Original clerodendrons
The name clerodendron refers to a large (about 400 species) genus from the Verbenaceae family. It includes Asian or African climbers, shrubs and small trees. Many of them are suitable for growing in containers that are transferred to cool rooms during the winter. Their common feature are original flowers, which differ from one species to another.
The most famous species in the genus is Thomson's clerodendron Clerodendrum thomsoniae. It is a climber with woody shoots and leaves falling to the winter, growing up to 4 m. It draws attention with extraordinary flowers: bright red flower crowns grow from a large white calyx.The flowers are gathered in spectacular cascading inflorescences. The second, little-known species of the genus is the Ugandan clerodendron Clerodendrum ugandense, distinguished by its unique azure flowers with five fan-shaped petals and long decorative stamens.
Plants of this species reach 3 m in height. Both climbers are native to Central Africa and have similar growing requirements. They feel best in bright, but not directly sunny or semi-shaded places. The substrate should be permeable and enriched with compost.The optimal temperature in winter is 12-15 ° C. Their habit is easy to control by trimming the shoots.
Exotic tree ferns
Tree ferns are species with trunk-like structures, formed from a shoot covered with a thick layer of densely intertwined roots. The "trunk" ends with a plume of magnificent, always or semi-evergreen leaves, reaching up to 2 meters in length.
Most species of tree ferns come from the cool and humid regions of the South Pacific, such as the mountainous regions of Tasmania and New Zealand.Some can tolerate temperatures down to -10 ° C and can be grown in the ground in warmer regions of Europe, but in Central Europe they must be grown in containers that are transported to cool rooms during the winter. Thanks to the unusual shape and size, they are perfect as solitaire. The most common species in cultivation are Dicksonia and Sphaeropteris.
In nature, plants grow up to 6 m, in cultivation, especially in containers, only 2-3 m. They require a quiet, humid and shady place - they are suitable, for example, for terraces and balconies with northern exposure.The growing medium should be permeable, humus-rich, slightly acidic or neutral.It should be slightly damp. It is extremely important to provide plants with moist air.It is also necessary to regularly (preferably automatically) sprinkle the "trunk", and even install irrigation capillaries on it at a distance of a few centimeters from the base of the leaves in such a way that the water runs off it.
Colored kleome for containers
Kleome spiny Cleome spinosa is one of the most spectacular annual plants.Its most important decorative qualities are intriguing, spider-like inflorescences and impressive growth - under optimal conditions, plants can reach 1.5 m in height.Such tall specimens are not suitable for containers.
For cultivation on balconies and terraces, kleome varieties from the Señorita series are recommended, growing up to 80-100 cm. Their flowers develop all summer long. They are smaller than in the species, but in similar colors - white (señorita blanca), pale pink (señorita carinosa) or pink-purple (señorita rosalita).They are distinguished from typical plants of the species by densely branched and leafy shoots, very pretty, compact habit (plants reach 60-70 cm in diameter) and long and abundant flowering.
Kloeme are also great for discounts. They do not cause problems in cultivation - they are drought-resistant in the ground, but in container cultivation, you should watch out for regular watering, especially since plants should develop in sunny places
