Perennials Аlyssum

Description

Special Features of Alyssum

Alyssum is a genus of annual and perennial plants and dwarf shrubs of to the cruciferous family Brassica. Wild Alyssum occurs in Europe, Asia, southern Siberia, and Africa. This plant is widely known for its highly fragrant flowers and hardiness.

The word "alysson" was derived from the Greek words "a" (no, against) and "lyssa" (canine rabies). In ancient times, it was the name of a certain plant (probably related to the modern Alyssum) used to treat rabies.

Alyssum grows low and reaches only 10-45 centimeters tall. It has branched woody stems and pubescent silvery green leaves. The flowers are small, fragrant, collected in racemose inflorescences and varying in colouring from snow white to deep purple.

Flowering occurs from spring to late autumn. The fruit is a pod with many small flat seeds that remain viable for 3 years.

According to various sources, the genus Alyssum includes 100-150 species. For cultivation, only six of them are used:

Alyssum gmelinii is a perennial plant that grows to 20 centimeters tall and has creeping stems and pale yellow flowers.

Alyssum maritium) is a perennial plant cultivated as an annual in our climate. It grows up to 25 centimeters tall and has white or bright pink flowers that bloom in June. This species is especially appreciated for its long flowering.

Alyssum pyrenaicum is a perennial plant about 15 centimeters tall with oval leaves and greyish white blossoms.

Alyssum repens can reach a height of half a meter and has different oval lanceolate leaves and golden flowers.

Alyssum argenteum is notable for its interesting evergreen foliage colour. The underside of the leaf is silver while the upper surface is green. The flowers are lemon coloured.

Alyssum saxatile grows to about 20 centimeters in height. It is famous for its whitish evergreen leaves and bright yellow flowers.

Alyssum is perfectly suited to create compositions. It looks great in the edges, mixed borders, borders, rock gardens and and as a solitary near the southern walls of the house. The plant can be grown in a container; recently, low-growing varieties have been increasingly used to fill the space between the flagstones. The perfect companions for Alyssum are Marigolds, Iris, Forget-Me-Not, low-growing Phlox, Arabis, Lobelia, Orbieta, Calendula, Saxifrage, and Verbena. In addition, Alyssum is used in alternative medicine.

The Secrets to Successfully Growing Alyssum

Alyssum is absolutely undemanding to habitat, but grows better in light fertile soils with moderate moisture and good drainage. For profuse flowering, the plant should get enough light. Do not overfertilize as the plant will grow the foliage.

The care for Alyssum is easy and includes regular watering, weeding (especially at the beginning of growth), soil loosening, deadheading. In late autumn cut the stems to 5-7 centimeters. Once or twice per season use fertilizers (Agricola, Raduga or Tsvetochek).
Alyssum can easily withstand temperatures down to -10 ° C. However, due to the unpredictability of our winters cover the plant with a thin layer of dry leaves in late autumn. Perennial species do not require frequent replanting and propagate by self-seeding.

Alyssum is propagated by seeds, cuttings, and dividing the shrub.

The most popular and convenient way is propagation by seed. In late April or early May and in November, plant the seeds directly in the open ground 0.5 centimeter deep and cover with PE film or glass. However, seedlings may not have time to bloom in the first year. For earlier flowering, sow the seeds in March and April in special containers and place in a bright room with a temperature of 17-23 ° C. Water regularly. After 10-12 days, the seedlings will sprout. Plant them into individual pots and in May in the open ground spacing them 20-30 centimeters apart. The plants usually bloom 45 days after germination.

Propagate by cuttings in June. To do this, cut the young cuttings about 10 centimeters long, leaving them only 4-5 top leaves and plant in a container with fertile soil. Plant rooted cuttings in the garden.

Propagation by division is very difficult so this method is rarely used. Dig out the shrub in April and carefully divide it into parts. Plant in a prepared place spacing them 30 centimeters apart and water well.

Potential Problems

Bad care for Alyssum can affect the health of the plant. Alyssum is often affected by the root rot. The common symptom of this disease is leaf yellowing. Dig out diseased plants, rinse the root in a pink potassium permanganate solution, then plant in a different location.

Alyssum can also be affected by rust, the leaves develop brown spots. Remove diseased plants to avoid contamination. Sometimes the plants can get powdery mildew, fading, mosaic virus and aster yellows disease. This is often caused by dense planting and waterlogging. To control and prevent these diseases use fungicides (Copper Oxychloride, Topaz, etc).

Pests that can attack Alyssum include cabbage moth, turnip butterfly, crucifer flea and cabbage butterfly caterpillar. Use special insecticides to control these insects. However, it is better to avoid diseases through proper care.