Waller's balsam: description of varieties, cultivation, reproduction and care with photos

Plant herbaceous type balsam perennial Waller (Waller) fell in love with flower growers for beautiful terry inflorescences of the original shape and colors. In the people, this type of balsam is called "Wet Vanka" or "Touchless". The flower is able to scatter seeds over long distances at the slightest touch. The plant is used in landscape design, where the flower is used in various combinations.

Description and characteristics

Waller's Balsam is a bright representative of the Balsam family. The plant is a perennial, but often grown as an annual flower. Key Features and Features:

• Powerful root system.
• Thick, juicy, but rather fragile stem.
• Intense green leaves, wide, elongated with small even teeth along the perimeter.
• Inflorescences form in groups or grow singly.
• Seed fruit - box.
• Plant height - up to 60 centimeters.
• Flowers vary in color from white to deep purple.

The plant is thermophilic, in the northern latitudes it is cultivated in open ground as an annual. Unable to endure harsh winters and frost.

History of occurrence

The birthplace of Waller's balsam is the rainforests of Zanzibar. The view was discovered by the emperor of this country in the 19th century. It was used as a landscape decoration in the palaces of the rulers of the East. During the Renaissance, balsam officially won the hearts of Europeans.

Despite the fact that Vanka is wet - a heat-loving flower, he feels good in the middle zone of our country. The main thing is not to leave the balsam for the winter in the open field, it must be transplanted into a pot.

Variety variety

The color scheme and varietal variety of Waller's balsams pleasantly surprises. The flower can be picked up to various landscape compositions, flower beds, alpine slides. Used as a border plant.

Gardeners have a choice of which balsam to plant. Some flower growers grow several different varieties on the site at once.

Musica pure white

Luxurious terry pale white large flowers completely cover the bush. The inflorescences resemble roses, the diameter of the flower is 20 millimeters. Perfect for growing in flowerpots, in individual pots. Demanding on watering, does not tolerate drought.

Musica bicolor dark red

Classic red in combination with transitions to white is a distinctive feature of the color of the inflorescences. Each flower is individual and unlike the other. Bush compact, small height.

Musica fine purple

The cosmic purple color of the inflorescences is mesmerizing. The flowers are large, terry, bloom together. The plant loves moisture, it is permissible to grow in the presence of partial shade. Forms a powerful root system.

Musica red crimson

Unforgettable scarlet color of large terry inflorescences. The plant looks great in flower arrangements and individual pots. The bush is powerful, sprawling. Regular watering required.

Musica pink energy

"Energetic pink" - the literal translation of the name of the variety. The color saturation is really amazing. Decorate terraces and balconies of garden plots and cottages. Looks great in compositions with Musica pure white.

Musica orange energy

The juicy red-orange color of the inflorescences in flower arrangements and landscape projects looks piquant. The flowers are large, terry, completely cover the bush. Does not tolerate drought and overdrying of the soil.

Care

Despite the fact that the flower feels great when grown indoors and performed well in open ground conditions, it is necessary to carry out competent care for balsams.

Landing

Balsam is planted with seeds or cuttings. For open ground, the best planting time is early June. It is necessary that the threat of frost is over and a stable temperature plus is established at night. The site for the flower is chosen sunny, well lit. In the lowlands, with stagnant moisture at the roots, balsam will not grow.

Choose a pot

Choosing the right container for balsam is not difficult. The root system of the flower is powerful, but superficial, the roots do not go deep. A shallow pot with a wide mouth is best.

Note! The closer the flower is in the pot, the more ovaries and flowers it will pick up.

In landscape design, a tricky trick is used: several seedlings are planted in one container, various color variations can be planted together. The bush will look more magnificent and more elegant.

Soil preparation

Waller's Balsam does not like acidic soils. The soil should be loose and nutritious. You can use a ready-made peat-sand mixture for flowering plants or make the composition yourself. Deciduous humus is mixed with peat and sand in equal proportions.

Important! In a flower pot, there must be drainage for the roots. Balsam does not tolerate stagnant moisture.

Transfer

Roly wet well tolerates transplantation, which can be carried out even during the flowering period. With indoor cultivation, it will be necessary to update and thin out the bush no earlier than in 2-3 years. It is best to do this procedure in early spring. If the plant feels comfortable, blooms profusely, does not shed its leaves and does not lose its beautiful appearance, then transplanting is optional.

Irrigation

Balsam is a moisture-loving plant with a thick juicy stem. Drying of the soil is not allowed. Watering is carried out in the early morning hours or late in the evening, it is desirable to use drip irrigation. The water should be warm and low in alkali.

Humidity

The plant comes from hot tropical forests, loves warmth and humidity. So that the leaves do not lose their color and do not wither, in the summer they must be sprayed with water from a spray bottle.If you add 10 drops of brilliant green to the solution (per 10 liters of water), the color of the foliage will improve, the bush will receive additional energy and antiseptic treatment.

Heat mode

Optimum temperature for growth and flowering +25 С. Long, "sizzling" sun rays are destructive. When growing plants on a balcony, shading is necessary. In winter, the air and soil temperature should not fall below +10 ^C.

Illumination

Waller's balsam is a long daylight plant. The more light a flower receives, the better it will feel and bloom profusely. It is important to remember that prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch.

Methods of reproduction

Balsam is easily propagated by cuttings or seeds. Under natural conditions, the plant increases its population by "squirting" seeds from a ripe seed pod over considerable distances.

Seeds

Before planting in the ground for seedlings, the seeds are soaked and disinfected in a solution of potassium permanganate. The soil should be light, with the addition of sand. The best time for sowing is March. The first shoots will appear in 10 days. At the stage of three leaves, the plants dive and transplant into individual containers. At the beginning of summer, balsam is planted in open ground.

Cutting

When grown indoors, balsam is propagated by cuttings. A small branch 6-8 centimeters long is cut from an adult plant and the lower leaves are removed. The stalk is placed in water in a small container. After 10 days, roots will appear, when the root system grows, the branch is transplanted to a permanent place. The process is easy, the plant takes root quickly, begins to bloom in a month.

Growing from seeds

At first glance, growing balsam from seeds seems to be a difficult task.Actually it is not. Seeds have good germination, young sprouts are characterized by high growth rates. Subject to agricultural technology, three months after sowing, the plant will delight the gardener with chic flowers.

Land Requirements

Loose soil with a neutral pH level - the basic requirements of balsam to the soil. Drainage can not be installed in seedlings, but in permanent containers, its presence is mandatory. Soil looseness can be achieved by adding sand.

Planting in a seed box

Seeds are planted at a distance of 10 centimeters from each other in a checkerboard pattern and sprinkled with earth, and then watered. The box is covered with foil and placed in a bright, warm place. The optimum temperature for seed germination is from +20 С to +22 ^{С. The first shoots will delight gardeners in 10 days.}

Temperature

The optimum temperature for seed germination is from +20 С to +22 ^{С. Film greenhouses must be ventilated and condensate removed. Lower or higher temperatures slow seed germination.}

Picking

Young sprouts are planted at the stage of three leaves. The root system by this time is sufficiently formed, the plant is ready for picking. Pots are not used deep, but with a wide neck (10 centimeters). Pinching the balsam is done at the stage of the seventh leaf. This event contributes to the formation of a more lush bush.

Hardening

Balsam needs hardening, the plants will be more adapted to the conditions of the Russian summer. Since May, the gradual adaptation of seedlings to cool temperatures begins. Plant pots are placed on the terrace or balcony for a short time.

Transfer

With a multi-year growing system, the flower is transplanted after 2-3 years, by which time the roots have time to grow into the drainage, the soil must be replaced. With annual cultivation, planting from pots begins in early June, when the night temperature exceeded +10 ^С.

Cutting

He alth measure is plant pruning. Branches stretched upwards are pruned, tall side shoots, dry twigs and leaves are removed. The bush is given a neat shape and flowering is stimulated.

Flowering

Balmsam blooms from summer to late autumn. With indoor cultivation and the right conditions of detention - until January. The plant needs a "rest period", as a rule, these are the winter months - December, January and February. Flowers and buds are removed from the balsam, watering is reduced and removed from direct sunlight.After resting, the plant wakes up in March. During this period, you can fertilize with mineral cocktails for flowering houseplants.

Feeding

Balsam is undemanding to top dressing, but with abundant flowering, they will not hurt. You can use mineral fertilizers in the form of sticks or complex liquid mineral mixtures. They must be used according to the instructions, avoiding an overdose.

Protection from diseases and pests

The main ailment of balsams is rotting of the root system, which attacks a he althy bush under the wrong conditions. Lack of drainage and overwatering are the biggest mistakes gardeners make.

Insect pests such as thrips, spider mites, whiteflies can transfer to Waller's balsam from other plants. In this case, insecticide treatment is carried out.

Preventive measures to protect plants from diseases and pests:

• Spraying flowers and watering plants with a solution of potassium permanganate.
• Timely removal of dried leaves.
• Loosening pots and flowerpots.
• Drainage available.
• Balanced lighting and rational watering.

Under the right conditions, balsam rarely gets sick.

Growing difficulties

A novice gardener may encounter certain difficulties in growing balsams. The plant may suddenly become ill or tie few buds. Consider the main problems that arise when caring for a flower.

Small leaves

Crushing of leaves in adult plants begins at the moment when the soil in the pot is depleted. It is necessary to transplant and trim the plant, replace the soil by laying a new drainage. A month after the transplant, feed the balsam with a mineral complex.

Leaves fall, curl, rot

These symptoms are a sign of illness. Leaf curl develops due to infection of the plant with a spider mite. The use of insecticides is required. Falling leaves are a sign of insufficient watering of the soil, the plant lacks moisture. It is necessary to balance the frequency and volume of watering.

Rotting of stems and leaves occurs against the background of the development of fungal infections due to excessive watering, lack of drainage, transfer of bacteria from other plants. To avoid these phenomena, it is necessary to regularly inspect plants for signs of bacterial infections and pest larvae.

Foliage dries and falls off

If there are no signs of infectious diseases and pest damage, then the point is lack of moisture. We must not forget that balsam comes from tropical forests. Foliar spraying and regular watering are essential care items.

Weak flowering

Balsam refuses to bloom, which means it lacks nutrients and light. Experienced flower growers plant plants in cramped pots, this stimulates flowering. An excess of nitrogenous fertilizers provokes foliage growth to the detriment of bud set and flowering. It is necessary to adjust the feeding schedule and the types of fertilizers used.

Flower stops

If the balsam has stopped blooming, then perhaps the rest period of the plant has come. Balsam "takes a vacation" during the winter months. During this period, it is important to reduce the number of waterings and remove the plant in a cool place. If the flowering stopped in the summer, then the matter is in unfavorable growing conditions, improper care or infection of the plant with fungal or viral infections.

Landscape use

Balsam has been used in landscape design for decades. Alpine slides, flower arrangements in flowerbeds - with the help of these beautiful flowers, beautiful combinations are created. Waller's balsam is used as a border plant.

Bushes are planted in groups and separately, colors and varieties of flowers are combined. Decoration of terraces, balconies, verandas - balsam thickets will look spectacular in group flowerpots and individual pots.

Waller's balm has deservedly won the hearts of Russian gardeners, has become a wonderful decoration of the garden and country landscape. The plant is unpretentious, easily propagated at home, adapted to the climate of central Russia.

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