Kuklik Geum is a genus of plants from the Rosaceae family.It includes several dozen species found almost all over the globe - from Europe to South America and New Zealand.There are several inconspicuous species in Poland, of which actually only one, the pendulous kuklik Geum rivale, is attractive to be grown in the garden.
These plants form dense rosettes of characteristic pinnate leaves, in which the apex leaf is much larger than the others. In May shoots ending with hanging flowers grow from the rosette.The flowers are small, but full of charm. Pale pink petals are hidden among the purple sepals of the perianth.
Plants like moist places and are perfect for naturalistic beds. Compared to the pendulous cuckoo, the typically decorative cuckoos - the Chilean Geum chiloense and the scarlet Geum coccineum - create flowers that are much more spectacular: larger, higher, and bright, red-tinged.The first of them, native to South America, grows up up to 50-60 cm and blooms in late spring, in May and June.The second, European (Balkans and Asia Minor) species is slightly shorter (reaches 30-40 cm high) and blooms in summer - in July and August.
All species of cuckoos easily cross each other, giving many hybrids that differ in height, flower shape and flowering date, but most of all in the color of the flowers.They usually bloom longer than the original species - instead of 2-3 weeks, their flowering time can be up to 6 weeks.Until recently, varieties blooming in the colors of fire: yellow, orange and red were popular.Recently, however, varieties with pastel flowers, especially in salmon and cream shades, have become more and more fashionable.
Aromatic herb
The name Geum derives from the Greek word "to smell" and refers to the pleasant smell of the rhizome of the common cuckoo Geum urbanum. The rhizome smells like cloves, which is why its folk names, such as clove herb, refer to this feature. Thanks to it, the kuklik rhizome was (and is) used to flavor drinks, including alcoholic beverages - wine and liqueurs. Linen was also often perfumed with it.
All these hybrids are classified into different species, depending on the parents' origin.And so, for example, we have Geum x heldrichii or Geum x rhaeticum, but more and more often the exact origin of the hybrids is difficult to establish, so they are labeled only with the name of the variety.
Bright flowering varieties bring energy to rebates. Thanks to them, you can create both rustic discounts and modern, contrasting combinations. For this purpose, the best designers combine, for example, orange cucumbers with violet-flowering plants, such as sage, evening party, catnip.The varieties with salmon and cream flowers are equally versatile.The varieties with the ancestor of kuklik are especially charming pendulous - their heads hang gracefully.
Cultivation conditions of kuklik
Garden rabbits prefer sunny places, but in hot regions they feel better in semi-shaded places, especially shaded in the midday hours. They grow well in average horticultural soils. The site should be well drained, but not dry. It is good if it is a place sheltered from the winds.The disadvantage of cucumbers is their short duration - plants have to be divided every 3 years.However, their charm and unique decorative features more than compensate for this minor drawback.This is evidenced by the fact that in England, cuckoos are often awarded the "Plant of the Year" distinction.
