Content
Godezia originally from warm California, in nature this flower grows only in South and North America. There are many varieties and varieties, this flower is loved by many gardeners, today it is grown everywhere and in different climatic zones. They love godetia not only for its large flowers and bright colors, but also for its long flowering - from the first days of July until late autumn. You can use these bright lush flowers in different ways: in the design of flower beds and flower beds, in mixed and single plantings, as decoration for window sills, balconies and flowerpots.
The features of this type of flowers, about different varieties and about the rules for growing large-flowered godetia from seeds will be described in detail in this article. It will also talk about how to take care of the southern guest in the climatic conditions of the middle zone.
Characteristic
Large-flowered godetia is one of the varieties of a beautiful plant. Of the dozens of species, domestic flower growers prefer to grow large-flowered and terry varieties. It is these varieties that are considered the most beautiful and feel great in temperate climates.
The graceful flower has the following features:
- godetia large-flowered - herbaceous plant, annual, intended for open ground;
- belongs to the fireweed family;
- stems are erect, well branched, in height they can reach 60-80 cm;
- inflorescences racemose, lengthening as new flowers bloom;
- cupped or bell-shaped flowers;
- inflorescences are large, numerous, the diameter of the flower can be 8-10 cm;
- godetia can have absolutely any color: from salmon to purple and cherry;
- in place of flowers, fruits appear over time - small boxes with seeds;
- godetia propagates by seeds or seedlings;
- the plant is unpretentious, does not need special care;
- the flower loves loose soils, warmth, sufficient moisture;
- the scorching sun is detrimental to the tender grassy godetia;
- a delicate flower is great for decorating the local area, decorating gazebos and terraces, godetia can be planted in flowerpots and boxes, it looks great in bouquets and flower arrangements.
Varieties and types
Large-flowered godetia is not the only species planted by the country's flower growers. There are four large groups, each of which contains several dozen excellent, very beautiful varieties.:
- Large-flowered godetia. The stems of this plant are erect, at the beginning and in the middle of the growing season - herbaceous, fragile (therefore, the flowers can lie on the ground). At the end of the season, the stem of the large-flowered godetia becomes woody, becoming more dense. The leaves are lanceolate, small. The bushes are compact, the height of the plant ranges from 20 to 40 cm. The inflorescences are very large, up to 10 cm in diameter. The shape of the flower is cupped or bell-shaped. The petals are very delicate, silky, can be white, pink, red, cherry or lilac in color. Flowering begins in mid-July and ends around October with the onset of the first frost. Most often, large-flowered godetia is used to decorate borders and carpet flower beds.
- The adorable godetia can grow up to 60 cm. It is an artisanal plant with smooth, erect stems that are not very resistant. Leaves are narrow, pointed. The flowers are medium in size, their diameter sometimes reaches 5 cm. The shape of the petals is spatulate, the surface is satin. The colors of a lovely look are most often red, but flowers of a purple or crimson hue can be found. This variety of godetia blooms from the first days of July to mid-September.
- Terry godetia is one of the varieties of large-flowered varieties. Depending on the density of inflorescences, terry varieties are divided into: semi-double, double and densely double. Such flowers are usually called azalea, they are very good in compositions, they can have a lot of shades.
- Tall godetia able to grow up to one meter in height. This variety has both regular and double flowers. Thanks to their long and strong stems, tall varieties are perfect for cutting, therefore they are actively used in bouquets.
Below are the most popular varieties of godetia, the merits of which will help to make sure the photos of these flowers.
Cybill Sherwood
Compact bushes, growing up to 30-40 cm. The stems of this godetia are colored greenish or pinkish. The leaves are pointed, strongly elongated. The flowers have a semi-double structure, their color is soft salmon. The petals tend to lighten from the middle to the edge, acquiring a more pink color. The diameter of the inflorescences is large enough - about 5 cm.
Weiser Straus
A large-flowered annual shrub about 40 cm high. The flowers are painted in a snow-white shade, have a wavy edge, their diameter is about 6-8 cm. This variety loves the sun, so it must be planted in well-lit areas. Godetia Weiser Ostrich tolerates cold well, making it suitable for growing in the northern regions of the country. The delicate plant will bloom until October, until frosts begin.
Bohemia
Bush variety of mixed colors. Bohemia godetia can be grown both outdoors and in pots or boxes. Bushes are compact, up to 40 cm high, inflorescences are painted in carmine red and white. The flowering of this species is very abundant and long-lasting. The big advantage of Bohemia is early flowering - the buds open a few days earlier than other varieties.
Lava
Semi-double variety, the bushes of which rarely grow above 40 cm.The flowers are large, carmine-red, the edges of the petals are wavy. The plant is very resistant, it can grow both in the sun and in partial shade, it tolerates cold well, it is able to bloom even on wet, weeping soils.
Bride
Large azalea inflorescences of this godetia variety are painted in a snow-white shade. The flowers are terry, very large (about 10 cm in diameter), with silky petals. Sometimes pinkish shades can appear on the petals of the Bride, which makes the flower even more beautiful and interesting.
Orange Glory
Semi-double variety with an average height of the bush - up to 45 cm. Bushes are spherical, compact. The inflorescences are large, dense, painted in a pale orange shade with pink undertones. It is recommended to plant godetia in the sun, it tolerates temperature drop and its fluctuations well. The best place for Orange Glory is the front of the flower beds and borders.
Maiden Blush
Large-flowered godetia, intended for planting in open ground, in pots, boxes. Luxurious lush bushes of medium height reach 40 cm.The flowers are large, painted in a rich pink color. The diameter of the flower varies from 5 to 8 cm, the edges of the petals are wavy, which gives the inflorescence volume. Godecy bloom lasts from July to October.
Honey moon
This godezia is a mix, the package contains a mixture of red, pink and white flowers.Bushes are spherical, small (up to 35 cm). Godetia Honey Moon will bloom well in a sunny and warm place with fertile loose soil. However, the plant also tolerates bad conditions: partial shade, cold, high soil moisture.
Rembrandt
Terry variety with hemispherical compact bushes, up to 30-35 cm high. The leaves of the godetia are lanceolate, elongated, and the shoots are colored greenish-pink. The edges of the petals are wavy, the flowers are painted pink, along the edge they are covered with small specks of a red hue. The diameter of the flower is 5-6 cm, the edges of the petals are slightly indented.
Meteor
This variety of large-flowered godezia strikes with a rich shade of flowers - carmine red. The petals are glossy, shiny. The inflorescence is dense, densely double. It is necessary to plant compact meteor bushes according to the scheme of 30x40 cm, then their shape will be correct, and the bush will be spreading.
Reproduction
It is recommended to propagate large-flowered godetia by seeds. The seeds of this flower take root well when directly sown in a heated soil. Usually, the planting of flowers begins in mid-April.
In the northern regions or where it is necessary to accelerate the flowering of godetia, it is grown through seedlings. Seedling soil needs nutritious and loose. The seeds are simply laid out and pressed lightly. After 10-12 days, tender miniature sprouts should appear.
You can also collect godetia seeds yourself, but it should be borne in mind that hybrid varieties are unstable (you will have to buy such seeds annually).
Landing
For a fragile but persistent godetia, a well-lit area protected from strong winds is chosen. The soil must be fertile. On sandstones, the flower grows poorly, loam is more suitable for it.
If the soil is poor, before planting it is necessary to fill it with humus, wood ash and a complex of mineral fertilizers. You can sow godetia seeds already in early May (in the south of the country - from mid-April).
It is necessary to make small grooves in the ground and simply spread the seeds at the desired interval (at least 20-25 cm). Sprinkle the plantings with a thin layer of dry earth and pour abundantly with warm, settled water.
Care
It is easy to care for the large-flowered godetia, because this flower is very unpretentious. However, such a plant does not forgive mistakes. To make the flower bed beautiful and tidy, you must do the following:
- Water the flowers correctly using warm water. Do not overmoisten the soil or bring the soil to dryness - the irrigation schedule should correspond to the weather conditions in the region.
- Although the flower loves the sun, overheating is very dangerous for godetia. In intense heat, it is better to shade a flower bed with this species.
- Delicate leaves are very fond of gnawing insects and caterpillars, so you should inspect the bushes and, if necessary, spray them with special products.
- In order for the flowers to bloom profusely all season, at least a couple of dressings are needed. Mineral complexes are used, which are simply diluted in warm water.
Conclusion
Godetia is a beautiful flower, very bright, but at the same time very delicate. Large flowers of various varieties are perfectly combined with each other and with other plant species, allowing you to create unique compositions.
It is easy to care for graceful flowers - it does not require special knowledge and skills. All this proves once again that having a godetia next season is a “minimum” task for every grower.
