Syrian fire herb ∗ The 10 best care tips (Phlomis russeliana)

Origin and Distribution

Syriac, popular in many gardens Brandkraut (bot. Phlomis russeliana), also called gold whisk or after its discoverer, the Scottish naturalist Dr. Alexander Russell, referred to as Russels Brandkraut, is one of at least 100 different species of Fire herbs. The species-rich genus, which belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae), includes both perennials and subshrubs. The homeland of most of the species stretches from southeast Europe across the entire Central Asian continent to China. The Syrian fire herb originally comes from the mountainous forest regions of northern Anatolia.

Here it can be found wild in both coniferous and deciduous forests as well as on bare areas, preferably in combination with hazelnut bushes. The sun-loving perennial grows particularly well on the edges of trees, on open spaces and prefers dry or rocky surfaces.

use

Flaming herbs can be fitted into many garden environments and turn on at the edges of trees Embankments, in rock gardens as well as in the prairie bed a good figure. A dry subsoil and competition for roots do not affect the robust plant, which is why it can be used in a variety of ways. Due to its distinctive growth and the height of between - depending on the selected species and variety - 90 and 150 It is best to plant the sturdy perennials centimeters in the middle of the bed, where they work well with perennials like the Mullein (bot. Verbascum), the blue rue (Perovskia), Cranesbill (Geranium), steppe sage (Salvia nemorosa), germander (Teucrium), lavender (Lavandula) or various ornamental grasses. The bright golden yellow blooming Syrian fire herb harmonizes particularly well with blue or purple blooming species.

Appearance and stature

The clumpy growing perennial is very vigorous and conquers larger garden areas within a short time, which is why it is good as a ground cover or Gap fillers on embankments, for example. Numerous runners grow from the subterranean rhizomes, preferably with root barriers or similar. ä. should be kept in check. The plant is mainly in the lower area up to approx. 30 centimeters high, thickly leafy, with the felty, hairy, heart-shaped leaves sticking to the stalk through winter and drying up until spring. The perennial sprouts from the rhizome anew every year and can therefore easily be overwintered.

Flowers, flowering time and fruits

The strong golden yellow flowers of the Syrian fire herb open between June and July, with the typical Lips flowers stand together on several floors in decorative pseudo whorls and sometimes even each other branch. The flower stalks can reach a stature height of up to 90 centimeters. Like all fire herbs, the Syrian fire herb is a popular one Bee pasture.

The triangular nuts that develop after blooming are egg-shaped, slightly hairy on the surface and contain numerous seeds. To prevent uncontrolled seeding of the plants, you should remove dead stems - that Syrian fire herb not only reproduces via runners, but also very much via self-sowing successfully.

Toxicity

The Syrian fire herb is neither poisonous for humans nor for animals.

Location and soil

It is best to plant the Syrian fire herb in full sun, as this is where it blooms most beautifully. However, the perennial also feels at home in a light, partially shaded place, provided the soil is well-drained, rather dry and rich in nutrients. A loose subsoil is also the best guarantee that the extensive growing roots will find sufficient space.

Plant fire weed correctly

In principle, phlomis can be planted during the entire vegetation period, provided that the weather allows it and there is a (more) threat of frost. However, we recommend planting in spring, if possible only from mid to late May, because the plants often need some time before they are finally grown. For this reason, flowering is often only expected after one to two years of standing, but the long-lived perennial shows its lush splendor all the more joyfully over the next few decades. You should use approx. Calculate four to six plants that are planted about 50 centimeters apart. Enrich the soil with ripe compost and water the perennials well after planting.

The species-typical growth can be limited with the help of root barriers. But natural delimitation by competitive plant species such as ornamental grasses or cranesbills also fulfills this purpose.

Pour fire herb

Additional watering is only necessary during the hot summer months, otherwise the pretty, felty leaves quickly become unsightly. Always water from below, never from above and, above all, not too abundantly - the one used to dryness Syrian fire herb is quite frugal and cannot cope with too moist soil and, above all, waterlogging. Occasional drying times are therefore withstood without any problems.

Fertilize fire herb properly

Also in terms of Fertilize the frugal flowering miracle does not give you a lot of work: If you provide it with some ripe compost in the spring after cutting, it will have sufficient nutrients for its lush growth.

Cut fire weed correctly

Because the gray-green leaves stay on the stem well into autumn and often even into the winter months To form a decorative element in the autumn garden, you only need the plants in spring cut back. Cap the above-ground, now dried-up parts of the plant just above the ground and then apply ripe compost. The perennial usually sprouts again very quickly afterwards.

Propagate fire herb

You do not need to worry about the propagation of the fire herb: it does a lot vigorous perennial so reliably by itself that you should take more restrictive measures instead should. If you want a carpet-like spread in the garden, simply let the bees-pollinated inflorescences ripen. The smut herb will then sow itself. Alternatively, simply collect the nut fruits and sow the fine seeds directly in the desired new location. It is not necessary to pull it forward on the window sill or the like.

Share fire herb

The Syrian fire herb can also be propagated very well by dividing it, whereby you should carry out this measure for the first time after about ten to 15 years. Freshly planted fire herbs take two to three years to establish in the new location, which is why you shouldn't move them again so quickly once they have been planted. Only if the perennial feels comfortable in the new location and therefore spreads too quickly, you can easily remove particularly cheeky root runners with one spade Separate from the mother plant and replant in a new location. When dividing older plants, it is best to proceed as follows:

• Carefully expose the root ball.
• Carefully cut off one or more parts with a sharp spade.
• Do not crush the roots!
• Dig up the root parts and replant them separately in a new location.

Overwinter

Since the Syrian smut can be hibernated in the garden without any problems, special measures for winter protection are not necessary. However, you should let the above-ground parts of the plant stand during the cold season and only prune back in spring, as this is used for winter protection. In very wet winters, you should also protect the rhizomes from moisture, otherwise mold can spread. This can be done by, for example, spreading fir or spruce branches on the ground - The brushwood keeps the soil dry, but should be removed in the spring in good time before budding.

Diseases and pests

With regard to diseases and pests, too, fire herbs are pleasantly uncomplicated. The only problem is too much moisture, which promotes the colonization of fungi. That is why the wrong one often spreads in damp summers mildew which you can easily recognize by yellowish to brownish spots on the upper side of the leaves and a gray-white fungal lawn on the underside. Cut away infested leaves and spray the diseased plants with a field horsetail broth that you have prepared yourself. The leaves should then be able to dry off quickly, and the location must also be kept dry.

Typical garden pests such as the otherwise voracious snails, on the other hand, usually leave the smut herb alone.

Species and varieties

In addition to the Syrian fire herb, the following three species can be found in many gardens. All species bloom between June and July, with their distinctive whorls of flowers being yellow, pink or red. With regard to their needs in terms of location, soil and care, the individual species are very similar.

Cinderella (Phlomis tuberosa)

The pink flowering bulbous plant herb needs a full sun, warm location and gets along with others sun-loving perennials such as purple sage (Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens') or lavender (Lavandula) Well. As the name suggests, the corrosive plant spreads through root systems that grow underground. However, it grows rather slowly and clumps. For example, the varieties 'Bronze Flamingo' or 'Amazone' are recommended.

Samos fire herb (Phlomis samia)

The Samos fire herb, also known as the Greek fire herb, has a pretty brownish flower pink-violet and forms dense rosettes of leaves, which is why this species is often used as a ground cover finds. Like the Syrian fire herb, the species becomes about 90 centimeters high.

Shrubby Cinderella (Phlomis fruticosa)

This bright yellow blooming species, which comes from the Mediterranean region, grows shrubby and reaches heights of up to 100 centimeters. Since the wintergreen species is not frost hardy, it often freezes back a lot in cold winters. However, it drives reliably out of the rhizome again in spring, so that overwintering is usually not a problem. Phlomis fructicosa is suitable for creating Mediterranean or steppe gardens.