Decorative Sedge: cultivation and care, varieties

In an effort to decorate the site, many people pay attention to the ordinary-looking plants. This choice is also approved by landscape designers who do not advise taking exotic species with a “flashy” coloring. Although it is sometimes difficult to figure out simpler saplings, they are offered a huge amount. To bring some clarity to this question, find out what it is. decorative sedge, what varieties will be best in the country.

Varieties of decorative sedge

If you thoroughly examine the catalogs of nurseries, then you can count about 150 different varieties of this plant. They can be divided into two groups: tall and short. For the garden decor are used successfully "representatives" of both types.

Among undersized The lines most popular are:

• Beatles (in catalogs it is listed as Hybrida The Beatles). One of the most spectacular species is rather long (up to 15 cm) narrow leaves collected in a dense rounded hummock with a circumference of 30 - 40 cm. The sheets retain their color after winter.
• Conica. It grows up to a maximum of 15 cm, is characterized by a saturated green color of leaves. It quickly grows, without requiring careful care.

• Firma variegata in the form of plump hummocks up to 10 cm high. It is accepted everywhere - both in the shade and in the sun. Depending on this, it changes color: from pale yellow to dark green.
• The same applies to higher grade Flacca. At 13-15 cm in height, it is distinguished by its color - instead of the traditional green color, the leaves are “poured” in a bluish tone, which looks great against the background of the pond.
• It is considered even more decorative Morrowil with a multi-colored design of the sheet (a white stripe is clearly visible on the very edge). It looks like a thick "cap" with a diameter of 25-35 cm and a height of 17-20.

Not inferior to them and tall species, among which stand out:

• Buchananii with beautiful brown-yellow (almost copper) leaves. The bush itself easily grows to 70-75 cm, and the presence of nearby water will only emphasize its appearance.
• His thermophilic "brother" called Buchananii viridis different green leaves with fawn "notes" in color. Such bushes are usually bought by pros - a heat-loving variety needs light shelter, while wintering on open ground can destroy it.
• Thin-leaved Comans somewhat lower (55-60 cm), but its leaves, resembling hair, form beautiful grassy “twists”. Does not need warming.

• The real decoration will be Elata. In terms of dimensions, it is close to the variety just described, but beats it at the expense of purely decorative colors: the leaves can be either yellow or green, and the golden yellow is considered the most spectacular. True, not everyone can buy such beauty at all - the variety is considered an exotus.
• "Tall" Pendula meter height is great for the coastal zone. Her drooping ears look simple and create a feeling of complete oneness with nature.

Orienting in varieties, do not forget about the species classification. The fact is that the selected sedge can belong to one of four directions - arctic or marsh, lowland or mountain. On this depends both the nature of growth and the size of the plant itself. It is desirable to clarify this point before the purchase.

Application in landscape design

Visible, and at the same time "decorative" in appearance, decorative sedge is actively used in landscape design.

Of course, the main sphere of its application is registration of reservoirs. The plant is readily accepted on the shores, and the slightly lowered tops of high varieties only emphasize the natural appearance of the lake or canal - at such moments it seems that nature "thought."

Landing along the path leading to the pond will also be an excellent option. But the sedge is not limited to the “water procedures” alone - many varieties take root on the more arid “patches”. In the open cottage or in the garden perennial can be used for such purposes:

• Alpine slide design. Particularly effective in this regard look stunted ground cover lines, carpeted soil between the stones. For a better effect, you can land a couple of higher sedges closer to the center or along the edges of the composition.
• Planning a large area rockery. Here the location may be angular, so as not to obscure the smaller species, planted next door.
• Decorative sedge is ideal for decorating shady areas of the garden. Most often, near the trees planted stunted varieties that visually complement their foliage with its greenery.
• Evergreen lines are suitable for joint planting with primroses. This gives the impression of continuous growth. The only thing - the sedges should not suppress the supply of light to the neighboring youngsters.

If such a large-scale redevelopment does not have enough time, do not despair: you can plant a perennial in pots or containers.Placing them in a dense group, you will also achieve a good visual effect. The main thing - do not lose with the packaging. A pot will suffice for a low bush, while tall grass, which will eventually wilt, will need a larger container.

Location selection

Selecting a site for planting, you need to remember about the features of a particular grade. Marsh sedges will grow only on wet soils with the presence of peat or sand. Other lines will come on dry ground (of course, it will have to be regularly moistened).

Not bad, if the soil has been fed with peat or organic since the fall, it will be easier for the plant to get used to it.

There are also requirements for lighting. Providing a perfect light mode is far from being obtained by everyone, but that's okay - a kind of light penumbra will be a compromise.

The same story with the wind. Arctic species are well tolerated by strong and long winds, while others need a calmer place in this regard.

When planning a landing, consider the moment that sedge roots grow very quickly, which literally in a season can reach the rhizomes of other plants. Therefore, they are trying to keep at a distance.

Planting and reproduction

To land a sedge in open ground is very simple - anyone can handle it. The course of work will be as follows:

• In the heated soil made small grooves. Their depth may differ depending on the size of the planting material - 3 cm is enough for seeds, and for saplings they are taken deeper, with a reserve for the growth of rhizomes.

• Lightly moistened in the wells, you can fill them with a thin (0.7-1 cm) layer of sand or peat.
• After that, seedlings or seeds are placed in a groove and sprinkled with earth, not forgetting to compact it and moisten it tightly.

The planting scheme provides for an interval between young saplings of 25-30 cm. For more age specimens, this gap increases.

This procedure is carried out in late April or early May, when there is no risk of re-frost. Some practice and pre-planting, implying the multiplication of seeds. Here it is more difficult:

• In late February or early March, a spacious pot is taken. It is filled with a mixture of leaf and sod soil, humus, peat and fine river sand (all this is added in equal shares).In order for this substrate to "breathe," some coal is added.
• At the same time, seeds are placed in boiled water for 12 hours (swamp varieties will need a day). The water in these "baths" changes every 2 hours.
• After these manipulations, the seeds are spread on the soil and sprinkled with a thin (0.5-0.7 cm) layer.
• The pot itself is immediately covered with glass or film. They must not touch the ground. It is put on the battery or boiler - requires lower heating and constant + 22 ° C.

• The substrate is kept moist, before the emergence of shoots for such purposes, a spray gun is used - "direct" pouring is prohibited so far.
• Periodically, the seeds are aired by removing the film for 1-2 hours. This will not let them rot.
• Sprouts can "beat off" in a month or two. Grown into the growth of grass necessarily dive, placing in another container. By early May, the roots will get stronger, and the transfer to the site will be successful.

A simpler breeding method is dividing a bush.This method is well known to experienced flower growers, and for beginners it will not be difficult:

• In the spring, during active growth, dig out a plant with several powerful stalks.
• After washing away a clod of earth from the rhizome, carefully inspecting the "pad" itself - it must be healthy, without sores and rot stains.
• If the central root is healthy, it is divided with a sharp knife into several parts. Lateral growths are separated by him (although you can gently tear off his hands). It is not worth much to "chop up" the root - too small bubochki risk not to take.
• Places cuts sprinkled with charcoal in powder form. In this way, do not allow to develop rotting. Some are treated with activated carbon - it is also suitable for disinfection.
• The resulting seedlings can be taken out on the ground immediately or after a 10-day "quarantine" in separate pots. All this time the container is kept in coolness and shade, abundantly watered the substrate.

The first season after such a separation, the seedling will only be mastered, and the expected riot of colors is not always observed.But next year he will quickly return to normal.

As you can see, the decorative sedge is relatively simple in terms of planting and growing, the same can be said about seasonal care.

Peculiarities of care

The content of sedge in the country or in the garden comes down to the usual work. But for all its simplicity, they are associated with some nuances that are worth recalling.

Watering

Main condition - plentiful and frequent watering. It is undesirable for the soil to dry out and be taken with a crust and cracks. In the summer months, perennial moisturize 2-3 times a week. On one bush can go 10-liter bucket of water.

If you skip a couple of planned waterings, the result will be visible immediately - the leaves instantly turn yellow around the edges, and growth slows down. In addition to this, the roots begin to weaken.

With specimens growing in containers, the matter is somewhat simplified - the tub is often placed directly in the water, making sure that the roots are not overwetted. Separate topic - water quality. The sedge is extremely sensitive to it: too hard, chloride or technical fluid (which is often served at the dacha) can ruin the root. In such a situation it is better to use separated water.For a week, harmful compounds will settle at the bottom of the barrel, water can be used.

Distilled and melted water are also suitable. Boiled is also nothing, but for a large array of plants it is quite a costly option.

Top dressing

She spend every 2-3 weeks, simultaneously with watering.

Usually they make organic compounds like bird droppings or rotted manure. The use of "mineral water" also give a good effect. But such funds should be complex - for example, a preponderance towards nitrogen will only affect the green mass, while the rhizome will remain without an “additive”.

The best choice would be "Nitroammofosk" or balanced "Ammophos". The application rates are indicated on the package, but it also does not hurt to consult the seller - for different types of soil it is prescribed “its own” dosage, which is better to clarify.

The peak of application is in spring and summer. Since the beginning of autumn fertilizers are not applied.

Pruning

Dried leaves cleaned in spring (for evergreen species this is a must).

Shrubs can be formed by removing too bulging stems with sharp scissors or a knife.Such work requires a certain skill - movements must be sharp, without causing multiple cuts.

Of course, it will be necessary to prune the diseased branches, which may become the focus of the disease or attract pests - sanitary pruning reduces the likelihood of their occurrence.

Wintering

Most varieties we grow different enviable winter hardiness - Often they do not even cover.

But for the best preservation of the root, it is advisable to lay out a layer of mulch - it will become a reliable protection in the cold and little snowy winter. The lapnik from coniferous branches will be the excellent choice. Straw will also come down, although pests can winter there.

More "capricious" on this background look like varieties Buchananii viridis - they definitely need to wrap in anticipation of cold weather (or eventransfer to the greenhouse, where the temperature does not fall below + 8 ° C). This is typical of all exotic animals imported from warm countries.

We learned what a remarkable sedge is, we found out what kind of plant it is, what is the reason for its cultivation. Hopefully she will become worthy decoration your site. New colors every day!