The carnation family lacks beautiful and original species. Of course, the notorious cloves are the most famous, but there are other original varieties of plants. The most original and peculiar include tumbleweed. This interesting plant is part of the genus "swing." The biological name of the species is swing paniculata.
From its closest relative, kachima high, it differs in appearance and unusual way of branching shoots. There are a lot of them, and even branches of this species are strongly bent, as a result of which, by the middle of the growing season, the bush begins to resemble a large and fluffy ball lying on the ground. However, the name
tumbleweed this
plant did not get at all because of this.
The thing is that after flowering, it is separated from the rhizome and can be freely carried away by the wind in any direction. Why was this done by nature? It's simple: this is how the tumbleweed multiplies. Rolled by the wind across the steppe, it disperses its ripened seeds in huge quantities. That is why varieties of this genus are so common in the steppe zones.
However, representatives of the plant are not always so restless. Botanists noticed that in the case of garden cultivation and regular watering, a ripe ball is in no hurry. Moreover, even after the onset of cold weather and the first snow falls, the bush often remains in place. Experts suggest that this is due to the fact that during regular and heavy irrigation, its root does not dry out, as a result of which the tumbleweed remains in the garden.
Yes, yes, do not think that you have another weed! Kachim is very popular with professional gardeners. There are even many specialized garden varieties that, as a result of a long and systematic selection, already hardly resemble their wild and “restless” ancestors. However, their original and immediately attracting attention spherical shape has not disappeared. The gardeners deserved love for gardeners precisely because of their spherical shape, since this form is completely natural and does not need to be specially formed during the growing season.
What care does this wonderful flower ball require when planted in the garden? I must say that if the plant inherited something from its wild relatives, then this is complete unpretentiousness. Kachim grows splendidly even on poor soils and practically does not need any additional feeding. Of course, a certain amount of humus will benefit him, but it’s not worth it to diligently water the tumbleweed. Otherwise, its root system can simply rot. In addition, do not forget that this flower needs good sunlight, so you do not need to plant it in half-shaded and shady places, since he does not like this very much.
I must say that the originality of this species has been repeatedly noticed by the people who endowed it with a number of funny nicknames. For example, his second name “Kolya - tumbleweed” is widely known. This emphasizes the inconstancy and changeable nature of Kachima, which is similar to some people.