Catharanthus is an exotic shrub with long-lasting contrasting flowering. It is also known as cayenne jasmine or pink periwinkle. Its exact origin is unknown, but it is found naturally in Indonesia, India and China, Cuba and the Philippines, as well as Madagascar. However, Catharanthus has adapted well to life in a temperate climate. You can grow it in your own garden and admire the white, red, crimson or purple flowers every year.
Growing in open ground
In nature, catharanthus is represented by tall shrubs up to 150 cm in height. However, at home they reach no more than 60 cm. These are bright ornamental plants that are suitable for growing in open ground, in flower beds and flower beds, in pots and containers.
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Is it possible to grow catharanthus outside if the winter temperature drops to -10 degrees?
It is possible, but for the winter it will have to be moved to a warm room.
Previously, catharanthus was considered a houseplant, suitable for growing exclusively at home. The reason is its low resistance to frost . However, it has adapted to a temperate climate, so it can increasingly be found in gardens and flower beds, in single and complex plantings. Caring for it is easy, so even a beginner can handle it.
Reproduction
Catharanthus propagate by seeds, cuttings or dividing the bush. The right time for reproduction is spring. It is better to purchase seeds of varietal and hybrid catharanthus in a specialized store.
Growing from seeds
In March, seeds are sown for seedlings, and at the end of May the grown plants are transferred outside. To plant catharanthus, take small containers (boxes) and soil for geraniums. You can independently prepare a substrate from turf (leaf) soil, humus, sand and peat. Before sowing, seeds are soaked in water and then disinfected with potassium permanganate. Spread evenly over the surface and sprinkle with earth. Containers with seeds are watered and covered with glass.
After a week, seedlings appear; the optimal temperature for keeping seedlings is 20-25 degrees Celsius. The seedlings are watered regularly, and after 3 weeks, when 3-4 true leaves appear, they are planted in separate plastic or peat cups. Before transplanting, containers with seedlings are taken outside for several hours so that they get used to the outside temperature. Catharanthus are transplanted into a flower bed at the end of May, when the threat of night frosts has passed.
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Cuttings
Catharanthus can be propagated using green cuttings. To do this, in the spring you need to cut off the apical stems 10 centimeters long and root them in well-moistened sandy-peaty soil. During rooting, the cuttings are covered with a transparent plastic bottle. They need to be ventilated and irrigated with water daily. After rooting, the cap is removed and the plant is cared for as usual. The grown bush can be transplanted into a flowerbed after 3-4 weeks.
Dividing the bush
During replanting, the catharanthus bush can be divided into two parts, and each division, along with the stem and root, can be planted in separate holes or in different pots. It is better to divide the bush in early spring.
Planting catharanthus in open ground
In late spring, plants can be placed in open ground. To do this, you need to wait for a period when the temperature remains at least 20 degrees around the clock . Catharanthus is a tropical plant, so it tolerates prolonged rains and heat, high humidity and bright lighting. In a climate as close as possible to natural, the bushes will grow large, and flowering will be bright and long-lasting. However, without sufficient humidity, direct sunlight can cause burns to leaves and petals. If the summer is dry and watering is carried out artificially, it is worth choosing a site for jasmine in partial shade, with protection from the wind.
In order for plants to take root well in open ground, they are planted according to the instructions:
- dig up a flowerbed to increase the looseness and conductivity of the soil;
- make holes at a distance of 50 cm from each other, into which the rhizome of the seedlings will completely fit;
- add a drainage layer to the bottom of the hole - special expanded clay drainage will do;
- Carefully place the seedling and cover the rhizome with soil;
- water the soil around the plant.
Seeds must be planted in soil well warmed by the sun. Until this point, seedlings can be prepared at home or in a greenhouse.
Reproduction
Catharanthus can be propagated by seeds, cuttings or dividing the bush. The ideal time for reproduction is early spring.
Cuttings
For propagation, take the upper stems obtained during spring pruning. The length of the cutting should be 10-12 centimeters, the lower leaves are torn off. The branches are placed in a jar of water or in a moist substrate and rooted for 3-4 weeks.
Seeds
It is better to buy seeds for sowing in a specialized store. After all, the catharanthus in the flowerbed do not have time to ripen during the summer. You can dig up these plants in the fall and grow them indoors. In this case, the seeds will ripen by spring. They are soaked for a day and planted in boxes with substrate in March, and at the end of May the grown seedlings are transplanted into a flower bed.
Dividing the bush
In the spring, when the bush is transplanted from a pot to a flowerbed, you can divide it in half. The catharanthus is divided into 2 parts, the stem is cut with a knife at the very base, and then each part of the bush, along with a piece of root, is planted in separate containers or holes.
Wintering in open ground
Catharanthus is a tropical plant, so it is difficult to grow outdoors in temperate climates. For flower beds it is easier to choose annual varieties . They are simply sown in the ground, the soil is dug up at the end of the season, and new plants are planted next year. However, there is a way to grow perennial varieties of jasmine. In the fall, after the flowering period has completed (usually in mid-October), you should follow a few simple steps:
- remove the above-ground parts of the plant, leaving no more than 10–15 cm of shoots;
- dig up bushes with rhizomes and move them to a large container - it is important to take into account that the roots grow over the summer, so you need to try not to damage them when replanting;
- place the container with the plant in a warm room for the winter and store at room temperature (optimally 15–17 degrees).
The assortment includes both perennial and annual catharanthus varieties. If the temperature is too low in winter, you should choose annuals for landscaping the flower garden in the warm season.
In winter, all life processes of the catharanthus slow down. During this period, shrubs do not require special care. They are watered only as needed, in small quantities. It is useful to maintain moderate air humidity and ensure that it is not too dry. Experienced gardeners recommend leaving a container of water next to the plants so that they humidify the air.
How to care?
Subsequent care of young plants after transplantation should include the following items:
- Regular weeding.
- Hydration. For this purpose, you should choose soft, filtered or rain water. During hot periods, it is necessary to additionally spray the bush or give it a warm shower. In order to prevent burns, it is recommended to hydrate in the evening.
- Daily watering. When there is a lack of moisture, the leaves of the plant curl into a tube. After watering, the shape of the leaves is restored within 30 minutes.
- Fertilizers. In spring, complex mineral fertilizers are introduced. During the flowering period - potassium-phosphorus. Catharanthus needs to be fed once every 2-3 weeks. During the dormant period, the shrub does not require feeding.
You can find more detailed information about growing and caring for catharanthus here.
Diseases and pests
The main difficulty when growing ornamental plants is various diseases and pests. They can appear even with good care and affect healthy, viable bushes. The main thing is not to get lost and protect the flower beds with catharanthus in time. A disease or pest type can be identified by its symptoms.
It is optimal to treat catharanthus bushes regularly, according to the instructions. Purchased insecticides will protect plants from dangerous diseases.
Fungal diseases
The fungus can affect both the above-ground parts of the plant and the rhizome. The main reason for its spread is insufficient drainage during abundant watering or in rainy weather . It causes various diseases, including gray and brown spot. Light or dark spots with jagged edges appear on the leaves. They quickly increase in size and can merge into large spots. In addition, the bushes lag behind in growth, stop blooming and form new buds.
Possible problems when growing catharanthus
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Under normal conditions, catharanthus bushes grow quickly and bloom brightly throughout the summer. However, even in caring hands, the plant may need certain supplements or regime adjustments. To detect in time that flowers are beginning to complain of poor health, it is enough to pay attention to their appearance.
- Leaves that are too soft are a reaction to excess sunlight. Despite the tropical origin of the plant, in nature the bushes choose forest areas. If plants do not feel well in open sunlight, you can build an awning for them that will protect them from too bright light.
- Yellowing of the tips of the leaves is a response to insufficient air humidity. This can be easily corrected by regularly spraying the leaves and shoots in the morning or evening.
- The lower layer of leaves turns yellow and falls off - a natural phenomenon. The plant spends its main energy on the formation of new shoots, blossoming of shoots and flowering. Fallen leaves can be easily removed.
- Insufficient flowering or its absence is a reaction to a period of cooling. Flowers will bloom if it gets warmer.
- The plant stops growing and blooming, turns yellow - there is not enough space for the rhizome to grow. This problem is more common in catharanthus that are kept in pots at home. If neighboring bushes are too crowded, they can be planted at a greater distance.
Not all changes that may frighten a beginner actually indicate a danger to plant health. Some of them are a natural process of growth and development. Yellowed or dry areas can be removed to maintain a neat appearance of the plant.
Use in landscape design
Catharanthus is an unusual solution for decorating flower beds, flower beds, and summer cottages. Bright
There are several options for growing catharanthus in open ground:
- flower beds using catharanthus and other types of flowering plants;
- independent planting in a bright flower garden;
- living borders; overhead growing - in containers that are located on a hill, on fences, gazebos or building facades.
Catharanthus can also be grown in urban environments. However, the plant needs good care and abundant watering. In municipal flower beds and recreation areas, cayenne jasmine may not reveal all its decorative qualities if it does not receive enough attention.
Light intensity
In the garden, catharanthus can be placed in a shaded area. It needs a lot of light, but may not like direct rays. Indoor care involves placing the flower on the windowsill of an eastern or western window, providing additional lighting when the daylight hours decrease.
