The flower of the nemophilous for our gardens is quite rare, but it is a very beautiful plant. But it is rare not because of its peculiarities of cultivation, but only because few people know about it. Although, this one-year-old flower is quite worthy of being given a place in the flowerbed. After all, the American forget-me-not, so nemophile is called at home, is very unpretentious and bright.
Popular varieties of nemophil
Nemofilas are divided into three types:
- "Nemofila spotted" - a plant that grows up to 20 cm in height. The flowers are usually white, with small bright purple spots. The most famous variety of this kind of nemophile is the "ladybug", sometimes called "Barbara". The flowers of the Ladybird usually do not exceed 3-5 cm in diameter and are shaped like a wide bell.
- "Nemofila Mentsis" - differs from the previous species by the shape of the leaves and the color of the flowers. The most famous variety of the non-mummy Mencis is "Penny Black", also called "black Penny" or "shepherdess". The flowers are slightly smaller than the nemophil spotted, only 2-3 cm. But they look very advantageous - purple, almost black inflorescences with a white edging.
- "Nemofila excellent" begins to bloom 8-10 weeks after planting. The colors are quite diverse, although the most common is blue color - a sort of "baby blue eyes".
Planting and caring for the nemophile
Like all other annual flowers, the nemophile is grown from seeds. When choosing a place for her, know that she tolerates both the sun and the shadow well. Although, flower growers have noticed that the sunny areas of the nemophile bloom is stronger. The soil of the nemophile prefers loose, fertile and with good water permeability.
Now let's talk about the landing time. Season is selected on the basis of when they want to see the flowering. If you want to see flowering flower beds already in June, then safely plant the nemophile in the soil in April-March. Its great advantage is frost resistance. If you like the autumn flowering, then sow the seeds in July.
In order to get a solid bright carpet on the flower bed, plant seeds at a distance of 10-20 cm from each other. Carefully ensure that the seeds are not sprinkled with earth more than 0.5 cm.
After the seeds are in the soil, it is necessary to provide them with regular and full-fledged watering. Nemofil is a very hygrophilous plant. If your region is hot enough summer, then ensure that the roots of the nemophilia are cool. To do this, you can use a thick layer of mulch . And of course do not forget about the constant watering.
When you notice on the shoots tied buds, spend feeding. Feed the nemophile with complex mineral fertilizers. Well, and of course, do not forget about the weeds that not only spoil the appearance of the flowerbed, but prevent you from growing up to your beauty. But pests are not terrible nemophile, the only disease that can adversely affect her health is dryness.
A little interesting and useful
Nemofila is not critical to the choice of neighbors. Thanks to this, its property of nemophilia and other annual flowers can create a variety of bright floral masterpieces that will amaze all the riot of colors and shapes. Nemofil looks very nice if you plant it next to bells, phlox or ordinary large daisies. The combination of nemophilia and calendula adds to the flower bed motley and fun.
Also, nemophilus can be used as a pot plant. But, unfortunately, it will not be possible to grow it at home. But in summer, planted in pendant containers, pots and baskets, the neophyte will beautify the air space of your site.