Aquilegia is an interesting elegant plant, a representative of the ranunculaceae family. Its popular name is "catchment". This flower is unpretentious and is often used to decorate flower beds and lawns. In nature, it is common in the temperate latitudes of Europe and Russia. Currently, 120 species of this plant are known. The third name of aquilegia is orlik. The fact is that the flowers of this plant are somewhat reminiscent of eagle claws.
A catchment is a flower that can propagate both by seeds and cuttings, as well as by dividing the bush. The first method is used mainly for ordinary, not particularly noteworthy varieties, the second and third - for more valuable ones. They divide the bushes at the end of August and planted in a new place at a distance of about 70 centimeters from each other. For cuttings, either young shoots or sockets that appeared at the end of summer from the kidneys of renewal are taken.
Sowing with seeds is carried out both in spring and in autumn. In the latter case, you can get more friendly shoots. The catchment is a flower that can grow on almost any soil. However, the most interesting result can be achieved only if the soil on the site is loose, air- and water-permeable. It is very good if the place for landing the catchment is slightly shaded. He feels quite well in the sun, but at the same time, smaller flowers grow on it. It is best to plant aquilegia under the trees along with ferns and irises. An excellent solution would also be the use of this plant to design a pond.
On the right, above and below you can see what the aquilegia looks like (photo). Caring for it includes a fairly plentiful watering. As for top dressing, this plant is fertilized three times during the season. The first time - in the spring, in May, the second - at the beginning of flowering and the third - in the fall, after it ends and the flower stalks are cut. Four-year watersheds are smaller. Therefore, at this age, it is advisable to renew the plants in the flowerbed.
In the event that different varieties of the catchment are planted close to each other, they can become dusty. This will result in a hybrid aquilegia. The hybrids of this plant are distinguished by originality and grace, and therefore are often derived in an artificial way. All varieties of eagles can be used for planting on flowerbeds and lawns. Even if for some reason the plant does not bloom, it will still be an excellent decoration thanks to its lovely triple bluish-green leaves.
Aquilegia hybrids are best grown in seedlings. The seeds are pre-soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate (0.1%) for half an hour, and then washed. The soil in the boxes also need to be poured with a slightly pink solution a day before disembarkation. Grooves are made on the surface of the soil at a distance of about 2.5 cm from each other. Seeds are laid out in increments of about two centimeters.
The catchment is a flower that loves abundant watering, so you need to carefully monitor that the land in the boxes does not dry out. Bushes are planted in open ground in early May. To do this, prepare a special bed with fertilized soil. The distance between the stems of individual plants should be about 10 cm. An aquilegia is transplanted to a permanent place at the end of August.