Aubrieta is an evergreen plant from the Cabbage family, which originally appeared in Southern Europe, Latin America, Malaysia. It is an abundantly flowering perennial plant that grows mainly at the mouth of a river or on rocky slopes. If an amateur gardener decides to start breeding Aubriets, then caring for her will not be difficult.
The main and main condition (all amateur gardeners must adhere to it) so that this care is regular. Aubrieta goes well with other crops in the flowerbed, for example, iris, phlox or euphorbia.
Features of aubrieta
Small alternate leaf plates have pubescence, as well as obovate or elliptical in shape. Their edge is serrated or solid. Small-flowered racemose inflorescences consist of small four-petal flowers with a centimeter diameter and purple, blue, purple or pink-red color. Flowering is abundant and lasts from the second half of spring to early summer. If you provide proper and good care, then in the autumn, the aubriet can bloom again. The fruit looks like a pod, in which there are flat brown seeds.
The following will describe how to properly plant, grow and propagate such a flower. And also how to protect against harmful insects and diseases.
Description of the plant
This beautiful flower has long been cultivated all over the world, it is also found in the wild in some European countries, Asia, as well as in South America.
The beautiful colorful carpet of a herbaceous creeping evergreen has the following colors:
- blue;
- purple;
- purple;
- pink;
- red;
- blue;
- white.
The perennial Aubrieta belongs to the cabbage or cruciferous family, has another name - aubretia.
Growing Aubriets from seeds
It is quite easy to propagate this plant by seeds, while it can be grown both through seedlings and in a non-seedling way. But if the sowing of seeds is carried out directly into open soil in September or May, then as a result this can lead to the splitting of varieties. In this regard, experts recommend growing aubrieta exclusively through seedlings. The flowering of such a plant grown from seeds can be observed only in the second year of life. Aubriet seeds are sold in all specialty stores.
Sowing
Sowing is carried out in the last days of February, approximately 8-10 weeks before the start of heat. Sow the seeds of such a flower immediately in separate pots. To do this, you can use peat-humus pots or peat tablets, planting seedlings in open ground is carried out directly in these containers. To begin with, moisten the substrate of the pot or tablets, and then put 2 or 3 seeds on its surface. Sprinkle them on top with a thin (0.3–0.5 cm) layer of sand. Moisten the sand with a fine spray gun, and then put the containers under glass or film. The best air temperature for crops is 18-21 degrees.
How to care for seedlings
It is very easy to care for the seedlings. So, they need to arrange ventilation every day, and also water them when necessary.The first seedlings can be seen after 20-30 days, after which the shelter must be removed completely. It is necessary to water the plant very carefully, because the seedlings react extremely negatively to an excessively moist substrate. In the event that the seedlings are weak, and their development is slow, it is recommended to fertilize with a complex mineral fertilizer half a month before planting in open soil, while the concentration of the solution should be weak.
Picking
Aubrieta reacts extremely negatively to transplanting, in this regard, when growing through seedlings, picking is not performed. That is why it is recommended to sow the seeds of this plant in separate containers (for more details, see above).
Bright, fragrant, blooming living carpet
If you look at the photo of the shaving, you can see a carpet of bright color, and if you also see this plant alive, you can enjoy a pleasant, unforgettable aroma.
Recently, this flower has become one of the most popular perennial plants; it is often used by landscape designers to decorate flower beds and personal plots. How did he deserve such close attention to himself?
Planting aubriets in open ground
What time is the disembarkation
It is recommended to plant these flowers in open ground only after the threat of frost has passed, and as a rule, this time falls on the second half of May. For planting, choose a site carefully. When choosing a site, it should be borne in mind that for the abundant and incredibly spectacular flowering of the Aubriets, it needs the maximum possible amount of direct sunlight. When choosing a soil, it should be borne in mind that such flowers grow and develop the better, the poorer the soil on the site. So, this plant grows well between concrete slabs and stone steps. However, it should be remembered that the soil needs a loose, well-permeable water, and its composition should include a small amount of peat or ash. It is also best if the soil is neutral or slightly alkaline pH 6.0-7.0.
How to plant correctly
A flower such as aubrieta is considered by gardeners to be very plastic. In this regard, it can be planted exactly as you would like, while you can create a rock garden or a flower bed of any shape. The depth of the planting hole depends on the length of the seedling roots, while its width should be 2 times the width of the pot in which the aubriet grows. When planting, it should be borne in mind that the distance between the bushes must be at least 5 centimeters. In the event that your flower grew in a container made of ceramics or plastic, then immediately before planting the pot must be completely immersed in water. Wait until air bubbles begin to emerge from the soil. After that, carefully remove the plant along with the earthy clod and place it in the prepared hole. When the plant is planted, the soil will need to be tamped, and its surface should be sprinkled with mulch (five centimeter layer of sand), and then gently watered.
Conditions for obtaining friendly seedlings
Having correctly carried out the planting of the perennials, we expose the container:
- in a well-lit place;
- with a favorable air temperature for seedlings, which can range from 18 to 22 * C.
As soon as seed shoots appear, we remove the film, provide:
- sufficient illumination;
- moderate soil moisture;
- protection from drafts;
- protection from direct sunlight.
How to care for the garden
Watering
It is very easy to take care of your shaved and it will not take much of your time. After the flowers are mature, they need to be watered only when the dry period is long enough. In the same case, if you often and in large quantities water the Aubriet in the usual summer weather, then you run the risk of provoking a rapid growth of greenery, while the flowering will be relatively scarce.Young specimens should be watered more often than older ones, but in this case, you should be quite careful. Watering is recommended using sprinkler irrigation. After the shavings are watered or the rain has passed, the surface of the soil must be loosened, and all the weeds must be pulled out.
Fertilizer
During the period of active growth of the plant, it is recommended to sprinkle the surface of the site with mulch 2 or 3 times. For this, sand is used, while the layer thickness should be from 3 to 5 centimeters. Aubrieta is fed with a solution of complete mineral fertilizer for perennial flowering plants. In this case, feeding is carried out in the spring before flowering begins, as well as in the fall.
Pruning
After blooming in the springtime, the aubretia should be cut off almost to the level of the soil surface. In this case, the active growth of young stems with leaves of a rich color will begin. Against the background of the aubriet, other flowering plants will simply look great. After some time, it will bloom again.
How to propagate
Planting and growing aubretia is quite simple, the main thing is not to forget the basic rules of caring for it. It can be propagated very easily by cuttings and by seed. How to grow such a flower through seedlings is described above. However, gardeners with a lot of experience sow aubrieta directly into open soil. Before sowing the seeds, the soil must be prepared. To do this, it is dug to a depth of 15 centimeters, removes all stones and weeds are removed and complex fertilizer, chalk (lime) and wood ash are applied, and then moistened. The seeds should be placed directly on the surface of the ground, and they should not be sown too thickly. It is not necessary to deepen them, just pour a layer of sand on top of the seeds, the thickness of which should be from 3 to 5 centimeters. Then the crops must be watered very carefully with a watering can. If the sowing was done in the spring, then the first seedlings will appear in 1.5–3 weeks, and if in September, then only when the next spring period comes.
It is also quite simple to propagate this plant by cuttings. In the middle of the summer period, this flower is pruned, after which you will have a large amount of planting material. As cuttings, you can use cut shoots that have no flowers. They need to be planted in a greenhouse in a mixture of sand and peat (1: 1). At the end of summer, the rooting of the cuttings should end, and they can be planted in a permanent place in the open ground. Before the onset of winter cold, young plants take root well and become strong. In the event that very severe frosts are observed in your area in winter, or there is little snow at this time of the year, then the cuttings can not be planted in open ground, but leave them in a greenhouse until spring.
Also, the flower can be propagated by dividing the bush. It is best to carry out this procedure in spring or autumn. Aubrieta does not tolerate such reproduction very well, which is done quite simply. To do this, you need to dig out a bush and divide it into several parts, while each division should have roots and well-developed stems. After that, the delenki are planted in separate holes. But at the same time, it should be borne in mind that all your efforts may be completely in vain, and the transplanted by this method may well die. Therefore, experienced gardeners prefer to resort to seed propagation or cuttings.
Diseases and pests
Aubrieta has a relatively high resistance to various diseases and harmful insects, therefore it is quite easy to care for it.In some cases, the plant can become infected with powdery mildew, while a whitish bloom appears on the leaf plates and flowers. Such a disease belongs to fungal, and as it develops, this plaque acquires a brown color. A bush infected with such a disease loses its spectacular appearance, and its growth becomes slower. The affected parts of the flower turn black and die off, while the bush itself becomes much less winter-hardy. To cure powdery mildew, you can use colloidal sulfur, and you need to follow the instructions on the package of the product.
Aphids are the most dangerous of all harmful insects for the aphid. It is a sucking insect that uses plant sap as food. Aphids are the spread of dangerous viral diseases. You can get rid of such harmful insects with the help of Karbofos, Biotlin, Fufanon or Arrivo. Depending on the degree of infestation of the bushes, 1–4 treatments may be required.
In general, such a flower, which prefers to grow between stones, rarely gets sick.
Flower pests and diseases
The main diseases of this plant are powdery mildew and aphids. From these diseases, the flower becomes less attractive and its growth slows down, some of its parts die off.
If the disease is not seen and stopped in time, the plant may die.
In order to rid the plant of aphids, it is enough to prepare an infusion of nettle and sprinkle the plant. It is categorically contraindicated to use chemicals in the fight against this disease.
If the leaves of the flower turn brown and curl, this is the very first sign of powdery mildew. To combat this scourge, a solution of colloidal sulfur is used.
If this procedure does not save the culture, then it is necessary to immediately cut off all damaged branches (or even bushes), burn and weed out.
How to care for a perennial shave after flowering
Seed collection
When propagating such a flower with seeds collected on your own, you need to remember that they may not preserve all the varietal characteristics of the parent plant. However, if you still want to collect the seeds, then when the aubriet blooms in the spring, it is necessary to leave 2 or 3 stems with ovaries during cutting. Wait until the seeds are dark and carefully trim the pods. Hull them, and bring the seeds indoors and ripen. These seeds can be sown before winter in the same way as described above.
Preparation for wintering
After spring flowering, experts advise to cut off all the stems of this plant. However, after the end of the second flowering, this does not need to be done. The stems and flowers should be left for the whole winter, and they will need to be cut only with the onset of spring. These perennial flowers tolerate winter very well without shelter. But it should be borne in mind that if the winter is too harsh and with little snow, then the aubriet may well die, in this regard, experienced flower growers recommend covering the flowers with a layer of dry foliage or covering with spruce branches.
Dividing the bush
Also, an easy way to reproduce perennial aubrias is to split a two or three year old bush.
Work is carried out in the spring with a trimmed bush, it is dug up and the shoots, together with a part of the rhizome, are divided into three parts.
Immediately planted in prepared holes, sprinkled with soil, compacted and watered. Also, fresh plantings must be shaded with dry grass.
Varieties and types of aubriets with photos and names
There are 12 natural types of obriety, some of which are grown by gardeners. It is quite rare to meet in mid-latitude gardens such species as: white aubrieta, Croatian aubrieta, graceful aubrieta, Kolumka aubriet. However, there are types that are more popular, and they will be discussed below.
Aubrieta deltoidea, or Aubrieta deltoid
The height of this herbaceous perennial plant can reach 15 centimeters. Deltoid greenish-gray leaf plates have 1 or 2 denticles at each edge. Loose racemose inflorescences consist of small flowers (diameter about 10 millimeters), which are painted in lilac or blue-purple color. Aubrieta begins to bloom in May. The duration of its flowering is slightly more than 4 weeks. This species has been cultivated since 1710; it is popularly called the "lilac bush". He has a variety of Bougainvillea, the height of its bush reaches 20 centimeters, the flowers are painted in lavender, while the center has an orange color. Thanks to the breeders, a cultural type of aubriet was born, which is the most popular among gardeners, while they took the deltoid aubriet as a basis.
Cultural aubrieta (Aubrieta x cultorum), or hybrid aubrieta
This group of plants, which do not exceed 20 centimeters in height, are capable of overwintering under snow cover. Small leaves are oblong and serrated at the edge. The diameter of purple or lilac flowers reaches 1 centimeter. Today, various varieties of this species can have semi-double, double and simple flowers. They can be easily propagated by seed. There are varieties that can be grown in pots at home, and there are also varieties that are suitable for cutting.
The most popular varieties of Aubriet cultural:
- Cascading. The flowers of such a perennial can be colored purple, pink, blue, turquoise or red, while they have a small yellow center. Greenish-gray leaf plates have the same color throughout the year.
- Fascinating Morocco. The bush is lush and very showy. The flowers are relatively large (about 15 mm in diameter). Their color can range from pink and red to blue.
- Cote d'Azur. Such a plant has very beautiful azure flowers. Flowering continues for 2 summer months. In September, repeated flowering is observed, which continues until the onset of winter frosts.
- A giant waterfall. This is a mixture of varieties that includes plants of various colors, namely: pink, lilac, violet, red, etc. The height of such a winter-hardy perennial plant does not exceed 15 centimeters. Flowers have a centimeter diameter.
Also, gardeners are happy to cultivate such varieties of obriety as: Carnival, Doctor Mules, Don, Gloriosa, Wanda, Blue King, Queen, Royal Keskade, Triumfant, etc.
Maintaining a decorative appearance
After the emergence of young shoots, old and damaged ones must be removed. Mulching with sand 2-3 cm from the ground level and in May you can enjoy the blooming carpet. Flowering, depending on the variety and compliance with the rules of care, lasts a long time. Withered flowers and damaged leaves are recommended to be carefully removed to exclude a sloppy look.
After flowering is complete, pruning should be done, leaving only a few leaves at the base of the root. This will provoke abundant growth of leaves and by August the next wave of flowering will appear, which can be admired until severe frosts.
When to sow aubre seedlings for seedlings, in what month
Choosing the right time to plant your seeds is very important when growing any crop from seed. When to plant a shave? It is better to sow in late February-early March.
You can also choose sowing dates using the 2019 lunar calendar:
- Favorable days for the procedure: in February - 11, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25; in March - 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 27, 28, 29, 30.
- Unfavorable days for planting: in February - 4, 5, 19; in March - 6, 7, 21.
Watering
Watering in intensity and frequency should differ into three types:
- for a fresh planting - frequent, moderately abundant;
- for young plants, the frequency decreases, the intensity also decreases;
- for mature plants, natural watering is sufficient.
In the event of an abnormal drought, and not just a hot summer, adult plants can also be watered.
When watering, there are two important points to consider:
- the plant is unpretentious for watering;
- abundant watering can lead to overgrowth of leaves and shoots, with a decrease in flowering intensity.
Reproduction
In addition to the seed method, Aubrieta is also propagated vegetatively. Species are propagated by seeds. Seed varietals do not retain all the characteristics of the mother plant. For them, reproduction by cuttings or dividing a bush is more suitable (rarely).
Cuttings
This is one of the most popular flower breeding methods. During the summer pruning of the bush, cut green shoots without flowers can be used. Prepare a container with a peat-sand mixture for planting. Deepen the handle into it. Cover with a jar or film on top, creating greenhouse conditions. From time to time, ventilate the greenhouse and moisten the substrate. When the cutting takes root, it can be planted on the site. In areas with harsh winters, it is best to leave the plant under a greenhouse until spring to get stronger.
Dividing the bush
Aubrieta's root system is very sensitive to transplants. Therefore, this breeding method is used infrequently. The bush, divided into parts, is very difficult to take root. Carrying out such a procedure requires a certain sequence. The plant must be carefully dug up, divided into equal divisions with strong shoots and roots. Plant in separate holes.
Seat selection
There are two main requirements for the landing site for the Aubrieta. This is openness to sunlight and poor soil. Surprisingly, it is on poor soils that it gives the most abundant and spectacular flowering. The exception is clay soil, which is not suitable for growing aubrets. The soil should be well permeable to water and have a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction. Subject to the above conditions, the aubriet can grow and bloom luxuriantly even between concrete slabs.
Aubrieta is very flexible in fit. It can be planted in places where other flowering perennials cannot even survive. This gives a lot of scope for landscape designers to achieve the intended effect.
Cultural or hybrid aubretia
Aubrieta cultorum. It tolerates winter well under the snow. It grows up to 20 cm. It is possible to grow this species in cut pots. The leaves are oblong, serrated. Flowers are ordinary, double and semi-double
| Up to 12 cm, the stem is thick, curving, bifurcating, covered with pile. | Long carved. | Up to 4.5 cm in diameter, lavender and pink. | |
| Croatian | Leaves are completely different in shape from other varieties. | Juicy green, large, maple-shaped or diamond-shaped. | Blue shades with a dark middle - lilac or lilac. |
| Variety | Description | Flowers |
| Cascade | Perennial. Leaves are gray-green in color, the color does not change all year round. | Red or blue with a yellow eye. |
| Enchanting morocco | A very lush variety. | About 1.5 cm, from blue to red to pink. |
| Dr. Mules | In height no more than 15 cm. | Blue-violet. |
| Borshiz White | A rare variety. | White. |
| Cote d'Azur | Blooms in June-July, and then again in September before the onset of frost. | Sea waves. |
| Giant waterfall | Winter-hardy variety. 15 cm high. | Purple, pink, red, lilac shades, up to 1 cm in diameter. |
| Red king | Up to 10 cm. | Large, up to 5 cm, bright crimson. |
| Crimson sea | It blooms magnificently for 2 months. | Raspberry. |
Pruning
Pruning is performed after the first flowering of the Aubriets, for which the entire aerial part of the plant is cut off.
By autumn, buds are formed on young shoots and blossoming flowers will appear. No pruning is done after the second flowering.
In addition, pruning also includes regular work to remove dry shoots and dried flowers that have completed flowering.
general characteristics
Aubretia moved to Europe from Central Asia and today retains a strong position in the horticultural culture of most European countries, delighting the eyes throughout the spring-summer season with colorful "carpets" of white, blue, red and lilac flowers.
A characteristic feature of a perennial (the plant is classified as an evergreen) is that the aubriet retains its leaves even in winter cold.
The shrub easily tolerates low temperatures and comes to life in early spring. An adult plant reaches 15-20 cm in height, has oblong or serrated leaves and many small flowers, consisting of 4 petals. There are so many flowers on adult bushes that they completely hide the leaves and the plants become like multi-colored balls.
In addition to the aesthetic pleasure obtained, gardeners value aubretion for its simplicity, ease of care and friendliness towards other plants.
Evergreen perennial aubretia
