Aruncus or Volzhanka: how to plant, care and propagate
Content:
In this article, we will look at the existing varieties of Volzhanka, how to prepare the soil, how to care for a perennial and how to fertilize it, what methods can be used to propagate aruncus, whether it is combined with other plants and how it is used in landscape design.
Aruncus plant: description
Aruncus flower: video about growing in the open field
A lush shrub with white inflorescences that you could find on the banks of rivers and lakes in the wild is called Volzhanka. As an ornamental plant, the perennial began to be used only from the seventeenth century, previously it was considered a medicinal plant.
The varieties that exist today make it possible to successfully use it in landscape design, it goes well with many garden pets. Due to its impressive size and uncommon shape of leaves and inflorescences, this handsome man will become the protagonist of any composition, filling your garden with a delicate honey aroma.
Aruncus: varieties
Aruncus plant (Volzhanka): photo of flowers
There are many varieties of Volzhanka (an average of twelve varieties). For growing in a garden plot, the dioecious volzhanka is best suited. An adult plant can reach two meters in height, and reach one and a half meters in diameter. Such a pet will delight with flowering from about June to July.
A perennial can bloom with a snow-white color, or gently cream, such as the Johannisfest variety. Leaves can also differ from cultivar, for example Misty Lace has fern-like leaves. Another of the varieties is called Volzhanka Kamchatskaya, which perfectly adapts in the middle zone of our country. This species blooms in the second half of July.
Aruncus: planting and care in the open field
Aruncus plant (Volzhanka): photo of flowers
Choosing a space and preparing the ground.
If you want to plant Volzhanka on your site, remember that she loves wet soil and shady terrain. That is why this shrub thrives on natural pools and in the shade of branchy and lush trees. The soil for the aruncus should be sufficiently drained and deeply cultivated.
To plant a volzhanka, we need a hole fifty centimeters long, wide and deep, then it is filled with a mixture of humus or compost in the volume of at least one bucket. On top, we need a layer of fertile soil. Plants are planted keeping a gap of at least one meter between them.
Aruncus care (watering, pruning of peduncles) in the open field
Aruncus plant (Volzhanka): photo of flowers
Earlier we said that this pet does not require special care. Without changing location, it can exist for up to twenty years. The only need is systematic watering. As soon as the flowering is over, you need to remove the tops of the stems. In the autumn, you need to prune the branches, leaving branches about seven centimeters in size. And in winter, despite the frost resistance of the shrub, cover it with humus or spruce branches.
Fertilizer - when and how to fertilize
The introduction of organic fertilizers into the soil has a beneficial effect on Volzhanka. Complex mineral fertilizing or compost should be applied in autumn and spring, preferably in May, before flowering.
Breeding procedure for aruncus
Aruncus plant (Volzhanka): photo of flowers
There are three main ways:
- Shrub division;
- Seeds;
- Green cuttings.
The most effective breeding option for perennials is dividing the shrub with further picking. This method has an important nuance - it will be difficult to separate the stiff roots of a mature shrub, so this method is recommended to be used until the aruncus is seven years old.
Reproduction is performed until the flowering period has begun, that is, by the end of spring, or after the end, in the fall. Already next year, you can expect the plant to bloom in a new place.
The seed rearing method is the most difficult. In this version, the pet will bloom after at least three years of life. Seeds are supposed to be harvested at the beginning of autumn, transplanted into separate tubs and stored during the winter period. In the spring, the newborn bushes are transplanted into another dish, individual for each plant. Plants will be ready for independent life in open soil no earlier than the second year of life.
Shrub propagation by cuttings can be carried out during the summer period; for this, young shoots are separated and dripped into the soil saturated with moisture.
Disease and pest resistance
Aruncus plant (Volzhanka): photo of flowers
With proper content, these factors are practically not terrible for perennials. The only dangerous moment for plant foliage is caterpillars, but in practice this rarely happens. In this case, it is enough to use insecticides. And if the leaves, instead of green, have acquired a yellowish tint, then the plant does not have enough watering, or there is an abundance of sunlight.
Aruncus in landscape design
Aruncus plant (Volzhanka): photo of flowers
Against the background of a tall, spreading shrub, any low-growing plants look great, it is only important to plant them at a sufficient distance so that the Volzhanka, growing, does not create excessive shade for them. Hostas, spireas, barberries, ferns and cotoneaster get along well with perennials.
Landscaping Applications
Aruncus plant (Volzhanka): photo of flowers
Given the docile nature and picturesque view, aruncus is actively used in all kinds of landscape design. Moreover, the plant can be used both for decoration, if you need to hide outbuildings or a fence, and as the protagonist of a flower bed. As part of the floristic group, the white-green Volzhanka is an excellent background.
