We have grown and tested various types of plants at Helga Nursery.
almost twenty years, grasses for over ten years. Because
The botanical garden is located in a rather cold place compared to the Estonian average,
then it gives you the courage to share your experiences and recommendations throughout Estonia
with this in mind. However, this experience has taught us that years are not
brothers and thus each year different species/varieties are happier.
When growing all the species and varieties described in this booklet, I share
rather my personal experience and certainly there are different
The experiences in growing conditions are completely different.
First of all, I must honestly admit that I haven't always been that into grasses.
warm than today. They seemed to me more like weather
"grass" that has crept into a planting area without permission and behaves like a weed. Wishing
to create a truly beautiful lawn, success still depended on a few things
in a trifle or in the weather of the moment, but in the bed some grasses managed
to organize again and again a headache. Over time, the grasses have become
still irreplaceable design elements for me - both
as a natural or geometric garden design element.
The spring awakening of grasses and later the flowering of sedges is a special event.
The opening time varies greatly. This could be done by drawing the plan
When planning the planting in the first half of summer,
bulbous and ornamental perennials and various other summer flowers
associations with tall perennials.
Sharp-flowered boxwood (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) most
best known The varieties are 'Karl Foerster' and 'Overdam' . The first one charmed
me with its unusual upright brush shape. It got its name
this plant, when the world-famous German botanist and gardener Karl Foerster
(1874-1970) once saw an unusually shaped plant through the window while riding a train
noticed and then pulled the emergency brake and stopped the train to avoid the plant
The man was fined 10 German marks at the time.
with a fine, but the world is richer for one very grateful
In spring, the boxes wake up quite early and
usually by the end of June, long, straight flower stalks develop
bronze flower spikes at the end. 'Karl Foerster' grows up to 180cm tall. It also remains golden yellow.
very decorative in the autumn-winter period. Does not self-sow and
therefore there is no risk of weeding. Prefers a sunny, moderate
moist growing site. Cut back in early spring. The bush expands
slowly by short rhizome and can be propagated by division in spring.
Suitable for use in groups, mass education, and for individuals
as eye-catchers among other perennial flower groups.
The variety 'Overdam' was discovered in 1981 in the same name in Denmark.
from the nursery. It also starts growing in spring in fairly cool weather.
weather, is slightly lower than the previous one with a nice white-green
with striped foliage. Height of inflorescences 150-160 cm. Well suited
in mixed plantings or designed with taller summer flowers
Varieties with striped foliage include 'Avalanche' and
'England'
The variety 'Waldenbuch' could be called a smaller version of 'Karl Foerster'
brother. Also upright in growth habit, 150 cm tall. The foliage is
more curved and bright green, the nuts are lighter. Tolerates wind and
is also decorative in the winter garden. Suitable for planting both singly and in groups.
in groups among other plants.
The short-haired boxwood (Calamagrostis brachytricha) wakes up
in the spring when the soil is already warm enough. Forms its gracefully
beautiful pure green lawns with arching foliage. In the second half of summer
greenish-pink, later silver-gray puffs appear in the middle
flower nuts. The height is about 120 cm. A sunny place is suitable for growing.
than a semi-shaded place. It may be a little hot in some places
Good companions are porcupines, day hats and
spring bulbs, whose leaves begin to wither, remain growing
The shade of a leaf blower. It also looks very beautiful in pots on the terrace.
The boxwood (Calamagrostis varia) still has no Estonian name
grows naturally in the northern part of the island of Gotland in Sweden, that is
In the streambed. Tolerates fairly poor soil and does well
in competition with tree roots. The inflorescences may be green
to grayish-violet. The species name varia comes from the alternating color of the flowers. A good choice for a natural-looking garden where you have to do it yourself
to get. Height <
Common blue-flowered (Molinia caerulea) and its subspecies reed-
bluebell (Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea)
form a dense, upright clump. In spring they only wake up
with the arrival of warmer weather and reach the flower buds at the end of July/
in August. Young plants need a few years of recovery time before
when they reach their true nature. Among the varieties, there are quite a few
different-looking pussies, who differ from each other in height and
in terms of the growth form and color of the nuts. The height of different varieties can vary
be 50-250 cm. Thanks to the strong stems, they stay upright well even in
in a windy location and will delight the eye for a long time in the winter garden. Because
Blue-eyed people tend to wake up late, so you should definitely
plan between them in groups those that start growing earlier
perennials and bulb flowers. Good companions include garden marigolds
(Phlox paniculata) .
with varieties, Korean angelica (Angelica gigas), virginia
varieties of Veronicastrum virginicum and of course
different varieties. Among the lower varieties are good companions
Calamintha nepeta, Nepeta 'Neptune'
kubanica), Nepeta xfassenii 'Purrisian Blue' (Nepeta xfassenii)
and lower varieties of bleeding cockscomb (Sedum telephium) ,
from 'Ostara' leeks, senescens leek (Allium senescens) and its varieties.
With tall, strong flower stalks, but at the same time airy and fragile
The flower-swirl-shaped bluebell 'Transparent' is difficult to photograph.
catchable. His true charm emerges after a couple of years of recovery from his
The inflorescences are arranged in a slightly vase-shaped panicle.
Foliage height 60 cm, inflorescences 170 cm
'Skysacer' is, as the name suggests, more upright and very tall -
Height of inflorescences 240 cm. A bush with wider leaves than usual.
Height is 50 cm. Beautiful golden yellow autumn color.
'Fontäne' bush height 40 cm, inflorescences 140 cm, slender
A bush with a curved growth habit, beautiful autumn color
'Karl Foerster' is a vigorous bush with wider leaves, 80 cm high, with small dark flowers that bloom in August and are 150 cm high.
'Bergfreund' beautiful delicate and airy greenish-purple nuts
is 160 cm tall, autumn color is bright orange-yellow, foliage 50 cm
'Rotschopf' Bushy, upright growth habit, height 75-120 cm
The foliage turns red from the tops in autumn, yellow from the bottom.
'Windspiel' has a very upright growth habit, brownish-yellow inflorescences
in August they are 200cm high, turning honey-colored in winter
'Cordoba' is a variety with upright, strong flower stalks. In spring
with a slower awakening, beautiful from the second half of summer, turning yellow for winter
golden yellow. Sunny or semi-shaded location. Height 170
cm
'Edith Dudszus' captivates with dark purple flower stalks and dark
also has nuts. Beautiful autumn color. Height during flowering 90-110 cm
'Mooehexe' columnar upright bush up to 70 cm high,
dark slender nuts
'Heidebraut' has slightly arching flower stalks that bear
purple nuts in August/September, height up to 120 cm
'Heidezwerg' is a low variety found in the wild in Great Britain.
Bright green foliage and abundant blackish-purple nuts,
orange autumn color. Sunny location. Height 60-80 cm
'Poul Petersen' - bush height 30 cm, inflorescences up to 60 cm.
The inflorescences form a beautiful, airy vase-shaped fan.
'Variegata' A beautiful bush with green, yellow-striped foliage.
The arching flower spikes are durable and provide visual interest even in winter.
Height 25 cm in foliage and 50-60 cm in flowering. Also suitable for
partial shade.
'Igel' Small bush, flowers appear at the end of July. Golden yellow
Autumn color. Height 30 cm Prairie fescue (Sporobulus heterolepsis) is beautiful
glossy green tuft with hairy leaves. In the second half of summer
the plant is covered with delicate and airy fragrant flower whorls. Can
successfully cope with our volatile winter conditions. It is also nice to have an orange-
brown autumn color. As a prairie plant, it prefers fertile, well-drained soil.
prefers a full sun location, but moister soil is also suitable
semi-shade. Quite slow growing as a young plant. Height 30-80
cm.
The common dew-stalk (Deschampsia cespitosa) is ours
domestic species. It starts growing very early in the spring and
By Midsummer's Day, the flower stalks of the primrose are already opening their whorls.
As the summer progresses, the flower color changes from silvery to yellowish-green.
golden yellow. They look good in larger groups with other perennials.
between. The planting distance between plants should be 50 cm. Height 40-60
(120) cm. Prefers moist, fertile soil, sunny or
semi-shaded growing place. Semi-evergreen in warm winters. Since the
dewdrops produce quite abundant seed reproduction, then unwanted
To prevent self-seeding, the flower stalks should be removed before the seeds drop.
remove. In the spring, it is not too late to cut back. Through
Over the years, quite a few varieties have been found, which differ mainly in either
in terms of the height of the flower whorls or the color of the bloom, in some cases
in terms of foliage color and height. By autumn, all of them turn
golden yellow.
'Waldschrat' was discovered as early as 1967 Dark green pomelo
40 cm high and 120 cm rich in delicate airy bronzes
high eddies
'Tardiflora' is a variety discovered by Karl Foerster in 1961. Round
The height of the dark green tuft is 25-30 cm, above which up to
90 cm tall silvery, later golden flower whorls.
'Schottland' - as the variety name suggests, is found in Scotland.
The bush with thin leaves is 50 cm high, with slender inflorescences
are bronze when blooming, later golden yellow. Height 120 cm. 'Palava' - this variety found in the Prague Botanical Garden has dark green
low compact bush, height at flowering 60 cm. The variety is
with sterile flowers and therefore no risk of unwanted self-seeding.
'Goldtau' bush height 30 cm, inflorescences 70 cm
'Goldschleier' with silvery tint airy greenish-yellow
inflorescences, height 120cm. In translation, the variety name “golden veil” is characterized by
well, the plant turns golden yellow early at the end of flowering
inflorescences
Whip millet (Panicum virgatum) grows naturally in the North
On the American prairies, It has been used as a landscaping plant for 20 years.
from the beginning of the 20th century. In spring, it only wakes up when warm weather arrives, but
despite this, the decorative period is long. Prefers sunny,
definitely a site with good drainage. Tolerates windy sites well.
Flowering begins in the second half of summer, with relatively strong
The flower stalks bear airy flower whorls. Depending on the variety, the color
The foliage turns either reddish or yellow as the weather cools.
'Shenandoah''s upright gray-green foliage changes color in summer
progressing from the tips to purple, later to wine red. Airy
purple inflorescences, 90-105 cm high
'Rotstrahlbusch' Airy dark flowers in late summer.
The foliage changes color from green during the summer to red in the fall.
quite crimson. Height 90+ cm
'Cardinal' Grayish-green, turning purple-red at the tips
foliage. Height 70-80 cm.
'Hänse Herms' beautiful upright green bush bears wine-red flowers
swirls and the foliage turns reddish in autumn. Height 100-130 cm
'Rehbraun' is an upright bush that turns colorful in autumn.
purple. Height up to 120 cm
'Heavy Metal' Gray-green foliage with a metallic sheen, strong
flower stalks up to 120 cm high. Airy pinkish inflorescences
decorate the bush from late July or August. Yellow
Autumn color Sesleria are quite undemanding, low, winter green
Grasses with foliage. Suitable for planting with lower perennials.
between or as a coating.
Autumn primrose (Sesleria autumnalis) grows wild
In the Caucasus Mountains and the mountainous areas of southern Europe.
The yellowish-green foliage forms dense mats. Species name
indicates that, unlike other lilies, it does not bloom until August.
Prefers a semi-shady, calcareous growing location, but can also
in a sunny location. Suitable for both mass planting and ground cover
as well as in groups among other perennials. Height 30-50 cm.
The glossy sedge (Sesleria nitida) forms its stiff grey
A magnificent bush with small leaves. Height 50 cm, up to 80 during flowering.
cm. The flower panicles, which open in May-June, are airy and curved.
above the foliage. Grows naturally in central and southern Italy.
Requires good drainage and a warm, sunny location. Well suited
a gravel garden where you can give it free air and space to slowly develop its
to expand the bubble.
Green clover (Sesleria heufleriana) starts blooming first in spring
opening of blackish-purple flower buds. Along with the growth of leaves
with the onset of the black buds lengthen and become anthers
The upper surface of the leaves is green and
lower part grayish-green. Cold-resistant and hardy. Sunny or
semi-shady location, regular, preferably alkaline garden soil.
Once established, it tolerates drought well. Height 30-60 cm. Goes well with
with spring sybil flowers.
Common lime (Sesleria caerulea) also grows naturally in Estonia
The height of the grayish foliage is 15 cm, the slender flower stalks are up to 45 cm.
In poorer and drier areas, the foliage is grayer and lower. Suitable
good both as a ground cover and, for example, in combination with summer flowers
in various planting containers. Lime-loving
Evergreen oat (Helictotrichon sempervirens) grows
native to the steppes of Eurasia. Dense, grey-blue, hemispherical clumps bear flowers up to 120 cm high in June-July.
inflorescence stalk. It is one of the best blue-leafed grasses. Habitat
must be sunny, fertile and with good drainage. Proud tussocks
They look equally good in landscaping as sparsely planted groups.
as well as individually. In the spring, it is quite easy to clean from dry
"Combing" the yellowed leaves with a rake with narrow tines
or by messing with the fluff with rough gloves.
'Pendula' Greenish-blue foliage is 50 cm high, up to 120 cm wide
longer than the main species, more curved flower stalks
'Saphirsprudel' has slightly bluish foliage than the species, height 40
cm, flower spikes 100 cm.
Among the low sedges there are beautiful grasses that thrive in the moist shade.
in poor, well-drained soil in full sun.
'Igel' (Luzula spp. ) is a variety of hairy pipe grass with evergreen foliage.
pilosa) is a particularly nice turf that prefers to grow in moderately moist
in semi-shaded location. A mat with fairly wide leaf sheaths
forms a rounded hemisphere, 15-25 cm high and is a characteristic of the variety
is that it hardly forms inflorescences – therefore there is no risk of self-sowing.
Can be used as a ground cover plant, for example in a forest garden, or
other low plants as mounds of grass growing on the edge of the bed
between
Snowdrop (Luzula nivea) grows naturally in South
In Europe. Wintergreen green, with a tuft of hairs on the edge.
expands slowly. Particularly suitable for semi-shaded or shady areas
a place where unusual white flowers bloom in June-July
light to a shaded area. A sunny spot is also suitable, as long as sufficient light is provided.
humidity. Can be used both as a ground cover plant and individually.
Suitable for a dry, well-drained growing site in a rock garden or gravel garden
needle-pointed carpet fescue 'Pic Carlit' (Festuca
gautieri) – a variety discovered by Dr. Hans Simon in 1980. It spreads
slowly and remains a beautiful, round mat, only up to 10 cm high.
It forms few inflorescences. In spring, care must be taken to ensure that the evergreen foliage of the plant does not get sunburned. Occasionally,
to rejuvenate the pubic hair
Fescue 'Walberla' (Festuca) beautiful fine pure green
The foliage is red at the tips, and the flower stalks are also purple. Height with
with flower spikes up to 30 cm. Once rooted, it tolerates both drought and poor
with soil. Sunny location with good drainage. Suitable for use as
in larger groups as well as as a solitary plant
Broad-leaved sedge (Carex siderosticha) is native to the Far East,
mainly from the mountainous areas of Japan, China and Korea. Good
ground cover plant for shade and woodland gardens. Spreading with a short rhizome
forms a dense carpet even in places that would otherwise be
difficult to landscape. Semi-shaded (shady) growing location,
moderately moist or even excessively moist fertile soil. Leaf width up to 3 cm,
height 10-20 cm. Cut back in spring. Unfortunately, they have to
story snails and slugs
The variety 'Shiro' has elegant, almost white flowers when blooming in spring.
foliage with a slight green stripe. As the summer progresses, the white part changes
gradually becomes light green. Due to the low chlorophyll content, the
slowly and is more suitable for a beautiful bright spot, perhaps planted in a group
to create a shelter
Japanese sedge (Carex morrowii) is an ornamental evergreen
A slowly expanding bush with foliage. Requires good drainage
moderately moist shady place. In a sufficiently shady place there is no
Avoid early spring sunburn. Height 30-40 cm. In ornamental gardening
Varieties with striped foliage are more common.
'Ice Dance' is an elegant, strong evergreen with creamy white flowers.
The bush with green foliage with fringes expands well enough - good
can be used in the shade garden as a ground cover plant or as a single plant. Height
30-40 cm.
The 'Mosten' variety has beautiful pure green foliage, up to 50 cm tall.
From moist meadows and woodlands of eastern and central North America
from Palm-leaved sedge (Carex muskingumensis) and its
Several interesting varieties look a bit exotic and delicate in this northern climate, while at the same time being very hardy and
Although as a species, most sedges are known for their
In terms of its moisture preference, the palm-leaved linden also tolerates normal
It is well-rooted and survives garden soil and drought periods without any problems.
However, it is more suited to a spacious, natural-looking design. It has an impact
better planted in larger groups. Growth begins in spring
early enough and removing last year's foliage should not
to be late - it is quite troublesome to get through the young shoots
to do
'Little Midge' is a miniature variety, only 15-30 cm tall
'Variegata' foliage features creamy stripes on the leaf blades.
in the middle only on older leaves. Height 60 cm
'Bicolor Fountain' comes with its white-green striped foliage
especially well in a semi-shaded location. Then the sun will not reach
scorch leaves during drought. Height 40 cm
Ainuwort (Hakonechloa macra) grows naturally in Japan
Near the Hakone mountain range on Honshu island. In spring, the warm
The main species has green, graceful, arching foliage.
The best growing location is in semi-shade, in humus-rich and moderately moist soil.
In the sun, the foliage takes on a reddish hue in autumn. Snowless in winter
It is advisable to mulch. Old foliage should be cut back in the spring. Especially
A very slowly expanding herbaceous plant when young. Height 35-40 cm 'Aureola'
'All Gold' greenish-yellow foliage, height 30 cm
Phalaris is a fairly aggressive grower and should be
rather grow in a closed container, using root barriers, or
in a natural-looking garden, where it can expand freely. On the terrace
However, it is a rather rewarding plant in pots, because in spring
starts growing quite early and by June has its
has reached its growth height. It also tolerates wind well. Care must be taken
but that there is enough moisture and nutrients. Tolerates up to 2 cm
"toes in the water" cultivation in depth.
The variety selection includes the white-green striped 'Picta' with a height of 120
cm, the slower-growing 'Freesey' and the only 70 cm tall 'Dwarf'
Garters' . 'Arctic Sun' has yellow-green foliage, height
90-100 cm
The rich world of songs has won my heart for a long time.
time – mostly as relatively undemanding plants, they are always available
great in larger or smaller groups among other plants
Despite the great diversity of species, decorativeness is the main focus.
keeping the choice much smaller. Here you will find quite a variety of
species suitable for the conditions - 10-20 cm from those suitable for alpine gardens
with large flower heads reaching heights of up to 150-200 cm
Suitable species can also be found in moist and shady areas.
The bulbs start growing quite early and continue until flowering.
usually arrive in the first half of summer. So they are good
as a supplement in planting areas where tall perennials have been used,
who tend to plant their star anemone in the second half of summer.
At the same time, they can hide the fading leaves that have begun to fade by the time they bloom.
The main flowering period for the sedges is from late May to July.
The color range varies in all sorts of shades, mixing on the color palette
red, blue and white – from very light pink to deep purple.
There are also quite white, blue and yellow species. Within the species, you will find
often have large variations in color and, depending on where it grows, can also
height can be quite different. Growing in nature often in quite poor conditions, they also do not need
excessive watering in the home garden. Most species prefer well-drained soil
fertile clay soil. Drainage is especially important during the dormant period. Fertilize
should be taken very carefully or not at all, and otherwise not
they need some special care. In the springtime, all the eyelids need
enough moisture, but species that come from dry droughts
from areas where it is quite dry during the dormant season, it is definitely necessary to plant
very well-drained growing site and protect them in case of snowless winters
from cold. An overly humid growing area can be fatal, for example
Turkmen lark (A. Christophii) and Schubert lark (A.
schubertii). Depending on the size of the bulb, they are planted 5-15 (30) cm
depth into ordinary garden soil. Grown into a too dense clump
and showing a decrease in flowering, the bulbs should be removed when flowering is over
dug out of the ground and planted back separately. With rhizomes
Onions need a moderately moist growing environment, while the whole
growing season. Bulbs are good “lazy person’s” flowers because once
Once planted, they can successfully grow in the same place for years on their own.
Diseases and pests are usually not very common. However, they can
In rainy summers, onion rot and fungal diseases can occur.
Overfertilized plants are more susceptible to disease in conditions unsuitable for the species.
in the growing area.
Dutch onion (A. hollandicum) 'Purple Sensation' Allium
hollandicum was originally described in the Netherlands as a garden hybrid, later
but it was found to be a wild species from Iran. In the world
The most marketable herb. One of the earliest bloomers in my garden.
The flower stalk is 80 cm high, the diameter of the purple-red inflorescence is 8-10 cm.
Although the brown faded flowers among other plants seem to me
If you like it, you should keep in mind that this variety reproduces
also from seed and these children may not be the same bright color. So
True-to-variety offspring can only be obtained through vegetative propagation.
It can take up to 7 years from seeds to new flowering bulbs.
Stemmed arum (A. stipitatum) 'Mount Everest' Leaves erect,
hairy underneath, strap-like, broad. Flowers bloom in the first half of June
and the flower diameter is 10-12 cm. It is considered the best among the white-flowered
among the varieties. Height 90-150 cm. Some literature suggests that it is
is a stalked leaf and a hybrid of the aflantun onion (A. aflantunense). However, genetic analysis has determined that this is not the case.
interspecific hybrid. Requires dry, well-drained soil during dormancy
The stemless clematis grows naturally in Central Asia,
In Pakistan, Afghanistan. Can be propagated by dividing bulbs.
'Gladiator' – a hybrid of Dutch onion and probably stem onion.
Height up to 150 cm. One of the earliest resting places among the tall beauty spots.
blooms for about 3 weeks in June, sterile purple inflorescence ø up to 15 cm.
Breeder W.Hey1981. Also tolerates semi-shade and scattered
a place with light
Giant garlic (A. giganteum ) First described in 1883.
Grows on the foothill slopes of Central Asia, Afghanistan and Iran.
The foliage emerges very early. In my garden this species has proven to be too
sensitive to cold or moisture. It is more the rule than the exception that
that the night frost pinches both the leaves and the already developing flower buds and
most of the time the bulbs never reach the magnificent flowering stage. With the beginning of flowering
It blooms in late June and July. The large, dense inflorescence is 10-15 cm in diameter.
However, there are very good varieties, where garlic is one of the best.
older.
'Beau Regard’s' – According to various sources, the giant or towering (A.
macleanii) and Turkmen onion hybrid from 1959. 90 cm tall
The flower stalk bears a large, dense inflorescence. Beautiful, shiny leaves.
'Round and Purple' pastel purple ø15 cm flowers bloom in late June.
Height 90-120 cm. Long flowering period. Could be planted a little
to a more sheltered place.
'Ambassador' – a hybrid of a stemmed shallot and a giant shallot. Sprawling, strong
foliage, above which in July a 90-150 cm high and
Inflorescence with a very strong pedicel. Withstands strong winds. Particularly dense
and large (ø up to 20 cm) purple sterile (does not form seeds)
In a flowering inflorescence, the flowers gradually open over about 5 weeks.
Also suitable as a cut flower.
'Globemaster' Variety from 1971, bred by J. Bijl. Parents
Turkmen sedge and towering sedge. Large flowers bloom at the end of June
star-shaped flowers that form a dense ball.
As it gradually opens, the flower ball becomes larger and larger, reaching 15-20 cm. Mid-summer bloomer, very long flowering period, height
80-100 cm. It has been growing in my garden for almost 20 years and has never
still failed. Can only be propagated from divided bulbs
'Forelock' is an exciting looking variety from 2009. Apt comparison
I found Chuck's friend Wilson, played by Tom Hanks, and 'Forelock'
about the similarity from the movie "Washed on the Shore". In my garden, it bloomed for 2 years
and both times the height was about 140-150 cm. To date
lost - rather frost sensitive or would have needed better drainage
place of growth.
Bulgarian onion (Allium siculum subsp. bulgaricum) See
The Bulgarian subspecies of Sicilian honeysuckle grows in the European part of Turkey,
In Bulgaria, Moldova and eastern Romania. Triangular
foliage. The plant has a rather intense scent when touched, the flower stalk is ca.
90 cm. The hanging waxy bells are quite large and pink-
greenish-white. Blooms in midsummer. At the end of flowering, the flower bracts curl up.
itself from a hanging position. Grown in my garden for 15 years and its
has not produced seeds over time. Easy to propagate
vegetatively.
Persian honey garlic (Allium tripedale) is listed in the Red Book
species. Only 2 localities are known from the former territory of the Republic of Lithuania. Leaves
triangular, ca 60 cm long. Flower stalk 100-150 cm high. Inflorescence
consists of pink bells arranged in fairly dense clusters
in rafters, Gives very little vegetative propagation. From seeds
It takes 7 years to bloom.
Turkmen scaup (A. cristophii) First described in 1884.
Originated from the rocky mountain slopes of Central Asia, Iran and Turkey 1000-2000
m in height. Height 20-60 cm. Uniform large metallic luster and
The diameter of the sparse panicle with star-shaped flowers reaches 25-40 cm, each
The diameter of a single flower is 2-4 cm. It definitely needs a drier, good
well-drained growing site. Flowering time is the second half of July. There are many
used for crossing and among other things one of the parent varieties
'Globemaster', 'Beau Regard'. Oblique clematis (A. obliquum) Naturally occurs in Romania,
In the Volga region, the Urals, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Central and Western Siberia,
Northwest China. The foliage resembles garlic in appearance and taste,
Height 60-130 cm. Yellow flowers, rare among bulbs.
Blooms in July, ø 4-6 cm, prefers a wetter growing location. Resistant
As a species, it can also survive in poor conditions, but then the inflorescence remains
The flowers can also be used as cut flowers.
Golden onion (A. moly) grows naturally in France and
In Spain. Blue-green foliage. Quite large yellow flowers.
are located in flat inflorescences, bloom in June and last 3-4 weeks
Decorative. Semi-shady, moderately moist growing place. Reproduces well.
vegetatively. Height 15-40 cm. Also suitable for growing in lawns.
Lime-loving.
Makhachkala lauk (A. grande) The species was first described in 1894
famous botanist Lipsky. This extremely rare and endangered species grows
naturally only around the capital of Dagestan, Makhachkala.
Pale green foliage, lovely round pink flowers. Height
Up to 80 cm on inflorescences, 50 cm on foliage. In my garden since 2009.
In the spring of 2014, a warm early spring enticed them to grow and then
the long cold without snow took with it. Fortunately, I had sown
seeds and now these titmice have reached their first flowers.
Karatau lauk (A. karataviense) is a completely cold-resistant species
in a sunny and dry growing location during the dormant season. Tolerates poor soil.
Usually 2-3, rarely 4 bluish-green, wide, wrinkled leaves, which
remain decorative until the seeds ripen. The leaf tips are broken off
purple-red. The dense inflorescence “sits” directly in the nest between the leaves. Inflorescence
can have quite different diameters and heights within a species - 15-25
cm. Clones with very short flower stalks are especially decorative.
Flowering lasts about 3 weeks, they are also very decorative.
The color of the inflorescence varies from almost white to
to pink, but specimens with a red tint have also been found. Not edible
suitable due to its high saponin content. It usually reproduces only
with seeds. Karatau lauk (A. karataviense) 'Ivory Queen' Foliage
pure green when blooming without the characteristic reddish leaf tip.
Pure white flowers. Foliage persists until fruit ripens. Unlike
from the main species, also reproduces vegetatively.
Pskem's lauk (A. pskemense) The species was first described by
Russian botanist BA Fedchenko in 1905. This is a Central
In Asia, in the western Tien Shan mountains, the rivers Aksu, Ugem, Pskem
and an endemic species growing along their tributaries. In spring
When open, the leaves resemble thick fingers, the flower clusters are made of leaves
half as tall (40-80 cm). Dense white 8 cm ø flower clusters
They bloom in late July-August. Both the leaves and bulbs are edible.
It has been studied that seed germination is only 1-3%, 75% of seeds
in nature are damaged by insects and 15% are poorly developed
endosperm. They will bloom only 4-7 years after sowing. Significantly
It can be propagated more successfully vegetatively.
Bulb onion (A. tuberosum) – mild-tasting with flat leaves
The sedge bears beautiful white hemispheres from the end of July until frost.
inflorescences and remains decorative from spring to late autumn. Very
with a mild and pleasant taste. Loves moisture, also suitable for shady areas
place of growth. Very appreciated for ornamental and commercial gardens. They are also delicious
inflorescences. Since it is a late bloomer, the seeds do not have time to ripen and
there is no fear of turning into a weed.
Longus lauk (A. nutans ) - Grows in the southern Urals, Mongolia and
In the steppes and rocky slopes of northwest China. Very drought-resistant, with wide
The strap-leaved bush bears pinkish-violet flowers, 30-60 cm
tall inflorescences in June-July. The long flower buds are decorative
even before blooming. Young leaves are juicy and milder,
later the taste is quite sharp.
Ohoota lauk (A. ochotense ) A perennial plant resembling lily of the valley leaves
A completely frost-resistant species with foliage. Decorative leaves width 3-9
cm, length 12-20cm. In June-July pale greenish-white or
slightly pinkish inflorescences. Height 50 cm. Foliage remains decorative
until the end of summer. A good growing location is moist, semi-shaded, fertile. Leaves
can be used both fresh and salted – that's how it is made in its homeland in the Far East, on the Sea of Okhotsk, Kamchatka, Sakhalin,
In the Kuril Islands, Japan, North Korea and North China.
Siberian schoenoprasum (A. schoenoprasum var sibiricum ) - common in our country
almost half as tall and “more productive” than a regular chive,
Inflorescence height 60 cm. Should be cut back before seeds ripen.
cut - then it will immediately grow fresh and with a more pleasant taste
foliage and weeding is prevented. Chives are well suited
in a moist, even shady place. Seeds are good
use in foods dried-ground or used for sprouting.
It is also very good to use the inflorescences in cooking.
Cut flowers remain decorative in a vase for quite a long time.
Chives (A. schoenoprasum) 'Rising Star' low variety
with gray-green foliage and reddish-pink flowers. Also suitable
for growing in a container.
Chives (A. schoenoprasum 'Corsican White' pure green,
slightly tangled foliage, white flowers. Height 15-20 cm, being
Almost half as tall as the similar variety 'Wellington White'.
The type subspecies of the sedge (A.senescens ssp senescens ) –
The bulbs are attached to a short rhizome. The light green foliage is
has a pleasant mild taste and remains decorative and edible throughout
season. Blooms in light pinkish-purple, hemispherical, 5 cm in diameter
with inflorescences in July-August. Inflorescence height 30-60 cm. Naturally
The type subspecies is found in the areas around Lake Baikal, in Buryatia, in Eastern
Mongolia, Korea and northeastern China. Since the wild garlic is a botanical
divided into many small species, then by distinguishing them, it is
a lot of confusion.
The blue-gray variety of the senescens (A. senescens ssp glaucum ) is
low, slightly curly bush with flat, gray-blue leaves,
The purple-pink flower stalks that bloom in August remain about 20 cm tall.
height. Milder in taste than the previous one. Very decorative
in large groups on the edges of plantings and in rock gardens. August-
As a September bloomer, it brings long-lasting joy to the end of summer. As a late bloomer, no seeds have ripened in my garden. It can be propagated
vegetatively.
Narcissus-flowered clematis (A. narcisissiflorum) – Grows 800-2300
m altitude in the southwestern part of the Alps in France. Flowering lasts from June
from the end of July up to 3 weeks. Height 15-35 cm. Flower color varies
mostly purple-purple to light pink, the inflorescence has quite large
bells 2-10 pcs. Needs moisture, but good drainage. Very similar
with the beautiful sedge (A. insubricum). The difference is that the flowering
At the end, the grain husks hang on the beautiful field, while
on the daffodil they always turn upright. The petals are narrower and
There are more flowers in the inflorescence. The bract of the inflorescence may be divided into 2-3
involved.
Common sedge (A. insubricum) Grows in the Italian Alps at 800-2100 m.
on calcareous soil at high altitude. 5-8 bell-shaped flowers in inflorescence. Flower 1 cm long.
The color also varies mostly from purple to light pink.
bract usually 1-parted. The flower stamens always remain attached to the seeds of the neroli.
during ripening. Tolerates moisture satisfactorily with adequate drainage.
This brief introduction only covered a small part of the
of the beautiful decorative representatives of the onion family. Certainly
it's just a matter of raising a wealthy family who would be worth it
significantly more to experiment with both in the commercial garden and as ornamental plants. Regardless
Whichever side you are more attracted to, you have got a “two in one” plant.