Eustoma is large-flowered, lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) or Japanese indoor rose, is a herbaceous flowering plant of the gentian family. The birthplace of the flower is considered the southern part of the USA. It is here that the rose in natural conditions grows in lowlands or on river slopes. The height of the plant reaches an average of 30 cm, and sometimes it can stretch up to 90 cm in height. The stem is branched, the leaf is green with a grayish tint, the color of the inflorescence in the natural environment is purple or blue. In appearance , the Japanese rose is similar to a poppy flower. Up to 20 buds can develop on one bush, and they do not bloom immediately, but alternately.
Variety of eustomas
Breeders have created many varieties of eustoma: with white inflorescences, apricot, pink, yellow and even greenish shades. There are also varieties that combine several representatives of the color scheme. The selection of this plant is very relevant in countries such as the United States and Japan. It was here that a Japanese rose was bred (photo below) with a double flower. Its inflorescence no longer resembles a bell or poppy. Thanks to this, the plant is experiencing its second rebirth. It is very popular in European countries, Australia, America and Japan.
The natural color of the plant does not shine with variety. But thanks to the efforts of breeders today there are a huge number of varieties that are characterized by a variety of not only the color scheme, but also the shape of the flower.
Varieties by method of cultivation
The natural variety of the plant is very capricious, breeders managed to breed hybrids with less care requirements, for example:
- Tall bushes that are used in the design of the garden. These are the varieties "Aurora", "Echo", "Flamenco" and others.
- Undersized. Grown at home, in pots: LittleBell, "fidelity", FloridaPink, Mermaid and others.
By the duration of the growing season
- Annuals. They are easier to grow, since such a Japanese rose does not require special care, therefore, these varieties are most suitable for amateur gardeners.
- Biennials. More demanding to care, so professionals are most often involved in them.
- Perennials. They simply do not exist in nature, they are grown only decoratively in pots.
By variety of flower
- Kioto variety is characterized by a large, but not double inflorescence. Color palette: red, white and pink. It grows fast, pleases with fast flowering. It has an amazing color of petals.
- "Echo". Japanese rose of this variety blooms profusely. Very tenacious plant, terry petals of different colors.
- "Cinderella". Delicate flowers of a pleasant color - lilac, snow-white and violet. The variety belongs to the terry variety. It coexists perfectly at home - in a pot and on a garden plot.
- Variety with a small flower, funnel-shaped and simple. The color scheme is extensive. Small in height, which makes it possible to cultivate plants in pots.
Japanese rose - plant care
Beginning amateur gardeners cultivate eustoma as an annual. In order to achieve repeated flowering, you need to remove the faded buds and properly care for the plant. And exactly how, we will describe below.
Lighting
As for lighting, the plant prefers diffused light. With direct sunlight, brown spots can form on it - this is a burn, they can also be observed on the bud or leaf itself. If you plant a Japanese rose in the garden, then the area under it should be located in the dark zone. If it is planted in an apartment, in a pot, then the room should be sufficiently moist and well ventilated, otherwise the Japanese rose will simply die.
Transfer
With decent and proper care, the eustoma perfectly survives the winter period. In spring, it must be transplanted if the bush has grown very much. The soil should be with normal acidity, nutritious and fairly light. An important condition for transplanting is good drainage. And in order for the rose to feel more comfortable, it is recommended to add a small amount of fine sand to the soil.
Watering and feeding
In the natural environment, Japanese rose (eustoma) most often grows on the banks of rivers and ponds. But this does not mean that she likes high humidity. When grown indoors, frequent watering should be avoided. It follows from the degree of drying of the soil between the previous and current irrigation. The water temperature should be room temperature, it is strictly forbidden to pour cold water.
Fertilize the plant with liquid mixtures and only during the growing season.
Possible growing problems
Problems in the care and cultivation of plants can occur in the process of exposure to roses of pests and diseases. The flower of the plant can be affected by a spider mite, whitefly or thrips. You can get rid of the lesions by treating the bush with insecticides. As for the diseases, the most common are fusarium, mycosis and gray rot.
Japanese rose propagation
The plant propagates exclusively by seeds, because it cannot tolerate violations of the integrity of the root. Therefore, the division of the bush is excluded. Cuttings do not give sprouts and roots at all. The seeds themselves can be purchased at specialized flower shops or collected from your own plants, if they grow in a garden or apartment. It is recommended to collect them from November to February. Japanese rose blooms only in the 20th week, maybe a little earlier, after germination. Therefore, if you plant a plant in spring, then this year it will have time to bloom, delighting with the beauty and charm of blossoming buds.
To plant a rose in open ground should not be earlier than 4-8 strong and healthy leaves are formed on it. The procedure is performed in the evening. After planting, it is recommended to cover the seedling on top with cellophane or a plastic (cut from below) bottle for about 3 weeks. The distance between each sprout should be at least 15 cm. To achieve better branching, strong canes should be clipped.
At first glance, caring for a Japanese rose seems laborious, but it's worth it. Indeed, the blossoming bud itself is in no way inferior in beauty to the rose that is traditional for most amateur gardeners. The eustoma bouquet looks surprisingly beautiful, albeit a little unusual.