Alyssum, or Lobularia – I am sure that each of us has seen this wonderful flower. Its popularity among gardeners is so high that it makes you wonder – why is this plant so popular?
The answer is simple: alyssum is unpretentious, and it looks amazing! Add a subtle honey aroma to the lush flowering, and you will immediately understand that it was necessary to purchase at least one variety of this wonderful plant (if it is not already available). Especially alyssum will appeal to those who like low flowers that grow in compact, highly branched bushes. It is difficult to say how many varieties of alissum there are now, because every year there are more and more new ones. In principle, garden alissums in the form of a shrub do not differ radically, but the color of the flowers plays a significant role.
How to choose a landing site
What kind of soil does alyssum prefer? I’ll be honest – it will grow and blossom in any city. However, the thickest and densest bushes covered with flowers can only be grown with minimal farming requirements. For planting, slightly acidic, slightly alkaline or neutral, not necessarily well-drained soils are preferred.
Lobularia maritima
Do not try to settle it in a swampy place – there is still no sense, it will simply rot. After planting the plant in the shade-do not expect a lush flowering. A sunny, well-ventilated place is exactly what alyssum needs, here, too, it will show itself in all its glory!
Reproduction of Alyssum
It’s time to talk about alyssa breeding. Here it is – your choice of seeds or cuttings. It has no root growth. Propagate the seeds of rock alissum-a matter of five minutes! As soon as they ripen, just collect them and immediately sow them in the open ground to a depth of 1.5 cm (0.6 inch) and that’s it! It will only be necessary to thin out the seedlings after germination – and it will rise in a solid carpet. I often use this method of reproduction of alissum, as those who want to buy a bright spring flower with age does not become less, quite the opposite.
Rejuvenating alyssum planting
Young plants are much more resistant to diseases, they have a more decorative appearance, they bloom for 10-15 days longer than alissums of 3-5 years of age. For every grower, a well-groomed flower bed is important, so keep in mind one feature of the perennial alyssum. With each subsequent year of life, their semi-woody stems become longer, so the shrub “falls apart” and loses its decorative effect. How to avoid this? You can replace the old bush with a new plant, just let the ripe seeds fall and rise freely. In the fall, remove the old bush from the root to make room for young plants.
Care for alyssum
The plant is extremely sensitive to the lack of moisture in the soil. This does not mean that if it is not watered for two days, it will completely dry out. However, during the flowering period, alyssum is in dire need of a large amount of water. How often to water? You can judge for yourself based on the temperature and humidity in your area. How do you know that irrigation is required? It’s very simple! To dig the ground in the place of the previous watering to a depth of 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 inch), you can simply use your finger. Dry? Then feel free to water. With the exception of mulch or plants protected by any covering materials. They will need watering much less often.
Pruning from alyssum
Alyssum needs to be trimmed. I learned about this method only recently, so I have photos of the “naked” shrub.
Pruning alyssum is very simple! As soon as the plant finishes flowering, cut off all the stems, so as not to waste your energy on the formation of seeds. About a month after this operation, alyssum is sown in this way: several main branches are pulled out of the trunk-from 2 to 8-10. Here, each large branch is cut off without regret, leaving 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 inch) on it. By autumn, alyssum will get young lush shoots, which will give excellent abundant flowering next year, because the flowering buds were formed exclusively on last year’s shoots.
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