Until recently, our gardeners knew only two forms of basil - green and purple. Now the situation has changed dramatically. 26 varieties of this plant are officially registered in the State Register. So now there is plenty to choose from.
In recent years, basil has been widely used not only as a spice popular in cooking and medicine, but also as an ornamental plant. This is facilitated by the abundance of modern varieties of basil with high decorative qualities.
Basil differs in the shape and color of leaves and flowers, the growth and shape of the bush. Inflorescences can be white, pink, or purple. Leaves - both very small and quite large, with smooth or carved edges. Some varieties have purple leaves that can decorate any flower bed, creating a bright spot of color on it. In other varieties, the leaves show different shades of green: from rich to light green. The variety "Anise Aroma" has green leaves, but the stems are painted in red-violet tones, and the flowers are large enough, pale pink; and in the "Lemon" variety - the stems are light green, almost whitish; Clove is a “sample” of traditional green basil, with flat, light green leaves and medium-sized, snow-white flowers. Variety "Dark Opal" looks great on flower beds and ridges, having glossy leaves with a strongly cut edge of a rich purple color. This variety has a rich clove-aniseed aroma.
Many basil varieties form very compact bushes that can be used to create low curbs. The Siam Queen variety is just a compact form with a unique lanceolate leaf shape and very large spherical inflorescences of a fancy red-pink-purple color. This variety was created for growing in flowerpots and pots. One of the new varieties, Violet Compact Osmin, which has shiny, toothed leaves of a bright purple color, is also very beautiful. This variety is characterized by stable leaf pigmentation, high ability to regrow leaves after harvest, excellent aroma. Perfect as an ornamental pot or curb crop. Basil variety "Clove Aroma" has very small leaves, very compact, having the shape of a small bush, and small, snow-white flowers are collected in short neat brushes. This plant is great for creating low curbs and curtains.
Basil looks especially impressive if it is not planted in one garden bed, but placed throughout the entire plot. Plants with purple leaf colors will look good in flower gardens, and low-growing basilicas are suitable for decorating the borders along the path. Individual plants planted along the edges of the beds with other vegetables will not only be a decorative element of the garden, but also protect vegetables from harmful microorganisms, since basil releases phytoncides. It will grow well in street containers as well.
In short, the plant is not only useful, but also very beautiful. One has only to take a closer look at it.
