Doronicum: flowers in the photo with a description of cultivation. Doronicum - spring sun in flower beds

Belonging to the aster family (Asteraceae), wild representatives are inhabitants of the mountain and foothill regions of the temperate zone of Eurasia. Widely distributed in culture.

• Family: Asteraceae or Asteraceae.
• Homeland: mountains and foothills of Eurasia.
• Rhizome: tuberous, superficial.
• Stem: straight.
• Leaves: basal petiolate, stem stem-embracing.
• Fetus: achene.
• Reproductive capacity: They reproduce by cuttings of rhizomes, dividing bushes and seeds.
• Illumination: photophilous, tolerates partial shade.
• Watering: drought-resistant.
• Content temperature: winter-hardy.
• Flowering duration: up to 40-45 days in spring or summer, depending on the species.

Description of the Doronicum flower

A beautifully flowering perennial with simple or slightly branched stems 30 - 100 cm high. The leaves are soft green, the lower ones are rounded-oblong, elliptical or heart-shaped, petiolate, formed into basal rosettes, the stem leaves are oblong, alternate, mostly stem-embracing. At the end of the stem, on an almost leafless peduncle, large, from 5 to 12 cm in diameter, single, individual species yellow flowers, similar to chamomile, collected in corymbs of 2-6 pieces. The inflorescence is a basket with female ligulate marginal flowers arranged in one or two rows, and bisexual tubular middle flowers. The fruit is a brown or dark brown achene, smooth or covered with white hairs. The seeds are small, up to 6000 per 1 g, and remain viable for 1-2 years.

The genus includes up to 40 species, of which 10 are used in culture. The aerial part of most species is poisonous; it is not for nothing that the Doronicum flower got its name from the Arabic word “doronish”, meaning the unknown poisonous plant. In Russia, where about 12 species grow, the flowers are also known as “kozulnik”.

Doronicums are widely used, valued for their unpretentiousness, winter hardiness, long-lasting and early flowering, they are planted in mixborders and rockeries. Flowers remain fresh for a long time in bouquets and are often grown.

Common decorative species and varieties of Doronicum

Doronicum eastern (D. Orientale Hoffing), another name: Caucasian doronicum (D. Caucasicum), most often found in our gardens. In the wild, it is distributed in the Mediterranean, the foothills of the Caucasus, and Transcaucasia. The plant is up to 50 cm tall, with horizontal rhizomes that have a clear, swollen shape. The basal leaves are serrated petiolate, the stem leaves are sessile and ovoid in shape.

Ephemeroid, with simple single baskets yellow flowers up to 8 cm in diameter, blooming in mid-May. It blooms for 30-40 days, then the aboveground part dies off, and new rosettes appear only at the end of summer. In cultivation since 1808, two varieties have been grown:

Spring Beauty (Fruhlingspracht) with bright yellow double flowers, up to 45cm tall, early dwarf Gold Dwarf, just 15cm tall. Of the new varieties, we can recommend the low-growing, up to 35 cm “Little Leo”.

Doronicum plantain (D. plantagineum) taller than the previous species, up to 140 cm, its yellow flowers are larger, up to 12 cm in diameter, and it blooms a week later. In nature, it is widespread in southwestern Europe, cultivated since 1560. It is characterized by slight pubescence of leaves and trunks, tuberous rhizome. Popular varieties are Miss Mason and Harpuf Crewe.

They also grow in gardens Doronicum Columna (D. Columnae). Its compact curtains, up to 40 cm high, at the beginning of summer are decorated with yellow flowers with narrow petals, up to 5 cm in diameter. Looks good on rocky hills, there is plenty of flowering variety Gold Straus with branching stems.

Sometimes found in flower beds Doronicum Austrian (D. Austriacum Jacques), a plant that blooms in July, up to 70 cm tall, with bright yellow flowers collected in inflorescences.

Let us also note low-growing Doronicum Clews (D. clusii), naturally growing in high alpine meadows. A plant 10-30 cm high blooms in July-August, the leaves are shaped like jagged spear tips, they, like top part peduncles, strongly pubescent.

Below are photos of Doronicums of the listed species.

Doronicum Austrian in the photo.

Doronicum macrophylla in the photo.

Doronicum Poisonous in the photo.

Care, reproduction and planting of Doronicum

All doronicums are light-loving plants, but they also do well in partial shade, and even increase the duration of flowering and the size of the inflorescences. The only exception is Doronicum plantain, which is best grown outdoors. sunny place. In full shade, near the trunks large trees, these flowers don't grow.

Plants are unpretentious to soil, but for abundant flowering It is better to grow Doronicum on loose, well-fertilized soils that are sufficiently moist, but not soggy. The root system is superficial, so the flower does not tolerate deep loosening and digging. To preserve moisture and protect against weeds, it is recommended to mulch the bushes using wood shavings or chips, or mown grass. After flowering, the foliage dies off and the plant goes into a dormant period. New rosettes appear at the end of summer, at the same time when favorable conditions Doronicum may bloom a second time. During the period of formation of flowers and renewal buds, sufficient watering, without waterlogging, is required; in a dormant state, plants easily tolerate a lack of moisture and even drought. It is recommended to trim off faded shoots. Doronicums are not demanding when it comes to nutrition; they usually need fertilizers added to the soil during digging and mulching. If necessary, fertilizing is carried out in the first half of summer with organic or mineral fertilizers.

In temperate climates, the flower overwinters well; if there is snow cover, it does not require shelter; trimmed bushes can only be lightly sprinkled with peat. If there is not enough snow, you can cover the bushes with spruce branches or compost. Doronicums tolerate spring frosts well even in in bloom.

The plants are durable and can grow in one place without replanting for many years, but for better flowering It is recommended to rejuvenate the bushes every 4-5 years, dividing them into several parts. Division is carried out from mid-August to early September, although the flower tolerates transplants well even in bloom, provided that the earthen coma is preserved.

To propagate Doronicum, not only division of bushes is used, but also sections of rhizomes or seeds. Sections of rhizomes with a renewal bud are dug up immediately after flowering, in June-July, and immediately planted on permanent place. When seed propagation Doronicum is planted in open ground in May or autumn. Shoots appear at temperatures above 16 °C. When grown through seedlings, the seeds are sown in April to a depth of about 5 mm in greenhouses, where they germinate in 7-10 days. Seedlings sprout, when 1-2 true leaves appear, are planted in open ground in late June at a distance of about 25 cm from each other, and in August they are transplanted to a permanent place with an interval of 30 to 50 cm. Young plantings bloom in the second year.

Doronicum is a herbaceous perennial of the Asteraceae family. The genus includes 36 species, naturally growing in the mountains of the temperate zone North America, Europe and Asia. All representatives of the genus are characterized by flowers bright yellow color, somewhat reminiscent of daisies in shape. In culture, Doronicum orientalis and Doronicum plantain are most widespread.

Doronicum is a secondary plant. It retains its decorative effect only during the flowering period, which begins in May and lasts about a month or a little longer, depending on the weather and growing conditions. As it fades, Doronicum loses its attractiveness and its leaves die off. Therefore, next to its clumps you can plant variegated hostas, Rogersias, aquilegias and other plants with long period decorativeness. In such groups it will dominate in the spring, and then other flowers will cover it, and the flowerbed will remain beautiful and well-groomed. During flowering, doronicum looks impressive in combination with the common one. On lawns, its single and group plantings create bright spots that significantly enliven the overall picture.

Doronicum is used in mixborders, rock gardens, rock gardens and for decoration. shrub groups. Sometimes it is grown specifically for cutting, trying to get a large inflorescence on a long peduncle. To do this, the bush is rejuvenated annually by division, abundantly fertilized and moistened. But it must be taken into account that in such specimens winter hardiness decreases and the risk of fungal diseases increases.

Doronicum cultivation

Doronicum is characterized by high winter hardiness and winters safely in central Russia and other regions with a similar climate. If there is a stable snow cover, there is no need for shelter, but in frosty winters with little snow, it will not hurt to protect the plant by covering it with peat or spruce branches. Doronicum tolerates spring frosts normally even in the flowering phase.

Doronicum long years can grow in one place, but it is still recommended to rejuvenate the clumps by dividing every 3 - 4 years. This operation is the most in a simple way plant propagation. It is produced in spring or autumn, and, if necessary, even during flowering. In the latter case, it is advisable to keep a large lump of earth on the roots. Doronicum is easy to propagate by seeds, which are sown in open ground or in pots located indoors. Sowing in open ground is carried out in early May, and for seedlings - in April. With the seedling method, seedlings appear within a week. In mid-summer, seedlings are planted in a permanent place, leaving a distance of about 30 cm between plants.

But, as a rule, growing Doronicum does not require special troubles, since it is one of the most persistent and unpretentious plants, grown in garden plots..

At the end of May in the flower beds middle zone sparkles of sunny flowers, similar to bright yellow daisies, flash. This is Doronicum, also known as Kozulnikum, another popular representative of the Asteraceae family in floriculture. In nature, the golden beauty lives in temperate climate Asia, Europe and North America, and has been known in culture since the beginning of the 16th century. Among flower growers, Doronicum is famous for its unpretentious disposition, resistance to cold, and, of course, it is damn attractive. Its elegant basket inflorescences decorate the garden for 30–40 days, enlivening the awakening flower garden. And if during the long winter you missed bright colors, then Doronicum is your plant!

Landing dates

Growing Doronicum from seeds involves 2 methods:

• Seedling - more reliable. Seeds are sown in April. Until the end of May - beginning of June, the seedlings spend in gentle room conditions, and after the end of frost they are planted in a permanent place.
• Seedless - saves time. Seeds are sown directly into the ground in May or before winter - in November.

Both methods have their advantages, but which one to choose is up to you.

Non-seedling method of growing

In the garden, a semi-shaded place is chosen for Doronicum, away from tree trunks. The crop is undemanding in terms of soil composition, but prefers light, slightly acidic soils. Before sowing, dig up the area to apply complex fertilizer for flowering plants. In spring, the seeds are sown in shallow furrows, spilled with water. In autumn there is no need to moisten the soil, otherwise the crops will freeze or get wet.

Doronicum seedlings

A mesh tray is best suited for growing “sunny chamomile” seedlings. Fill it with a moist, nutritious peat-sand mixture (1:1) and sow 2-3 seeds. into each cell. Cover the tray with glass or film and place it near the window so that the burning rays of the sun do not damage the fragile seedlings. As the soil dries, water the crops using a fine sprayer.

The first sprouts of Doronicum will hatch from the ground in 10–12 days; with their appearance, the shelter will need to be removed and the tray moved to bright (can be artificial) light. When the young plants reach a height of 4–5 cm, leave one, the strongest, specimen in each cell. Weak seedlings should not be pulled out, but carefully plucked off near the ground so as not to damage the roots of the remaining plant. To make the doronicum more lush, pinch the tops of the bushes in the 3-4 leaf phase.

With the onset of warmth, the strengthened seedlings are transferred with a clod of earth into previously prepared holes, keeping a distance of 30–40 cm between neighboring specimens, dug in and watered. During the adaptation period, the plantings need to be watered daily; later, doronicums are transferred to the “adult” moderate regime.

• Water the plants regularly and moderately. The unpretentious “sun” tolerates short-term drought, but it absolutely cannot tolerate stagnation of moisture at the roots. To retain moisture, it is recommended to mulch the soil under the bushes with wood chips or freshly cut grass.
• Doronicum responds very gratefully to the application of mineral fertilizers and organic matter. Feed in small doses at the beginning of the growing season and before flowering.
• It is not recommended to loosen and dig up the soil under the bushes, so as not to injure the rhizomes located close to the surface.
• After flowering, the shoots of the crop quickly dry out and look untidy, so it is recommended to trim them.

Provided with competent care, Doronicum develops well, without making demands on its person. increased attention, and sometimes after a short period of dormancy it pleases with repeated flowering.

Autumn work

At the end of September - beginning of October, the overgrown clumps of Doronicum are rejuvenated by division. Without this procedure, an unpretentious “chamomile” can grow for years, but over time, the old shoots in the middle of the bush die off, the baskets become small and inexpressive, and the plantings look very sloppy in appearance. To preserve the decorative appearance of Doronicum, it is enough to divide adult specimens every 3–4 years. But! If you need large flowers for cutting, you will have to plant the bushes annually.

There is no need to intensively prepare Doronicum for winter; it can withstand even the most severe frosts without shelter. However, if weather forecasters predict a winter with little snow, you can sprinkle it with dry leaves to ensure planting reliability.

Diseases and pests

With insufficient or improper care, doronicum can develop powdery mildew, rust or gray mold. Simple steps will help you avoid the development of fungal infections. preventive actions: try to avoid waterlogging of the soil in the area and pull out weeds in a timely manner. In case of infection with gray rot, it is recommended to destroy diseased specimens so as not to put neighboring plants at risk. Against powdery mildew and rust doronicum are sprayed with fungicides (“Topaz”, “Oxychom”, “Fundazol”). And further. Many gardeners, wanting to get high-quality flowering, grow doronicum on too wet, heavily manured soils. The result is truly impressive: the inflorescences are large and elegant, but such plants are more susceptible to fungal diseases than specimens growing in the “correct” soil.

Types and varieties

About 40 species of pretty chamomile grow in nature, many of them are introduced into garden culture, for example, Doronicums Altai, Austrian, Cluse, Turkestan, oblong-leaved, Columni. However, the generally accepted favorites of flower growers are:

• Doronicum orientalis (Caucasian, heart-shaped) is a medium-sized perennial 30–50 cm high with ovate-rounded basal and elliptical stem leaves. The basket, 3–5 cm in diameter, is composed of pale yellow ligulate flowers and orange-yellow tubular ones. The best varieties: Little Leo, Spring Beauty, Gold Dwarf, Orientale, Magnificum, Leonardo.
• Doronicum plantain is an indigenous inhabitant of Southwestern Europe. A perennial plant with oval-elliptical basal leaves tapering to a long petiole. On tall (up to 140 cm) leafless peduncles, large (8–12 cm in diameter) sunny yellow baskets bloom at the end of May. Flowering lasts 40–45 days. It blooms 1.5–2 weeks later than the previous species. Popular varieties: Miss Mason, Harpuf Crewe.

Landscape designers recommend planting doronicum in the background of complex flower beds, since after flowering it loses its attractiveness. But at the peak of decorativeness, the culture is in perfect harmony with primroses, aquilegias, tulips, irises, and daffodils. The joint planting of doronicum and hosta is especially successful - when the golden beauty fades, the neighbor will cover the withered bush with her luxurious leaves. Ground cover crops will also cope with camouflage: alyssum, periwinkle, and navel. Bright yellow “daisies” look incredibly beautiful against the background decorative conifers And stone walls, and a bouquet of them will bring a touch of spring freshness to the house.

• Landing: sowing seeds in open ground - in May or before winter, in October, sowing seeds for seedlings - in April, transplanting seedlings into open ground - in late May or early June.
• Bloom: from May for 30-40 days, then ground part dies off, but good care and favorable weather conditions at the end of summer the plant can bloom again.
• Lighting: bright diffuse light or partial shade.
• The soil: loose, moist, but not over-moistened.
• Watering: frequent but moderate.
• Feeding: in spring and before flowering - with a solution of organic matter or complex mineral fertilizer.
• Diseases: rust, powdery mildew, gray rot.
• Pests: thrips, aphids.

Read more about growing Doronicum below.

Doronicum flower - description

Doronicums are herbaceous perennials with basal and stem leaves arranged in alternate order. Representatives of the genus bloom solitary or collected in corymbs of 2-6 pieces, with baskets of wide bell-shaped or hemispherical shape. The involucral leaves of the inflorescence-baskets are arranged in 2-3 rows, the middle tubular flowers are bisexual, yellow, arranged in several rows, and the marginal reed flowers are female, yellow, single-row. Doronicum fruits are blunt oblong ribbed achenes.

Sowing Doronicum for seedlings

Seed propagation of Doronicum is carried out either by sowing seeds in open ground in May or before winter, or more reliably seedling method. Doronicum seeds are sown for seedlings in April, in a mesh tray filled with soil mixture from equal parts of peat and coarse sand. 2-3 seeds are placed in each cell, after which the tray is covered with transparent film or covered with glass and kept under bright diffused light, covered from direct sunlight. sun rays. Caring for crops involves airing, removing condensation from the film and moistening the substrate with a fine spray as needed.

Under favorable conditions, seedlings may appear in 10-14 days, and as soon as this happens, the covering is removed from the tray and the lighting is increased, while preventing direct rays from hitting the seedlings. If there is not enough natural light, install sources above the seedling box at a height of 20-25 cm artificial lighting in the form of phytolamps or fluorescent lamps. Don't use regular ones incandescent lamps, because they overheat and emit the wrong rays that the seedlings need.

When the seedlings reach a height of 4 cm, leave only one, the most developed plant in each cell, and carefully cut the rest with scissors at surface level. At the stage of development of 3-4 true leaves, pinch the seedlings to stimulate their tillering.

Planting Doronicum in open ground

When to plant doronicum in the ground

Doronicum seedlings are planted in open ground with the onset of stable warmth, when night recurrent frosts no longer threaten young plants. Typically, such conditions develop by the end of May or the beginning of June. However, before planting in the flower garden, seedlings must undergo two weeks of hardening: seedlings must be taken out daily open air, gradually increasing the duration of the session. At first, seedlings should be protected from direct sunlight, gusts of wind, drafts and precipitation.

How to plant Doronicum

The Doronicum plant is light-loving, but shade-tolerant, and if you want the baskets to be large, select a semi-shaded area for the plant. However, doronicums will not grow under trees near trunks.

The plant needs loose, moist soil, but not soggy. The area is dug up in advance with manure to a depth of 20-25 cm. When planting seedlings, keep in mind that after 2-3 years the plant clumps will grow in diameter up to half a meter, if not more, so the holes are dug at a distance of 40-50 cm from each other. The depth and diameter of the hole should be such that a seedling with an earthen lump on the roots can fit into it. After filling the holes, the surface is slightly compacted and watered generously.

Caring for Doronicum in the garden

How to care for Doronicum

Even a novice gardener can plant and care for Doronicum. Doronicum blooms twice per season - in spring and in the second half of summer, although the second flowering is not as abundant as the first. After the inflorescences wither, the arrows need to be cut off so that they do not reduce the attractiveness of the plant.

In the photo: Growing Doronicum in the garden

Late September or early October Doronicum is rejuvenated by dividing the bush: it can grow in one place for years, but over time its baskets become small, and the old shoots in the center of the bush die off, and the flower garden looks sloppy. The dug up bushes are divided into parts, after which the sections are planted. It is enough to rejuvenate once every 3-4 years, but if you want to have plants with large baskets for cutting, then divide the bushes annually.

Doronicum does not require shelter for the winter.

Watering and fertilizing Doronicum

Yellow chamomile doronicum has a superficial root system, so it needs frequent watering.

However, waterlogging of the soil should not be allowed. For irrigation, use settled water heated in the sun.

Loosening of doronicum must be done carefully, and it is better to weed the weeds manually. To preserve moisture in the soil, the area is mulched with wood chips, shavings, or simply mown grass: mulch not only slows down the process of evaporation of moisture from the soil, but has a suppressive effect on weeds and prevents the formation of a crust on the surface of the earth. In addition, you will not need to frequently loosen the area under the mulch.

At the beginning of the growing season and before flowering, it is advisable to feed doronicum with a solution of complex mineral fertilizer or organic matter in liquid form.

Pests and diseases of Doronicum

As a result of unfavorable weather conditions or improper care doronicum may develop rust, powdery mildew, or gray mold. To avoid doronicum being damaged by fungi, balance its watering, do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, and regularly remove weeds from the area.

At the first sign gray rot diseased bushes should be immediately removed and destroyed so as not to expose them to the risk of infection healthy plants, and the pathogens powdery mildew And rust will die after 2-4 treatments of the flower garden with Topaz, Fundazol, Oksikhom or another drug of similar effect.

Keep in mind that plants in areas that are regularly fertilized with fresh manure are more often affected by fungal infections.

Types and varieties of Doronicum

We offer you an introduction to the most popular species of Doronicum in culture.

A Mediterranean plant with straight, branched stems at the top, reaching a height of 70 cm. Its leaves are ovate, and oblong on the upper part of the stem. Bright yellow heads up to 5 cm in diameter are collected in scutes. The species has been in culture since 1584.

In the photo: Austrian Doronicum (Doronicum austriacum)

Altai Doronicum (Doronicum altaicum = Doronicum bargusinense = Doronicum schischkinii)

Originally from Siberia, Central Asia, Eastern Kazakhstan and Mongolia. It is a rhizomatous perennial from 10 to 70 cm in height with a bare, straight, branched or simple, finely ribbed stem, which can be brown or red-violet. The stem can be leafy or leafless, and under the baskets it is covered with dense glandular pubescence. The basal leaves of the plant are long-petiolate, the lower ones are stem-encompassing, scale-like, and the middle and upper stem leaves are spatulate or obovate, stem-encompassing or pierced. On peduncles up to 30 cm long, inflorescences of 1-4 yellow baskets with a diameter of up to 6 cm are formed.

In the photo: Altai Doronicum (Doronicum altaicum)

Or Caucasian doronicum (Doronicum caucasicum), or heart-shaped (Doronicum cordatum = Doronicum pardalianches) found in the wild in Central Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia Minor, Transcaucasia, Ciscaucasia and is a perennial up to 50 cm high with a horizontal rhizome, light green ovate-rounded basal leaves located on long petioles, and ovate-elliptical sessile stem leaves. Single baskets up to 5 cm in diameter with pale yellow ligulate and yellow tubular flowers are formed on long peduncles. After flowering, the bushes sharply lose their attractiveness, so plants of this species are usually planted in the background. Doronicum orientalis has been in culture since 1808. The best varieties:

• Gold Dwarf – early variety up to 15 cm high;
• Spring Beauty– a plant up to 45 cm high with terry bright yellow baskets;
• Little Leo – compact plant up to 35 cm high.

In the photo: Doronicum orientale

A plant with a long tuberous root from Asia Minor, Central Europe and Balkan, forming bushes with a height of 40 to 80 cm. Almost bare peduncles bear heads up to 6 cm in diameter with narrow reed flowers. Best variety:

• Gold Ostrich- a plant with branched stems, and due to this it blooms more abundantly than the main species.

In the photo: Doronicum columnae (Doronicum columnae)

A pubescent plant, 10 to 30 cm high, from the subalpine and alpine belts of high-mountain meadows in Europe. This doronicum with a thin creeping and short rhizome forms single yellow baskets with a diameter of up to 6 cm, under which the peduncles are covered with strong pubescence. The hairy leaves are shaped like a jagged spear tip.

In the photo: Doronicum clusii

Grows in southwest Europe. This perennial up to 140 cm high with oval-ovate basal leaves, unclearly toothed along the edge, narrowed into a long petiole. Yellow baskets with a diameter of 8 to 12 cm open from the end of May, and the leaves die off by the end of June. The plant has been in cultivation since 1560 and has the following popular varieties:

• Excelsium– a plant with stems up to 150 cm high and baskets with a diameter of about 10 cm;
• Miss Mason– bush up to 60 cm high.

In the photo: Doronicum plantagineum

Grows on rocky screes, alpine and subalpine meadows and along the banks of streams in Siberia, Kazakhstan, mountainous regions of Central Asia and the Caucasus. This perennial reaches a height of 12 to 50 cm. It has a short rhizome, a single twisting stem, thickened and densely pubescent under the baskets and sometimes colored reddish-violet at the top. The basal leaves are long-petiolate, elliptical, obtuse, the lower stem leaves are oblong, obovate, sitting on petioles with wide wings, the upper stem leaves are small, pointed, oblong. Single baskets up to 5 cm in diameter with pale yellow reed flowers are located on a long peduncle.

In the photo: Doronicum oblongifolium

A perennial rhizomatous plant up to 75 cm high, growing in nature in Siberia, Kazakhstan and the eastern regions of Central Asia. Its stem is single, covered in the lower third with sparse glandular hairs, strongly thickened and densely pubescent under the baskets, covered with leaves at 2/3 or half the height. The leaves, gradually decreasing towards the top of the stem, can have a round, obovate-lobed, oblong or elliptical shape. Single baskets with a dark yellow center and light yellow reed flowers reach 3-4 cm in diameter.

In the photo: Turkestan Doronicum (Doronicum turkestanicum)

Doronicum – beautiful flower For spring flower bed. Already in the middle of the season, it scatters golden islands, as if hundreds of suns have settled in the garden bed. In common parlance it is known as “sunny daisy” or “kozulnik”. Belonging to the Asteraceae family, it is found in nature on the slopes of the temperate mountains of Eurasia and North Africa. Quite easy to care for open ground, unpretentious, hardy. Good for making bouquets; they retain freshness for a long time after cutting.

Description of the plant Doronicum

Doronicum is a perennial herbaceous plant, having a fibrous superficial root system. A strong, erect stem, reaching 30-100 cm in height, branches weakly. It has light green leaves of an elongated triangular shape, located alternately along the stem. The dense basal rosette of leaves on long petioles, located at the base of the stem, has a round or heart-shaped shape. The leaves and shoots have a “down”; the bare edges of the stem leaves are covered with glandular formations.

By the end of March, the first flowers begin to open singly or form small corymbose inflorescences. Full yellow ok, consisting of 1-2 rows of long reed petals and a stuffed core, reaches 5-12 cm in diameter.

After pollination, small achenes with brownish and dark brown longitudinal stripes ripen. The fruit, 2-3 mm long, contains miniature tufted seeds that remain viable for about two years.

Reproduction of Doronicum

Reproduction is possible by seeds and vegetative methods.

Sowing in the ground

• Doronicum is sown in open ground at temperatures above +16 °C, starting in mid-April.
• The bed is prepared two weeks before sowing to allow the soil to settle.
• The seeding depth is 1-2 cm, the distance between rows is 20 cm.
• When the seedlings sprout, you need to thin them out, leaving a distance of 7-8 cm.
• When the plants grow to a height of 10-12 cm, they are planted in a flowerbed at a distance of approximately 25-30 cm.

Growing seedlings

• Seedlings should be grown in March, waiting 7-10 days for germination.
• When a couple of leaves appear on the seedlings, you can pick them up into separate cups.
• Water moderately, provide long-lasting and complete lighting.
• They are transplanted into open ground after the frosts have subsided (the seedlings are first hardened off), maintaining a distance of 30 cm between the seedlings.

In the first year of life, flowering is unlikely; the bush grows, expanding the root system.

Dividing the bush

The most popular propagation is by dividing the bush, possible every 4 years in August or early September. It is necessary to dig up the plant with a lump of earth, carefully dividing it into parts with a knife, and immediately plant it in a new place. The transplant is well tolerated by the plant, and it quickly takes root.

How to transplant Doronicum

Although Doronicum can grow in one place for up to 10 years, over time the plantings become very dense, the flowers become noticeably smaller, and powdery mildew may develop. To avoid these problems, bushes should be divided and replanted every 5 years.

Do this in early spring or autumn after the flowering stage is completed. The plant is tolerant of soil, but on black soil it grows especially luxuriantly, and sandy soils produce slightly lower bushes. Dig the soil to a depth of 20 cm, adding rotted manure, for heavy soils - sand and gravel, and finally water generously.

How to care for doronicum in open ground

Choosing a place for a plant

For planting, choose open, sufficiently illuminated areas, avoiding places under trees that are harmful due to lack of light; only some varieties are resistant to partial shade.

Preparing for winter

The bush is resistant to summer heat and frosty winters, however, in particularly severe snowless winters, the rhizome should be hidden under the cover of fallen leaves. Flowering plant It can easily withstand short spring frosts, and in temperate climates it can easily overwinter under a blanket of snow.

How to water and feed doronicum

Since the roots are located near the soil surface, it is necessary frequent watering, allowing you to extend the flowering period as much as possible. To retain moisture, cover the soil with fresh grass or wood chips, but do not allow it to get too wet.

At the start of flowering, you should apply one-time mineral fertilizers; even on fertile soils, the plant will respond with gratitude.

Try to immediately cut off fading buds to avoid self-seeding. It is recommended to partially cut off the shoots, because by the end of flowering the leaves dry out, losing their aesthetics. Watering during the dormant period is insignificant; it is carried out during prolonged drought.

Diseases and pests

Doronicum practically does not suffer from powdery mildew and other diseases. Slugs, snails and aphids like the leaves - use traps and chemicals against pests.

Doronicum in landscape design

Doronicum, on empty spring soil, looks bright, incredibly positive, becoming a real decoration. Plant marigolds, irises, primroses, and other flowers with it to subsequently hide the less beautiful foliage of the faded bush.

Miniature varieties are suitable for decorating a rock garden, rock garden or mixborder. Doronicum is a wonderful neighbor to ferns, Volzhanka, Rogersia and other decorative foliage plants.

Neat bushes are also expressive in flowerpots, delighting you on the terrace or balcony. An incredibly sunny bouquet smells fragrant in a vase for about two weeks.

Types of Doronicum with description and photo

The genus Doronicum has approximately 40 plant species. However, some attractive varieties have become the most beloved by gardeners.

Doronicum orientale

A herbaceous perennial plant reaching 30-50 cm in height, common in the Caucasus, the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. The ovoid basal leaves, located on long petioles, have jagged notches along the edge. Individual flowers with a diameter of 3-5 cm are painted in a dim yellow color with a more golden center. Blooms in mid-May.

Popular varieties:

• Little Lion is a compact variety reaching 35 cm;
• Golden gnome - early variety 15 cm high;
• Spring Beauty is a 45 cm tall plant decorated with bright yellow double flowers.

Doronicum Plantagineum

The plant is 80-140 cm high, with strong, slightly branched shoots covered with oval dark green foliage. At the base there are serrated petiolate leaves forming a dense rosette. Bright yellow baskets with a diameter of 8-12 cm bloom towards the end of May and bloom for about 45 days.

Doronicum clusii

Resident of the highlands alpine meadows, only 10-30 cm high. Serrated spear-shaped leaves, covered with thick hair and cilia, are alternately attached to the stem. The densely pubescent tip of the shoot ends in a bright yellow simple basket with flowers 3.5-6 cm in diameter, blooming in mid-July.