Kolkwitzia

Only one species belongs to the genus Kolkwitzia, Kolkwitzia amabilis. This shrub reaches a crown diameter of 2-3 m, has characteristic curved branches covered with brown bark, which exfoliates with age. It is grown as an ornamental flowering plant. In English, Kolkwitzia is called "beauty bush" - "beautiful bush". The leaves are simple ovate pointed, with a finely toothed edge, opposite, intense dark green color. The flowers are funnel-shaped, with pink petals and a yellow throat, collected in pairs in flattened corymbs. They bloom in May and June at the ends of short side branches. Petioles and sepals slightly pubescent. The varieties 'Pink Cloud 'and' Pink ' have soft pink flowers.

Only one species belongs to the genus Kolkwitzia, Kolkwitzia amabilis. This shrub reaches a crown diameter of 2-3 m, has characteristic curved branches covered with brown bark, which exfoliates with age. It is grown as an ornamental flowering plant. In English, Kolkwitzia is called "beauty bush" - "beautiful bush".

The leaves are simple ovate pointed, with a finely toothed edge, opposite, intense dark green color. The flowers are funnel-shaped, with pink petals and a yellow throat, collected in pairs in flattened corymbs. They bloom in May and June at the ends of short side branches. Petioles and sepals slightly pubescent. The varieties 'Pink Cloud 'and' Pink ' have soft pink flowers.

Cultivation

Kolkwitzia pleasant is grown in the open ground as an ornamental shrub. Plants are planted permanently in October-November (in areas with cold winters) or March; any soil is suitable, preferably well-drained; when planting, organic fertilizers are applied at the rate of 3-5 kg/m2. Plants are given free space so that they can grow without interfering with each other. Every year, after flowering, the individual oldest branches are removed in order to make the bush look neater.

Kolkwitzia pleasant is grown in the open ground as an ornamental shrub. Plants are planted permanently in October-November (in areas with cold winters) or March; any soil is suitable, preferably well-drained; when planting, organic fertilizers are applied at the rate of 3-5 kg/m2. Plants are given free space so that they can grow without interfering with each other. Every year, after flowering, the individual oldest branches are removed in order to make the bush look neater.

Location

Kolkwitzia prefers an open sunny place.

Temperature

These plants are resistant to fluctuations in air temperature.

Watering

It is required only for young plants (immediately after planting in the ground) and during a long drought.

Reproduction

The most common method is cuttings. In July-August, semi-woody cuttings 10-15 cm long are taken from the lateral non-flower-bearing shoots and planted in a mixture of peat and sand, placed in a closed, unheated place. After the roots are formed, the seedlings are transplanted into pots one at a time. Planting is finally done in the ground no earlier than autumn.

Diseases

Kolkwitzia is rarely affected by pests and diseases. Under certain conditions, worms appear, and they are disposed of with the help of appropriate medications. Some fungi cause spots on the leaves, and treatment with fungicides helps.

Acquisition

Kolkwitzia can be found in specialized nurseries and gardening centers. It is purchased in spring or autumn, when you can immediately plant it in the ground.