Complex autumn aster – asters – It includes several species, of which the most important and also the largest in number among the varieties And. dumosus, Aster-belgii a And. New-England. Often also they are grown And. ericides, And. cordifolius a And. lateriflorus with smaller flowers, the number of varieties, however, is considerably lower. Furthermore, we find in the market are also many interspecific hybrids.
The following article is devoted to the species aster Virginia – Aster-belgii, which is considered the most important horticultural. Like other kinds of groups fall aster comes from North America. It features direct, in the upper part tends to be branched stems and medium large flowers with a diameter of around 2,5 cm. Leaves and stems are smooth, plants are moderately high to high, varieties grow to a height of 50 do 150 cm.
Symphyotrichum new-belgii 'Gayborder Blue'
Range and Breeding
Aster Virginia is one of the very kinds prošlechtěným. The number of varieties is not exactly known, exceeds several hundred. The color range varies from white through various shades of pink and purple, the blue and purple. Varieties differ in addition to color and size and fullness of flowers, but also flowering date. Early varieties are starting to blossom in late August, Most blooms in September and October, dokvétají practically until the onset of autumn frosts. In addition to the features of the May, They differ hybrids also character growth and branching.
The breeding was started during 19. century England, of breeders have the greatest merit in the development of the range of Ernest Ballard of Old Court Nurseries and A. H. Harrison z Gayborder Nurseries. The Old Court Nurseries in the English county of Worcestershire is now concentrated in the world's largest collection of autumn asters, numbering hundreds of varieties (see Table Internet addresses, C. 1).
Earlier 20. century breeding center of gravity shifted to continental Europe, especially to Germany. The most important breeders were Foerster ('Karminkuppel', 'Dauerblau', 'Weisses Wunder') Klose ('Fuldatal', 'Blauglut') – Table Internet addresses, C. 2 a 3. Many varieties of the workshop, still maintains a stable place in the assortment. Among contemporary German breeder include Marx ('Jugendstil'), to Linden ('Bewunderung', 'Rosenponpon').
Regarding the use of foreign varieties in our conditions, There are striking differences. Many English varieties have had big beautiful flowers interesting shapes, but not all are suitable for growing in climates of Central Europe. Many of them in our conditions poléhá and the disadvantage is also considerable susceptibility to powdery mildew. Of the varieties, which for us very well thrive, můžeme jmenovat například velkokvětou světle růžovou 'Fellowship' nebo tmavě červeně purpurovou 'Royal Ruby'.
More suitable for cultivation in our country are German varieties, most of them with us very well thrive. In ages 1999 when 2002 took place at several German testing stations varietal range of product tests, inclusive 63 more commonly available varieties. The evaluation results with photographic documentation and a brief description, also including color table and Temin flowering calendar are available on the Internet (Table Internet addresses, C. 4).
The inclusion of varieties of species And. new-belgii a And. dumosus In the literature we meet with disunity. While in continental Europe are conceived as two separate species, England are varieties of And. new-belgii a And. dumosus understood as two growth of the same species, a to And. new-belgii. Both types are similar, differences are mainly in the height, the nature of growth and branching. In the literature are therefore frequent confusions, there is a duplication of the same variety to the inclusion of two types, which sometimes leads to incorrect data in the catalogs of producers and sellers of plants.
Claims and culture
Plants are demanding habitat and vegetation during treatment. Spices relatively shallow, they thrive best in nutrient-well supplied soils in full sun. If desired plants přihojit, it is necessary to avoid over-fertilization with nitrogen, otherwise lush plants grow and bloom poorly. Meet them permeable soils, sand and with a higher clay content. In areas of the original occurrence grow on moist soils, therefore tolerate drying, However, soil moisture can replace regular watering. When choosing a suitable habitat it is to avoid enclosed places with weak air circulation, where they are often attacked by mildew.
Z is the most common disease of powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoriaceum) to vadnutí verticiliové (Verticillium alboatrum), planthoppers from pests and nematodes.
Reproduction
In conventional varieties almost exclusively by vegetative propagation. In horticultural practice, where it is necessary a large number of plants, It is the most common propagation by cuttings and odtržky. For multiplication odtržky is the appropriate term from April to June, top long cuttings 3 when 4 cm are collected from April to mid-June. Gardeners sufficient dividing older plants in spring season.
Use
Most commonly used for beds, superior especially in larger groups. Well combined with most perennials záhonových, works nicely along with varieties Sedum, Solidago and with vytrvalými Travel (Panicum virgatum, Helictotrichon sempervirens, Mollinia caerulea). The furrows is better to avoid planting large areas in combination with plants, which also strongly suffering mildew (phlox, Monarda). An important factor influencing the use of záhonových plantations, lodging.
Unlike the related Aster novae-England the Aster flowers in a vase Virginia does not close, therefore excellently suited to cut. Stems seřezávají time, which are opened two or three rings outside tubular florets scrubs. Durability in the vase, according to the variety 7 when 10 days, adding products to extend the shelf life it can be extended. A reliable hvězdnicím suitable for cutting include. tmavě fialovočervená 'Karminkuppel', růžová 'Rosa Perle' nebo světle modrofialová 'Schöne von Dietlikon'.
Table Internet links
- http://www.autumnasters.co.uk/
- http://www.foerster-stauden.de/
- http://www.staudengaertner-klose.de/
- http://www.staudensichtung.de/
The article was published on the website of the Association Czech perenářů courtesy magazine Zahrádkář.