Mirabilis: description, planting and care at home

Novice gardeners and florists use only well-developed crops. But sooner or later, there is a desire to try your hand at growing exotic plants. Mirabilis will prove to be quite a promising candidate for such a "training".

Rare gardeners would not want to grow unusual flowers on their site. At the same time, they usually strive for the culture to be liked not only by the owners, but also by guests and ordinary passers-by. Mirabilis looks attractive enough to even try to grow it. This family includes over 40 species. Like many popular ornamental plants, it comes from the New World (more specifically, from Mexico).

From European countries, the culture came to Egypt, where it received the nickname "pearls". In Russia, there is only one wild mirabilis - "night beauty". Any other species simply will not tolerate even minor cold weather. The "Night Beauty" was also highly appreciated by domestic gardeners who liked the bright colors. They also speak positively about how the culture smells.

Mirabilis is appreciated by landscape designers. A shrub plant rarely has a height of more than 1 m. It has a powerful root system.

The foliage of mirabilis is distinguished by its rich green tone and high density. Such a strong structure allows you to save the necessary substances almost until the end of autumn. The colors are characterized by rich colors:

• purple;

• pink;

• yellow;

• Orange.

Soft petals are sticky. Seed germination in both annuals and perennials of mirabilis lasts about 3 years.

But, in addition to her, you can grow both multi-flowered and round-leaved mirabilis. Much depends not so much on the specific type as on the professionalism and the adequacy of the approach.

The Latin name of culture is not without reason associated with the word "amazing"; this is fully justified. The genus mirabilis, according to some estimates, includes almost 60 species. The flowers open at about 16 o'clock. Mostly close at dawn. And in cloudy weather, this may not happen at all.

Already in antiquity, the Aztecs appreciated the mirabilis. They found that it is not only beautiful but also has valuable medicinal properties. The roots of the plant contain a powerful laxative. Stems and foliage suppress inflammation and promote faster wound healing.

Mirabilis is a perennial in its "historical homeland", but it lives in a colder European climate for only one year. The root system will not be able to withstand even very mild cold weather.

The cultivation conditions strongly influence the height of the plant. It can vary from 0.5 to 1.2 m. The roots of mirabilis, although they suffer greatly from frost, can perfectly tolerate a dry period. The scent of the plant can attract moths and some moths. The fruit looks like a shriveled dark brown box, only one seed is hidden inside it.

From the view "night beauty" was obtained, for example, grade "Iolanta". Its round bush reaches a height of 0.5 m.The knotty shoots are very powerful. The flowers look like a funnel. They are intensely colored, and the entire corolla appears to be shaded.

The flowering period of "Iolanta" lasts from the end of June until the first frost. It may also be attractive "Red Lollipop". Its bushes grow up to 0.9 m. On smooth shoots of great thickness, there are branches on top. The diameter of the flowers of the "Red Lollipop" is about 0.06 m.

Many gardeners like and "Elvira". Its fluffy bushes are medium-sized. Branching shoots are very durable. Oblong leaf plates are dark green in color. The flowers have a diameter of 0.035 m.

Yalapa is a perennial herb, the height of which ranges from 0.3 to 0.8 m. The plant forms upright, actively branching shoots. Large bright leaves are formed on them. In the first half of summer, corymbose inflorescences formed by night flowers develop. The usual flower diameter is 0.025 m, and outwardly it resembles a funnel.

The Yalapa species is famous for its powerful aroma. A mixture of varieties "Tea time" is in demand. She has many flowers. Buds can have:

• raspberry;
• white;
• orange;
• red;
• yellow;
• pink coloration.

The multi-flowered species is a herbaceous perennial variety of mirabilis. Its height reaches about 0.8 m. On bare stems that grow straight, oblong foliage is formed, in configuration resembling rather an egg. In May, the tip of the shoot and deciduous sinuses form inflorescences. Each inflorescence can contain 6 buds, which bloom alternately.

The round-leaved type is a relatively compact plant, the height of which is no more than 0.3 m. Oval-shaped sticky leaves grow on the trunk. The length of one leaf ranges from 0.05 to 0.07 m. The upper part of the bell-like bedspread produces 1-3 purple-pink flowers. They will bloom in the evenings, and close in the late morning hours.

As for annual varieties, among them stands out Broken Colors. Straight branches can rise up to 0.5 m. The culture is suitable for both flower beds and ridges. The culture is considered drought tolerant and appreciates warmth. Lighting should be at a decent level.

Mirabilis matis can be used to decorate gardens and open spaces. But it is also appreciated in the design:

• pots;
• verandas;
• terraces;
• living rooms.

Considering that in Russia mirabilis can only be an annual, it is advisable to propagate it by seeds. There is no sense in cutting out cuttings or dividing along the roots. In any case, such a seedling will die during the winter. Even when he is kept in the basement and provided with the required temperature. For the same reasons, it is impossible to sow in open ground - it is imperative to prepare seedlings.

It can be grown even on clay soil. And yet, the optimal result can be achieved only with the right approach. Mirabilis blooms magnificently and produces large beautiful flowers only in warm, well-lit corners.

It is very good if the flowers are covered with shade in the afternoon. Excessive heat can block bud ejection. Mirabilis is extremely poorly tolerated by a draft, and even more so by strong winds. It is best suited for a soil with weak acidity or with a neutral reaction.

The soil should contain a lot of nutrients and be loose. You can fight the excess acidity of the earth with quicklime. Some people use dolomite flour.

"Night Beauty" in the main part of the territory of Russia can be grown without problems. This plant can be planted directly in open ground if:

• from the end of April, a positive temperature is established;
• summer is long and warm;
• precipitation is relatively small.

Mirabilis begins to bloom late (in the last days of June and later). To achieve at least this result, you need to plant seeds in the ground in early May. Since sometimes the earth does not have time to warm up at the right time, you will have to use miniature greenhouses. In them, oval seeds are laid out in pairs. The distance between them is 0.2-0.3 m, while deepening into the ground is made for a maximum of 0.02 m.

Some gardeners soak their seeds in clean, warm water before planting. This technique allows you to shorten the germination time.

It is believed that growing mirabilis with seeds is easy and simple. But such a solution is not always optimal. The seedling technique is recommended for those for whom the earliest flowering is very important. Also, this method is suitable for areas with cold climates.

The roots of this plant grow in depth, therefore additional space for them is very important. In addition to packaging, you need to prepare or buy a substrate. When self-preparing the soil, the same amount is used;

• peat;
• washed sand;
• turf.

Before sowing, 0.03 kg of wood ash must be put inside the pot. Seeds must be soaked in wet wipes for at least 12 hours. If this is not done, you will have to wait an additional 1-2 days before shoots appear. Put 2 or 3 seeds on a glass (pot), no more. The fact is that the seedlings are very large and develop rapidly.

Covering seeds with soil should be about 0.02 m, no more. Then a small layer of dry earth is poured. It is poured over with warm water and covered with transparent polyethylene.

At the same time, the pots are rearranged on the windowsill. At the same time, the conditions of their maintenance are carefully observed in order to guarantee an optimal result. Watering the seedlings should be done in moderation. Excessive humidity can even kill the plant. Only after complete drying, a small amount of water is used for irrigation.

It is not possible to transplant mirabilis to the place of permanent cultivation until the end of May. Wells are advised to be prepared in advance. 0.3-0.5 m are left between the landing points. The exact distance is selected according to the crop variety. Additionally, a mineral fertilizer complex is laid.

But it is not enough to limit yourself only to the general rules for handling seedlings. You also need to know how to look after them after disembarkation. Despite the minimal whimsy of night flowers, you will have to take care of the care. Watering mirabilis is recommended regularly, but not too often.

If the number of flowers is decreasing, you can shorten the watering interval by 1 or 2 days. However, when this does not help, it is impossible to additionally increase watering. It is necessary to understand the cause of the problem, and, if necessary, cure the flowers.With a sufficient amount of natural moisture, watering is completely contraindicated. A surplus of water for a "night beauty" is noticeably worse than a shortage of it.

Top dressing is done at least three times per season. For the first time, a complex fertilizer containing nitrogen is used. It must be laid immediately after planting seedlings, or before the formation of buds. The second supplement is made in mid-July. The third time - approximately in the last days of August.

In the second and third feeding, nitrogen is not used. Because of it, flowering worsens. But the mineral components are very important.

It is possible to maintain the strength and health of this culture if, after all the rains or watering, the soil is loosened as soon as possible. It is also recommended to combine this procedure with weeding. Closer to mid-October, the bushes should be dug and disposed of. Usually, before this, seeds are collected for breeding the plant for the next year. However, in the warmest regions of Russia, you can try to save mirabilis for the next season: for this, the roots are abundantly mulched or covered with spruce paws.

How exactly to use the seeds of the plant is already clear. Cuttings are less popular. The point is that it gives less stable results. If it is decided to try propagation by cuttings, it is necessary to dry them, and then process them with a growth accelerator. Next, the mirabilis is planted in a well-composed substrate; if successful, rooting will occur within 12-16 days.

Apical cuttings can be rooted in peat soil. Coarse sand is added to it. Another option is spring planting of mirabilis tubers in open soil. This method allows you to:

• accelerate development;
• increase the size of the plant;
• reduce the waiting time for flowering by 2 weeks;
• guarantee the flowering itself (excluding surprises).

Returning to seed growing, I must say that the seeds need to be scarified or soaked. Sometimes furrows are made with a depth of 0.03 m. The distance between the seeds is approximately 0.07-0.08 m, and then the seedlings must be thinned out. Excessive sprouts are either discarded altogether, or used as seedlings. Furrows are covered with a small layer of earth.

Next, the plantings are watered with moderately warm water. It is necessary to cover the flower bed with plastic wrap. Some gardeners use modern nonwovens instead. Self-seeding is also suitable for growing mirabilis. All that is needed then from the gardener is thinning the seedlings or transplanting the shoots to the right place.

Of the drugs that encourage the formation of roots, Kornevin is best suited. Some farmers prefer to root the cuttings in a layer of perlite or in a homogeneous peat-sand mixture.

It is necessary to keep young plants in a bright room, which is guaranteed not to freeze. In this case, it is required to constantly maintain the soil in a moist state. When transplanting into a flower garden (end of May or June), it is necessary to bury the seedling in the ground to the bottom pair of leaves. The tubers are divided in April or May. To do this, use a well-sharpened knife, leaving 2 or 3 buds on each branch.

Places of cuts are sprinkled with a mixture of sulfur and crushed coal. In the process of planting, the neck of the root is immersed 0.03-0.05 m into the ground. The first watering should be done carefully and in a limited amount. Otherwise, strong decay is inevitable.

Seed cultivation of a plant, in addition to less laboriousness, is attractive by maintaining the germination of planting material for 3 or 5 years. Young plants will start to grow quickly and can bloom luxuriantly. From the growth accelerators when treating seeds, use "Epin-extra". In flower beds, mirabilis is planted according to the scheme:

• undersized - 0.2x0.2 m;
• medium-sized - 0.3x0.3 and 0.4x0.4 m;
• tall - 0.4x0.5 or 0.5x0.5 m.

The fight against rust and various kinds of stains is quite simple. In addition to getting rid of infected leaves, a fungicide must be used. Usually use "Fundazol", but sometimes other drugs are used. To avoid root rot, it is enough to ration watering; if the disease does happen, the diseased specimens are removed. The soil will have to be treated with a fungicide to prevent additional fungal infestation.

For this, special microorganisms are added. Widespread Baikal-EM-1, Agrozin, Gutamat. A chemically safe way to protect against diseases and parasites is to strengthen the immune system with stimulants. A suitable result can give not only "Epin-extra", but also "Dominant" and "Agrostimulin".

Mirabilis is usually planted in a flower bed in a garden in large groups. Low-growing varieties are well suited for growing on a balcony or planting on a curb. To form a mixborder or a combined rabatka, it is recommended to use plants of large growth. The same specimens are suitable for hedges.

But the night beauty is also attractive as a tapeworm. After all, the significant dimensions of the bush and the brightness of the multi-colored inflorescences make it a spectacular decoration. You can combine mirabilis with:

• daisies;
• petunias;
• cloves;
• various cereals;
• yarrow.

Some gardeners and landscape designers grow it with nigella, marigold, dimorphoteka. Occasionally, daisies are also planted next to the "night beauty". Low-growing varieties of "night beauty" are often planted in deep pots. This solution is perfect for decorating a terrace or balcony. Bushes that give spreading greenery are used as a background for a flower bed. Closing flowers during daytime allows them to be used as a green base for other plants in the flower garden.

For the care of mirabilis, see below.