Matron's party (Hesperis matronalis)
Content:
The plant Vechernitsa Matrona (Нesperis matronalis) aka Hesperis, Night violet, Night beauty has been living in the gardens of Russia for over 200 years. This unpretentious perennial is an excellent honey plant, especially appreciated by gardeners for its delightful smell. In the Middle Ages, the yellow nocturnal species was used in medicine, and now it is simply planted for beauty.
What a matron's nocturnal looks like
Hesperis is a herbaceous perennial of the Cruciferous family. Over 50 varieties grow naturally in Europe, Asia, Siberia and the Caucasus. The name of the flower Hesperis among the Greeks means "evening". This is due to the fact that the incomparable aroma of the plant tends to intensify after sunset.
Blooming Hesperis
In the gardens, mainly cultivated varieties of Hesperis matronalis are cultivated. The plant blooms in early summer on straight, branching shoots of 0.5 - 1.2 m. The nocturnal leaf is elongated, toothed, the stem is strong, slightly pubescent.
The shape of the cylindrical inflorescence is reminiscent of another popular perennial - phlox. The difference is determined by the number of petals; crucifers have four. The phlox flower has five petals.
Hesperis blooms in small (1.5-2 cm), depending on the variety, flat or double flowers. The nature-conceived palette of the evening party is represented by shades of white, pink, lilac and violet. By the end of summer, hesperis forms pods (5-6 cm), in which seeds ripen.
Description of varieties bred on the basis of Hesperis matronalis
Vechernitsa is a plant that blooms in late spring, ahead of other garden flowers. Hesperis is usually planted in places where its enchanting scent can be enjoyed with comfort. It will be appropriate to place it along the paths, by the window or near the gazebo.
Classification of the most decorative species:
- Hesperis Sibirica or nocturnal Siberian: plant endemic to Siberia 0.3 - 1.30 m high, shoots and foliage are covered with hard hairs, inflorescences are mauve, milky white, flowering begins in mid-summer;
- Hesperis Tristis - sad or dark nocturnal: compact bush 0.25 - 0.60 m, characterized by an unusual color of inflorescences - at the beginning of dissolution they are chocolate-purple, gradually changing color to pale yellow. Early flowering, from late spring to mid-summer.
To create fragrant flower beds, varieties of Hesperis matronalis are used:
- Lilacina Flore Pleno - lilac pink
- Albiflora - lilac, terry variety;
- Nana Candidissima is a plant up to 50 cm high with white fragrant flowers;
- Purpurea Plena is a hesperis with purple double flowers.
- Malinovaya - large inflorescences of a juicy color, a tall, low-leafed bush is used in the company of ornamental grasses;
- Podmoskovnye vechera - tight elongated inflorescences are painted in pale pink and white;
- Lirika large flowers of all colors typical for hesperis are collected in loose brushes.
Double-flowered varieties are suitable for cutting. They are stored in a vase for 10 - 12 days and all this time they delight with a charming aroma.
Inflorescence of the Vechernitsa Matrona
Growing from seeds
A two-year-old bush with ripe pod fruits can be simply laid on the ground and covered with spruce branches or covering material.In the spring, under cover, there will be many seedlings ready for transplanting.
From mid-spring, you can plant nocturnal flowers using the seedling method:
- The purchased seeds are sown in a shallow container filled with a drainage layer by a third.
- A fertile layer is laid on top. If the soil for sowing is taken from the garden, it is recommended to spill it in advance with potassium permanganate or foundationol in order to avoid contamination of the seeds with fungal diseases or viruses.
- The seeds are spread over the surface of the soil, not buried, only lightly sprinkled with a substrate, then spilled with warm water and covered with a film.
At a temperature of 18 - 20 ° C, the first shoots can hatch in three weeks.
Seedling care consists in airing the seedlings and regularly moistening them. It is recommended not to water delicate sprouts, but to spray from a spray bottle. Loose the soil around the roots with a match or a toothpick.
With the appearance of 3 - 4 true leaves, young plants, if necessary, dive into separate containers, continuing to monitor the moisture content of the soil.
Young violets are planted in a permanent place in late summer - early autumn, with a distance of 30 - 40 cm from each other.
Although the plant is a perennial in natural conditions, it is cultivated for no longer than 2 years to obtain seed. After 3 years, the quality of seeds for species reproduction deteriorates.
Reproduction by dividing the bush
Varietal hybrids cannot be grown from seeds. Plants purchased in specialized stores, nurseries or at exhibitions are propagated by dividing the bush. Vechernitsa is unpretentious and easily adapts even with a poorly developed root system.
Unlike most flowers, Hesperis can withstand open field transplantation without removing the inflorescences. True, for this it needs to be watered abundantly in the first days after planting.
Features of home care
The plant is viable, it is not demanding to care. It is better to plant a nocturnal in well-lit places, in extreme cases, slight shading is possible. The soil needs slightly alkaline, structural, sand-lightened loam is optimal.
The flower is hygrophilous, in dry weather it is necessary to provide additional watering. Hesperis does not tolerate waterlogging and high groundwater occurrence. After watering, the root area must be loosened.
The plant has high winter hardiness, it can easily tolerate temperature changes, does not require shelter. In especially snowy winters, with a long melting of snow, the above-ground part can dry out.
Fertilizer
Before flowering, the evening party can be fed with complex fertilizer. She does not need regular feeding. If organic is introduced, it is important not to overdo it so as not to get a riot of greenery without flowers.
Bushes branch well, so nocturnal plantings are prone to thickening. To preserve the duration and decorativeness of flowering, the faded inflorescences are cut off.
Vechornitsa flowers on a flower bed
Possible growing problems
Hesperis is little affected by external factors.
It is believed that the plant may suffer from characteristic cruciferous diseases. In fact, the nocturnal can be damaged in the lower part of slugs or cruciferous fleas. Both those and others do not like ash, fleas do not tolerate moisture.
Like all garden plants, nocturnal can be affected by fungal and viral diseases.It is important to understand that diseases and pests appear subject to non-observance of agricultural practices and preventive measures on the site.
It is believed that nocturnal is a flower that is indispensable as a companion for lilies and roses. Its fragrant white, purple or pink cloud will accentuate their rich beauty and complement the home garden with a nightly scent of scents. Novice flower lovers can try to plant this plant on the site to surprise family and friends.
