A fragrant gift for gardeners - levkoy
As soon as twilight falls on the ground, she opens her delicate buds, fills the garden with an exquisite aroma and gives unforgettable moments of happiness. This beauty is called Levka, but many people know her as Mattiola. The plant was once grown on the terraces of the royal gardens to enjoy its fragrance. Over time, the flower appeared in the front gardens of ordinary people. Today, the night beauty is regaining its former glory, as fashion, although changeable, still goes in circles.
Detailed characteristics of a fragrant flower
The flowers got their name in honor of the Italian botanist of the 16th century - Pietro Mattioli. Thanks to his efforts, new varieties of daffodils, tulips and hyacinths have appeared. The very same word "levkoy" means violet, which reminds of the amazing smell of the plant, especially at night.
Culture has the following features:
- abundant flowering;
- the graceful look of the bushes;
- original coloring of foliage;
- unusual shape of buds;
- a variety of shades of colors;
- intoxicating and unique aroma.
It is for these virtues that the Levkoi flowers, the photo of which is shown below, have earned universal love and recognition. Biologists say that there are more than 400 varieties of nightlife in nature. violets... Each of them has its own unique look and characteristics. In general, gardeners distinguish between three main types:
- summer (one-year);
- autumn (hybrid);
- winter (two-year).
Summer matthiola is sown in March or April. But it blooms almost all season. The autumn hybrid is grown in a similar way. Its magnificent beauty reaches the first frost. The winter version is sown in the middle of summer, and flowers are admired only next spring.
Levkoy flower is a herbaceous or semi-shrub culture, which grows in height from 29 cm to 80. Its shoots come with a downy soft hair or glossy character. Oblong lanceolate leaf plates with serrated edges. The buds are painted in the following colors:
- snow-white;
- yellow;
- pink;
- lilac;
- coral;
- red;
- blue;
- silver;
- purple.
In addition, there are simple and double buds, which are collected in brushes or spike-shaped inflorescences. They appear on culture in early summer and bloom until late autumn. At the final stage of the growing season, the plant bears fruit in the form of pods filled with flat seeds.
Interestingly, Levkoy's terry varieties are formed from simple varieties, although they themselves do not produce seeds.
Amazing variety of levkoy species
Since gardeners have a huge number of types of annual and perennial matthiola, consider the most popular of them. Botanists divide them into the following divisions:
- dwarf;
- undersized;
- tall.
Levkoy of dwarf varieties grows only up to 20 cm. It has small inflorescences and small leaf plates. These include:
- "Snowflake" with white delicate inflorescences slightly like roses.
- "Rita Blosei" is distinguished by various shades of inflorescences, collected in a compact pyramidal bush. It can rightfully be called "Terry Levkoy" for its unique appearance.
- Red "Ruby" reminds of the greatness of the precious stone, and the buds are located on the tops of dense peduncles.
- "Sapphire" - is a gorgeous inflorescence in the form of a panicle, which is strewn with many blue or blue buds.
- The “pure gold” variety has erect inflorescences of a yellow-orange hue, which stand like lighted candles.
A low-growing levkoy can reach a height of about 35 cm. The flower pleases gardeners for 3.5 months, continuously exuding a fragrant aroma. It has a compact bush-like shape in the form of a small pyramid. The division includes the following varieties:
- "Victoria". This plant has many branches covered with large elongated leaves. On stable peduncles for 2.5 months, stately buds with a divine smell can be observed.
- "Summer". Delicate white inflorescences are harmoniously combined with dark green oblong lanceolate leaves.
- "Large-flowered". The abundance of double buds on an erect stem is a truly magnificent sight. Such a flower will give not only a lot of positive emotions, but also a dizzying aroma in the twilight of the country garden.
- "Excellent". The original coloring of graceful buds will be able to decorate the summer cottage garden throughout the season. Purple, snow-white and pink tones will turn it into an oasis of bliss - a bottomless source of vitality.
I would especially like to note the undersized Levkoy "Caprice". The culture grows up to 30 cm. It has large double or semi-double buds, which are collected in bulky spike-shaped inflorescences. Greyish green leaf plates are usually lanceolate in shape, which is a wonderful backdrop for vibrant flowers. Grow the plant on the backyard flower beds or as a curb decoration.
Tall varieties (60 to 80 cm) are often used for cutting:
- "Distillery". Scarlet loose inflorescences with delicate petals will decorate the flower bed in the garden before the onset of cold weather. A charming aroma will become the hallmark of a country house or apartment.
- "Stamp". The deep pink shade of the inflorescences will not leave indifferent even those who are not interested in flowers. A fragrant smell will remind you of the greatness of the environment.
- "Northern". The peculiarity of this variety is that the buds of the main peduncle are much larger than those that grow on the sides. This is all its charm and uniqueness.
Amazingly beautiful perennials - Levkoi flowers will fill with aroma not only the personal plot, but also any room where people are. Let's consider several types in detail.
In order for the plant to retain its freshness longer in the cut, it is advisable to uproot it, wash it from the ground, and then put it in a container with water.
Levkoy gray
Particularly noteworthy is the type - "Levkoy gray", which is considered the homeland of the Mediterranean. The plant grows from 30 to 70 cm tall. Differs in a rich aroma. Has ligneous shoots with large dark green diamond-shaped leaves. The plate can be either pubescent or glossy. The buds are collected in dense or loose inflorescences from 10 to 60 pieces. The first flowers appear in June, the last in November. On the territory of the southern regions, levkoy can bloom even in winter.
Since matthiola seeds of this variety can be stored for up to 6 years, the year of release of the planting material should be monitored.
Levkoy "Royal mix"
This plant grows up to 45 cm in height. It has erect peduncles on which fragrant double buds are located, collected in heavy brushes.
Levkoy "Royal mix" prefers areas where there is an abundance of sunlight. Grows well on neutral ground. Dislikes long periods of drought, as well as stagnant water. It is grown for decoration of backyard flower beds, on balconies in boxes, as a houseplant and cut to decorate rooms.
To provide the plant with long flowering, it is necessary to feed it in a timely manner, water it, protect it from weeds and weed it.
Levkoy "Thumbelina"
An attractive variety with large double buds. They smell good and bloom much longer than other types of matthiola. This low bush levkoy grows up to 35 cm, therefore it wonderfully takes root in containers. As a result, it is used as a decoration near gazebos, benches or on the balconies of high-rise buildings. In addition, the flower looks wonderful on the alpine hills and next to the borders. To get an early version of Levkoy "Thumbelina", it is grown using seedlings.
Due to its ability to successfully tolerate cold, it is advisable to plant the plant in an open area already in early May.
Levkoy "Fragrant"
A short, deciduous shrub of this species grows up to 30 cm. Its numerous shoots are abundantly covered with delicate villi that shine silver in the light of dawn. Levkoy leaves "Fragrant" are ovoid with a jagged border. The inflorescences are located at the top of a dense shoot, like cute bouquets that you just want to give to someone. The plant is endangered, therefore it requires careful handling