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Jeffersonia dubia |
Jeffersonia is doubtful - a squat or even carpet plant with thin, highly branched roots. It blooms in early spring in late April - early May before leaves appear. On peduncles 5–10 cm high, flowers bloom with five to six petals of a rare color in nature - delicate lilac with a pinkish or bluish tint. Each flower is small, but in a clump they are quite numerous and create an unusually colorful spot of color. The only drawback of this plant is the short flowering period (about a week). But don't regret it. Having enjoyed such a colorful show that you will live with pleasant memories for a whole year. Moreover, the plant is not whimsical at all - it blooms stably and regularly, regardless of weather conditions. The leaves are also a very pleasant surprise. They are dense, leathery, cordate at the base, with a notch at the top. Young leaves are violet-red, later turn green with a bluish tinge. Leaves adorn the plant until late autumn, and die off in the winter. Seeds ripen in late May - early June in elongated capsules. The boxes are opened in the upper part with an oblique slit, which is why the new name of the plant occurs. The seeds do not last long and should be sown shortly after the fruit is ripe. In suitable shady places, dubious Jeffersonia often gives self-seeding. The plant is very easy to cultivate, transplants well at different times and multiplies easily by division. Forms dense compact rugs over time. One of the best types for miniature compositions with small plants.
Jeffersonia diphylla |
The seeds are like small peas. Ripen around late July - early August. As soon as the seeds are ripe, the lid opens, the jug bends over and the seeds spill out. Therefore, it is important not to miss the moment of seed ripening, but it is best to collect them before opening the capsule. Jeffersonia bifold can produce self-seeding. It is better to sow seeds fresh soon after ripening, and they often sprout in the second year. As a rule, seed germination is quite high. Seedlings in the first year develop rather slowly, but on the whole they are amazingly tenacious. Young individuals bloom in the third or fourth year.The plant is quite unpretentious and, under favorable conditions, can live in one place for decades without losing its decorative effect. It is possible to propagate Jeffersonia two-leaved by division, but it is more preferable to grow from seeds to obtain mass material. This Jeffersonia looks unusually decorative in compositions with finger glaucidium, outstanding in beauty and similar in habit.