Cobeae

The genus Cobeae (Cobeae) is named after the Jesuit preacher and naturalist of the XVI century B. Cobe and consists of 20 species of herbaceous perennial climbing plants. Climbing Cobeae (Cobeae scandens) is the only cultivated species. This climbing plant can grow up to 5 m, clinging to the support with antennae similar to those of a pea. If the climate is characterized by cold winters, Cobeae is grown as an annual. Light green opposite leaves - leathery, dense pinnate, consist of three pairs of leaflets. From the end of June to the first cold weather, large bell-shaped flowers with a diameter of 5-6 cm bloom in the leaf axils in large numbers. In the buds, the flowers are greenish, then a pink hue appears, which later turns into an intense purple one sepals are green, stamens are long and pronounced. Flowers of the variety 'Belaya' have a greenish-white color. In September, fruits are formed - fleshy seed pods with numerous seeds.

The genus Cobeae (Cobeae) is named after the Jesuit preacher and naturalist of the XVI century B. Cobe and consists of 20 species of herbaceous perennial climbing plants.

Climbing Cobeae (Cobeae scandens) is the only cultivated species. This climbing plant can grow up to 5 m, clinging to the support with antennae similar to those of a pea. If the climate is characterized by cold winters, Cobeae is grown as an annual. Light green opposite leaves - leathery, dense pinnate, consist of three pairs of leaflets. From the end of June to the first cold weather, large bell-shaped flowers with a diameter of 5-6 cm bloom in the leaf axils in large numbers. In the buds, the flowers are greenish, then a pink hue appears, which later turns into an intense purple one sepals are green, stamens are long and pronounced. Flowers of the variety 'Belaya' have a greenish-white color. In September, fruits are formed - fleshy seed pods with numerous seeds.

Cultivation

Plants of the genus Cobeae are grown in the open ground in gardens and on verandas, for decorating walls, gazebos, trellises, balconies. On balconies and terraces, large pots with a diameter of at least 30 cm are used for planting. When growing in the open ground, Cobeae is planted in a permanent place in the garden in the spring at a distance of 50-100 cm from each other, in the soil, previously well prepared, filled with a mineral complex fertilizer at the rate of 20-30 g /m2. When the seedlings grow to a height of 20-30 cm, supports are installed next to it. Potting soil can be made up of fertile land (2/3) and fibrous peat (1/3); add sand. Top dressing is recommended in the early stages of development with a moderate amount of fertilizer to avoid intensive growth (20 g of complex fertilizer per bucket). Supports for Cobeae choose strong and high-the plant grows very luxuriantly in the summer.

Plants of the genus Cobeae are grown in the open ground in gardens and on verandas, for decorating walls, gazebos, trellises, balconies. On balconies and terraces, large pots with a diameter of at least 30 cm are used for planting.

When growing in the open ground, Cobeae is planted in a permanent place in the garden in the spring at a distance of 50-100 cm from each other, in the soil, previously well prepared, filled with a mineral complex fertilizer at the rate of 20-30 g /m2. When the seedlings grow to a height of 20-30 cm, supports are installed next to it. Potting soil can be made up of fertile land (2/3) and fibrous peat (1/3); add sand. Top dressing is recommended in the early stages of development with a moderate amount of fertilizer to avoid intensive growth (20 g of complex fertilizer per bucket). Supports for Cobeae choose strong and high-the plant grows very luxuriantly in the summer.

Location

Plants of the genus Cobeae are light-loving, prefer a place in the open sun. If there is a lack of lighting, the branches are excessively elongated, and the plant itself withers, and fewer flowers are formed on it.

Temperature

The minimum temperature that Cobeae can withstand is 5-8 °C, and the optimal temperature for growth and development is 18-24 °C.

Watering

During the spring and summer season, you need to water often and abundantly. With a cold snap (below 14 °C), the intervals between watering increases.

Transplant

It is produced every 2-3 years in the spring. You can limit yourself to partial replacement of the surface layer of the earth.

Care

Remove wilted flowers and damaged parts.

Reproduction

Propagate by seed. Sowing of seeds is carried out in March-May indoors at a temperature of at least 18 °C, one at a time in 8-centimeter pots. At the end of spring frosts, seedlings are planted in the ground or in spacious containers and put out on the street.

Diseases

In conditions of waterlogged soil, plants of the genus Cobeae may develop root rot. Do not allow excess water and monitor watering. Pests such as aphids and mites often appear. They cause yellowing of the foliage and hinder growth. Insects are eliminated with the help of preparations designed to control aphids, and acaricides. Treatment should be carried out immediately after the detection of pests.

Acquisition

Cobeae seeds can be purchased at specialized retail outlets. Check the shelf life of the seeds, on which germination depends. Seedlings can be purchased in horticultural nurseries and centers. Choose compact copies. It is advisable to buy seedlings at the end of April-May, when the danger of frost has passed.