Clethra is a herbaceous evergreen plant that belongs to the Clethra family. Representatives of this family mostly grow along the river coast and in swampy areas. The genus includes about 80 species. One of the most common types is the alder-leaved cage. On the territory of many household plots, you can find various types of cages.
Description of the cage plant
Cletra is similar to shrubs and sometimes reaches impressive sizes. The root system protrudes on the surface and consists of numerous layers. The surface of the shoots is pubescent. They begin to unfold in late spring. The shape of the leaves is solid, the edges are serrate. The leaf blades are arranged in the next order. The opened snow-white flowers resemble bird cherry. Inflorescences gather in lush panicles and bloom in August or September. The fruit of the cage is a seed capsule.
Some representatives of the genus are included in the group of tall plants, while others barely reach a meter in height. The cletra is planted as a hedge or decorated with rock gardens.
Planting a cage in open ground
The optimal growing medium for this woody shrub is considered to be a light, drained, acidic substrate containing a mixture of humus and sand. The plant is oppressed by too nutritious and alkaline soil. Planting is carried out in places where access to light is limited so that the sun's rays do not harm the leaves and shoots. A favorable time for planting cages in open ground falls in May.
The seedling is placed in a previously prepared hole, dug to a depth of at least half a meter. Drainage material is poured onto the bottom of such a pit. The thickness of the layer should not exceed 15 cm. The root system of the seedling is carefully straightened, and the voids around are sealed with a substrate of peat, coniferous soil and sand, taken in a ratio of 3: 1: 1. Sawdust and a few tablespoons of sulfur are added to them. At the end of planting, the area is watered with vinegar solution. A bucket of water contains 100 g of 6% vinegar. After complete absorption of moisture, the soil is well compacted.
Caring for the cage in the garden
As well as planting, care activities are not difficult. It is important to regularly monitor the condition of the plant and perform simple operations: water, loosen the soil, weed and feed the site, pinch and remove excess shoots, cut off old branches, protect bushes from insects and diseases, and arrange shelter before wintering. Mulching avoids frequent weeding and retains moisture for a long time. Sawdust, peat and small chips are used as mulch.
Watering
Cage bushes require abundant watering. The plant withers quickly if it lacks moisture. Particular importance should be given to the area around the main trunk. The soil should always be kept moist here. It is recommended to use warm water for irrigation.Watering sessions are performed in the evenings or before sunrise so that the water does not burn the leaves.
Fertilization
The first time after planting, the plant does well without feeding. Adult specimens require additional nutrition in the form of fertilization with liquid mineral compositions.
Pruning inflorescences
Inflorescences are capable of forming only on new shoots. For this reason, the formation of the crown begins in the fall, when the flowering ends. It is better to deal with the removal of damaged and deformed branches or diseased shoots with the arrival of spring, before the process of sap flow begins.
Wintering
Bushes growing in one place for several years in a row can endure wintering without additional shelter, but young growth needs protection from cold and frost with the help of dry foliage and spruce branches.
Diseases and pests
With excessive soil moisture and damp weather, the cage is exposed to late blight disease. Signs of the disease are considered gray spot on the leaves and wilting of the shoots. The diseased parts are removed, then the bushes are treated with chemicals. The procedure is repeated at least three times.
Powdery mildew is also dangerous. Its spores are capable of covering leaf blades and shoots with a white bloom. You can cope with the causative agent of the disease with the help of preparations based on sulfur or copper. We are talking about Topaz, Fundazol or Topsin.
A viral infection is a serious threat, because effective drugs that can stop the spread of the infection are still not produced. In the course of the disease, the natural color of the shoots and flowers is disturbed. At the first signs of the disease, it is worthwhile to immediately cut out the affected parts and monitor their development in the future. The appearance of traces of the virus on healthy bushes indicates the infection of all plantings on the site. In this case, the bushes are dug up and burned.
Shrubs are also harmed by scabies. This is the name of the sucking insectivores feeding on cell sap. To destroy them, use a soap solution or chemicals.
Types and varieties of cages
Among the cultural representatives of the cage, several species forms of deciduous shrubs can be distinguished.
Alder-leaved cletra
The plant grows to a height of about two meters. The shrub began its distribution from the eastern regions of North America. Flowering occurs at the end of July. The flowers exude a pleasant aroma. The inflorescences are collected in even pyramids, the length of the petals does not exceed 15 cm. The edges of the leaf blades are serrated, ovoid. With the arrival of autumn, young seedlings turn yellow. The most common varieties are:
- September Beauty - late blooms, flowers are white;
- Rosea - decorated with delicate pink inflorescences;
- Ruby Spice - has dark flowers;
- Kril Kaliko - variegated leaves of the variety;
- Sistine Candles and Himmingbird - undersized variety, shoots do not exceed a meter in height;
- Piniculata - the branches are bent, the shrub has large snow-white inflorescences;
- Pink Spire - attracts with bright pink flowers;
Cletra beard-veined
Japanese cage is also called - it can grow up to 10 m. The homeland of the shrub is the Japanese islands. The color of the bark is green with brown spots. Over time, it begins to flake off. The leaf blades are deep green, the edges are jagged. At the end of the season, the plant changes the color of the leaves to reddish-yellow. Inflorescences are white, gather in the form of pyramids on the branches and open at the beginning of summer. The flowering period is three to four months.
Cletra doing
It is characterized by straight shoots reaching a height of up to 10 m. Foliage of a noble green shade. The leaves are decorated with small teeth. Pink buds open in July. White-yellow inflorescences do not fade for a month and a half.
Tree cletra
It can be found both in gardens as a natural gardener and in the wild in Madeira.The height of the tree is approximately 2-3 meters. The ground parts of the plant are covered with light brown hairy pubescence, and the flowers form large snow-white brushes.
