The Alchemilla mollis(Alchemilla mollis) is the most commonly cultivated species in gardens. The leaves of this decorative perennial decorate the garden all season long, and in early summer the plant is covered with numerous yellowish-green flowers. We advise whatthe use of algaein the garden, what iscultivation and reproduction of algaein amateur conditions and whatvarieties of algaethey look the most interesting.
Alchemilla mollis - Alchemilla mollis
Fig. depositphotos.com
What does a soft teardrop look like?
Soft flower , also known astropical flower , is one of the most interesting ground cover perennials. It is valued for its decorative leaves and pretty yellow flowers.The leaves of the mothhave a tendency to keep water droplets on their surface for a long time.
The soft algae has a compact habit , reaching up to 50 cm in width and even 75 cm in height. Decorativeleaves are light green , slightly pubescent, lobed with serrated edges, wavy in the initial phase of growth. They remain pretty throughout the growing season until the end of autumn.
The flowers of the soft algaeare small, yellow, gathered in clusters raised above the leaves. This plant blooms from June to July.
Soft algae - application
The soft algae is usedto plant larger areas in home gardens, as well as among urban greenery. Alchemilla is a honey plant that perfectly attracts pollinating insects to its flowers.
The soft algae looks good when planted in perennial beds. It can be used to create naturalistic compositions with plants such as, for example, soft acanthus, which will bloom after the alchemilla and will be useful for bees after the end of flowering.
The algae looks nice in large groupsas a ground cover planted along paths and between ornamental shrubs. It is also recommended as a plant for planting around a pond.
We plant 3-10 plants together. The recommendedplanting spacing of algaeis 5-7 plants per square meter.
Alchemilla mollis - Alchemilla mollis
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
The soft flower is also usedas a plant for containers on terraces and balconies. Mugwort flowers are used for floristic compositions.
Let us not confuse the alchemilla with Alchemilla vulgaris, which is used as an herb that improves digestion, inhibits bleeding and heals inflammation. Contrary to the common algae, thetrefoil discussed in this article is only used as an ornamental plant
Good to knowThe almond shell is also known as a slug repellent plant. Harmful mollusks do not like to nibble on the feathery and hairy leaves of the algae, which is very useful in shady and damp corners of the garden.
Soft algae - varieties
The cultivars of the soft algaediffer in terms of growth force, so we can use them for various compositions with other plants. Two varieties of algae are particularly attractive in the garden:
Mugwort 'Auslese'- this is also known as 'Select' or 'Robustica'.Forms a tufted but more upright habit. Inflorescence shoots do not have a tendency to lodging, as is the case with the basic species. It grows to a height of 40 cm, so it is slightly shorter.
Soft algae 'Thriller'- this variety grows up to 60 cm in height. It is distinguished by an erect and lush habit. Its inflorescence shoots do not show a tendency to lodging, and the leaves are gray-green with an almost round outline.
Soft algae - cultivation
The soft root is easy to grow and undemanding , tolerant to soil. It will feel best on clay-humus soils, moderately moist. The pH of the soil is of little importance for this plant. The bestplanting site foris a semi-shaded or shaded place. In a sunny place, it requires regular watering.
When the flowering is finished,cut its flowering shoots. In spring, however, we remove only damaged leaves, and not all above-ground parts, as is the case with many other perennials.
Mugwort is rarely attacked by pests , it does not get sick, and is also fully frost-resistant (plant frost resistance zone 3). This makes it worth paying attention to it when selecting plants for the garden.
Alchemilla mollis - Alchemilla mollis
Fig. G7OBC, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Soft algae - reproduction
We reproduce the soft algae by dividingin spring (until April) or autumn (from October). Loosen the soil around the plants, and then gently pull the grasshopper out with the pitchfork. Then we remove the withered leaves and rinse the plant with water. After checking which parts are he althy and suitable for division, we plant a divided algae to the same depth as it grew before. Compact the soil around and water the plant.
We can alsoreproduce the soft algae by sowing its seeds in the spring In such a case, however, we should remember that before sowing, it is necessary to stratify the seeds of the plant (keeping the seeds for 4 weeks at 5 ° C, e.g. in a refrigerator). After this treatment, the seeds will germinate at 10-15 ° C within 2 weeks of sowing.
It is much easier toresign from cutting the fading inflorescences of the algae , thus allowing it to spread by itself. Alchemilla is one of the plants that spread easily by themselves.
MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
