Tenacious, or Ayuga (Ajuga) - belongs to the genus of herbaceous plants of the family Lipocytes, or Lamb. In nature, there are more than 50 species of this plant: both annual and perennial. The tenacious grows on different continents, but it is most common in Europe and Asia.
The tenacious plant is an amazing plant that can adapt and survive in any conditions. It is not for nothing that the miracle flower has received several names among the people that characterize its main quality: tenacity, unfading and non-fading.
Description of the plant tenacious
Ayuga can be either an annual or a perennial plant. Depending on the species, the height of the vivuchka varies from 5 to 50 cm. Neumirashka is a very attractive plant with blue, blue, purple or yellow flowers and leaves of various shades. The tenacious is evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous.
Ayuga became popular among flower growers in the 17th century. It was first presented at a flower show in London. Then, gradually, an unpretentious plant appeared in gardens and flower beds around the world. The tenacious can be seen in rock gardens, along garden paths, under the crowns of trees and bushes. A beautiful natural carpet made from this plant can beautify any landscape in various climatic zones.
Growing a tenacious plant from seeds
Buying seeds and growing a plant yourself is not difficult at all. But, you need to know that with this method of reproduction, the plant does not always inherit the characteristics of the variety from which the seeds were taken. The color of inflorescences and leaves may differ from that of an adult plant.
There is no need to grow tenacious seedlings in boxes. Seeds are sown in open ground when the threat of frost has passed. Sowing can be done in the fall. With the onset of warmth, seedlings will appear, which are usually stronger and more resilient than those sown in spring.
Ayuga seeds can not only be bought in a specialized store, but also collected by yourself. Store them in a cool dry place.
The tenacious can multiply by self-seeding. But, in this case, a completely different variety will appear on the flowerbed. To avoid the extermination of the desired Ayuga variety, it is necessary to pluck the peduncles in time, which have already faded.
Care for a tenacious in the open field
As mentioned earlier, growing and caring for this plant does not pose any problem even for novice florists. But there are a number of conditions under which the tenacious will look healthy and will not lose its decorative appearance.
Location and lighting
The tenacious prefers semi-shady areas. She feels great under the crowns of trees or under rose bushes. Withstands Ayuga and the scorching rays of the sun.It can grow along paths and on rock gardens among stones.
The soil
Ayuga loves loamy soils that are rich in humus. This does not mean at all that the plant will not grow in a sandy area. It's just that in dry weather, the Ayuga needs to be watered occasionally. It is able to withstand prolonged droughts, but without watering it can lose its decorative effect.
Top dressing and fertilizers
The tenacious grows on the poorest soils. She is able to survive in any conditions. But, if you want the plant to look healthy and beautiful, you need to feed the flowers once or twice a month. You can use any universal fertilizer or peat oxidate. Ayuga does not require expensive feeding.
Tenacious after flowering
To make the plant look attractive, it is necessary to regularly remove the fading flower stalks. This is a bit of a tedious process, but the result will not be long in coming and the tenacious will become a worthy decoration of the landscape.
Ayuga wintering
When the winter is snowy, the tenacious tolerates even the most terrible frosts. But, if there is no snow cover, the plant needs additional protection. Ayuga can be covered with spruce branches, dry fallen leaves or spunbond. In no case should a plastic film be used as a covering material. The plant under it will suffocate and die.
Features of growing tenacious
The tenacious is capable of expanding and capturing new territory. It can drown out other stunted plants. In order not to allow the "invader" to go beyond the allotted territory, you can lay out the borders with pebbles. The stones should be slightly deepened into the soil, then the Ayuga will not grow further than it is allowed to.
A very good way to contain the growth of the tenacious and prevent slugs from entering it is to pour paths of gravel or rubble around the plant. Ayuga is not susceptible to diseases and pests, with the exception of slugs that appear during high humidity. These pests destroy the delicate leaves of the Ayuga.
Reproduction of the tenacious
You can grow a tenacious animal in different ways: seed or vegetative. We wrote about the seed method above, so we will consider the vegetative method of reproduction.
The tenacious grows quickly. In order for it to grow well and have enough space, it is necessary to separate the sockets of an adult plant once a year or two years. It is worth doing this in early spring or in mid-September. It is important that the separated outlet has a spine.
The tenacious plant is mainly a creeping plant, therefore, the distance between the seedlings should not be small: 25-30 cm.
After planting a young plant, it must be watered. Regular watering is required for the tenacious before it takes root. Then Ayuga feels comfortable in any weather. Only during periods of drought or abnormal heat does the plant need to be watered occasionally.
Types and varieties of tenacious
Several types of Ayuga have been bred by breeders, which are perfect for landscape design.
Creeping insect (Ajuga reptans)
This plant grows in forests and meadows. It is a perennial with rooting creeping shoots. The stem reaches 25 cm in height. It is covered with soft hairs. The flowers are like bells with a pubescent calyx. They form a spike-shaped inflorescence of blue or light blue color. It blooms for three weeks. Ayuga leaves are as attractive as flowers. They grow abundantly and form a lush carpet.
The most common varieties of creeping tenacious are:
- Arctic Snow Is a relatively new variety. Plants with spatulate, dark green, wrinkled-corrugated leaves up to 10 cm long have a wide ash strip in the middle. Outlined with a white rim around the edges.
- Black Skallop - a plant with leaves of deep purple color. The edges of the foliage are uneven. They resemble scallops in shape. Plants of this variety may differ in shade. The color depends on where the tenacious grows. If it grows in a sunny place, then the color will be deeper and more saturated;
- Chocolite Chip - a low plant.It reaches a maximum of 5 cm in height. The leaves of this variety are small and smooth. They can be of two colors at the same time: dark green and purple. Chocolite Chip feels great in shaded areas;
- Multicolor Is a very attractive plant. The color of the leaves of this variety's tenacious changes depending on the lighting. In bright light, the leaves take on a bright purple color with yellow-orange and scarlet blotches. If the plant is planted in the shade, the leaves will turn dark green with yellow and pink patches.
Ayuga pyramidal (Ajuga pyramidalis, Ajuga occidentalis)
In the wild, this species grows in Europe. It usually grows among bushes and on rocks. Bushes grow up to 25 cm in height. The leaves are oval and jagged at the edges. The surface of the sheet plates is covered with pile. The flowers of the pyramidal tenacious are white, pink or deep purple.
Popular varieties are:
- Lunar Landing - a controversial variety that either likes or disgusts. It has yellow flowers.
- Crisp - variety with large green leaves and blue flowers.
- Metallica Crisp - undersized variety. Plant height no more than 5 cm. It has attractive green leaves with a metallic sheen.
Ayuga genevensis (Ajuga genevensis)
A species that is ideal for growers who have absolutely no free time. This plant is attractive in that it does not spread throughout the entire territory. Florists do not need to come up with restraints that will keep the indomitable tenacity in the place reserved for it.
The tenacious geneva has white, blue or pink flowers that bloom from May to July.
Some cultivated varieties of tenacious are grown for the sake of a pleasant smell or medicinal properties.
Herringbone Ayuga (Ajuga chamaecyparissus)
This species is an annual. It reaches a height of 6-7 cm. The leaves resemble cones in their appearance. The flowers are yellow and give off a pleasant coniferous aroma. Herringbone tenacious, grown on the site, will create an imitation of being in a pine forest.
The tenacious of this species blooms for a very long time: from mid-spring to the first frost.
Ayuga chia
This species grows in the Caucasus, Asia Minor, Iran and is a perennial plant. It reaches a height of 20 cm. The stems grow straight, branching out at the base. They are covered with white hair. Flowers are yellow with purple splashes. Chio's tenacious have wound-healing properties.
Ayuga Turkestan (Ajuga turkestanica)
Natural growing areas are Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Its appearance resembles a low bush. The zhivuchka has brown leaves. Her flowers are bright red. Extracts from shoots of this type have medicinal properties. They are used to create wound-healing preparations. The useful properties of the Turkestan tenacious are being studied. The areas where its application is possible are gradually expanding.
