Chaenorhinum

Family. Scrophulariaceae.

Origin. Mediterranean.

Description. A compact perennial or annual herbaceous plant with numerous erect shoots. The leaves are green, simple, entire, lanceolate, lanceolate or linear - depending on the species, they can be arranged either alternately or in opposite pairs. Young shoots and leaves have sparse pubescence. The flowers resemble snapdragons, single, white, pink, often lilac and purple with a yellow throat.

Height.15 - 20 cm, develops quickly.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Normal room temperature from spring to autumn. If the room temperature is too high, flowering may stop. In winter, provide a cool rest period with temperatures no higher than 15°C.

Lighting

Prefers a brightly lit place with direct sunlight on the plant in the morning and evening for 2 - 3 hours daily. 

Care

If a plant takes on an unkempt, elongated appearance with age, cut its stems to half the length and it will bloom again. To extend the flowering period, promptly remove faded buds. 

Substrate

The bush should be grown in fertile, organically rich soil that is moist but well drained. Chaenorhinum prefers soil with a neutral pH - from 6.6 to 7.5.

Feeding

During the growing season, feed every 2 weeks. With excess nutrients, chaenorhinum will grow green mass abundantly to the detriment of flowering, becoming elongated and disheveled.

Purpose

Often used in landscaping loggias, terraces and balconies, and for growing in hanging baskets. Looks good in the edging of flower beds and rock gardens.

Flowering time

Flowering is very abundant and long lasting, lasting from May to August.  

Air humidity

Spray periodically in spring and summer, ensuring good air movement around the flower. In autumn and winter, the atmosphere may be dry. Spray in the first half of the day so that droplets of moisture evaporate from the surface of the leaves before dark.

Soil moisture

Adult specimens tolerate drought well, but young plants need regular watering. Make sure that water does not stagnate in the tray. The soil in the pot should have good drainage. In autumn and winter, the frequency of watering should correspond to the ambient air temperature.

Transfer

Sometimes chaenorhinum is grown as an annual plant, but you can transplant it in the spring into fresh soil and once again enjoy the riot of flowers. 

Reproduction

Propagated by semi-mature stem cuttings in late spring and summer. Seeds are sown in spring. The seeds need light to germinate, so just press them lightly into the soil, but do not cover them. Germination depends on the freshness of the planting material. Plants obtained from seeds collected at home may not inherit the beauty of their parents. Germination occurs within about 2 weeks, and the first flowering will occur in 2-3 months.

Pests and diseases

Rot due to excessive watering.