The exotic plant of the dycenter has a second name among the people - "Flower of the Heart". You can meet him in many flower beds and garden plots. Flower growers - amateurs really like this flower because of its original shape and pleasant light aroma.
This perennial herb is considered unpretentious and does not require increased attention and complex care. Beautiful, heart-shaped flowers pierced by an arrow will appear on the site even if the minimum requirements for care and cultivation are met.
How to grow a dicenter in the garden
Dicentra can grow in a shaded garden area, near trees, as well as in a well-lit area as one of the main plants on an alpine slide. The plant is widely represented by a variety of species, both common and undersized. They bloom in early spring and are considered a very popular ornamental plant. Dicenter seeds can be purchased at any specialty store in many countries around the world. In European countries, the dicenter has been known since 1816.
Blooming dicenter is also called a romantic flower. Its petals, when blooming, form a heart-shaped purple hue. Rich green leaves and lush flowers are eye-catching and decorate the flower garden.
Varieties and types of dicentra differ in height and splendor of shrubs, as well as in color. One of the most beautiful and solemn is Belaya Dicenter, which attracts the eye with its white racemose inflorescences and rather large leaves. This species is popular in eastern China and the Korean Peninsula. This type of plant is ideal for growing in a garden and flower garden.
Although the plant belongs to exotic flowers, it is not difficult to care for it. Even a novice florist will be able to cope with the basic rules and recommendations. It is necessary to start by choosing a land plot and preparing the soil. Then you need to purchase plant seeds or cuttings, as well as the right fertilizers.
How to prepare a land plot
Site preparation is carried out in the autumn, followed by wintering or about thirty days before planting the seeds. When choosing a place, it should be borne in mind that the dicenter will feel most comfortable in an area with slightly acidic fertile soil, although in any soil it can easily take root and grow. The dicentra is not a capricious plant, but it is very sensitive to excessively moist soil. In areas with a high level of humidity, it is recommended to use a drainage layer (for example, from broken brick or crushed stone).
In the autumn months, the soil must be dug up and fertilized. Humus and mineral supplements are usually used. One square meter will require about five kilograms of humus and one tablespoon of mineral fertilizer. The prepared land plot is left alone until spring or one month before the planting date.
Planting dicenter
The plant can be grown using seeds or root cuttings. The root part of the shrub must be carefully cut with a knife into several shoots so that at least three buds remain on each. The bush holes should be about 30-40 centimeters deep and at least fifty centimeters apart. You can plant one seedling in one hole, and if desired (for further splendor of the plant) - 3 cuttings each.
Seed propagation does not produce large shoots. The seedling method of growing is not suitable for the bleeding center. Germination will be small, and the ovary will be even less.
The most popular and effective method of planting a plant is indoor distillation. In the very last week of August, it is necessary to dig up an adult dicenter and divide its root part into separate seedlings. Each seedling must be planted in a separate container and placed in a cool dark room for 80-90 days. During all this time, do not forget about regular and moderate watering. The soil in the pot should not dry out.
After 90 days (approximately at the end of November), flower containers are transferred to light windowsills and continue to water and spray. The dicentra will bloom very soon. Once the flowering period is over, the plant can be transferred back to a darkened room.
When dividing the roots of a flower into cuttings and when planting them, it is recommended to use protective gloves, since the root of the plant contains toxic substances hazardous to health.
Dicenter care rules
Watering
The amount of liquid during irrigation depends on the air temperature and precipitation. In the hot summer months and in the absence of rain for a long time, the amount of watering can be increased, and on other days - moderate watering without excess moisture. The soil should not be too wet, root rot may occur.
Weeding and removing dried plants
It is recommended to regularly rid the area near the dicenter of weeds, as well as cut off wilted and dried parts of the shrub in time. Stems that have already faded and yellow leaves should be cut off immediately. At the end of the flowering period, you need to cut off all the stems at the very root. Only small stumps should remain on the flower beds.
Fertilization
As a top dressing for this exotic flower, you can use complex top dressing for flowering plants. Fertilizer is applied to the soil during watering about 1-2 times a season.
Soil mulching
A mulching layer is necessary for plants in the cold winter to protect them from frost. In autumn, after pruning, the remaining parts of the plants are covered with a peat layer or sprinkled with a layer of pine needles. Pine or spruce needles will reliably cover and protect the root of the dicentra until spring. It is recommended to remove the cover only after the onset of real spring. In early spring, night frosts are still possible, so do not rush to leave the plants without insulation. Young tender seedlings can die even at low subzero temperatures.
Dicenter in landscape design
"Flower of the Heart" is used in group and single plantings, in flower arrangements, in festive bouquets, in the decoration of premises for special events. The dicentra with its unusual hearts - flowers becomes the main element of decor on a flower garden, on an alpine hill, in a garden. Floral and landscape designers use exotic dicenter for curbs and rockeries.
When all favorable conditions are created, the plant will delight with its unusual flowering for many years in a row in one place. Every flower lover will be able to admire its lush bloom.
