Eric plant: description, ways of reproduction, cultivation and care

From the very beginning of spring and until late autumn it pleases with its lush long-lasting blossom, the variety of the palette of colors, an amazing plant of Eric, belonging to the family of heathers. Originally from South Africa, it thoroughly conquered the hearts of gardeners in different parts of the globe.

Description

Most species of Erica are evergreen shrubs, which are very similar to heather. It is distinguished by narrow needles with a length of up to 1 cm, similar to needles, which grow at right angles to the shoot. During the flowering period, the Erica is covered with numerous small flowers, resembling elongated drooping bells. They are collected in large one-sided brushes and have a variety of shades - from white to dark purple. After flowering, color remains for a long time. Fruits are small boxes with very small seeds, which retain their germination for several years.

In the role of a cultural plant, natural types of erica began to be used in England from the middle of the 18th century. Then, in Belgium and Holland, after almost a hundred years, they began to carry out breeding work, thanks to which a lot of hybrids appeared. Today the plant of Erica, a description of some of which is given below, is grown both in the open ground and in pots, decorating window sills and terraces. It is unpretentious and does not need special care.

Types of Erica

This plant is distinguished by a large variety of species. Among them there are several, differing in their increased interest in gardeners:

1. The first blooms erika grassy, or ruddy - in April, it is covered with pink or reddish bells. The height of this shrub is from 30 to 50 cm. Its outstretched stems are able, under favorable conditions, to form on the soil surface a cushion with a diameter of up to half a meter.
2. Erica elegant is cultivated mainly as a potted plant. Flowering begins in November and lasts for several months. There are several varieties of Erica elegant - with white, pink and reddish colors.
3. The Darlene Erica plant is a hybrid created by the English breeder Darley Dale at the beginning of the 20th century. Today it is widespread in the territory of Russia. It is characterized by high winter hardiness and abundant long flowering. There are more than 20 varieties of this species, the highest of them reaches a height of 50 cm.
4. Eric pink plant - one of the most undersized species. Its height rarely exceeds 20 cm. Dark red flowers appear already in April.

All species of this plant reproduce by means of seeds or cuttings. On a permanent place the seedlings can be transplanted not earlier than in 1,5-2 years.

Reproduction by seeds

This method is rather labor-intensive and is recommended mainly for planting natural species of erica. Seeds are sown on prepared soil, consisting of their coniferous, heather land and sand (in a ratio of 1: 2: 1, respectively) and covered with glass or polyethylene film. The temperature should be at least 18 ° C. Daily soil with seeds is sprinkled with warm water. The process of seed germination is rather long and takes at least 1 month. As soon as the shoots appear and grow up a bit, they are dived and gradually accustomed to sunlight. In order to get stronger, the seedlings will take another 2 months.

Reproduction by cuttings

Plants grown in this way begin to blossom much earlier than those planted with seeds. Planting material harvested from autumn, cutting the tops of lignified shoots. Soaked in advance in the growth stimulator, the cuttings are planted in a substrate consisting of a mixture of peat and sand. Before they are recommended to sprinkle with water. The soil must be sufficiently moist and loose, and the temperature within 18-20 ° C. Landings should be protected from direct sunlight.

After about 3 months the cuttings take root. Now you can start to gradually put them in the sun and fresh air. This period of hardening lasts for a month. Only after this, the young plant of Eric can be planted in the garden.

Selecting a landing site

It should be noted that in nature plants grow only on air-permeable soils. Without providing good drainage, they simply will not fully develop. The plant does not tolerate stagnant water. When choosing a site for planting, avoid areas where there is a buildup of thawed snow. In order to maintain a bright color of leaves and flowers, Erica needs a sufficient amount of sun. Do not land it on shaded and windswept areas. Erica - a plant, planting and caring for which does not cause difficulties, if the right place for him is chosen.

Features of care

Erica prefers soil weakly acidic or neutral. If you add a little river sand to it, the plants will feel great for many years. Cultivation of Erica is effective even for a beginning gardener. All that is required for this plant is to provide timely watering, fertilizing and pruning shoots when the flowering is over.

Erica is a plant, home care includes also preparation for winter. Before the onset of the first frosts, it is necessary to moisten and cover the soil, and cover the plantations with dry foliage or lapnik. Mulch will not only provide the plant a good winter, but will also enrich the soil with useful substances.

Feeding

Mineral fertilizers are usually applied during planting, before flowering and after pruning. They are scattered on the surface of the soil, lifting the branches of the plant to prevent their burns. You can add fertilizer to the water used for irrigation. When loosening the soil, a mulch layer (up to 5 cm thick) is poured on top. As it is used pine bark, chips and peat.

Watering

Although the plant is a drought-resistant plant, Erica, care of it necessarily includes regular watering. It must be ensured that the soil is always wet. The water must be soft, of a certain temperature. When the soil dries up, watering is required especially abundant. A potted plant can be completely dipped in water for half an hour. Eric plant is very sensitive to humidity. Therefore, the ground part is recommended to periodically spray.

Trimming

This obligatory procedure for maintaining the decorative form is performed immediately after the flowering of the eryca. It allows you to form a bush of beautiful and regular shape. In addition, pruning promotes a more lush and plentiful flowering in the next season.

It is necessary to remove only the green part of the shoot, on which there are leaves. Experts recommend carrying out unsymmetrical pruning - it allows you to preserve the natural appearance of the plant and give a more attractive appearance.

Diseases and pests

The most common diseases inherent in this plant are caused by fungal and viral infections. Among them, gray mold is most common. The cause of its development is usually high humidity. The first signs of the disease - a gray plaque, the fall of leaves and the death of young shoots. Today there are quite different antifungal insecticides that help to cope with gray rot: "Fendazol", "Topaz". With very serious damage to rot, a one-percent solution of copper sulfate is recommended. Treatment of sick plants is carried out twice with an interval of 5-10 days.

With a preventive purpose, spraying is carried out in the autumn-spring periods, using the aforementioned preparations for this purpose.

As for insect pests, their plant Eric is practically not interested. Occasionally, it can be found on it worms and ticks. Against them, the treatment of the stems and leaves of the plant with an alcoholic solution that is applied with a brush is effective. Then the affected areas are treated additionally with special means called "Actellik" and "Fitoverm".

Application in landscape design

Erica, thanks to her late flowering - a real find for gardeners who are engaged in creating rock gardens, rock gardens and flower gardens. Landscape designers often use it as a soil cover. In addition, in monocompositions, and in group plantings, blooming erika looks great. The plant in the garden creates a special microclimate, contributing to the development of other cultures - heath, grasses, barberry, Japanese spiraea. With such neighbors Erica looks especially attractive.

For many years, this plant is a universally recognized ornament of the garden.