Sentyabrinki

Sentyabrinki - this is how the people call Astra virgin or new belgian (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii) with an interesting and melodic name. The name of the flower is directly related to the flowering period. The delicate buds of this perennial plant bloom in early September and delight gardeners with their beauty until late autumn.

Description of the flower

Sentyabrinki belong to the numerous Astrov family, whose homeland is considered to be North America. In our region, these flowers have long been widespread and are unpretentious herbaceous plants. In nature, lush bushes of saintbrinks are found near taiga areas. Their shape is reminiscent of the structure of a pyramid. The stems are strong, branched and covered with solid foliage. Breeders have bred different variations of saintbrinks, differing in the appearance and color of the flowers. Some of them are tall and powerful bushes, while others look like low-growing ground covers that can grow no more than 30 cm in length. The buds begin to bloom in late summer. The peak of flowering is observed in September.

Growing saintbrinks from seeds

Sowing seeds

For growing seedlings, seeds are used that are formed in the place of wilted flowers. Self-collection of seeds is almost impossible to perform, since they poorly retain germination properties. To purchase quality seed, it is best to visit a specialized gardening store.

Sowing is carried out in February in order to have time to grow healthy seedlings and harden them for planting in open ground. Any spacious boxes or containers are used as containers, which are filled with ready-made soil mixture. The seeds are planted in shallow grooves and sprinkled with a layer of earth quite a bit. The finished crops are sprayed with water and covered with glass or plastic to create a greenhouse effect. Store containers with asters at room temperature in a well-lit room and provide regular ventilation to prevent condensation from forming under the film.

Seedling seedlings

After 3-4 weeks, when the first green shoots begin to appear, the shelter is removed. During growth, seedlings need to be watered periodically, maintaining soil moisture, but do not get carried away. Excessive watering will negatively affect the formation of seedlings. Strongly elongated stalks of young saintbrinks indicate that the crops do not have enough natural light.

As soon as a pair of healthy leaves are formed, the seedlings dive into other containers. After 10 days, the soil, where the seedlings are grown, is fertilized with complex mineral fertilizers. In the spring, the seedlings gradually begin to harden. For this, the boxes are left for some time in the fresh air every day.After the seedlings get stronger, they can be transplanted into a flower bed. As a rule, these activities are performed in May.

Planting saintbrinks in open ground

Shoots that have taken root can be immediately planted in open ground. A well-lit place in the garden, protected from drafts and located on a hill, where the risk of flooding of plants can be prevented, is chosen as a site for cultivation.

Sentyabrins will do well on almost any substrate except loamy soil.

The site for cultivation should be pre-prepared, therefore, a few weeks before planting, it is dug up and the soil is fertilized with organic and mineral compounds. The depth of the holes depends on the size of the root system of the shoot. The seedlings are placed in moist pits, evenly distribute the soil around the bush and lightly tamp the surface.

The distance between the bushes must be kept at least 0.5 m.If the saintbrinks are planted along the path, then you can dig holes with an interval of 20 cm.These plants have a developed root system that will collect free moisture around them, so it is recommended to place asters away from others flowers.

Sentbrink care

Watering

For a couple of weeks, the saintbrinks need regular and abundant watering. Otherwise, the flower is not particularly demanding to care for. The soil is loosened from time to time, weeds are removed and fed, and the bushes are pruned. They can easily tolerate short-term drought. Excess moisture, on the contrary, leads to the development of diseases. In summer, it is enough to water the bushes once a week with settled and warm water.

The soil

Throughout the season, the area where the saintbrinks are grown must be loosened to prevent the appearance of weeds.

Top dressing and fertilizers

Feeding is performed several times during the season. For this, complex mineral fertilizers are used. In the spring, it is better to do the first top dressing of the soil, enriching it with nitrogen-containing fertilizers, and the next in the middle of summer. Then more potash components are added. During flowering, the plant needs to get enough phosphorus.

Pruning

To increase the flowering period, wilted buds and dry leaves should be promptly removed. Smooth and trimmed bushes look more attractive and well-groomed. At the end of autumn, after the flowering process is completed, they are cut so that small stumps remain.

Transfer

If aster bushes have been growing in one area for a long time, then they must be replanted, since the soil becomes scarce and prevents the root system from receiving oxygen. Thick uncut bushes will not be able to fully develop, and, therefore, bloom. For this reason, the plant needs a periodic transplant, which is often carried out in the spring at the same time as dividing, so that the bushes are prepared for winter and, as it should, get stronger. In the case of an autumn time transplant, there is a risk that the saintbrinks will not survive the winter.

Wintering

Garden cottages in our region in winter can do without additional shelter. Cut off young bushes with the appearance of the first frost are best sprinkled with dry foliage or laid on top with spruce branches.

Reproduction of saintbrinks

Dividing a bush is one of the most common breeding methods for Astrovs. They are engaged in dividing in late autumn, when flowering ends, or in spring. Mature shrubs are grown in one place for several years. Then they are dug up, divided into parts and planted in a new place. After some time, they release the basal processes. In order not to damage the mother bush, it is carefully dug in around the perimeter and the young shoot is cut off along with the rhizome.

Sentyabrinkas, like any other ornamental flowering plants, need regular pruning. Therefore, the lateral shoots remaining after this procedure serve as cuttings. They are dipped in water to form roots.This happens no earlier than 20 days later.

Diseases and pests

Astra virginsky is resistant to pests. Infection of a plant with an infection is rare.

Powdery mildew is considered one of the most dangerous types of the disease. If you run the bushes and do not take action quickly, then a large and lush bush can easily die. Even prevention is not always effective, since the transmission of fungal spores occurs by air. They can infect silverweed bushes through poorly handled gardening equipment or dirty water. Signs of the disease: a white, moldy coating that resembles ordinary dust. Over time, the infection covers the entire terrestrial part of the plant. Spraying the bushes with fungicides containing copper helps to get rid of powdery mildew. To prevent the onset of the disease, it is recommended to periodically process the aster with Bordeaux liquid or copper sulfate.

Other diseases pose a threat to the cultivation of silverfish: black leg, fusarium and rust. Only chemicals are able to cope with such a problem.

Among the pests of the shrub are: meadow bugs, spider mites and aphids. These insects are afraid of insecticides. Aster leaves often attract slugs. They are collected manually or using traps placed around the site.

Sentinels in landscape design

The flowering of the plant can be observed at the end of summer. These attractive low-growing flowers will be a great decoration for your garden area. They are used in the organization of landscape design and are planted along curbs, paths. Bright inflorescences of such perennials wonderfully complement group decorative plantings and look no less impressive alone.

Sentyabrinkas happily coexist with chrysanthemums, anemone and rudbeckies, which are also able to easily endure drought for some time and do without watering.

Flower cuts are used to create bouquets and look fresh within 10-14 days. If you regularly change the water in the vase, add a little sugar and a couple of drops of potassium permanganate solution to it, you can extend the life of the flowers for a while.

Types and varieties of saintbrinka

Breeders offer several varieties of Virginia Astra for garden cultivation:

Undersized

Audrey is a cultivar with bright lilac flowers;
Jenny looks like a compact shrub, the inflorescences of which are painted in a red tone;
Snowsprite is a lush, snow-white groundcover during flowering.