Kniphofia (Kniphofia) or kniphofia is a perennial herb, belongs to the genus of the subfamily Asphodelovs and has signs of the Xantorreev family. This original exotic can be found in natural conditions on the territory of South and East Africa, where flower plantings are able to climb even on a hill. In the old botanical sources, the cniphophia was considered a representative of the Liliaceae family. In total, the genus has about 75 species and hybrid forms, many of which are suitable for cultivation in gardens as cultivated flowering gardeners. The origin of the genus name is associated with the name of the famous German scientist who studied the flora, Kniphof.
Description and characteristics of bnifophy
Knifofia is one of the most beautiful exotic plants. Its vegetative terrestrial parts are capable of retaining their natural green color throughout the year. Shoot height reaches about 60-150 cm. Some varieties grow about three meters in length. The root system is poorly developed. The main root is thick and short. The leaf blades look leathery, grow out of the root rosette. From straight peduncles spike-shaped inflorescences bloom, collected from small reddish and yellowish flowers. A distinctive feature of the plant is the fact that flowers and buds have different colors. Flowering falls in July. At the end of flowering, the cniphophia still looks attractive and does not lose its decorative grace until the onset of frost. In place of the inflorescences, seed bolls ripen in the future.
Growing knifophya from seeds
Sowing seeds for seedlings
With the help of seeds, it is possible to get seedlings. Sowing is carried out in April. The seeds are poured into wooden boxes with a flower substrate. Then they are covered with polyethylene and kept indoors at room temperature until the first shoots appear. Crops must be regularly aired and watered. With timely care, young sprouts become noticeable after a couple of weeks. The protective film is removed daily for several hours so that the seedlings quickly get used to the fresh air and harden. When a pair of real leaves is formed, the seedlings are picked into cups. Knifofia comes from warm regions, therefore it reacts poorly to dampness, drafts and cold. Planting in open ground is recommended not earlier than July to avoid the risk of repeated frosts.
Planting knifofia in open ground
The flower grows poorly in the shade and prefers open, lighted areas in the garden. It is preferable to choose hills in a southerly direction. A well-drained, moist soil containing sand and fertilizer is suitable for the plant. The seedlings are transferred into shallow wells moistened with water. The interval between them must be at least 30 cm.It is recommended to transfer seedlings, keeping an earthen clod on the roots. The planting site is carefully tamped and watered.
Caring for knifophy in the garden
It is quite simple to care for knifophy in the garden - even a beginner lover of plants and flowers can handle it. Young seedlings need to be regularly loosened, weeds removed from the site, and the soil must be kept moist. Flowering occurs only in the second year of life. Roots need time to grow stronger and take root in a new place.
Watering
A sign that a plant needs watering is when the topsoil is dry. During dry periods, the intervals between waterings are reduced. To save time on weeding and retain moisture in the root zone, mulch the soil with organic materials. Peat and sawdust are excellent for these purposes.
Top dressing
Top dressing begins with the arrival of spring, before the first green shoots form. During the formation of inflorescences, the substrate is enriched with organic fertilizers or mineral compounds containing nitrogen.
Shelter for the winter
This African flower cannot be considered a long-liver in the conditions of our climatic zone, but for several years the knifophia will be a wonderful decoration for any garden. Faded arrows are cut off. Leaves and shoots are neatly tied, and the general frame of the plant is covered with spruce branches and peat crumbs. For the upper protective layer, pieces of roofing material and a film are used to avoid moisture getting under the bush. With the arrival of spring, the shelter is removed. Frozen parts should be removed.
Transfer
Adult seedlings that have grown in the same place for several years in a row are best transplanted. The bushes are carefully dug up and placed in pots with damp soil. In winter, they are stored in a cool place and watered periodically so that the roots do not dry out. A flower bed is transplanted in May or June.
Diseases and pests of knifofia
If you properly maintain and care for the plant, you can avoid cases of disease. However, there is a risk of insect damage to the leaves. If traces of pests are found, they are immediately treated with an insecticidal solution. Excess moisture leads to the development of root rot. It is important to start treating the hives as early as possible before the spores of the infection have spread to healthy plantings. Spraying the ground parts with fungicidal preparations helps to suppress the disease. If the disease has affected most of the bush, such specimens will have to be completely cut out and burned.
Types and varieties of knifofia with a photo
In Europe, it is customary to grow only a few species of bniphophy.
Kniphofia tuckii
This is a South African type of plant, the origin of which is associated with the name of the botanist who discovered it. The height of the shoots does not exceed 80 cm, and the leaf blades are 40 cm. The inflorescences consist of pale red buds. Opening up during flowering, they acquire a yellowish tint. This representative is distinguished by its hardiness and is in great demand in the mid-latitude regions. It goes through the winter calmly, if the plant is provided with a conscientious shelter.
Berry Kniphofia (Kniphofia uvaria)
Plantings of this species can often be found in the wild in the Cape Province. Bushes are capable of growing two meters in height. Large leaves of a gray-green hue. The upper tier of lush inflorescences is formed from bright coral flowers, while the lower one consists of yellow-green flowers. The flowering period lasts for two months. As cultural plantings, berry knifofia began to be planted since 1707. Among the varieties of this representative of the family, it should be noted:
- Large-flowered - has tall shoots and red flowers;
- Dr. Kerr - a variety with flower stalks about 1 m long and yellow-lemon flowers;
- Orange Beauty - the same tall variety, but with orange buds;
- Fire Flame - characterized by red flowers;
- Popsicle - the height of the plant is no more than a meter, the lower tier of flowers is yellow, the upper part of the buds is orange or coral.
Knifofia hybrid (Kniphofia x hybrida)
Includes signs of various varietal modifications that were bred on the basis of berry knifofia. Often, gardeners prefer to plant the following hybrid varieties:
- Abendzonne - its peduncles are ahead of other species in height, the color of the upper buds is reddish, and the lower ones are yellow;
- Burnox Triumph - undersized variety. Its peduncles, in comparison with the previous names, barely reach 60 cm, orange inflorescences are collected from tightly connected buds;
- Golden Skeeper - a large variety that blooms bright yellow flowers during flowering;
- Indiana - bushes do not exceed one meter, flowers are colored orange and red;
- Royal Standard - began to cultivate several centuries ago. The variety is considered the most popular in the whole variety of varieties of knifophya and has a rich yellow-red flowering;
- Prince maurito - the bushes are decorated with massive brownish inflorescences;
- Theo - strikes with abundant flowering, the height of the shoots fluctuates within a meter;
- Rocket - one of the tallest forms with voluminous red inflorescences;
- Knifofia hybrid Fleming Torch - Medium height with attractive yellow-red buds.
Like the landing, the activities for caring for the knifofia are easy to perform. In return, the plant will delight you with its beautiful flowers and gorgeous appearance.
