Description and propagation of the reviving lunar flower, planting and care

Lunnik is a very ancient culture, which today is on the verge of extinction. The flower is grown in home gardens not because of its lush and beautiful flowering, but because of the unusual shape of the fruit, which resembles the full moon in appearance. In total, this genus includes 4 representatives, but only 2 have become widespread in culture. The rules for planting and caring for the reviving moonflower are studied before work begins in order to avoid mistakes that novice gardeners make.

General description and characteristics of the lunar flower

Moonflower belongs to the Cruciferous family and can be either an annual or perennial plant. Its fruits, due to their mother-of-pearl tint and shape, resemble the full moon, which is why the culture got its name. Only 2 representatives of this genus are found in household plots - the reviving moonflower (perennial) and the annual moonflower. The first is considered today an endangered species, which is listed in the Red Book. In the natural environment it is found in Europe and occasionally in North America. The ideal place for the culture is slightly acidic, nutritious and loose soils; moonflower also grows on gravelly and clayey soils.

The flower has large leaves. The flowers most often have purple petals, but there are also varieties with white petals. They are large and have long nails. The elliptical-shaped fruit is located on a stalk, the length of which is about 15 mm.

Most popular varieties

Among the representatives of the genus, only two are used in culture:

• Annual moonflower. The height of the flower does not exceed 60 cm, has flowers of violet, lilac or white. Natural habitat is the southeastern part of Western Europe. Among the popular varieties of annual moonflower are: Manstead Purple with lilac buds, Albu with white petals and Variegata with variegated leaves and pink-purple flowers.
• Moonflower comes to life, belonging to the category of perennials. Most often found on the Balkan Peninsula in deciduous forests. It has fragrant purple flowers; there is no culture with yellow flowers.

Advantages and disadvantages

To determine the advisability of planting a lunar plant on a site, study its pros and cons.

The advantages for gardeners include:

• Bright aroma of flowers.
• An unusually shaped fruit that resembles the moon.
• Stable immunity to diseases and pests.
• Undemanding to the composition of the soil mixture.

Disadvantages:

• Fear of bright sunlight.
• The need for shelter for the winter in regions with cold climates.
• Long process of reproduction.

Specifics of growing ornamental crops

The rules for growing perennial moonflower are no different from other plants. It is important to choose the right place, prepare the soil and material for planting.

Location

If the annual moonflower needs bright sunlight, then the reviving one prefers shady places; in extreme cases, there should be light partial shade on the site. The crop does not have any special requirements for the composition of the soil; it only needs loose and fertile soil that drains water well. To improve the quality of the soil, lime and humus are added to it.

Planting material

The easiest way to plant a reviving moonflower is to use cuttings; if you don’t have any at hand, you sow the seeds at home on seedlings and only then transfer them to open ground.

Planting process

The step-by-step landing algorithm is as follows:

1. Furrows are made in advance in prepared and fertilized soil.
2. The distance between the seedlings of the reviving moonflower is at least 35 cm.
3. Cover the top with the remaining soil and moisten it abundantly.

Whether or not to mulch the soil around the bushes is up to each gardener to decide at his own discretion. Peat or sawdust is used as a moisture-retaining layer.

Features of flower care

Even novice gardeners do not have any difficulties caring for the reviving lunar plant. All that is needed for the full development of an ornamental crop is watering, fertilizing, shelter for the winter and protection from pests and diseases.

Watering the plant

Abundant moisture is contraindicated for moonflower; if you overdo it with moisture, the roots of the crop are affected by fungal diseases. The procedure is carried out either early in the morning or in the evening. For humidification, water is prepared in advance - it is settled and allowed to warm up a little in the sun. In cases where there is prolonged dry weather, watering is increased so that a dry crust does not form on the soil surface.

Spraying

It is prohibited to spray the leaves of the reviving moonflower. The culture reacts extremely negatively to such a water procedure.

The soil

After each irrigation, the soil around the flowers is loosened to ensure full access of oxygen to the roots of the plants. Weeds are also regularly pulled out so that they do not choke the crop and take away its valuable nutritional components.

Flowering and replanting

From the beginning of May to June, small flowers, mostly purple in color, appear on the lunar plant. Sometimes, with proper care, this process is repeated in August. The reviving moonflower does not need frequent transplants and develops in the same place for several years without any problems. If this still needs to be done, choose the last summer days for transplantation.

Feeding

Without fertilizing, it will not be possible to get a healthy and beautiful ornamental plant. Fertilize perennial moonflower regularly, do it once a month. Both organic and mineral compositions are suitable for this.Fertilizing is carried out in early spring, and the application of nutrients is completed in the second half of summer.

Methods of controlling diseases and pests

Plant diseases develop only in the case of an incorrectly chosen place for growing and in the absence of proper care.

It could be:

• Fungal disease. Develops at high soil moisture. To save the plant, use any systemic fungicide.
• Cabbage butterfly and cruciferous flea beetle. Spraying with an insecticidal agent is carried out at an interval of 2 weeks, for example, the drug “Actellik” has proven itself to be effective.

It is forbidden to plant moonflower in those beds where other crops of this family grew in previous years.

Reproduction

A reviving lunar plant is bred using two methods:

• The easiest way is using cuttings.
• Labor-intensive and time-consuming - seed. The seedlings are first grown indoors and then transferred to open beds. Seeds undergo stratification before sowing.

Use in landscape design

Culture looks harmonious in group compositions. Lilies and clematis are chosen to accompany him. Also, the reviving moonflower is used to create a Moorish lawn or gravel garden. For the latter option, it is combined with asters, thyme or geranium.