Gardeners give this plant various characteristics, sometimes completely contradictory to each other. For example, some talk about the whimsical nature of aubrieta, others deny the presence of such a quality, citing as evidence the ability of the flower to grow on the poorest soils. In any case, both camps agree that growing aubrieta from seeds is the most optimal and sure way to start this amazing flower waterfall on your site.
It is impossible not to pay attention to the colorful fluffy carpet, densely covering the flowerbed, ridge, amazingly flowing vertically, forming original “living pillows”.
Aubrieta is the brightest representative of original plants suitable for landscape designs of any style. Small, densely spaced flowers of the plant will give spring garden originality and uniqueness. And even if your neighbor has the same plant planted, the plots will never look the same - the size varies according to color scheme, varieties and reacts very sensitively with its appearance to the agricultural technology applied to it.
Lilac, violet, pink, raspberry, purple, white, blue - aubrieta is beautiful in any of these shades. Flowering, as a rule, is abundant, looks harmonious in any floral ensemble, but most advantageously in alpine slides (it seems to have been born to enliven stones) and as the front border of the garden. Flowering period is April-May. It never blooms for more than two weeks, but before and after flowering, aubrieta is able to decorate the garden like a green plant. Its leaves also have one interesting feature: grayish-green during the dry season, they acquire a bright emerald color after rain. Probably, aubrieta should be classified as a whimsical vegetation, since it is almost impossible to “obtain” high-quality seedlings from its seeds. Of the amateurs, even those with extensive experience in growing flowers, not everyone succeeds in this. Therefore, advice to those who have decided to acquire a plant for the first time: only growing aubrieta from seeds will give a guaranteed positive result. The problem with the seedling method can be found directly in the plant: aubrieta reacts very negatively to transplantation. It is so bad that the replanting process itself poses a mortal threat to the flower. True, some gardeners have gotten used to growing seedlings by planting one seed at a time in a separate container, or using peat tablets for germination, from which the young plants do not need to be removed, which means that the seedling will not be disturbed when replanting. Growing aubrieta from seeds (see photo in the body of the article) involves a multi-year plant development cycle, the first year of which is devoted to germination and strengthening of seedlings. That is, after active growth from the soil, the formation of stems and leaves, the aubrieta simply will not have the strength to flower. Amazing inflorescences should be expected only in the second year after sowing. Flower growers distinguish two periods for the process of planting seeds in the ground: spring (April, May) and autumn (September). Planting is done immediately in open ground, using sand mulching and adding lime mortar - otherwise the work will be Sisyphean. A necessary condition for sowing is the presence of prepared beds, free of weeds and well loosened. From the small seeds of the aubrieta, thin and fragile shoots will emerge into the light, so it is very important that they are not prematurely covered by weeds, which grow faster and develop more actively in any soil and in any conditions. Obriecia (the second name of the plant) prefers light rocky soils; it is very difficult for it to grow on heavy loamy soils, it will develop slowly and is unlikely to be able to please you with the full strength of its blooming soul. Since you hope to end up with a spreading, lush plant, provide room for its development from the moment the seeds are planted - place them at a distance of up to 10 cm. This way they will not get tangled and interfere with each other. Don’t worry about the density of the “carpet” - with proper care, the aubriet will take the place allotted to it, without giving up a single millimeter to the weeds and leaving no gaps. This topic: aubrieta, growing from seeds, reviews from experienced gardeners can be presented as evidence of the simplicity of the procedure. Each of them will confirm that preparation for sowing plays a greater role than sowing itself. The main preparatory stages of floriculture gurus suggest the following: After sowing, the first shoots of aubriet appear in two to three weeks. In addition to growing aubrieta with seeds, there is another effective way to propagate this plant - cuttings. The technique is simple: The first condition for the abundant flowering of aubrieta is a correctly selected place for it. And this task is not an easy one: aubrieta does not like a lot of sun, a lot of shade, and in some cases, it does not even respond well to partial shade (in the morning, when the sun is not yet active, the plant perceives partial shade as a cold, dark and uncomfortable zone) .
"Difficult" seedlings
Seeds - in open ground
Selecting the right soil
Distance between seeds
Preparing for sowing
Waiting for shoots
Cuttings
Caring for a “capricious lady”
Aubrieta or aubretia - popular flowering plant, which is often used for decorative design garden and park areas. Aubrieta flowers are very bright, presented in white, pink, purple, and blue shades. They look very impressive in the garden and, when decorating the area, can be grown in the form of bushes, as well as a charming creeping or falling “living carpet”. The article discusses the rules for planting aubriet flowers and the secrets of growing the plant.
Growing aubrieta seedlings
Aubrieta reproduces by seeds, and since it differs quite high level frost resistance, it can be immediately planted in open ground. However, in regions characterized by frequent spring frosts, it is recommended to first sow seeds for seedlings and only then plant the plants in the soil on the site. This method must also be used in cases where you need to create a certain decor using an obrieta. 
Did you know?One of unique features obrieta is that the plant does not shed its leaves for the winter. All year round it remains just as charmingly green, even in severe frosts.
The best time to sow seeds for seedlings
It is best to sow aubrieta seeds for growing seedlings a couple of months before the end of night frosts. In regions with an earlier and warmer spring, this will be the beginning of February, and in areas where night frosts last longer, this will be mid-February.
Sowing aubrieta seeds
To sow seeds, you will need to prepare separate containers and soil. Best fit peat tablets or pots, or ordinary flower pots, disposable cups. Peat containers are good because they promote the development of a strong root system in sprouts, allow oxygen to pass through well, significantly reduce the risk of seedlings rotting, and reduce the risk of root damage when transplanting plants into open ground to zero. However, such pleasure is not cheap. 
Important! The root system of flowers is delicate and sensitive, and if separated, the roots can be damaged. Therefore, it is recommended to sow seeds as rarely as possible and in separate containers.
Boxes and trays are the least suitable for growing seedlings of these plants . During the development of sprouts, there is a high probability that their roots will become intertwined and damaged during transplantation. Regular flower pots are the most the best option. There must be holes at the bottom for removal. excess moisture. You should not place more than four seeds in one pot with a diameter of 15 cm.As for the soil, loose, well-drained sandy loam soil is most suitable for shaving. You can buy it in a store or make it yourself (garden soil must be mixed with peat or sand). It would also be a good idea to add a small amount of sawdust. Heavy clay soil is absolutely not suitable for such plants.
Did you know?If you add a little to the soil eggshells or lime, seedlings will grow faster.
A layer of drainage should be placed at the bottom of the containers, then the soil should be filled. Seeds are sown on the surface of the soil, then sprinkled thin layer sand. Before sowing, lightly moisten the soil (this is best done by spraying). After sowing, the container is covered with a film, which is removed after the sprouts emerge.
Optimal conditions for seed germination
Aubrieta loves the sun. Therefore, containers with planted seeds should be placed in a well-lit place, but avoiding direct rays of the sun. Plants tolerate cool temperatures well, but the optimal temperature regime indoors is +18...+22 °C. 
Important!Periodically, the room where the containers with seeds are located must be ventilated, avoiding drafts, and if in evening time If you continue lighting them with lamps, the seeds will germinate faster.
Seedling care
The most important thing in caring for seedlings is to water and loosen the soil on time. It is recommended to water with settled water at room temperature in the evening. Make sure that a dry crust does not form on the surface; at the same time, the soil should not be flooded. When weeds appear, they must be removed immediately. The room with seedlings must be periodically ventilated.
Picking seedlings
Picking involves planting the sprouts in separate containers. This process is carried out to strengthen the root system and improve nutrition of the sprouts. The aubrieta picking is performed after three or four pairs of true leaves appear on the sprouts.
You need to pick the seedlings very carefully so as not to damage the delicate roots. The day before transplanting, the soil should be moistened. Using a pencil, dig up the sprout, then lightly remove it from the soil and immediately plant it in the ground.
Planting aubrieta seedlings in open ground
Aubrieta doesn't like transplants. In order for the seedlings to take root well, it is important not to damage the roots. Before planting, you should decide on a place on the site, and also prepare necessary materials:
- a hoe for forming holes;
- sand for mulching;
- container with water;
- gardening gloves.
Did you know? Aubrieta leaves are used in cooking in boiled and raw form. They are great for decorating dishes, preparing salads, and soups.
The best time to plant seedlings
The seedlings are placed in open ground immediately after the night frosts have passed. Best month May is considered, so if we look more specifically at when aubrieta is planted, then with an early warm spring, mid-May is the ideal time for planting.
Choosing a landing site
The question “Where to plant aubrieta?” is very important, since it is necessary to comply with all the basic requirements for good growth and plant development. That is why for planting you need to choose a well-lit place, without drafts.
Important!Even with light darkness, the plants may not bloom.
Aubrieta is demanding on the soil. Heavy clay and acidic soils are not suitable for its cultivation, but sandy loam, loose, well-drained soil will ideal option. In addition, the flowers do well in rocky areas, which means they can be planted next to borders and on rocky slopes.
Planting seedlings on the site
Before planting, the soil should be slightly moistened, loosened, and weeds should be removed from the area. Then, using a hoe, holes are formed. The depth of the holes should correspond to the length of the root, and the width should be twice as large as the earthen lump that remained on the root of the seedling. The distance between seedlings should be at least 5 cm.
Did you know? Obireta can be planted between steps, along terraces and in cracks stone walls. Falling carpets of flowers planted on top of fences and stone stands look very beautiful.
The seedlings are placed in the center of the hole and, holding with one hand, are strengthened with earth. After planting the seedlings, the soil should be sprinkled with a small layer of sand and wood ash. At the end of the process, the plants need to be watered.
Care and cultivation of aubrieta
Aubrieta is not too demanding to care for. The main thing is to ensure that the soil does not dry out, that the plants are not attacked by pests and diseases, and that regular loosening of the soil, periodic fertilizing and mulching should also be mandatory. For this, the aubrieta will thank you with abundant bright flowering.
Watering, weeding and loosening the soil
Aubrieta does not like a lot of moisture. Young seedlings are watered a little more often, and when the plant has taken root well, only in case of drought. It is recommended to add a little sodium humate to the water for irrigation, which helps strengthen the root system.
Important!Excessive watering can lead to rotting of the plant or to the fact that the leaves themselves begin to grow, but the aubriet will not bloom.
In order to prevent rotting of the aubriet, it is recommended to mulch the soil with sand or sawdust every 10 days. In addition, the area must be regularly cleared of weeds by weeding and loosening. Weeds absorb from the soil nutrients, which significantly slows down the growth of flowers. Loosening helps saturate the soil with oxygen, which is necessary for the development of roots. Plant nutrition
The plant is fed several times during the growing season. For the first time, fertilizing is carried out no earlier than a week after planting the seedlings in the ground and until the buds form. The second time - after trimming. Complex fertilizers for flowering perennial plants are well suited for feeding.
Trimming the shaving
Aubrieta blooms for about a month and a half. To enjoy the re-blooming of the plant, after it has finished blooming, it is necessary to prune (to the root). Then the soil is fertilized and mulched with river sand. After the second flowering, the aubriet does not need to be pruned in order to winter period the roots did not freeze.
Did you know?Aubrieta begins to bloom only in the second year after sowing seeds or planting seedlings.
Combination of aubrieta with other plants
Aubrieta is often used in landscape design. With its help you can create charming “living carpets” and magnificent cascades. The plant is often used for alpine slides and rockeries. Aubrieta in a flowerbed goes well with low-growing plants. The best neighbors yellow alyssums, iberis, phloxes, and multicolored euphorbias are considered.
Important!There should be no trees or bushes near the shaving site. They will only shade the plant.
Pests and diseases of aubrieta
The most common pest aubrieta is an aphid - beetles are very small size black, yellow, brown or red. They feed on the sap of the plant, taking away all the beneficial substances from it. The pest can be recognized by its glossy shiny leaves and pale inflorescences, and the aphid itself can be found under the leaves of the aubrieta. To combat insects, plants are sprayed with nettle infusion (to prepare it, a kilogram of fresh nettle leaves is poured into 10 liters of water and left for 24 hours). Insecticides should only be used as a last resort.
Did you know? To prevent aphids, it is recommended to sprinkle the soil with wood ash after planting seedlings or sowing seeds in the ground. This procedure should be repeated once a month.
Of the diseases, the plant is most susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot. Basically, these diseases are a consequence of excessive waterlogging. Powdery mildew appears as a brown coating on the foliage and stems. The disease spreads quickly and eventually leads to the death of flowers. To combat the disease, plants are sprayed with a 0.3% solution of colloidal sulfur. Other fungicides are used only in advanced cases. If the plants are severely damaged, it is better to remove the bushes.
Root rot appears as brown spots that cover all parts of the plant. If such signs are detected, watering should be stopped altogether, the soil should be sprinkled with sand and sawdust, and the plant should be treated with colloidal sulfur.
When to collect and how to store aubrieta seeds
Aubrieta seeds are collected after spring flowering. To do this, during the pruning process, you need to leave five to six shoots on which ovaries have formed. After the seeds darken, the stems need to be cut off and the seeds should be husked into a cardboard box or fabric bag.
After collection, the seeds need to be dried for a couple of days in a lighted, well-ventilated place. At the same time, avoid direct sunlight. Afterwards, the material is packaged in boxes or fabric bags and stored in a dark place at a temperature of +18...+20 °C, periodically opening for ventilation.
Wintering the aubrieta
Aubrieta is a surprisingly frost-resistant plant. It tolerates winter frosts well, and in order to prepare the plants for wintering, the bushes do not need to be pruned in the fall; only yellowed, damaged leaves are removed. It is also recommended to cover the plant with dry leaves for the winter to keep it warmer.
Other ways to propagate aubrieta
In addition to the seedling method, aubrieta can be propagated and grown by sowing seeds in open ground or by cuttings. Among gardeners the most the best option It is considered sowing seeds directly onto the plot.
Sowing seeds directly into open ground
Seeds can be planted in open ground in mid-May or September. Before sowing, the soil must be thoroughly cleared of weeds, moistened and loosened to a depth of 15 cm. Then it is recommended to add wood ash and a little lime to the soil. You can also add complex mineral fertilizers. Seeds are not sown thickly. In no case are they buried in the ground, but placed on the surface and sprinkled with a thin layer river sand. Seeds need plenty of sunlight to germinate. After sowing, the soil is slightly moistened, but it is better to use the spraying method.
Important!It is highly not recommended to feed the soil with manure before sowing seeds.
Cuttings of aubrieta
When pruning the aubrieta, after the first flowering you will get a lot of leftovers. Such aubrieta stems without flowers can be used to propagate the plant by cuttings. They are planted in a well-lit, warm place, which can be a greenhouse or containers placed on the veranda. The ideal planting soil usually consists of equal parts peat and sand. At the end of summer, the seedlings are transplanted to permanent place growth. In October, it is recommended to cover them with dry leaves for the winter.
Growing aubrieta from seeds is the most common and reliable way its reproduction, therefore this article outlined the basic rules for sowing aubrieta seeds and presented detailed description order of plant care. Following these rules will help you decorate your garden with charming carpets and cascades of aubrieta flowers.
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Aubrieta is a very popular and surprisingly decorative garden plant. This perennial looks like a low shrub, summer time and in autumn strewn with many bright colors. The use of ground cover aubrieta in the garden landscape is wide: you can use the plant for borders, single plantings, group and other garden design options.
This plant adds personality to the garden, emphasizes the beauty of the surrounding landscape, and its cultivation does not complicate the life of the gardener too much. In the article we will look at the features of growing aubrieta: we will learn how to plant the plant correctly and how it should be cared for. In addition, we will get acquainted with the most popular varieties of this ornamental shrub.
Description
The plant has another name - aubretia. This perennial is most often grown as decorative decoration garden landscape. The plant has the properties of a ground cover, since when it grows it forms a continuous carpet on the ground, strewn with bright flowers. For this feature, aubrieta is especially valued by gardeners, and they find worthy use for this property.
In the photo - aubrieta:
Cote d'Azur
In this case, the bushes are compact in size (14-16 cm), and the flowers are striking in their decorativeness and delicate lilac color. But what fast-growing shrubs for hedges are there, and what they look like, you can look at
Enchanting Morocco
This variety of aubrieta is especially distinguished large flowers, which reach a diameter of one and a half centimeters. The color of the petals is different: varies from pale blue to red. The bushes of the plant reach a height of 10 cm, and are very fond of sunny meadows. But what they are and what they look like in the garden can be seen in this video.
Enchanting Morocco
Deltoid
The bush of this variety is about 15 cm high and has flowers of a purple-lilac hue. Individual flowers are collected in decorative inflorescences, resembling lilacs in appearance. People call this variety “lilac bush”.
Deltoid
Requirements for the site and soil
Aubrieta can be planted in open ground already in mid-spring. But only after the threat of night frosts had passed. In most regions of our country, this period falls in mid-April-May.
The shrub requires careful selection of a planting site: it loves the sun and loves well-lit areas. The more sunny meadow you choose for, the more lush and vibrant flowering of the aubrieta you will get.
As for the soil, aubrieta needs light, loose, medium-fertile soil. If the soil contains lime or chalk, the plant will like this circumstance. Heavy, clay soils Shaving is not suitable: in this case, it may not take root at all. If the soil has a pronounced acidic reaction, then to reduce the acidity level it is recommended to add lime or ash to the soil.
Video - growing flowers:
It is better to plant Aubrieta on a hill or on a plain. Lowlands are not suitable for the plant, as water usually accumulates in such places.
The seedlings are buried in the holes along the entire length of the root. The distance between the bushes is 5 cm, more is possible. Aubrieta is usually planted arbitrarily, without maintaining strict rows, since subsequently the shrub still grows greatly.
Reproduction
Aubrieta can be propagated both by seeds and cuttings. Let's consider both methods in more detail.
Cuttings
After the plant has safely overwintered, it is pruned in the spring. After this, the healthiest and strongest cuttings are selected and placed in a sand-peat mixture in a greenhouse. Here they take root, take root, grow stronger: this is how summer passes.
And already before the beginning of autumn, the cuttings from the greenhouse are transplanted into open ground. It is important to replant the plants at the very beginning of autumn, so that they have time to adapt to the street and can then safely overwinter.
Seeds
Aubrieta can be propagated both by seedlings and without seedlings. The first one is longer and more troublesome, but it brings good results. The second method is simple, and does not take much effort, but is also impressive. positive result not guaranteed.
In open ground
In this case, aubrieta seeds are sown in spring or late winter. It is important to plant about a month before the end of frost. Before placing the seeds in the ground, the bed must be dug to a depth of 15 cm, cleared of debris and stones, and weeds removed.
After the seeds are placed in the soil, the bed is covered with film to create a microclimate more favorable for germination. After the shoots appear, the film must be removed. Shoots usually appear 3-4 weeks after placing the seeds in the ground.
Seeds can also be planted before winter: in this case, the plant will be more hardened, and next year It will already bloom. The downside is that not all seeds will survive.
Seedlings
Using this method to propagate aubrieta is more profitable and predictable, although more troublesome. Seeds are sown for seedlings in February, and by May the already strong, strong seedlings are transferred to open ground.
It is not advisable to pick seedlings - the plant does not tolerate such manipulations. That is why it is also recommended to plant seeds directly in peat pots, so as not to affect the delicate roots of the plant when transplanting into open ground.
In this case, it is undesirable to propagate by dividing the bush: this method is used only as a last resort. Dividing an adult plant is painful, so it is better to choose more gentle propagation methods.
Care
It must be said that in general the plant is unpretentious and does not cause much trouble for the gardener. Let's look at the main points of caring for a shaving.
The plant must be watered very sparingly. Abundant watering is carried out only once immediately after planting in open ground for faster rooting. But in the future, watering is done in small portions, and quite rarely. The plant really does not like waterlogged soil and, especially, stagnation of moisture in the soil. If you ignore this recommendation and overdo it with watering, the flowers of the aubrieta may fall off, which will greatly worsen its decorative qualities. After reading this, you can find out which household water pumps for irrigation are the best.
The video shows growing and caring for flowers:
As a rule, rainwater is enough for aubrieta, and in damp climates no watering is required at all. Keep in mind that after rain or watering, the bed with the plant must be loosened to ensure good air exchange in the soil.
The plant also does not like severe drought, so it is recommended to mulch the soil in the garden bed: a layer of mulch will retain moisture at the roots and also prevent weeds from growing.
It is important to remove dried inflorescences in time so that appearance the plants remained attractive. And at the end of the first flowering period, the bushes need to be pruned: this measure will enhance the abundance and splendor of the next decorative period. After the second flowering, the bushes no longer need to be pruned.
Aubrieta is an evergreen plant, retaining the bright color of its leaves even in winter. However, if the climate is frosty, it is recommended to cover the bushes with dry leaves or grass for the winter, so very coldy Aubrieta can shed its leaves.
The plant does not need frequent feeding: it is recommended to apply fertilizer twice during the warm season, and no more. Aubrieta prefers mineral formulations high in potassium. From organic matter, you can fertilize the plant with wood ash. You can apply fertilizing only before flowering, and not during it. Fertilizers with a high nitrogen content are not recommended in this case.
Pests and diseases
Aubrieta is generally resistant to diseases, as well as to damage from harmful insects. What can really harm it is excessive watering. Incorrectly chosen soil also sometimes causes wilting and disease. Of the insects, she has to fear the most from aphids. The insect is dangerous because it sucks plant juices and carries some diseases. The appropriate insecticides will help destroy aphids: Fufanon, Biotlin, Karbofos and others.
Sometimes the plant gets powdery mildew. The disease manifests itself as a grayish coating on the leaves, which then leads to wilting. This scourge should be combated with the help of colloidal sulfur, which is sprayed on the foliage.
In the video - flower pests:
Application in landscape gardening
Aubrieta is usually used as a ground cover due to the thick, bright carpet it forms. Pairs well with the following herbs:
- milkweed;
- alyssum;
- rhizome;
- Soapy.
Many gardeners and landscape designers select aubrieta varieties based on the color of the petals. In this way, you can create entire picturesque canvases in the garden: bright and decorative. The plant is great for border decoration, looks good in rock gardens, and as a background for taller flowers.
Aubrieta or aubretia belongs to the genus of perennials of the Cruciferous family. Cultivated, this plant is used in rock gardens and gardens, while wild representatives grow in southern Europe, Asia Minor and South America.
There are 12 species in the genus, but quite a few varieties have been bred from them, which we will discuss further.
Varieties and types
This is perennial herbaceous plant, which grows up to 15 cm, has triangular foliage, bluish or purple flowers that form inflorescences. Blooms in May.
A species with rather large, for its genus, flowers of a dark lilac color. It blooms for about a month, starting in May.
Aubrieta cultural or hybrid this is the name for a group of varieties, common feature which is about 20 cm high and winters under snow. They have long foliage, purple or dark lilac in color. Newer varieties have acquired double flowers. Ampelous varieties have been bred.
The most popular of them are:
- - a perennial with flowers in blue, purple or red shades, in the middle of the color there is a small yellow dot. The foliage remains throughout the year.
- Aubrieta enchanting Morocco - a lushly growing bush with relatively large flowers. The color of the flowers is mainly red or bluish.
- - this variety has soft blue flowers that appear twice a year - in summer and autumn.
Delicate variety with pink flowers with a yellow center. Blooms in late spring-early summer.
A creeping variety with velvety soft pink flowers.
This variety is also short, like the other representatives, and when planted abundantly, it covers the soil with a purple carpet of flowers.
Aubrieta planting and care
Planting aubrieta in open ground You can start when the threat of night frosts goes away. When choosing a planting site, you need to be careful, as otherwise you may not achieve strong flowering. The place where the bushes will grow must be well lit, otherwise flowering will be insufficient.
In terms of soil, this flower is not picky and will feel great on poor soils; you can even say that the poorer the soil, the better, it can be rocky. In the case of acidity, the shaving needs slightly alkaline soils - the main thing is that they are permeable or have drainage.
You can plant a flower as you see fit to achieve the intended effect. The depth of the holes depends on the depth of the root, but the width is 2 times greater than the pot in which the seedling grew. Maintain at least 5 cm between individuals.
If your seedlings developed in plastic or ceramic containers, then before planting you will need to lower the water until bubbles appear at the top of the soil - only after that begin to pull out the seedling along with the soil and plant it in the hole. After planting the bushes, compact the soil a little and cover it with sand mulch, and also water it.
Watering the aubrieta
Caring for aubrieta is not at all difficult; it only needs watering in case of prolonged heat. If the plant develops in conditions of excess moisture, it can grow a lot of greenery and bloom little.
But, nevertheless, young individuals need to be watered more often. It’s still better if the bushes have enough water from the rains.
Fertilizers for shaving
In the spring, even before the flowers appear, and in the fall, the aubrieta needs to be fertilized with mineral fertilizer for perennials.
During the period of growing green mass, you will need to cover the soil a couple of times with sand mulch, approximately 4 cm thick.
Trimming the shaving
After the first flowering, the aubrieta bushes need to be pruned almost completely. This will allow new, fresh greenery to appear. After flowering, you can collect the seeds for further sowing. But remember that with this type of propagation, the varietal characteristics of the plants are lost.
To collect the seeds, wait until the fruit pod turns dark and can be peeled. The seeds are stored indoors until winter, and then sown.
Aubrieta usually blooms several times a year, and after all the flowering after the first, it is not recommended to cut the stems, as they will protect the plant from the cold in winter.
Aubrieta in winter
This flower is quite frost-resistant, but if there is no snow in the winter or there are temperature fluctuations, then it needs to be insulated for the winter with dry foliage.
Aubrieta growing from seeds
Aubrieta is easy to propagate by seeds. You can either use the seedlings or not, but if you just sow the seeds in the soil, then most likely their varietal characteristics will be mixed. Because of this, it is better to use seedlings.
Around the beginning of March you can sow the seeds; for this it is better to use peat pots. A pair of seeds is placed on damp soil and sprinkled with a thin layer of sand, no more than 5 mm, and then it is moistened. The seed should be placed under glass and kept at a temperature of about 20°C.
Seedlings need to be ventilated every day and slightly moistened the soil, but it is important not to overdo it by spraying a little with a spray bottle. After about 20-30 days, the seedlings will hatch, after which the glass is removed. Sprouted seedlings also need to be watered carefully so as not to over-water them.
This flower does not take well to transplantation and therefore it is better not to pick the seedlings, but to immediately sow the seeds in separate pots. With the arrival of warmer weather, everything is done according to the scheme described in the planting section.
If you sow seeds in open soil, try not to mix different varieties. The soil must first be well watered, dug up and fertilized with complex fertilizer and ash. It is not advisable to sow very densely. There is no need to cover the seeds with soil, just sprinkle them with a 5 mm ball of sand.
Spring sowing will hatch after 2-3 weeks, and autumn sowing next spring.
Propagation of aubrieta by cuttings
After pruning, cuttings can be used. Parts of the shoots are planted in a greenhouse in a mixture of peat and sand in equal proportions.
By the end of summer, the material should have roots and they can be replanted. If winters are too cold in your area, then it is better to wait until spring to plant and then grow the cuttings in a greenhouse.
Aubrieta propagation by dividing the bush
It is better not to resort to such a method as dividing a bush, since root system Aubrieta is very sensitive about this.
Diseases and pests
It is worth noting here that aubrieta is almost never affected by diseases and pests.
There are cases appearance of powdery mildew , which appears as a white coating on the foliage. To cope with it, you need to treat the bushes with colloidal sulfur.
Among the pests you can mark aphids , which feeds on sap and the plants begin to dry out. To combat it, they resort to Karbofos, soapy water, and garlic infusion.
Otherwise, problems with shaving in this regard are very rare.
Lovers ground cover plants do not pass by aubrietas. Growing it from seeds at home involves meeting three requirements: lighting, soil composition, and amount of moisture. Aubrieta is a rather demanding plant, but it lush flowering pays off all the efforts of the gardener.
Terms and rules of sowing
Aubrieta does not tolerate transplanting and dividing the bush well; it is extremely difficult to propagate in this way. If the divisions take root, then in small quantities. But the seed propagation method is quite accessible.
Aubrieta seeds - small grains of sand Brown. It takes them 2-3 weeks to hatch. They are sown in early or mid-February, depending on the temperature in the region. The warmer it is, the earlier sowing can be done.
Before planting, you need to carry out a disinfection procedure: the seeds are soaked for 1 hour in a solution of potassium permanganate. To speed up germination, the seed is treated with a stimulating solution (soaking in an Epin solution for a day is suitable).
The soil for seedlings is selected to be light, special for flower plants. It can be supplemented sand layer, mix with peat or replace with vermiculite. Additionally included sawdust. Aubrieta develops well in sandy loam soils, and clay soils are not suitable for it.
For the first stage of cultivation, take a regular pot or disposable plastic cups. Required condition- drainage holes at the bottom. Experienced summer residents prefer to sow seeds in separate containers, since when picking, it is difficult to separate the woven roots from each other without damaging them. No more than 4 seeds are sown on a dish with a diameter of 15 cm.
Before sowing, the soil is loosened and moistened, and a drainage layer is laid on the bottom of the box. Finally, the surface can be lightly mulched with sand.
Due to their small size, the seeds are not covered with soil when sowing. They germinate on the soil surface under conditions good lighting. You should not water the seeds for the same reason; it is enough to spray them with water from a spray bottle. A stream of water can push light seeds into the soil. The box with seeds is covered plastic film or a transparent lid to retain heat. After the shoots appear, the film is gradually removed.
The optimal way to grow seedlings from seeds is peat tablets. These devices eliminate picking, like plastic cups, but at the same time contain maximum useful substances and are breathable to ensure excellent germination, and the seedlings will not be susceptible to disease.
Stages of growing seedlings
The box with seedlings is placed in a sunny place, since obrieta is light-loving plant. However, direct sunlight should be avoided during the seedling stage. Optimal temperature for seed germination and sprout development - from +18 to +21° C. It is advisable to additionally illuminate with a lamp in the evening hours.
The room with seedlings needs to be ventilated periodically. There is no need to expose the box to a draft; just slightly lower the temperature of the air for hardening.
The seedlings are regularly watered in the evenings with warm, settled water as the top layer of soil dries. Do not allow a dry crust to form.
Picking is done about a month after sowing, from the moment 3-4 pairs of true leaves appear. The day before transplanting into a new container, moisten the soil abundantly. The sprout is transferred to a new container using the transfer method. They dig it up with a teaspoon, carefully remove it and immediately place it in new soil.
Transplantation to the site occurs at the end of April - mid-May, by which time the soil should warm up sufficiently.
Caring for an adult shaving:
- To maintain flowering, you need to fertilize the plant mineral complex(nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) every 10 days. Growing on fertile soils For aubrietas, 3 feedings over 2 months are enough. Between main feedings, potassium humate is added, but not more than twice a month.
- The soil around the bush is loosened monthly.
- All weeds are removed as necessary.
- The soil is mulched with sand and sawdust on average once every 10 days. This will prevent rotting.
- Frequent watering is not required, but in dry times you will need to moisten the soil twice a week.
Flowering of aubrieta begins in May-June and lasts approximately 1.5 months. There is a way to prolong it: after the first stage, cut off the faded shoots at the root, this stimulates the appearance of new flowering shoots. To support the plant, it is recommended to moisten, fertilize and mulch the soil. This is how gardeners maintain flower cover throughout the summer.
Autumn pruning is not carried out, as it weakens the plant. To preserve the aubrieta for the next season, it is enough to cover its roots: a heap of dry leaves will do. Aubrieta does not shed its leaves during the winter and remains green. Only sharp frosts down to –30° C can harm it.
Sowing seeds in open ground
You can sow aubrieta seeds either as seedlings or directly in open ground, either in spring or autumn. In spring, seeds are sown in mid-May, in autumn - in September-early October. In the latter case, seedlings will appear in the spring. May plantings germinate after 10-15 days.
The requirements for the site are the same as when moving seedlings into open ground. The seeds are not sown too thickly. The optimal distance between bushes is 15-20 cm.
When sowing in the fall, while digging up the soil, it does not hurt to add humus and wood ash. Seeds in open ground placed on a moistened area and sprinkled with a mixture of peat and sand.
If you want to see flowering on the site already in May, then the seeds are grown in seedlings from February. This measure is also necessary for planting in cold regions where there is a risk spring frosts. Growing seedling method convenient in cases where you need to draw up a specific flower arrangement. The distance and pattern can be controlled by planting seedlings according to a pre-planned pattern.
Growing difficulties
What causes obrieta:
- Frequent diseases of flowers are powdery mildew and root rot. The problem is caused by fungi that actively develop in waterlogged soil conditions. Powdery mildew is a brown coating on stems and leaves. Root rot is nasty brown spots. Spraying with a 0.3% solution of colloidal sulfur helps against fungus. Watering should be stopped. Damaged plants are removed to avoid contamination of other plantings. As a last resort, professional anti-fungal agents are used - fungicides.
- The insect that likes to harm the shaving is the aphid. She settles on back side leaf and feeds on the sap of the plant, weakening it. To combat pests, insecticides are used as a last resort. Effective folk method- spraying with nettle infusion: for 1 kg of dry leaves - 10 liters of water, leave for 24 hours. To prevent aphids when planting seeds in the soil, it is customary to add wood ash.
Aubrieta - worthy decoration any area. She will find a place in any corner of the garden. Despite the whimsical nature of the plant, even a beginner can grow it from seeds at home. The rules for planting and care are not complicated, they just need to be carefully followed.
