Joint flower ∗ The 10 best care tips and varieties

origin

Behind the Joint flower hides the species Physostegia virginiana, which belongs to the mint family. It is the only plant within the genus of the same name with ornamental value. Their original range extends over the east of North America. Here the plant grows on river banks, on damp meadows and in bushes. There are numerous varieties that differ in shape, color and size.

growth

Joint flowers grow as perennial herbaceous plants. They develop an underground rhizome from which shoots between 30 and 150 centimeters high grow. The tuber forms runners with which the plant expands over large areas. It does not occur across the board, but develops isolated clumps. Their above-ground shoots are square. Joint flowers reach growth widths between 60 and 90 centimeters.

leaves

Physostegia virginiana develops stem leaves that face each other in pairs. The leaf pairs of two superimposed nodes are crossed to one another. The leaves are elongated and appear lanceolate. They are dark green in color and reach a length of up to 12.5 centimeters. The edge of the leaf is serrated or serrated.

blossom

The terminal flowers appear between July and September and are densely packed in elongated spikes. Joint flowers develop tubular lip flowers that can change their orientation. It seems as if they are connected to the drive by a joint. This property gave the plant its German name. The color palette of the flowers ranges from white to wine red to pink and purple.

use

Joint flowers are suitable for group planting in flower beds and perennial borders. With its picturesque growth, the ornamental flower enriches moist areas in water gardens. In the natural garden, the nectar and pollen plants provide a valuable source of food for butterflies and Bumblebees. The plant embellishes terraces and balconies or pots in pots. The inflorescences can be cut off and used for bouquets.

Ideal planting partners:

• Raubled Aster
• Indian nettle
• lavender
• Scabious
• Lamp cleaner grass

Is joint flower poisonous?

There is no evidence of toxic ingredients. You can safely plant the mint plants in gardens where there are children or pets.
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Which location is suitable?

The joint flower prefers a place sheltered from the wind. It grows in sunny to partially shaded locations. If there is a lack of light, the perennial develops thin stems and the development of flowers is restricted. Choose the location carefully, because the plants' willingness to spread can quickly become a burden in unfavorable places.
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What soil does the plant need?

Physostegia virginiana grows in well-drained soils that are moderately rich in nutrients. The shoots shoot up on very humus-rich soils. They are not stable and need a support. Lean heavy soils by mixing in sand before planting. Fresh to moist conditions provide the joint flower with optimal growth conditions. The pH value can be in the weakly acidic to weakly alkaline range.

Propagate articular flower

Every two years, articular flowers are divided and dense stands are thinned out in this way. The division takes place in autumn after the flowering period. Prick with one Digging fork remove the root ball and lift it out of the earth. The roots should not be damaged so that the partial plants can grow well after the measure.

Separate the rhizome into several pieces in the young growth area. Each part of the root should have a distinctive fine root system and several leaves. Trim unclean cuts and remove injured parts of the plant. Immediately place the partial plants in the prepared planting holes and water the substrate thoroughly.

sowing

The seeds of the joint flowers belong to the cooling germs that are sown in early spring. Lower temperatures between five and ten degrees Celsius are ideal for optimal germination.

You can distribute the seeds directly in the bed or sprinkle them in a freezer bag with some damp sand. The bag is stored in the refrigerator for two to four weeks. The cold shock destroys the seeds in the freezer or in the freezer. After stratifying, the seeds are low in nutrients Growing substrate(€ 12.99 at Amazon *) or sown in the bed. Keep the soil evenly moist.

Cuttings

Joint flowers can be propagated using head cuttings. Cut off shoots four to six inches in length just below a knot. Remove the bottom leaves and stick the shoots in Potting soil. The cuttings need high humidity for root formation. You can pull a plastic sheet over the container or moisten the substrate and the shoots with water every day. As soon as the shoots have developed new leaves, they can be repotted.

The correct planting distance

Put between eight and eleven plants per square meter. Joint flowers develop optimally at a distance of 30 centimeters to the next plant. To prevent the spread, you should have one when planting Rhizome barrier work into the ground. Joint flowers can be planted from spring to autumn.

Articular flower in a pot

The flowering perennial is suitable for beautifying large planters. Choose the pot size according to the size of the root ball. The pot should offer enough space so that the unrooted substrate can store excess water. Drainage holes and drainage are essential to prevent waterlogging in the substrate. If you are using rustic clay pots with no holes in the bottom, you should only spray the substrate with water and not reach for the watering can. This way you can better control the amount of water you pour.

balcony

In the tub, the articulated flower beautifies sunny areas on the balcony. It also thrives on west or east facing balconies. The lip flower plant reacts to shady locations with reduced flower development. Be sure to moisten the substrate regularly. The substrate dries out faster on airy and sun-drenched balconies.

Water the joint flower

Physostegia virginiana requires regular watering during the summer months so that the root ball does not dry out. Water the plant continuously during long periods of drought. A regular one Mulching has proven to be a sensible maintenance measure. The layer protects the substrate from excessive evaporation. Due to the good water storage capacity, a mulch cover prevents waterlogging from building up.

Fertilize the joint flower properly

Before the plants begin to grow, they are supplied with fresh compost in the spring. This ensures a long-term supply of nutrients, so that you no longer need additional ones in the same year fertilize have to.

Cut the joint flower correctly

Regular pruning measures are necessary so that articular flowers remain attractive for many years and do not spread uncontrollably in the garden.

Cut back after flowering

When the flowers are completely withered, articular flowers are cut back. Cut off the withered ears up to the top pair of leaves. This promotes the formation of new shoots and prevents self-reproduction via scattered seeds. The stock is better ventilated so that diseases are prevented. Bloomed inflorescences can be removed at any time. This measure ensures that the plant remains attractive over the long term.

Autumn cut

In late autumn, articular flowers are radically cut back. Cut off stems close to the ground and remove diseased parts of the plant. This measure increases the vitality of the plant and prevents withered leaves from rotting between the stands.

Rhizome division

You can limit wild growth by cutting back dense stands after a few years and dividing them after they have been excavated. Put the young pieces of rhizome in their original location. This rejuvenates the plant and encourages flower development.

Hardy

Joint flowers turn out to be frost hardy. Additional winter protection is required in rough locations or during the snow-free winter months. Cover the ground with fir branches or brushwood. When layering, make sure that the branches are close together. Spruce branches has proven effective. The branches shed their needles in spring so that the plants get more light again.

When the mint plants grow under evergreen trees such as rhododendrons, conifers or cherry laurel, the foliage serves as a natural protection against the cold. Joint flowers are also better protected in winter in places where they grow directly on the south wall of a house.

How to protect potted plants:

• Place the pot on an insulating surface
• Wrap the bucket with several layers of fabric
• Moisten the substrate on frost-free days

Fungal attack

Suboptimal site conditions lead to fungal spores settling on the plants. Weakened plants, whose vitality has been disturbed by incorrect care measures, are often affected.

Wrong mildew

If the crops become too dense, a humid microclimate develops. Under these conditions, the wrong person can be mildew spread. Make sure there is enough space when planting. Plant strengtheners have a preventive effect. In the event of an infestation, the affected parts of the plant should be removed generously. Fungicides should only be used in late stages.

Gray mold

In moist conditions, shoot tips, buds, stems and leaves are prone to rot. They become soft and offer gray mold spores a perfect breeding ground. The fungus prefers to spread to plants that are too densely populated. A low permeability in the substrate promotes the spread of gray mold. When watering, be careful not to get the leaves too wet. Rock flour(€ 12.33 at Amazon *) and horsetail brew have been shown to be effective in an infestation.

sorts

• Crystal Peak White: Bright white flowers, from June to September. Reaches heights of between 30 and 40 centimeters.
• Summer Snow: Tight, upright growth. Flowers pure white between August and October. Reaches heights of between 70 and 80 centimeters.
• Bouquet rose: Flowers pink-red between August and October. Grows between 80 and 90 centimeters high.
• 'Vivid: Flowers purple-pink, from September to October. Grows between 60 and 70 centimeters high.