Cymbalaria

FamilyScrophulariaceae.

Origin. Europe.

Description. Cymbalaria is a low-growing herbaceous perennial plant. Stems are burgundy-brown, creeping, tough. The leaves are round, light green, up to 3 cm in diameter, on long petioles, arranged alternately. Variegated varieties are distinguished by a white stripe along the edge of the leaf blade. The flowers are small, however, appear in large numbers, white, pink or lilac. The center of the flowers is often yellow.

Height. Often does not exceed 7 cm in height, and shoots can grow up to 30 - 45 cm in length.

Cymbalaria

Planting and care

Reproduction, growing from seeds 

Propagated by seeds or division of large specimens. Seeds germinate fairly quickly if seedlings are kept warm. Germination depends on the freshness of the seeds. Semi-ripe stem cuttings in late spring and summer.

Flowering time

From May to September.

Home care

If the cymbalaria becomes unkempt and elongated with age, cut its stems in half and it will bloom again. To prolong the flowering period, remove faded buds in a timely manner.

Cymbalaria

Temperature

Normal room temperature from spring to autumn. If kept too hot, flowering may stop. In winter - keep cool no higher than 15 ° C. 

Lighting

Prefers a brightly lit place with direct sunlight on the plant in the morning and evening. 

Soil

This flower should be grown in fertile, organically rich soil that is moist but well drained, preferring soils with an alkaline pH of 7 to 8.

Feeding

During the growing season, feed every 2 weeks. If there is an excess of nutrients, the bush will abundantly grow green mass to the detriment of flowering, and will become elongated and disheveled.

Spraying 

Spray periodically. 

Cymbalaria

Watering

Regular watering is necessary, but make sure that water does not stagnate in the tray. The pot for cymbalaria should have large drainage holes, and the soil should easily pass excess moisture after watering.

Transfer

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

Pests and diseases

When kept at home, the flower can be attacked by mites; when grown in open ground, plants can be attacked by snails and slugs.

Purpose

Often used in landscaping loggias, terraces and balconies, and for growing in hanging baskets. 

Cymbalaria

Varieties:

Cymbalaria muralis

Outdated names - toadflax, linaria cymbalaria. Miniature evergreens that are very attractive flowering ground covers with creeping pinkish, flexible shoots. The leaves are glossy, round, 3 - 5 cm in diameter, green, arranged oppositely, on long petioles. The flowers are purple with white and orange spots in the center, reminiscent of snapdragons.

Cymbalaria muralis