Description of the mountain woman and plant cultivation

A perennial plant called the mountain woman is chosen by many growers due to its charming appearance, expressive colors and a variety of varieties. Despite the fact that during flowering, the branches are not covered with a huge number of lush flowers, mountain women have other characteristics.

In addition to the most common name, this variety is also referred to as flowerless or epimedium. In its natural environment, the flower is found in the Far East, Korea, Algeria and China. In Russia, it is often grown at home or used in landscape design. The description indicates that the leaves on the shoots are close to each other. The buds are neat and small, while their appearance can attract the attention of even experienced flower growers. Among the wide variety of species, there are both evergreens and those that rarely shed their leaves.

Horny goat flowers differ not only in color, but also in size and shape. Separately, they note the high decorative qualities of the leaves, the beauty of which is not inferior to the flowers. The green mass has a tendency to change color throughout the season. The shape and structure of the leaves can also be different: oblong and wide, even or with denticles at the edges, in the form of a heart, or resembling an arrowhead. When grown outdoors in autumn, the foliage should be trimmed.

In total, there are more than 50 varieties, but only a few of them are widespread.

A hybrid of large-flowered and alpine colorless is called red mountain goat. Features of the variety are easy to identify by the rich edges of the purple foliage with a scarlet tint. The most colorful buds open only at the end of the flowering period, after which they noticeably lose their decorative qualities.

The plant mass forms a cover up to 40 centimeters high. The flowers are red with a snow-white center, the beauty of which is maximized in the sun's rays. Some gardeners call the red horned goat goat the flower of the elves.

This variety has become known relatively recently. The plant reaches a height of 25 to 30 centimeters. Leaves are elongated and pointed at the edges. The crown is lush and thick. Small flowers are collected in carpal inflorescences, which are located at the tops of the branches.

The large-flowered epimedium became the basis for many modern hybrids (Rose Queen, Lilafi, Lilacinum and others). The color of the buds of these varieties is different. The large-flowered Horny Goat Weed Red Beauty is in special demand. It is ideal for decorating areas around trees or tall shrubs. It is also a popular element for an alpine slide.

The height of the bushes is 25-30 centimeters, and in width they reach 35-45 centimeters. Leaves with a pleasant pink tint in the form of hearts are decorated with small teeth. To fully reveal the appearance of the variety, you need to provide it with proper care. Plants are planted in moist and fertile soil. And also Red Beauty loves sunlight.

The next type of mountain goat is notable for its small stature - about 15 centimeters. A perennial flower is covered with a solid green foliage. Bushes bloom with the arrival of spring. On the shoots, large white buds with a lilac tint open up. A feature of the Korean or Chinese colorless is slow growth. And also it has a high resistance to darkening and cold.

There are other varieties of the mountain goat.

This species is preferable for the northern regions, as it is able to withstand frosts down to -40 degrees Celsius. The flowers are yellow with charming purple sepals. They look great against a background of green leaves. Contrasting combinations have always attracted the attention of gardeners. In autumn, the plant mass acquires a red tint. The height of the solid cover reaches 130 centimeters.

The second name is Orange Kenigen. An unpretentious plant that develops without problems in partial shade. On the territory of the Moscow region, it is able to winter without shelter. This species is often used as a ground cover flower that inhibits the spread of weeds on the site. Varlian mountain woman is often chosen to decorate borders.

Horny Goat Weed, which reaches a height and diameter of 25-35 centimeters. This rhizome perennial plant belongs to the barberry family. Leaves are standard green. The charming flowers consist of white and light yellow petals. One of the types of multi-colored mountain goat.

And also this species is called the rare-flowered mountain goat. Creeping rhizomes form moderately dense thickets. Shoots are covered with neat leathery leaves and small inflorescences, which are collected from pink flowers. This species does not displace or drown out nearby growing plants. Among the frost-resistant varieties of Horny Goat Weed, the following types are distinguished.

• Alpine. The first thing that attracts attention of this plant is the unusual structure of the flowers. The bush reaches a height of 15-25 centimeters. The color of the petals is yellow, the sepals are reddish.
• Multi-colored. This is a whole group of plants that are a hybrid of Colchis and large-flowered flowerless. Height - about 45 centimeters. Even with the onset of winter, the leaves are remarkably preserved. The buds are creamy yellow. The leaves are bright. This species inherits drought tolerance from the Colchis Horny Goat Weed.

All varieties of a flower can boast of being unpretentious and resistant. It grows without problems both in the shade and in sunny areas. However, experienced flower growers are advised to choose areas in partial shade for planting. Locations near tall trees or shrubs that cast a shadow will do. It is advisable to create conditions for the flower that are as close to natural as possible.

Many gardeners plant the Horny Goat Weed next to large boulders or piles of stones, on the eastern or northern slopes. The soil should be moderately moist and rich in nutrients. The flower does not tolerate waterlogging. It develops well in sandy-manure or clay-manure soil.

Growing a mountain goat is a simple process due to its unpretentiousness. Many varieties are resistant to sudden temperature changes, but severe frost can harm shrubs. The flower may die. Heat in hot seasons is not as dangerous for the plant as low temperatures. During this period, it is necessary to water the Horny Goat goat gossip more often, but at the same time make sure that the water does not stagnate in the soil. The site is irrigated systematically, but regularly and often, taking into account the weather conditions. If water remains in the upper layers of the soil, the roots will begin to rot.

The surface of the soil is covered with a layer of mulch or regularly loosened so that oxygen reaches the roots. In winter, sprinkle the roots with a layer of compost so that they do not freeze. In regions with severe and prolonged frosts, spruce branches or dry foliage are laid on top of the compost. Peat and crushed bark are also suitable as mulch. Evergreen varieties need shelter, regardless of the intensity of the frost. With the arrival of spring, as soon as the snow cover melts, the shelter is removed. Some species are able to withstand winter without insulation.

When cultivating the epimedium, systematic feeding is not used. You can, in general, do without fertilizers if the plants are planted in fertile soil. When grown in depleted soil, complex formulations based on minerals are used. The compost is injected twice throughout the season. Another feature of the Horny Goat Weed is reliable immunity that protects it from diseases and harmful insects.

Sometimes the flower is attacked by slugs or vole mice. You can get rid of them with the help of deterrent devices or special traps. The root system of the plant is formed in the upper layers of the soil, which must be taken into account when loosening the site. The acidity reaction should be neutral.

The breeding method depends on the growing region. On the territory of middle latitudes, the following options are most often used: by dividing a bush or by seeds. The second method is chosen very rarely, since it takes a lot of time and has its own difficulties. When using seed, a two-stage stratification is carried out, after which seedlings must be grown from seeds. Initially, the material is kept at room temperature for about 20 days. After that, it is transferred to the refrigerator and left there for 30 days. Then this procedure is repeated. Once the seeds have been in the refrigerator for about one month, they are sown in a soil mixture that consists of sand mixed with peat.

Containers with future seedlings are covered with a thick film to create a greenhouse effect. The comfortable temperature for germination is 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. After 1-2 weeks, the first seedlings will be visible. Under suitable conditions, the seedlings germinate very quickly, and by the end of May they are ready to be transplanted into the garden. The first flowering should be expected only after 3-4 years.

It is advisable to propagate adult bushes by dividing. The work is recommended to be performed at the beginning of autumn. First you need to carefully remove the plant from the soil, and thoroughly clean the roots from the ground. The root system is divided into several equal parts using a sharp and clean knife, which it is advisable to pre-disinfect. Each part should have three buds. After the delenki, they are seated in the planting holes, which were prepared in advance. Their depth is 4-6 centimeters.

Moderate watering should be done immediately after planting, and a layer of dry leaves should be spread over the plants. When transferring a flower to the garden, you need to make sure that there is a gap of 30-40 centimeters between the bushes. The soil must be thoroughly moist and fertile. And also the Horny Goat Weed can be planted in an area with loose soil and a high lime content.

A huge variety of varieties of mountain goat weed has found its application in landscaping adjacent territories and other land plots.

• Horny Goat Weed is often used in mixed plantings, combining it with other perennials.

• They can be used as a stand-alone or additional decoration.

• The flower will attract attention throughout the year. In autumn, the leaves change color, and in spring the shoots are covered with colorful flowers of amazing shapes. In one flower bed, flowers with a similar or contrasting color look great.