Many gardeners enjoy growing flowers like acidanthera. This is easy to explain, as the buds of this mysteriously named flower resemble stars in the night sky. The bud is held by a long stem, which, despite its graceful appearance, provides a strong and sturdy support for the flower. These flowers are considered exotic not only because of their appearance but also because they originated in hot Africa.
You can see the exotic Acidanthera flowers not only in photographs but also in person, if you know the rules for planting and caring for Acidanthera outdoors (photo). After all, despite the flower's exotic appearance, it can be grown in your own garden if you delve a little deeper into all the nuances involved in growing this beautiful flower. hanging flowers can be grown.
The most common varieties of acidanthera
Like other flowers, acidanthera has several varieties that produce flowers of different sizes and colors. Let's look at the most popular varieties:
- Tropical acidanthera is a greenhouse-grown variety for its abundant blooms. The flowers are white, with crimson spots appearing near the center of the petals. The plant grows up to 1.3 meters in height.
- White acidanthera – true to its name, it produces spotless, snow-white flowers, which distinguishes it from all other varieties. It has a distinctive, strong aroma;
- Acidanthera bicolor—the flower stems reach one meter in height, bearing abundant dark green foliage, while the flower itself is a delicate creamy white. Matching the stem, the bud is also massive, about 12 centimeters. Red and black spots can be seen in the center of the bud, making the flower unique and very elegant. Currently, this variety is the most common in our region.
- Cape acidanthera has snow-white buds with iridescent purple veins with a soft shade of red, making them look unique and stand out among other flowers.
- Acidanthera Fourcade – the distinctive feature of this variety is that no more than two flowers of delicate pink and purple colors grow on the stems; due to its minimalism, the flower looks exclusive and elegant.
- Pink-white acidanthera has white flower petals with a slight raspberry tint. This variety is most often used for crossbreeding with other varieties.
How to plant plants in open ground
To ensure the plant grows fully, delights with its healthy appearance and abundant flowering, it's important to create favorable conditions. A few simple rules for planting and caring for acidanthera (photo) in open ground will help both experienced and novice gardeners:
- Acidanthera loves the sun, so it prefers places where the plant can bask in its rays;
Important! Acidanthera thrives in warmth and doesn't tolerate cold well. Therefore, it's suitable for outdoor cultivation in southern latitudes. If the climate in your region is cool, consider having a greenhouse and growing the flowers there. Acidanthera pairs well with daylilies.
- The soil for the plant should be slightly acidic, with a good drainage system; a little peat can be added to the soil to improve the quality of flower growth;
- For planting, you should choose a sunny place and plant the sprouted flower bulbs there;
- In spring, bulbs can be planted directly in open ground, without pre-germination. However, make sure the soil is sufficiently warm. Bulbs should be planted no deeper than 12 centimeters into the soil. It's also important to consider the spacing between bulbs. If the bulbs are small, space them 12 centimeters apart. If the bulbs are large, space them 20 centimeters apart. Water the plant immediately after planting.
- Before planting outdoors, the bulbs can be sprouted. They are planted in regular flowerpots (about 4 centimeters deep), then placed in a warm, well-lit spot and waited until May. Of course, don't forget to water the plant; without this, it will quickly die. Pre-sprouting the acidanthera bulbs allows you to grow a more resilient and robust plant.
How to care for acidanthera
All plant care in warm weather consists of systematically performing the following actions:
- Soil loosening;
- Weeding;
- Fertilizer;
- Watering;
- Pruning dried flowers;
During the cold season, caring for acidanthera involves covering the flower tubers with dry leaves, straw, or other materials that can insulate the plant.
Where are acidanthera flowers used?
Acidanthera flowers are very beautiful and unusual, so they are often used in landscape design, in rock gardens, and for artificial ponds. They are also often used to harmoniously decorate ordinary flower beds around the house or near a gazebo. How can How to grow a rose from a cutting at home with photos.
Caring for and planting acidanthera in open ground isn't particularly difficult, despite the flower's fussiness. The key is to find a suitable location and ensure regular watering, while also fertilizing the soil. Consider the flower's extraordinary fragrance and choose a spot near a resting place, such as a gazebo or bench, to capture the enchanting scent of delicate, exotic flowers.