Trachelium

Family. Campanulaceae. 

Origin. Mediterranean, North Africa.

Description. Trachelium is a perennial, evergreen plant with erect, rigid shoots. The leaves are large, green, bluish-green or purple. The edges of the leaf blades are covered with teeth. The flowers appear on the tops of leafless peduncles, small, blue, green, burgundy, purple, blue or white, collected in large inflorescences - corymbs up to 10 cm in diameter.

Height. 30 - 70 cm.

Planting, growing

Home care 

An undemanding plant that even inexperienced gardeners can maintain. Remove spent blooms to prolong flowering time. In spring and summer, trachelium will appreciate being in the fresh air.

Reproduction

Easily propagated by seeds. They are sown on the surface of the soil without covering the top with soil. At a temperature of 16° C, germination takes only 2 - 3 weeks. Apical cuttings. 

Soil 

Adapts well to most types of substrate, but prefers loose soils with an alkaline pH. 

Containment temperature

Trachelium prefers moderately warm conditions at a temperature of 16 - 20° C. With the onset of summer heat, the frequency of watering and air humidity should be increased. During the winter months, the bushes will require cool rest at a temperature of 5 - 10 °C.

Lighting

Brightly lit windowsill, the flower will enjoy sunbathing in the morning and evening hours, every day. In autumn and winter - maximum possible lighting.

Fertilizer 

In spring and summer, fertilizing with liquid fertilizers is carried out every 2 - 3 weeks.

When blooms

The buds appear from July to September, the flowering period is very long.

Spraying

If the air in the room becomes too dry, for example, when the heating is on or the temperature exceeds 20 ° C, spray the trachelium leaves with soft water at room temperature. Place a room humidifier or a tray of wet pebbles near the plant. 

Watering

In spring and summer, the bushes need abundant and regular watering. The soil should always remain moist. After flowering, the frequency of watering is reduced, and in winter, the soil is simply protected from drying out completely.

Transfer

Trachelium is often grown as an annual plant and discarded after flowering.

Pests and diseases

Rots due to insufficient air movement and poor drainage.

Among harmful insects, aphids and spider mites can pose a certain danger to the plant.