Kochia (Kochia) belongs to the deciduous representatives of the Marev family. The plant began its journey from East Asian and African countries and gradually spread to other continents. In the popular dialect, Kokhia is more often referred to as "annual cypress", "summer cypress", "bassia", "izen" or "broom grass".
Lush shrubs with light air attract many gardeners. They are used to decorate various flower beds, borders and fences. Unpretentious care makes this plant very popular, and its sophisticated decorative properties will certainly find application in the organization of landscape design on a personal plot.
Description of the kochia plant
All types of kochia are presented in the form of perennials or annuals, characterized by a highly branched crown. The genus contains low-growing herbaceous forms, as well as dwarf shrubs. The bushes retain their attractive appearance throughout the whole season and do not fade right up to the coldest days. Adult specimens reach about 60-80 cm. The basis of the crown is made up of small shoots that grow in different directions. The straight central stem is covered with a strong, greyish layer of bark.
Horticultural beginners sometimes mistake kochia for a coniferous shrub. The reason for this misunderstanding is that the plant has thin long leaves that look like needles. In structure, the upper shoots, together with the leaves, look soft and tender. The foliage surface is covered with short hair. The color of the ground part of the perennial is light green or emerald, then pink and crimson shades come to replace it.
In addition to interesting greenery, the bushes are able to bloom in small buds, which are woven into panicle inflorescences and are located on the tops of the shoots. The pollinated flowers eventually turn into tiny nuts. A seed is hidden inside the nut. Seed germination persists for several years.
Growing kochia from seeds
Cochia is grown using seeds. The material is planted in advance to obtain seedlings or immersed directly into the ground. To remove seedlings, sowing is carried out in March-April. For sowing, prepare wooden boxes with garden soil mixed with sand. Before pouring the earth, it is calcined. The soil is sprayed with water and the seeds are spread in a thin layer on top. It is not necessary to sprinkle the seeds, you can just lightly press them into the soil. Containers with seedlings are stored at room temperature. Good lighting is essential for successful germination.
When the seedlings wake up, the boxes are transferred to a cool place. When three leaves appear on the sprouts, the seedlings dive into other pots. It is better not to plant more than three seedlings in one pot. In May, after the spring frosts leave, the grown seedlings are sent to the open ground.Since the plant tends to grow, intervals of at least 30 cm are made between individual seedlings when planting.
Kokhia seeds are also sown directly into the ground, bypassing the seedling stage. This method is suitable for southern regions. Sowing is done in May or October so that the kochia can germinate immediately after the snow melts. Before immersing the seeds in the soil, the flower garden is dug up, enriched with peat and sand. Seeds are scattered over the dug area and sprayed with water. The first green shoots break through the soil after 10-12 days.
Planting and caring for kochia
Cochia care requires attention. In general, the plant quickly adapts and survives even under unfavorable conditions. Before planting, it is important to focus on the choice of where the bushes will be.
Location
In the wild, Kokhia prefers to climb rocks or live in deserts. The plant loves light or light partial shade, but in the latter case, the bushes stretch out and become less dense.
The soil
It is better to choose a drained soil so that the roots receive the required amount of oxygen and moisture. The soil should have a neutral or slightly acidic environment. During the summer, weeding is organized and the site is loosened. Lowlands and swampy soils will kill the plant. The root zone prefers freedom. For this reason, pots are not suitable for growing these types of crops. The tightly compressed rhizome does not allow the crown to develop. Flowers grow on the shoots instead of leaves. If you do not leave a gap between seedlings, problems with the growth and development of the perennial are inevitable.
Watering mode
Kokhia is a drought-resistant crop that gets by with the moisture of natural precipitation. Dry hot summers cause wilting of foliage. Without watering, the plant will die.
Top dressing
Regular feeding is necessary for the full growth of the bushes. For the first time, seedlings are fed a couple of weeks after planting, then every month the site is treated with mineral or organic fertilizers. Mullein and ash come up. Bushes recover more easily if they are additionally fed after pruning.
Pruning
Cochia has a uniform lush crown, which can be easily given any shape, for example, create interesting geometric compositions or sculptures to decorate the garden. Shoots regrowth is almost imperceptible. The haircut is thinned at intervals of 1-2 times a month.
Pest control
Kochia is not afraid of diseases and pests, however, excessive accumulation of moisture in the roots entails rotting of the roots. The danger among parasites is the spider mite. As soon as the first traces of infection appear, the bushes are immediately sprayed with insecticidal solutions.
Types and varieties of kochia with a photo
In the genus Kokhia, 80 species are distinguished. On the territory of the Russian Federation, only certain varieties are grown for decorative purposes.
Kochia scoparia (Kochia scoparia)
The spherical semi-shrub is calm about dry weather and does not show any special requirements for accommodation conditions. With the onset of autumn, the crown color becomes reddish.
Hairy cochia (Kochia scoparia var.trichophylla)
The bushes look slender and taut. The height of adult plants does not exceed 1 m. The crown grows by 50-70 cm. The color of the foliage is pale green, in late autumn it becomes bright burgundy. The perennial is placed in sunny areas. The composition of the soil does not really matter.
Kochia childs (Kochia var.childsii)
The length of the shoots is about 50 cm. The bushes take up little space, they branch strongly. The leaves retain their green color all year round.
Scientists managed to derive decorative varieties from the above species:
- Sultan - erect bushes, the length of which reaches 70-100 cm. At first, emerald foliage appears, and with the arrival of the first cold weather, burgundy pigmentation is observed. Pruning by a variety is perceived as painless;
- Acapulco Silver is a spherical plant with green leaves that turns into a raspberry perennial in the fall.The edging of the plates is silvery;
- Jade quickly builds up greenery and is suitable for creating sculptural compositions in the garden;
- Flame is an annual columnar dwarf shrub that turns crimson in September and shows resistance to low temperatures;
- Shilzy - the height of the bushes is no more than 1 m. In the summer months, the foliage stands out with a purple or reddish range of colors.
Cochia in landscape design
Kohia has found application in landscape design. The seedlings are placed in the center of the flower bed and shaped by pruning. Bushes look great in groups. Thanks to the multi-colored varietal color, the culture goes well with other vegetation. Low-growing species are planted along the borders of the lawn or decorated with plants paths.
Kochia is diluted with rockeries, rock gardens or placed next to boulders or fountains. The perennial serves as a hedge and closes the walls of unsightly outbuildings.
Varieties with emerald foliage are the perfect backdrop for flowering plants. Planting in groups allows you to combine tall bushes and low-growing herbaceous flowers at the same time. Kohia Flame with its crimson leaves will decorate the territory of the lawn.
The healing properties of kohija
Along with decorative properties, kochia has medicinal and forage value. The shoots and seeds of the plant are used as folk remedies. In a dried form, on the basis of raw materials, decoctions are prepared and tinctures are made on alcohol. Drugs made from parts of perennials have diaphoretic, stimulating, bactericidal, laxative and diuretic effects.
Preparations containing cochia substances stop the spread of eczema, erysipelas, and gonorrhea. Eastern healers have learned to make a cream from the leaves, which strengthens the nails and skin.
Young shoots are used to feed livestock, and the foliage of kochia is considered edible and in some countries is used for culinary purposes.
