with good drainage and feeding for stable flowering.
Grouse imperial
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, middle, late. The 4th group includes wild species and varieties.
In addition to group affiliation, 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 cut growing and forcing. Dwarf varieties are the best fit for a small flower bed.
Planting bulbous
The optimal timing is late summer - early autumn. The bulb manages to take root before the cold weather, and in the spring flowers appear. The dormant period occurs in late spring and summer. At this time, all life processes freeze. In regions with high summer temperatures, it is recommended to dig out tulip and hyacinth bulbs after the leaves turn yellow: this method will avoid hyacinth degeneration when the bulbs become smaller, and tulip variegation diseases, 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 purchasing the bulbs, they are carefully examined, the spoiled parts of the scales are cut out, the cuts are treated with crushed charcoal or an antifungal powder.
When planting bulbs, their sizes are taken into account: the depth of planting from the bottom (the place of root formation) should be equal to the height of the bulb itself, multiplied by 3. On heavy soils (for example, clay), the depth is halved or three times. In order to obtain more children plant onions higher. For full flowering, a standard arrangement is observed relative to the level of the soil horizon.
Blooming woods, tulips and other bulbs sold with bare roots can often be seen in the markets. This method of transplantation 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 vigor. In addition, there is no need to expect instant beauty from plants: their flowers and leaves wither and turn yellow, in the next season there may be no flowering. A good option there will be a purchase of bulbous grown in pots. In this case, the integrity of the roots is ensured, metabolic processes in the bulb and the aerial part are not disturbed.
Since the bulbous have retracting roots, with age, the bulb itself is at too great a depth, which will certainly affect flowering. Therefore, the planting is renewed by planting the bulbs at least once every 2-3 years.
Corms
Their difference is that instead of the mother corms, several daughter ones are formed. The main storage organ dies off, and the babies germinate next spring. Then each of them is divided according to the same principle.
Spring corms touch with their uncomplicated beauty and tenderness. They are short, cupped-flowered plants. Petals - 6, curved with a rounded edge.
Crocus, saffron (Crocus)
Of the large number of species in the 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 (deep purple), Pickwick (lilac with purple stripes), Flower Record (purple, flower size - up to 11cm).
Crocuses are unpretentious, but grow better on loose, nutritious soils. Need periodic seating.
Bulbocodium, brandy (Bulbocodium)
Of the two types of branus, one blooms in the fall, the heyday of the second falls on the end of April - May. The petals are 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 wintering plants can tolerate low winter temperatures without compromising flowering. Most of them aerial part dies off in late autumn, and new flowers and leaves appear in spring. Other crops 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 overwinters and blooms in early spring of the second year. With the onset of hot weather, the plant grows old and dies off.
The most favorite biennial growers include viola, daisies. Most of their varieties have good winter hardiness. Well-developed bushes begin to bloom in the fall and continue after the snow melts. And during the 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 have become descendants of the tricolor violet. Their flowers can be small (1.5-2 cm) and large (10 cm), and the bush can be compact or ampelous.
Modern breeding has gone far ahead in terms of breeding new groups and colors, and this makes it possible to widely use viols 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 can be clean and patterned, combining in 2, 3 and even 4 colors within the variety. There are a series of hybrids and varieties for early cultivation(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-flowers with contrasting upper and lower petals).
Varieties of horned viola give abundant self-seeding, which allows you to observe flowering without interruption: while the mother plant has not yet bloomed, seedlings are already gaining strength, which will continue to grow almost until the fall of next year.
Daisy
When growing 2-year-olds, special attention is paid to moisture. 2 simple rules work here: do not water cold water and do not wet the leaves overnight. In case of non-observance on the leaves appears white bloom, which indicates the development of a fungal disease - powdery mildew, which is difficult to get rid of.
Reproduction
Bulbous and corms are propagated by children - daughter or replacement bulbs, formed as a result of division, budding them from the mother.
2-year-olds are grown from seeds. It takes 10-18 weeks from sowing to flowering.
Herbaceous species reproduce by seed and vegetative means. The latter includes several techniques: dividing the bush, grafting, planting root suckers.
Care
Spring flowering is characterized by the setting of peduncles and the storage of nutrients in the season preceding flowering. For this reason Special attention are given irrigation (if necessary, in arid spring) and top dressing. Most of the plants of this group are responsive to organo-mineral fertilizers, but do not tolerate fresh manure. During flowering, the amount of potassium in fertilizing solutions is increased, with the formation and active growth of the root system - phosphorus, and with the development of leaves - nitrogen.
Mulching - effective reception to avoid the formation of a soil crust. In addition, a kind of microclimate is formed in the root zone, which promotes the active assimilation of minerals, and the flowers grow wonderfully.
To prolong the flowering of herbaceous species and the formation of large storage scales in bulbous ones, 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 a lot of resources for seed formation. The saved potential is spent on development more children in bulbous and a more powerful root system in herbaceous plants.
Pest control and disease prevention
Even during planting, attention is paid to the quality of seedlings and bulbs, patients are discarded because of the risk of further infection. It is useful to carry out a pre-planting treatment with fungicides (antifungal drugs) and / or growth stimulants. For example, tulip bulbs are kept in 0.5% Fundazol solution 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 on 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 beds of weeds, but also prevent infections from developing.
May beetle larvae cause great harm to plantings. To get rid of gluttonous insects, glue traps are used and birdhouses are hung up, attracting birds to the garden.
Placing 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 for garden decoration is this: spring blooms 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 quality is purchased planting material, the timely disembarkation was made and the basic rules of care were observed - in the garden or in the country, spring will sparkle with new, bright colors and bring inspiration.
With the appearance of the first flowers in our gardens, real spring begins. These gentle, touching creatures, which appear earlier than 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 doesn't remember the 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 changes well and are not afraid of early spring frosts.
2. Proleska (scilla)
The snowdrop is sometimes called the blue snowdrop, because of its external resemblance to the latter, and also because it appears as soon as the snow melts. In fact, these are different plants. Are these blue or blue flowers spring frosts also do not frighten.
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 (springer)
These sunny golden flowers will add mood to a dull spring garden. Erantis also blooms in early spring, in March-April, and is not afraid of frost and snow.
5. Primula (primrose)
There are many varieties of this plant, only a small part of them are grown in culture. Primroses bloom in early spring profusely and for a long time, in some species, repeated autumn flowering is possible.
6. Lungwort
The lungwort blooms in April-May. Grows well on light, well-moisturized soils. After flowering, it forms many multi-colored leaves.
7. Crocus
Bright low crocus flowers also appear along with the first spring heat. Crocuses do not bloom for long, only 5-7 days, without transplanting in one place they can grow up to 5 years. There are crocus species that bloom in the fall.
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 soft blue flowers.
9. Adonis or adonis
Bright yellow, like little suns, adonis flowers appear in the very first fine spring days. They prefer well-lit areas and light fertile soil.
Spring cleaver appears immediately after the snow melts. Its cute yellow flowers bloom completely only in the bright sun, that is, in the middle of the day, and close in cloudy weather and at night.
11. Liver
The liverwort is popularly called the copse, because it does not like open places and grows only in the forest. Its 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 can bloom again in October-November. And it happens that its flowering continues throughout the 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, depending on the type. There are also two-color species of this plant.
14. White flower
The spring white flower blooms in April for 20-30 days. The height of the plant is 20-20 cm. At the ends of its white bell-flowers, green or yellow spots are clearly visible.
15. Chionodoxa
Chionodoxa appears in early spring, it is also called the snow beauty. The leaves of this plant appear simultaneously with the buds. Flowers can be single or collected in small inflorescences. Chionodoxa is white, blue, blue or pink.
16. Pushkinia
Pushkinia is a herbaceous bulbous plant with a height of 15-20 cm.The flowers are collected in racemose inflorescences of white or blue... It blooms in early spring.
17. Corydalis
Unpretentious frost-resistant plant, blooms in early spring. The 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 for it to trample or dig.
18. Iridodictium (netted iris)
These tiny bulbous irises bloom in April and give off a pleasant aroma. They reach a height of 10 cm. They grow well in sunny areas, but they also tolerate a little shading.
19. Kaluzhnitsa
Kaluzhnitsa is very similar to the peel, but these plants still have differences. Foliage persists until October, this is the main difference between them. Prefers well-moistened marshy 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 can bloom in early spring, summer or fall.
21. Hyacinth
Hyacinth can rightfully be considered a favorite of the spring garden for its spectacular blossoms and stunning heady aroma. These plants begin to bloom in April and delight with a rich palette of shades of white, blue, orange, yellow and pink flowers.
22. Hyacintoides
Another early spring plant. Outwardly, this plant resembles a spit, but has larger and elongated flowers. There are white, blue and pink plants. Blooms for a long time, up to three weeks
23. Bulbokodium (brandy)
This is a very beautiful stemless multiflorum, forms 2-4 flowers surrounded by leaves. It blooms for two weeks, spreading a delightful scent 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. Flowers are small, collected in apical inflorescences. Blooms in May.
25. Tulip
Wild varieties of tulips, unlike their cultivated counterparts, bloom much earlier, already in April. In total, there are more than 100 species of this plant.
26. Narcissus
Despite the fact that in almost every garden beautiful, bright varietal flowers and shrubs delight the eye, we cannot indifferently pass by 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 wood” to our site. And it is quite possible to do this, because wild plants, for the most part, are unpretentious. They are well adapted to their natural habitat. They do not need weeding, additional watering, or 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 after a year it may not bloom at all. And its neighbors marigold, wintergreen and calla aronia can immediately die in such conditions. Also, not everyone can tolerate loosening of the soil normally. The weeds around the two-leaved lyubka should not be weeded out, but periodically cut short. But wild bulbs are normal for weeding. Some flowers in a cramped flower bed may not have enough space, while others can multiply very strongly and it will be difficult to get rid of them. Therefore, before planting wild plants in your area, you need to study how they grow in their natural conditions a habitat.
Forest plants prefer moist soil with a high 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 grows larger every year, grows and blooms profusely, then these conditions suit it.
Let's take a closer look at some of the green forest dwellers.
In the spring there is still snow in the forest, and the first leaves and flowers are already visible on the thawed patches. Introduce such residents spring forest like snowdrop, blueberry, muscari, crocuses, lilies of the valley, violets, anemones are unnecessary. They are well known to all, breeders have bred many ornamental varieties of these plants. In spring, you can also find such forest flowers as dream-grass, lungwort, marigold, ivy budra, fragrant violet, spring primrose, fragrant woodruff and many others. Let's get acquainted with some of the more rare guests of the garden plots.
Liverwort
Noble liverwort (Hepática nóbilis)- Buttercup family, a small herbaceous perennial (5-15 cm). Flowering occurs in April, the color of the flowers ranges from whitish to blue-violet. One flower does not wither for almost a week. Corolla diameter - 2-4 cm. Three-lobed leaves in their shape vaguely resemble a human liver (hence the name). The leaves remain under the snow all winter (only slightly fade). Numerous fluffy hairs on the lower part 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, attracts insects with its pollen. Most often, this flower can be found in the spruce forest. Therefore, an open place is suitable for the noble liverwort, in which the sun will be from early morning until 14 o'clock. The soil is needed loose, rich in humus. It is medicinal. This plant is often confused with snowdrop and blueberry.
Corydalis
Corydalis (Corydális)- family Dymyankovye, herbaceous plant 10-20 cm high. The leaves are dissected. Inflorescences are a dense raceme. The flowers are sometimes white, but more often red-purple or light purple. Flowering lasts 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. It has many types.
Spring chistyak
Spring Chistyak (Ficaria)- Buttercup family, a short perennial (10-30 cm). Emerald green hoof-shaped lacquer leaves. The flowers are small bright yellow glossy stars. One of the first to bloom together with snowdrops. It looks like a small bunch. Looks bright and delightful against the background of the still bare ground. 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, daisy, wild berry, Veronica officinalis, bells, forget-me-nots, basilists, lunar, oxalis, wild poppy and many others. Let's take a closer look at some of them.
Narrow-leaved fireweed or willow-herb (Epilobium angustifolium L.)- the Onagricaceae family. The stem of the fireweed is erect with lanceolate leaves, it will grow from 50 cm to 2 m. The inflorescence is a cluster of large pinkish-crimson flowers, which bloom gradually from bottom to top. Flowering begins in the second half of summer and lasts about 30 days. Grows in forests, forest edges, fires, clearings, ravine slopes. Unpretentious, frost-resistant. The rhizome grows very strongly, so it must be thinned out before the seeds ripen. Amazing honey plant. Possesses a lot of useful medicinal properties.
Kupena or Solomon's seal (Polygonatum multiflorum)- Liliaceae family, herbaceous plant with a curved stem 60-70 cm. Oval leaves (10-12 cm) are arranged on the stem in symmetrical pairs. The axillary flowers are whitish-cream in shape and resemble elongated bells up to 1.5 cm. They practically do not smell. Kupena vaguely resembles a large lily of the valley. Blooms in early June. Then black berries form in place of the flowers. The shoot dies off annually. Kupena is unpretentious, but does not like dry places. A wild plant can be propagated at the site by dividing the rhizome. Poisonous. Possesses medicinal properties. Grows in deciduous and spruce forests.
Cyanosis blue or azure (Polemónium caerúleum)- the Sinyukhovye 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 off immediately. After cutting, it quickly recovers and becomes pretty again. 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. Possesses medicinal properties.
Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet or meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)- family Pink, 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 erect panicle of many small flowers, white-pink or pale yellow. Blooms in mid-summer. It has a very strong aroma. A thick, creeping rhizome forms new shoots by August. Meadowsweet - cold-resistant and moisture-loving plant... Distributed in forests and forest-steppe, in humid places. Excellent honey plant... It is a medicinal plant.
Bulbous flowers undoubtedly occupy the leading position among spring primroses. And it is well deserved. After all…
Autumn flowers
In the autumn forest, which is replete with bright colors, flowers become less catchy and less noticeable, they bloom in autumn too, but in a special way, more modestly. What kind of flowers can be found in the forest in autumn? Basically, these are summer autumn, gentian, sivets meadow, nyvyanik, clover, cinquefoil, oak grass, cmin, umbrella hawk, autumn kulbaba, black cohosh and others.
At the beginning of autumn, in the forest, we are gladdened by the flowers of oregano, goldenrod, twisted bell, violets, saying goodbye to summer.
Oregano or oregano (Оriganum vulgaris L.)- The family Lipocytes, a small perennial (30 to 80 cm). Small two-lipped flowers are collected in oval spikelets, which gather in panicles at the end of the branches. The color of the flowers is pinkish-purple, rarely white. Blooms all summer and early autumn. In August, the seeds are already beginning to ripen. The plant is cold-resistant, undemanding, but grows poorly on heavy acidic soils. Photophilous. Very widespread. It grows in the steppes, in clearings and forest edges, on the slopes of ravines. Loves pine and aspen forest areas. It has a strongly 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, rabatok.
Goldenrod
Common goldenrod or golden rod (Compositae)- family Compositae, perennial with reddish stems from 40 cm to 1 m. Oblong-oval leaves with small denticles along the edge. Paniculate inflorescences are collected from baskets, which, in turn, consist of small yellow flowers. From the second half of summer to the end of September, they bloom. It grows in forests, on the slopes of ravines, on forest edges, clearings, glades. 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.)- Bellflower family, perennial up to half a meter high. It has lanceolate wide leaves. The capitate inflorescences resemble small bouquets of small blue-violet bells (sometimes white). Blooms all summer and early autumn. Unpretentious. It grows on forest edges and clearings, as well as among shrubs. Medicinal plant. In landscape design, they are used for planting under trees, in ridges, natural gardens and for cutting.
Violet tricolor
Violet tricolor or pansies (Viola tricolor L.) and field violet (V. arvensis Murr.)- Violet family, annual and biennial herbaceous plants with an erect, slightly ribbed stem 10-45 cm. The toothed leaves at the edges are ovoid. The flowers are single, irregular, 5 petals, located on a long peduncle. The violet has a tricolor long corolla. The upper two petals are purple or dark blue, the two side ones are of the same color, only lighter, and the lower large petal with a spur is light yellow (maybe with a purple edge). And the violet has a short field corolla and smaller flowers. They also differ in color. The field violet has white upper petals, while the middle and lower ones are bright yellow. Violets bloom from May to early October. It is found everywhere on forest edges and clearings, in forest belts, as well as along roads. The violet is undemanding and frost-resistant. Prefers neutral soils. Doesn't like fertilization with fresh manure! Care for a wild violet 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 crocus. The name itself suggests that it blooms at the wrong time, not like all its bulbous counterparts. He confused spring with autumn.
Autumnal crocus
Colhicum autumnale (Colhicum autumnale)- Liliaceae family, bulbous plant about 10 cm. Aboveground stem is erect, rounded. Three or four broad-lanceolate leaves are collected in a rosette around the fruit, in the middle of summer they die off, and with the onset of cold weather, large flowers up to 25 cm appear, similar to crocuses. The color of the flowers is from white to purple. Blooms in the first half of autumn. In nature, it occurs in wet flooded meadows, along rivers and streams. Colchicum - unpretentious plant... In the fall, he will be able to decorate the site, and he 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.
Plants of the forest are not blooming
Walking through the forest, you suddenly stop looking at a plant that does not stand out for its flowering, but still has some special appeal. After all, not only the delicate beauty of forest flowers, but also beautiful or unusual leaves make wild plants very decorative.
Cuff (Alchemilla)- family Rosaceae, creeping perennial (15-60 cm). The cuff has unremarkable flowers, they are small, collected in inflorescences false umbrellas, inexpressive greenish-yellow hue. Blooms from May to late summer. But the main advantage of this plant is its leaves. They are light green, round, fan-shaped, pubescent, with slightly concave lobes. Due to the pubescence, dew drops are retained on the leaves. In the light of the first rays of the morning sun, it looks just amazing! The plant is unpretentious, but loves moist soil. It self-sows well, so it is necessary to immediately cut off dry peduncles. It successfully coexists with tall plants (bells, delphiniums, etc.). You should not plant medium-sized, low-growing plants near the cuff (for more information about which you can find out), growing, it can simply close them. Good cuff on alpine coaster and as a curb. In the wild, it occurs in ravines, on forest edges, on the banks of water bodies and in wet meadows.
Ferns and horsetails will add a unique pristine atmosphere to your garden. These ancient representatives of the plant kingdom have interesting and lush foliage. There are many species of them growing in our forests.
Kochedyzhnik (Athyrium)- this genus includes about 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. It is very widespread in humid forests, can form whole thickets. It multiplies intensively by spores. Considered poisonous. He likes humid 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. Cirrus or pinnately cut, lanceolate leaves at the ends are obtuse, located on long petioles, dense. They have a peculiar smell. It does not grow as a bush, the leaves are located one by one and are tied underground by a rhizome. Propagated 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- a herbaceous perennial spore plant that has an interesting texture. It has hard, branched green, segmented shoots 30-60 cm and spore-bearing spikelets like cones. Often found in the forest in swampy areas. Several types of horsetails are used in landscaping.
Forest shrubs
There are many beautiful shrubs in our forests, you just have to look closely. Here are hanging beautiful long earrings of hazel, wild species of willow meet spring with fluffy "seals", delight with flowering and decorative fruits wolf bast, euonymus, honeysuckle, dogwood, brittle buckthorn, privet. Beautiful and useful black elderberry, hawthorn and blackthorn. You can't count all of them.
Black elder (Sambucus nigra)- this shrub is found everywhere in the wild. Its height is 6-10 m, the leaves are large, slightly shiny. In May, it is covered with fragrant whitish-cream inflorescences. And closer to autumn, flower umbrellas turn into clusters of black berries. This unpretentious shrub on the site is a hassle for active reproduction. However, this is not a reason to give up this cute and very useful medicinal plant.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn (Crataegus)- tall bush, family Rosaceae. It 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 the fall it flashes with red-orange clusters of very useful berries. Fruit color can range from light orange to black. A very undemanding and sturdy plant. Beautiful in hedges, thorny branches will make such a barrier impassable. It also looks decoratively 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 the spring, it is covered with medium-sized white five-petal flowers, and in the fall, black-gray fruits appear in their place, resembling small cream. Sweet and sour in taste, they have a slight astringency. Medicinal plant. In the wild, it grows in the forest-steppe zone. Unpretentious.
Forest plants in landscape design
Lots of forest guests we can "invite" to our garden plot. Growing up in the harsh conditions of the wild, they can reveal all their possibilities in a well-kept garden. It is best, of course, to use plants from your area.
Some forest flowers are suitable for a Moorish lawn: daisy, bells, wild poppy, forget-me-nots. On a shady area, you can plant ferns, horsetails, 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-bulb primroses. Kaluzhnitsa, Ivan-tea, meadowsweet will look great on the banks of an artificial reservoir. Cyanosis will become a decoration of any flower bed. Oregano can be used for mixborders and discounts.
Most shrubs will work well for hedges and will do well in solo planting. A wonderful border will come out of the cuff.
Nowadays such trend in landscape design as "natural garden" or "eco-style garden" is coming into vogue. The basis of this style is the recreation of a wilderness corner in the garden. Of course, everything should be done as naturally as possible. For this, the wonderful plants of our forests are used, which are in perfect harmony with the inner world of a person.