Kochia (Kochia) refers to the deciduous members of the family Chenopodiaceae. The plant started its way with the East Asian and African countries and gradually spread to other continents. In folk dialect Kochia is often referred to as the "annual cypress", "summer in Cyprus", "bassia", "Isani" or "broom grass". Kochia in landscape gardening is a great idea!

Lush bushes with light air attract many gardeners. They are used to design a variety of flower beds, curbs and fences. Easy maintenance makes this plant very popular, and his delicate decorative features will find application in the organization of landscape design on the plot.

Description of the plant Kochia

All kinds of Kochia presented in the form of perennials or annuals, characterized by a much branched crown. In the genus are low-growing herbaceous forms, and shrubs. Bushes retain an attractive appearance throughout the entire season and not fade until the very cold weather. Adult specimens reach 60-80 cm the Basis of the crown are small shoots that grow in different directions. A straight Central stem covered with durable agressively layer of bark.

Beginners in the gardening business sometimes take the Kochia for coniferous shrub. The reason for this misunderstanding lies in the fact that the plant has long thin leaves like needles. So, the structure of top shoots along with the leaves look soft and gentle. And the surface of the leaves covered with short pile. The color of the ground portion of the perennial light-green, or emerald, then are replaced by pink and Magenta shades.

The green bushes are able to bloom in small buds, which are woven in inflorescence panicles and are located at the tips of shoots. Pollinated flowers turn into tiny nuts. Inside the nut is hiding the seed. Seed germination is maintained for several years.

Cultivation of Kohei from seed

Cultivation of Kohei carried out using seeds. Material pre-planted for seedlings, or plunge directly into the ground. To bring seedlings, sowing is carried out in March-April. For planting prepare wooden boxes with garden soil mixed with sand. Before you fill the earth, and it is calcined. The soil is sprayed with water on top and distribute a thin layer of seeds. Sprinkle the seeds do not have, you can just gently press them into the soil. Containers with seedlings stored at room temperature. An important condition for successful germination is good lighting.

Upon awakening seedling boxes stand in a cool place. When the shoots appear three leaf seedlings dive into other pots. In one pot is better not to plant more than three plants. In may after retiring spring frosts send the grown seedlings in the open ground. Since the plant is inclined to grow, between individual seedlings at planting do intervals of at least 30 cm.

Kohei seeds are also sown directly into the ground, bypassing the stage of seedlings. This method is suitable for southern regions. Sowing is done in may or in October to Kochia can germinate immediately after snowmelt. Before immersing the seeds in the soil, the flower bed dug over, enriched with peat and sand. The seeds scatter over the dug area and sprayed with water. The first green sprouts break through the soil after 10-12 days.

Planting and caring for Kochia

Care Kochia requires attention. In General, the plant quickly adapts and survives even under adverse conditions. Before planting it is important to focus on the choice of location where there will be the bushes.

Location

In the wild Kochia prefers to climb on the rocks or to dwell in the deserts. The plant likes light or light partial shade, but in the latter case, the bushes stretch and become less dense.

Soil

The soil is better to choose-drained so the roots receive the necessary amount of oxygen and moisture. The soil should have a neutral or slightly acidic environment. During the summer, organize a weeding and rake the plot. The lowlands and swampy soils lead to the death of the plant. The root zone favors freedom. For this reason the pots are not suitable for growing such crops. Closely compressed rhizome does not allow to develop the crown. Instead of leaves on the shoots of flowers grow. If you do not leave the interval between the seedlings, the problems with growth and development of perennial inevitable. Kochia in landscape gardening is a great idea!

Watering

Kochia is a drought-resistant culture, which dispenses moisture to the natural precipitation. A hot, dry summer causes wilting of foliage. Without watering the plant will die.

Dressing

Regular feeding is necessary for proper growth of the bushes. Seedlings first feed after a couple of weeks after planting, then every month the plot treated with mineral or organic fertilizers. Suitable mullein and ash. Bushes are easier to recover, if, after trimming them further to feed.

Pruning

Kochia has a lush uniform crown, which can be easily formed into any shape, for example, to create an interesting geometric composition or sculpture to decorate the garden. Regrowth of shoots takes place almost imperceptibly. Haircut diluted at intervals of 1-2 times per month.

Pest control

Kochia is not afraid of diseases and pests, however, excessive moisture accumulation in the roots entails rotting of the roots. The risk among parasites is the spider mite. As soon as appear the first signs of infection, the bushes immediately sprayed with insecticidal solutions.

The types and varieties of Kohei with photos

In the family of Kohei allocate 80 species forms. On the territory of the Russian Federation for decorative purposes only grow certain varieties.

Coronary Kochia (Kochia scoparia)

Spherical dwarf shrubs tolerate the dry weather and does not show special requirements to the conditions of placement. With the onset of autumn the colors of the crown becomes red.

Hairy Kochia (Kochia scoparia var. trichophylla)

Bushes look slim and toned. The height of adult plants does not exceed 1 m. the Crown grows to 50-70 cm Color foliage pale green, late autumn turns bright red. Perennial place on sun. The composition of the soil is not of great importance.

Childs Kochia (Kochia var. childsii)

The length of shoots of approximately 50 cm Bushes take up little space, much branched. Leaves retain green coloring all year round.

Of the above types of scientists were able to deduce the decorative varieties:

• Sultan – erect shrubs, the length of which reaches 70-100 cm Initially, there is the emerald foliage, and with the advent of the first frost is observed a Burgundy pigmentation. Crop variety is perceived painless;
• Acapulco silver – spherical plant with green leaves in autumn turning into crimson perennial. The edging plates of silver;
• Jade quickly increasing greenery and perfect for creating sculptures in the garden;
• Flame – an annual shrub in the shape of a column, which in September is painted in crimson color and shows resistance to low temperatures;
• Chili – height of shrubs no more than 1 m. In the summer months the foliage stands out purple or a reddish palette.

Kochia in landscape gardening.

Kochia has found application in landscape design. Seedlings are placed in the center of the bed and by trimming attach them to the form. The bushes look great in groups. With its colorful bars color culture goes well with other vegetation. Low-growing species are planted along the borders of the lawn or plants adorn the paths.

The Kochia diluted rockeries, rock gardens, or placed next to boulders or fountains. Perennial serve in the role of the hedge and closes the walls of unsightly outbuildings.

Varieties with emerald foliage are the perfect backdrop for flowering plants. Planting in groups can simultaneously combine the high bushes and low-growing herbaceous flowers. Kochia Flame its crimson leaves will decorate the area of the lawn.

Medicinal properties of Kohei

Along with decorative properties Kochia has medicinal and nutritional value. As folk remedies use the shoots and seeds of plants. In dried form on the basis of materials prepared decoctions and make tinctures on alcohol. Drugs of the parts of the perennial have diaphoretic, stimulant, bactericidal, laxative, and diuretic effects.

Preparations containing substances of Kohei, stop the spreading of eczema, erysipelas, gonorrhea. Eastern healers learned how to make cream from the leaves, which strengthens nails and skin.

Young shoots are fed to livestock, and foliage of cohii is edible and in some countries is used for culinary purposes. Kochia in landscape gardening is a great idea!

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