Ceratostigma (Ceratostigma) is a flowering plant from the Pig family. Most of the species of these cute phlox-like flowers come from China, but ceratostigmas are also found throughout Asia, as well as in the east of the African continent. This genus is represented by both perennial grasses and shrubs that retain their decorative appearance all year round or shed their leaves for the winter. Among the ceratostigmas, there are also vines with not too long (up to 1 m) stems covered with dense fluff.
Bluish-blue or purple inflorescences of ceratostigma emerge from the axils of the leaves or are located at the top of the stems. Each of the flowers consists of five petals fused at the base. After flowering, a small fruit with thorns is formed in their place, which contains only one seed.
In addition to its visual appeal, ceratostigma also has practical benefits. One of its types was used to obtain a special substance - plumbagin - which serves as a preservative for winemakers. In addition, this substance was included in many soft drinks: for example, it was found in the famous "Tarhun".
Rules for growing ceratostigma
Growing ceratostigma will require a brightly lit place, sheltered from cold drafts. These flowers can be planted on the south as well as the southeast and southwest side. In partial shade, the bushes will also feel good, but they still take on the most magnificent appearance in the sun. That is why you should not place plantings next to tall trees or buildings that block the light from them.
For planting, a light and well-drained soil of moderate fertility is suitable. The soil should be sufficiently loose and only slightly moist: planting in a lowland, where water stagnates for a long time, can destroy the plant just like too dense clay soil. If the soil on the site is too heavy, sand should be added to it, and then thoroughly loosened everything up. The delicate roots of ceratostigma should be protected during planting.
When distributing seedlings in flower beds or beds, it is necessary to maintain a significant distance of at least 1 m between the bushes. Growing, each bush can fill an area of about 60 cm in diameter, therefore, with a closer arrangement, the plants can begin to drown out each other. It is worth taking care that the flower does not force its neighbors out of the flower bed. To do this, you can periodically divide the bushes of ceratostigma or regulate the spread of its roots.
Immediately after planting, the seedlings should be watered, but in the future, ceratostigma will not require frequent soil moisture. Usually it has enough normal rainfall, the only exceptions are periods of prolonged droughts. If the flowers are grown in containers, they are watered as the soil dries.
For ceratostigma, one, one-time spring feeding will be enough. The bushes can be watered with organic or mineral water.In the spring, after the snow melts, the plant is pruned. All dried branches of last year should be removed from the bushes, stimulating the growth of fresh shoots. Ceratostigma flowers are formed only on young branches that have appeared in the current year.
It is assumed that the plants are able to withstand frosts down to -10 degrees, but for the reliability of ceratostigma it is still recommended to cover it for the winter, throwing spruce branches and foliage on the bushes. From above they are covered with dense material, for example, burlap. But in the spring, such a shelter will need to be removed in a timely manner. Otherwise, the root necks of the bushes may begin to rot from waterlogging. In regions with harsher winters, it is recommended to grow these flowers in portable containers or pots. Plants, planted in mobile containers, are transferred to a cool, bright room for the winter, where they keep about +10 degrees Celsius. The lower temperature threshold for them is +3 degrees.
If ceratostigma is purchased in the store in the form of seedlings, you need to pay attention to the leaves of the plant. They must be uniform in color. As a rule, bushes are transplanted either before or after their flowering.
Methods of reproduction of ceratostigma
Reproduction by layering
There are several ways to propagate ceratostigma. One of the easiest is propagation by layering. In the fall, a young and flexible branch is bent to the ground, slightly covered and secured with a load - for example, a board. During the winter, such layers will give their own roots, and in the spring the new plant can be separated and transplanted to the desired place.
In the spring, the bushes can be propagated by division or cuttings. Suitable for cuttings are young, not stiff shoots of approximately 10 cm in length. Before planting, the lower leaves are removed from them. For speed of rooting, you can treat the end of the cuttings immersed in the ground with a stimulant solution. For disembarkation, a light peat-sand mixture is usually used, and then the container is covered with a bag. When the cuttings are taken in, fresh leaves will begin to appear. Such seedlings are moved to a new place with care. To avoid damaging the fragile roots of ceratostigma, it is best to use the transshipment method.
Growing ceratostigma from seeds
You can also grow ceratostigma from seeds. They are sown for seedlings at the very end of February or in March, burying only 0.5 cm in the ground. In order to contact the roots as little as possible during transplantation, it is best to use peat cups for growing seedlings. At a temperature of about +20, seedlings should appear within 2 weeks. Seedlings should be planted in the ground after all frosts have passed, but such bushes will bloom only after a year.
Pests and diseases
The dense fluff located on the surface of the leaf blades of ceratostigma protects the plant from most pests, but it is still susceptible to some diseases. One of them is powdery mildew. If a whitish bloom appears on the foliage, it is necessary to treat the bushes with appropriate preparations.
Another common disease of ceratostigma is root rot. The reason for its development is too frequent watering or too dense soil without a proper drainage layer.
Application of ceratostigma in landscape design
The autumn flowering of ceratostigma makes it a welcome guest in many flower gardens. Its bushes are often used as curbs and ground covers. They frame the walls of buildings, use mixborders in the foreground, and also plant them in rockeries and alpine slides. The bright color of the autumn foliage of the shrubs makes them look spectacular in combination with low conifers, as well as grasses and bushes with bluish or silvery leaves.
Types of ceratostigma with photos and names
Piggy (plumbagoid)
Creeping ground cover perennial, reaching 30 cm in height. The homeland of this species is considered to be the west of China.At the end of spring, oval leaves with a wavy edge appear on such a ceratostigma. On the front side, the sheet is painted in a deep green color, and on the wrong side it has a grayish color. In autumn, the color of the foliage changes to fiery red or reddish brown. Small flowers are located on the tops of the stems. The flowering period occurs in late summer or the first autumn weeks. The species is considered one of the most frost-resistant.
Wilmott (Chinese)
Another Chinese variety revered by the Tibetans as a symbol of wisdom. This type of ceratostigma forms low deciduous shrubs. The foliage combines shades of green and crimson. The flowers are light blue with a red center. You can admire them from the end of August.
Small (minus)
Shrub with many side shoots. The foliage has pubescence, and by autumn it is painted in crimson shades. The diameter of the flowers does not exceed 2 cm, their color is violet-blue. The flowering period is in early autumn.
Ushkovaya
Perennial ground cover, used not only as a garden plant, but also as a potted plant. Reaches up to 35 cm in height. Stems are thin, covered with small and soft light green foliage. The apical inflorescences-brushes are flowers painted in sky-blue tones. For growing in the garden, sowing for seedlings is usually required.
Griffith
Himalayan variety. Forms evergreen bushes, usually of low height, but individual specimens can grow to almost a meter in size. Spreading branches are covered with convex leaves of bright green color. Their edges are reddish-lilac. The apical flowers of bluish-purple shades appear in summer.
