These flowers of extraordinary beauty can be recognized with closed eyes - by their unique pleasant aroma. When the sun goes down, this scent only intensifies. The nocturnal violet, translated from the Latin language, is called the Matrona's nocturnal. There are more than 30 species in its family.
In Europe, the night violet appeared in the middle of the sixteenth century. Our gardeners appreciated the beauty of this plant only in the eighteenth century. Hesperis quickly became a popular flower. It could be seen in gardens, parks and flower beds near wealthy estates. Modern flower designers widely use Matrona's evening party to decorate their private plots and in flower arrangements.
Description of Matrona's nocturnal
The night violet has a high (up to one meter) slightly pubescent stem, which branches out in the upper part. The leaves are deep green, narrow (about 3 centimeters) and long (about 12 centimeters) with a pointed tip. On high peduncles there are large inflorescences resembling bunches. During active flowering, the plant is compared to lilac bushes.
Small lavender flowers consist of four petals arranged crosswise. It was not for nothing that the evening party received such a name, because it is in the evening that a unique dizzying aroma emanates from it. She has a lot in common with the violet we know very well - saintpaulia, but they are completely different types.
Hesperis begins to bloom only at the very end of spring and pleases with its flowering for a month and a half. If the summer weather is too hot and there is no rainfall for a long time, then the flowering period is slightly reduced.
The plant propagates by seeds, which ripen in the pods after flowering. The small-sized brown seeds have good germination, which is perfectly preserved for almost two years.
Night violet - growing and care
Site selection
Night violet is an unpretentious plant. Without any problems and unpleasant consequences for her, the violet grows in the shade of trees, under a spreading crown. She also feels good in areas in direct sunlight and in partial shade. Therefore, you can not stand on ceremony with the choice of a place for a nocturnal.
The soil
The plant needs a light, neutral soil with a normal water balance (without excess moisture) or a good fertile soil with a low lime content (slightly alkaline).
Watering rules
In late May - early June, the period of active growth and development of the plant begins. It is at this time that great attention should be paid to watering. They should be regular and timely, but not excessive. Watering is also important during hot and dry summers. With their lack, the violet can stop flowering earlier than usual. But overflows should not be allowed either, since waterlogged and waterlogged soil will negatively affect the life of the plant.
Bloom
The night violet has rather tall stems and numerous dense inflorescences.This can provoke lodging of plants. To avoid this, you need to take care of the supports and garters in time.
Wintering
Vechernitsa is a frost-resistant plant that easily tolerates any frost and does not require any insulation, however, in the presence of a large snow cover. If winter pleases only with frost, in the absence of snow, then it is better to cover the plants with something.
Reproduction of Vechernitsa
Night violet reproduces easily by self-seeding. This does not require any of your efforts. If there is a desire to propagate flowers by seedling, then this is available to every grower, regardless of his experience.
Sowing seeds of night violets is carried out around the beginning of April. In prepared containers, it is necessary to pour the appropriate soil and sow seeds directly on it. On top of them, you need to carefully sprinkle them with a half-centimeter layer of soil consisting of humus and peat, compact it a little and water it moderately. The boxes with the planted seeds should be covered with transparent foil or glass.
Containers must be kept at a temperature of at least 20 degrees Celsius. The first shoots will appear in about 15-20 days. Further development of seedlings depends on proper care. It is necessary to water young plants in a timely and regular manner, avoiding overflows. As soon as three full-fledged strong leaves appear on the seedlings, this means that the violet can be transplanted into open ground.
Having transplanted nocturnal to the garden plot, remember that the plant must adapt for some time and take root well. To do this, the soil around it must be constantly loosened so that there is good air exchange. Watering and loosening the soil helps to develop a good root system.
In the first year, the night violet only increases its leaf mass, and it will bloom already next spring.
Seed propagation can be used in spring and autumn. Seeds are immediately sown into the soil in mid-autumn, when there is still no frost, or after the soil has warmed up in spring.
Hesperis in landscape design
Landscaping professionals recommend using the night violet to decorate your yard, flower garden or front garden. Only when planting is it better to plant not single plants, but groups of several noctresses (up to 10 plants at once). If there are several such violet groups on your site, and even among others in the color range of plants, then with active flowering, a unique beauty and a wonderful aroma will open to your eyes.
