Grouse imperial (from the Latin "Fritillāria Imperiālis") is found in the southern regions. But, using the right methods of cultivation and planting, you can grow it even at the north pole.
Description of the Emperor Grouse
Grouse imperial is a large shrub growing from bulbs. It reaches a height of 2 m. Buds are formed on the trunk, which bloom flowers down like some varieties of lilies. Buds grow in a group of 6-7 pcs. Leaves hang over them. The flower has a wonderful aroma. Elongated leaves of emerald color. The majestic appearance and flowers hanging in the form of bells make him a real king in the flower world.
Grouse imperial in all its glory
The imperial hazel grouse was first discovered in the Himalayas. Later he was met in Iran and Afghanistan. In the wild, loves rocky highlands.
For your information! Bred more than 10 species. They are distinguished by the color and height of the trunk. Often there are orange and yellow grouse, less often white, pink and red.
The plant is very similar to a palm tree. He was popularly called the "tree of paradise."
This bulbous type of flower, consisting of scales, requires a careful attitude.
The most popular varieties of hazel grouse imperial
The following varieties are in greatest demand among gardeners:
- Raddeana. The height of the bush is up to 1.5 m. It has a cream-colored buds. The flowering period is mid-June. With proper care, you can enjoy flowers for up to three weeks. The variety is unpretentious, withstands mild frosts;
- Rubra. The ideal place to grow is a vegetable garden or flowerbed. Has a low stem of 70 cm. Color crimson with black transverse lines. Has long buds of 6 cm and flowers up to 4.5 cm;
- Gardand Star has the largest buds and the longest flowering period. With abundant watering, it can bloom up to 1.5 months;
- variety Tsar's crown - an early bird in terms of flowering. Planting bulbs in February, buds grow already in April, and flowers bloom in May;
- chess grouse is a representative of the old selection. From the 16th century grown in the gardens of Europe and Asia. It got its name because of the maroon color. He has a bell-shaped bud, and the spots are staggered. In height reaches 35 cm;
- Russian grouse grows in the steppes. Maroon flowers grow on a high stalk. The buds open in March-April. The variety is listed in the Red Book;
- Persian Grouse is a thermophilic flower. Has a yellow color of flowers with a green tint.
For your information! Since the hazel grouse is an imperial perennial flower, proper planting and care in the open ground for it play an important role.
Bud opening period
Choosing a landing place
The place for planting the imperial grouse should be chosen sunny, but one where rays will not fall on it in the evening. It is during this period that the flower is vulnerable to burns. Near the landing should be provided props as protection from the winds.
Important! Categorically it is impossible to fertilize the earth with fresh manure. Only turf land mixed with sand and humus is suitable. And do not forget about the drainage layer at the bottom of the landing fossa.
Grouse cultivation is a simple process. Several conditions must be observed:
- bulbs are planted in flower beds. Earth is mulched only in the fall before the onset of cold weather;
- bulbs are easily damaged, so be careful when transplanting. In the case of rot, this place should immediately be treated with a manganese solution;
- the depth of the pit for planting should be at least 12 cm. For lower-growing varieties, a suitable depth is 8-9 cm;
- the soil should be light and nutritious. Peat can be added to it.
How to choose imperial hazel grouse bulbs
The bulbs of the imperial grouse are large - 7cm. They should be without ulcers and lethargic. In the center there is a hole from last year's peduncle. In the autumn, new peduncles appear from this hole.
For your information! The variety Maxima has an onion weight of almost 1 kg.
The hazel grouse bulb may emit an unpleasant odor, but this is not a reason for rejecting it. In addition, they are not recommended to be kept next to other varieties of bulbs. An unusual smell can ruin them.
How to plant bulbs in open ground
Bulbs begin to plant at the end of winter - the beginning of spring. The weather should be dry and calm. The beds should be prepared in advance, the soil should be shed well, but not brought to the state of a swamp. The bulb is placed in the planting fossa and sprinkled with earth, but not rammed. Watering occurs often, but in small doses. Bulbs cannot be transplanted to another place in the next 1-2 years.
Bulb planting
Note! After planting, the bulb requires increased care. Strong winds and rains are contraindicated in this flower. To protect you can arrange a small canopy.
Grouse care
Caring for the imperial hazel grouse during the growing season should begin with weak loosening of the soil. It is necessary to introduce mineral complexes, diluting them according to the instructions. A weak manganese solution is also used for antibacterial treatment of bulbs in the ground.
Fertilizers are introduced in early spring. Before the buds appear, the flower is watered with mineral solutions once a week. Gradually increase funds, which include potassium and phosphorus. Fertilizers can also be applied in dry form during weeding.
Care for grouse after flowering
In July, the flowering of the imperial grouse comes to an end. To give the plant a second life for the next season, you need to provide it with proper care. Experienced gardeners cut dried leaves, wilted buds. The stem is also trimmed slightly. The total length of the base should remain 5 cm.
Watering and feeding
Watering is done in the hot time daily in the morning.
Proper feeding of the flower is vital for him during this period. In a 10-liter solution of humus add 1 tbsp. a spoonful of nitro phosphate and ready-made fertilizer for flowers. The mixture is introduced into the ground in a uniform ratio. At the end of summer, you can change the composition to a mixture with the addition of potassium. Additionally sprinkled with wood ash.
When to dig bulbs
Digging bulbs after flowering or not is a moot point to this day. Someone thinks that this is not necessary, and someone says that it is absolutely necessary.
In any case, digging of hazel grouse bulbs occurs at the end of summer. You need to start immediately after the flowers wither, as there is a possibility of eating them by parasites.
Using seeds to grow new specimens is a long business, it will take about seven years. For reproduction, it is better to use bulbs. This will save time. Each year, after digging correctly from one bulb, two children are obtained.
Important! In mid-July, the bulbs go into hibernation.
Bulb Storage
After the growing season, the bulbs should be prepared for storage until the next planting. At the end of August, the bulbs are dug up and washed thoroughly under warm water. Hold for 30 minutes. in a manganese solution, sprinkled with wood ash and dried. The storage room must have good ventilation. Temperature is not higher than 25 ° С. It is periodically recommended to inspect the bulbs in order to avoid diseases and mold.
Bulb Storage
Note! If rot is detected on the bulb, it is necessary to cut this place with a knife and sprinkle with fungicide.
Improper storage of bulbs leads to the loss of their viability.
Basic breeding techniques
There are three ways to propagate imperial hazel grouse:
- bulbs;
- seeds.
Bulb children plant as described above. Seeds are collected from the color box after it has completely dried. To plant them, the soil must be well moistened. Then furrows are made 1 cm deep and 10 cm wide. The seeds are laid in the ground and sprinkled with earth. Top peat is 2 cm thick. Sprouts should be expected in the spring.
Grouse diseases and pests
The grouse imperial endures the attacks of pests steadily, but there are such individuals that no representative of the flora can resist:
- lily rattle. This is a small bug that has a red body and a black head. To eliminate this parasite, the flower is thoroughly washed with soapy water or chemicals. Crackers can cause significant damage to flower health. Phytoverm and Bitoxibacillin preparations quickly and without risk to plants remove pests. They need to be sprayed 2-3 times a day every 20 days:
- the root tick and the bear can gnaw the bulbs. They feed on the pulp of a flower. In case of damage to at least one bulb, it is not subject to further growth. To combat them, foundationazole and kalbofos are used. Apply only to the affected area.
From diseases, hazel grouse affects rust. The disease spreads on the leaves of plants. It appears in the form of spots on the upper side. Leaves should be removed immediately and treated with fungicide.
One feature of the imperial grouse is that it practically does not get sick. In case of symptoms, attention should be paid to flower care. Perhaps increased humidity or improper dosage when irrigating with fertilizers played a role.
Landscaping ideas with imperial hazel grouse
The grouse of the imperial is called the prince. Such a nickname matches him. A tall or low bush amazes with its color scheme and grace. These flowers are a true decoration of any garden. Chess hazel grouse goes well with planting tulips, forget-me-nots and muscari. Large-sized flowers are bred in tapeworm plantings. Small-flowered flowers are ideal for a rocky garden, rock garden and mixborder. In any case, it will look spectacular if surrounded by care and love.
