The exquisite ornamental plant Schizanthus, also called shinsanthus, is a member of the Solanaceae family. It comes from southern Africa and South America. Such a plant is highly decorative, it is even sometimes compared to a chic and refined orchid, which is very loved by flower growers. Since these cultures are very similar in appearance, the schizanthus is sometimes called the "poor man's orchid". But in comparison with an orchid, such a flower is less capricious and demanding to care for, and even a novice gardener can try to grow it. However, in order for the cultivation of schizanthus to be successful, you still need to know and be sure to take into account several of its features.
Content
Features of schizanthus
Schizanthus is a lushly flowering perennial plant, or rather a biennial. But in the middle latitudes, it is cultivated as an annual plant. On the surface of the shoots and foliage, there is a pubescence, consisting of hairs. The bushes bloom for a very long time, or rather, from May until the first severe frosts. During flowering, the bush looks very impressive, and all thanks to the gorgeous flowers, which can have a variety of the most exotic colors. The flowers are colored red, purple, white, pink and yellow. In addition, petals are often decorated with patterns, strokes and spots. The shape of the flowers is similar to a butterfly, which is why the schizanthus is also popularly called the "butterfly flower". Inexperienced flower growers often confuse schizanthus with the Nemesis orchid, however, these are completely different plants belonging to different families, and only flowers are similar.
There are many varieties, from which every gardener can choose the one that he will certainly like. All varieties differ not only in the color of the flowers, but also in the height of the bush. So, a plant in height can reach from 30 to 100 centimeters. Its flowers attract butterflies and bees. This plant can beautify any garden plot, and it is also very popular in landscape design.
Growing from seeds
Sowing seedlings
It is possible to grow schizanthus from seeds through seedlings and in a reckless way, while doing this is quite simple, you just need to follow certain rules. Sowing seeds for seedlings is carried out in spring or autumn.If you decide to do this in the spring, then you should start sowing at the end of March or in the first days of April. Bushes grown from seeds in this case will begin to bloom around July. With the autumn sowing, which is carried out in September, the flowering of the schizanthus will begin in the last days of May.
The seedling trays should be filled with a light, well-drained nutrient-rich substrate. During sowing, seeds must be buried in the soil mixture by 0.3 centimeters. The crops are transferred to a cool place (about 18 degrees), and it is recommended to cover them on top with a black film. As a rule, seedlings appear at night after about 20 days. As soon as the weather is warm outside, it is recommended to transfer them to a well-lit balcony, they can also be placed on a sunny windowsill, it is best if it is located in the southern part of the room. Most importantly, keep in mind that the plants at this time need a lot of light. It is possible to dive a plant in separate cups only when at least three true leaf plates are formed. Transplanting seedlings into open soil is carried out after the return spring frosts are left behind. The distance between the bushes should be at least 25 centimeters.
The autumn sowing of schizanthus is good because the grown bushes will begin to bloom very early, around the end of May. In winter, the seedlings are kept in a cool but well-lit place. If necessary, they are provided with supplementary lighting using artificial lighting. In the event that some seedlings look weakened and lethargic, then you do not need to throw them away. After the time is ripe, transplant them outdoors. Gardeners have noticed that it is from such weak seedlings that the most spectacular and magnificently flowering bushes grow.
Sowing in open ground
If desired, schizanthus seeds can be sown directly into open soil, but in this case you need to be prepared for the fact that the grown bushes will begin to bloom only in July. You can start sowing only when the weather is warm, and at night there is no threat of frost. In order for schizanthus to bloom profusely and continuously, it is recommended to sow their seeds not all at once, but to do it in several stages with a break of several days. In the event that dense shoots appear, they will need to be thinned out so that there is a distance of about 25 centimeters between the bushes. Excess seedlings can be carefully dug up and planted elsewhere. The grown and strengthened bushes will bloom closer to the second half of July, but they will delight you with their flowers for a very long time, as a rule, until the first autumn frosts.
Some growers are trying to grow schizanthus in such a way that it blooms by March 8th. But you should immediately take into account that this is very difficult to do, because the bushes, as a rule, begin to bloom not earlier than May. In this case, the sowing of seeds is carried out in early autumn in a heated greenhouse.
The most popular among gardeners is the method of growing schizanthus through seedlings. However, those of them who sow seeds directly into open soil assure that in this case the bushes will bloom very effectively and profusely, but only from mid-summer, but until the very frosts (most often until October).
Landing in open ground
What time to plant
Planting grown schizanthus seedlings into open soil should be carried out only after the establishment of warm weather, while the threat of night frosts must be avoided. Most often this time falls on the last days of April or May.
In order for the plant to grow and develop well, you need to approach the selection of the site with all responsibility. It must have reliable protection from drafts and strong gusts of wind, as well as from prolonged rains.And it should also be taken into account that such a culture is photophilous and needs a lot of sunlight for its normal development, but at the same time it must be remembered that it reacts extremely negatively to too high an air temperature. In this regard, in regions with an excessively hot climate, it is recommended to choose shaded areas for planting schizanthus.
Since this flower is characterized by a rather high demand for growing conditions, some gardeners recommend planting it not in open ground, but in pots or in pots. In this case, with the onset of hot days or long rains, it can be easily transferred for a while to another place, which will be protected from precipitation or from the scorching rays of the sun.
Also pay attention to the soil on the site, it should be slightly acidic, fertile and pass water and air well. In this regard, during the digging of the site, it is recommended to add peat and sand to the ground.
Schizanthus care
In order for the schizanthus bushes to be strong and bloom profusely and for a long time, they need to provide not only good, but also proper care.
Watering
Such a culture belongs to moisture-loving plants. In this regard, watering must be carried out systematically, while it does not matter whether the top layer of the soil is dry or not. Pour water gently under the root so that drops of water do not fall on the surface of the foliage. Water the plant with soft and warm water. Therefore, the tap water must first settle well for several days. However, the flower responds best of all to irrigation with rainwater, which has been heated by the rays of the sun.
Fertilizer
Top dressing should also be given special attention. Before the bush blooms, fertilizer is applied to the soil, which contains nitrogen, this contributes to the rapid growth of green mass. And when the plant blooms, then fertilizer for flowering plants must be used for feeding.
Care features
In order for the cultivation of schizanthus to be successful, it should provide:
- sufficient amount of sunlight;
- systematic irrigation with suitable water;
- timely feeding.
Use in landscape design
Schizanthus is very popular among landscape designers due to its bright appearance and long flowering. It is used for both group and single landings. Another flower can be planted in the foreground of flower beds or flower beds. And also they can decorate a rockery or an alpine slide. It can be combined with other flowering crops such as petunias, chamomiles, foxgloves, lobelias, pelargoniums or phlox.
This plant can also be grown both in simple and hanging planters, as well as in balcony boxes or in containers. Most often, low-growing varieties are used for this. They can be placed not only in the garden, but also on the terrace or veranda.
Types and varieties of schizanthus with photos and names
The genus Schizanthus unites 12 different species. Below will be described those of them that are most popular with gardeners.
Schisanthus Grahamii (S. Grahamii)
The height of this annual plant is approximately 0.6 m. The flowers are pinkish-purple in color. The petals are adorned with many purple streaks and yellow specks. Breeders have bred varieties of this plant with flowers of snow-white, pink and lilac colors. Its stem is strongly branching, and its homeland is the mountainous regions of Chile.
Schizanthus Pinnatus (S. Pinnatus)
This species is an annual. The bush reaches a height of no more than half a meter. The racemose inflorescences, which are shaped like orchid inflorescences, are made up of small purple flowers. Today there are varieties with rich pink and white inflorescences. In the middle of the flower, and at the base of the lower petal, there are many strokes and spots.
Schizanthus Vizetonsky (S. Wisetonensis)
This hybrid was created using Schizanthus Feathery and Graham. The bush reaches a height of no more than 0.6 meters. Irregularly shaped flowers reach about 20 mm in diameter. They are painted in various shades of pink, and there are also plants with white inflorescences. This type of garden is most popular with gardeners, as the plant is very effective and graceful.
Various varieties of this culture are also popular among gardeners. The best of them will be described below:
- Angel Wings... This variety belongs to the Vizetonsky schizanthus species. An annual plant can reach a height of about 0.4 meters. In the upper part of the stems, inflorescences are formed, consisting of small flowers, reaching up to 20 mm in diameter. If the plant is well looked after, then the flowering will be so lush that even the stem cannot be seen due to the many beautiful flowers that can be colored pink, purple, white or carmine. The bush blooms in May, and flowering ends only in September. This variety is suitable for open field cultivation, as well as for growing in containers and flowerpots. It can also be grown at home.
- Monarch... This variety includes annual schizanthus. Erect shoots reach a height of about 0.4 meters. On their tops during flowering, the formation of inflorescences is observed, which include irregularly shaped flowers with a diameter of about 20 mm. They can be painted in carmine, cream, red or pink. The variety blooms magnificently and for a long time. Flowering begins in May, and ends with the first autumn frosts. You can cultivate such a plant in the garden in open soil or in containers.
- Piccollo... This annual variety belongs to the schizanthus pinnate species. The bush does not exceed 0.45 meters in height. The racemose apical inflorescences consist of many small flowers that are pink, cream or crimson in color. Such a plant can be grown not only in the open field, but also in flowerpots. The bush blooms in May, and only fades in September.
- Fiji... This exotic variety is very showy. Shoots form a pyramidal bush. The variety blooms stably, with numerous flowers tightly covering the shoots. They have a tubular shape, and reach no more than 20 mm in diameter. They can be painted pink, white or lilac. A large number of spots and stripes are located on the surface of the petals. Flowers are collected in panicle inflorescences. The variety can be cultivated in a rock garden, open field or in a container.
- F1 hybrid mix... Hybrids belong to the Vizetonian Schizanthus species. The height of such an annual plant can reach 0.55 m. Lush bloom lasts from the first days of July to September. Panicle inflorescences consist of small flowers up to 20 mm in diameter, which have a pink, cream or crimson color, while the petals have a pattern. This hybrid mixture grows well in sunny outdoor areas, and it is also grown in beddings.
