How to grow Silene pendula? A detailed guide to care and management
Silene pendula plants are low-growing and dense, and even after flowering the swollen calyx remains very beautiful. It is an excellent material for flower beds and flower borders, and its dwarf varieties are often used to decorate rooms, rock gardens, and more. Silene pendula is not difficult to cultivate, and manual management is relatively simple.
Silene pendula
Silene pendula likes full sunlight, is cold-tolerant and fertilizer-tolerant, and grows well when planted in moist soil rich in humus with good drainage.
Sow in an open-air seedbed from late August to early September, transplant before winter into a cold frame with cold-protection equipment to overwinter, and plant out in the open field the following spring. If used for flower bed arrangements, because it has a semi-prostrate habit, it should be planted out early. When transplanting repeatedly, carry as much of the original soil ball as possible to reduce root damage, and water thoroughly promptly.
During the spring rainy season, be sure to keep the soil loose and well-drained to prevent excessive rainwater from rotting the root crown, which can cause the entire seedling to wither and die. During the growing period, fertilize and water frequently, and also carry out timely intertillage and weeding so that the plants grow robustly and bloom abundantly.
Key points for flower management in June
Weather characteristics of June: By June, temperatures rise further. The Yangtze-Huai River basin enters the plum rain season; this year the plum rain begins on June 12 and ends on July 7. At this time, cold and warm air masses of equal strength meet in this region, causing frequent frontal or cyclonic activity. June is the season with the most rainfall of the year, often with prolonged continuous rain. For some flowers that are summer-dormant or semi-dormant, and for the vast majority of bonsai, care should be taken especially to avoid root rot caused by excessive rain, or excessive growth caused by insufficient light, which can disrupt the shape or affect normal flowering and fruiting of ornamental plants.In June, flower growing from south to north mainly includes the following:
I. Flower cultivation
1. Sowing
Flowering trees and shrubs that can be sown in June include: Primula, lotus, cycad, loquat, wintersweet, and more. For wintersweet, when the urn-shaped fruit capsule on the seed-bearing mother tree turns from green to yellow, and then from yellow to brown, and the seeds inside are brown, they can be picked; promptly peel open the fruit capsule and remove the seeds, first soak them in cold water for 24 hours to 36 hours, and after the seeds absorb enough water and swell, bury them in clean damp sand to promote germination. After about 2 weeks, the seeds will crack open and show white, and at this point sow them in furrows; the covering soil is generally 2 cm to 3 cm thick, covered with rice straw to retain moisture, and after most of the seeds' cotyledons emerge, remove the covering grass in 2 to 3 stages, and promptly set up a shade frame.
2. Cuttings
In summer, with high temperatures and high humidity, the cambium in the branches of flowering trees and shrubs is highly active, making it the best time for cutting propagation. There are two main categories of flowering trees and shrubs suitable for softwood cuttings in summer. One category consists of species whose hardwood cuttings are difficult to root or root slowly, such as osmanthus, camellia, banana shrub, Chinese holly, wintergreen, lilac, purple magnolia,Chaenomeles speciosa, snowball, Viburnum macrocephalum, coral tree, Erythrina,
Belgian azalea, Buddha belly bamboo (with aerial roots), rubber tree, dawn redwood, pond cypress, bald cypress, etc.; the other category consists of species that root relatively easily, such as boxwood, Chinese rose, firethorn, Forsythia, winter jasmine, Jasminum, Serissa, pomegranate, hibiscus, Caragana, jasmine, pearl orchid, dragon-leaf pearl, Lantana, kerria, bougainvillea, Buddha's hand, lemon, Podocarpus, nandina, Chinese trumpet creeper, red-backed excoecaria,
honeysuckle, hibiscus, Cordyline, Hypericum, Hypericum kouytchense, golden silk willow, dragon-claw willow, banyan, Brazilian iron, Ardisia crenata, edgeworthia, croton, deutzia, mock orange, crape myrtle, Weigela floribunda, Weigela florida, snowball viburnum, coral tree types, Schefflera types, Mahonia types, Fatsia japonica, Spiraea thunbergii, hydrangea, poinsettia, etc. Also included are a large number of other herbaceous flowers, such as five-clawed golden dragon, ground
ivy types, Trollius, Corydalis, Qianqiu tea, heliotrope, umbrella plant, geranium, coleus, begonia types, pansy, globe amaranth, zinnia, Tagetes patula, marigold, sulfur cosmos, etc.
Taking fully enclosed moisture-retaining cuttings of camellia and osmanthus as an example: the cutting time is from early June to mid-July, and it is ideal when the young shoots of osmanthus and camellia are semi-lignified; the substrate can be yellow subsoil, sandy loam, or vermiculite; the cuttings are current-year new shoots, 10 cm to 15 cm long, retaining only 2 to 3 leaves at the tip, and the lower cut end is dipped for 10 seconds in 500 mg/kg No. 1 ABT rooting powder or naphthalene acetic acid solution, then inserted into the seedbed after briefly drying; the insertion depth of the cuttings is 1/2 to 2/3 of the shoot length, with a spacing of 2 cm x 8 cm. After watering thoroughly, set up bamboo arches on the seedbed, then cover with plastic film, press the edges firmly with mud, set up a double-layer shade frame for shading, keep the bed surface moist, control the temperature inside the film at around 30°C, and maintain humidity above 90%. Generally after one month the cuttings will root abundantly.
3. Grafting
Approach grafting, using potted seedling wintersweet as rootstock to approach-graft superior wintersweet varieties; using potted purple magnolia and white magnolia seedlings as rootstock to approach-graft Michelia alba, banana shrub, and more. Bud grafting, using wild rose seedlings as rootstock to graft and propagate superior Chinese rose varieties; using one-year-old seedling apricot, peach, plum, etc. as rootstock to bud-graft and propagate longevity peach, ornamental peach, purple-leaf plum, red-leaf peach, dwarf flowering cherry, plum blossom, elm-leaved spirea, and more; using 1- to 2-year-old green maple seedlings as rootstock to graft and propagate red maple, feather maple, red maple, and more. Stem grafting, using Camellia oleifera, red-flowered Camellia oleifera, or single-petaled seedling camellia as rootstock to stem-graft camellia and sasanqua; using "Purple Butterfly" and "Jade Butterfly" among the Rhododendron mucronulatum as rootstock to cleft-graft or side-graft Belgian azalea or Western azalea.
4. Layering
Flowering trees and shrubs that can be propagated by layering in June include: azalea, honeysuckle, hydrangea, snowball flower, Viburnum macrocephalum, Weigela, oleander, osmanthus, camellia, plum blossom, wintersweet, lilac, gardenia, red maple, Aglaia, pearl orchid, jasmine, Michelia alba, and more.
5. Division
Flower species that can be propagated by division in June include: kidney fern, calla lily (after flowering), Buddha belly bamboo, umbrella plant, purple-backed oyster plant, bromeliads, Haworthia, Aspidistra, spider plant, Acorus types, variegated liriope, and more.
II. Seed collection and transplanting/planting out
1. Seed collection
Herbaceous flower seeds that can be collected in June include: Dianthus, cornflower, snapdragon, Silene pendula, Silene armeria, hollyhock, mallow, Primula, Calceolaria, amaryllis (sow immediately after collection), and more.
Flowering tree and shrub seeds that can be collected in June: after collecting wintersweet seeds, if nursery site conditions do not permit, the extracted seeds can also be dried and stored until the following spring before sowing, without affecting their germination rate; peach, apricot, etc. should be sown immediately after collection, or their seeds can be stored in sand until they crack and germinate, then sown in the ground; osmanthus seeds collected in June should have the fleshy fruit skin removed, be washed clean, and stored in damp sand to promote embryo after-ripening, and when they germinate, select a nursery site for sowing.
2. Transplanting/planting out and potting up
In June, a considerable number of herbaceous flowers need to be transplanted/planted out or potted up, namely: evening primrose, spider flower, Impatiens, New Guinea Impatiens, Primula, ornamental pepper, winter cherry, red-clothed tobacco, petunia, marigold, Tagetes patula, zinnia, globe amaranth, scarlet sage, dragon's mouth flower, Kochia, sulfur cosmos, cockscomb, red-green grass, and more.
As summer begins, some large flowering trees and shrubs are no longer transplanted, to avoid affecting their survival rate and post-transplant growth. But for some small flowering shrubs, such as Fatsia japonica, Mahonia bealei, Mahonia, Hypericum, gardenia, golden privet, red-leaf barberry, boxwood types, under special circumstances, transplanting with a soil ball is also acceptable, just as the old saying goes: "Transplant at any time, just don't let the tree know,"
but after transplanting, misting and shading management should be strengthened.
III. Flower management
1. Watering
When watering potted flowers in June, attention should be paid to the following aspects: first, watering time, preferably at 10 a.m. or 5 p.m., and under normal circumstances watering once a day is sufficient; second, water temperature, which should be kept basically consistent with the pot soil temperature. If the water temperature and soil temperature differ too greatly, it will stimulate the roots and leaves of potted flowers and thereby affect their growth; third, combine watering and misting. When there has been no rain for several days, in addition to watering the pots, also mist the leaf surfaces and the area around the potted flowers to increase local humidity. If there are continuous cloudy days, decide whether to water and mist based on the dryness or moisture of the pot soil.
Flower species that enter semi-dormancy or dormancy in summer. Semi-dormant ones include: red sorrel, geranium, fuchsia, clivia, calla lily, begonia types, etc. When the temperature reaches above 30°C, because their growth activity is very weak and metabolic level is low, watering should be reduced and the pot soil kept merely moist; deeply dormant types such as: cyclamen, Lycoris (types), ranunculus, lotus
peony, etc., under high temperatures show withered aboveground stems and leaves and dead underground nutrient fibrous roots, and overwinter the summer dormant in the soil as underground stems or tuberous roots. Watering must be stopped for them, they should be moved to a cool place, and the pot soil should merely be kept from becoming excessively dry.
If there is continuous rain, after the rain stops, comprehensively inspect the potted flowers. If standing water is found in the pots, pour it out as soon as possible, and after the pot soil dries, loosen the soil to avoid root rot; or before heavy rain arrives, lay the potted flowers down, and after the rain stops, set the potted flowers upright again.
2. Fertilizing
For vigorously growing species, such as Monstera deliciosa, spider plant, Syngonium, bamboo taro types, kidney fern, Philodendron selloum, cycad, Aspidistra, Philodendron 'Green Giant', red (green) gem, green emperor, green queen, rubber tree, anthurium, red-backed excoecaria, palm bamboo, Norfolk Island pine, Brazilian iron, Podocarpus, money tree, wintersweet, Chinese rose, Michelia alba, Aglaia, jasmine, pearl orchid, plum blossom, camellia, sasanqua, Daphne, rhodo-
dendron, Osmanthus fragrans 'Rixianggui', Lantana, clerodendrum, shrimp flower, bitter orange, lemon, kumquat, pomegranate, crape myrtle, firethorn, etc., a once-every-half-month topdressing of thoroughly fermented dilute cake fertilizer water can be applied. For species currently in bloom, an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should also be applied to meet their needs for growth, flowering, and fruiting.
For those flower species in dormant and semi-dormant states, fertilizing must be stopped; especially for those succulent flower species, such as jade plant, Christmas cactus, Haworthia, Senecio, squirrel tail, Lampranthus, Stapelia, Sedum types, when the temperature reaches above 35°C, fertilizing should be stopped to avoid rot.
3. Pruning and bud pinching
(1) Prune vigorously growing species such as Chinese elm, Sageretia, Podocarpus, Fujian tea, true cypress, Savin juniper (Sabina), water myrtle, Chinese juniper, Chinese holly, wintergreen, trident maple, snow willow, tamarisk, firethorn, etc. Branches that affect the shape should be pruned or cut back early, which can keep the plant clearly layered and well-shaped, and can promote more short branches and new buds, forming a perfect shape early.
(2) Pinch buds. For flowers such as Aglaia, jasmine, pearl orchid, Chinese rose, etc., spent flowers and withered stems should be removed promptly, and branches that have flowered should be appropriately cut back to encourage lower side branches or flower buds to bloom again; for flowering trees and shrubs such as Michelia alba, bitter orange, azalea, camellia, wintersweet, plum blossom, crabapple, etc., in order to help them form a good plant shape and produce more flower buds, more flowers, and better flowers in the current or following year, overly vigorous branches should be topped and buds pinched to inhibit the growth of main and side shoots and promote side bud sprouting.
4. Shading
In June, for those flowering trees and shrubs that like shade or semi-shade, they must be moved under a shade frame to prevent damage from scorching sunlight. Such as hosta, Hosta ventricosa, asparagus fern, camellia, sasanqua, azalea, pearl orchid, bird of paradise, orchid, palm bamboo, rubber tree, ferns, Philodendron, Syngonium, pink taro, Philodendron selloum, pothos, Peperomia, Philodendron 'Green Giant', red (green) gem, green emperor, red
queen, fan palm, Daphne, Aspidistra, spider plant, etc. Light-loving flower species, on the other hand, must be given sufficient light, such as pomegranate, wisteria, firethorn, crape myrtle, jasmine, Serissa, cycad, Chinese juniper, peach blossom, plum blossom, wintersweet, Chinese elm, Fujian tea, trident maple, Sageretia, Chinese holly, wintergreen, water myrtle, oak, black pine, Japanese white pine (Pinus), Michelia alba, Aglaia, Chinese rose, Mahonia, grape, etc.; Podocarpus, tiger thorn, nandina, Buddha belly bamboo, Guanyin bamboo (Bambusa), five-needle pine, bamboo pine, etc., can be given appropriate shading.
5. Pest and disease control
(1) Chinese juniper, Sabina, Chinese elm, papaya, firethorn, Podocarpus, crabapple types, etc. are prone to damage by trunk-boring longhorn beetles, and poison sticks should be used promptly to block and control them.
(2) Chinese rose, rose, rugosa rose, etc. are prone to powdery mildew and brown spot during the plum rain season, and Bordeaux mixture should be sprayed early for control.
(3) Michelia alba, plum blossom, wintersweet, etc. are prone to aphid damage, and suitable pesticides should be selected early for spraying and killing.
(4) Orchid leaves are prone to anthracnose infection, and fungicides such as carbendazim should be sprayed early for control.
(5) Bitter orange, lemon, kumquat, Buddha's hand, etc. have young leaves prone to being chewed by citrus swallowtail butterfly larvae, and contact insecticides, stomach poisons, and other pesticides can be sprayed to kill them.
IV. Bonsai shaping
The plant species that can be shaped in June are mainly some adaptable, wiring-tolerant woody ornamental plants, and must be plants that were potted and hardened off in early spring or grown in the ground. They are: Podocarpus, winter jasmine, Elaeagnus, Huashan pine, Sabina, Chinese juniper, Chinese holly, wintergreen, Chinese wolfberry, five-needle pine, Malus halliana, Malus micromalus, plum blossom, ornamental peach, trident maple, Serissa, black pine,
boxwood, Chinese elm, tamarisk, water myrtle, true cypress, ginkgo, snow willow, firethorn, etc. Shaping in June must be careful, with gentle wiring and slow bending, and one must not rush or use excessive force.
Solar terms in June: June 5 Grain in Ear; June 21 Summer Solstice.
These 15 flowers should be grown in autumn
1. NasturtiumSowing key points: It can bloom all year round. A single flower can last 8-9 days. After flowering, reduce watering to prevent excessive branch growth. If watered excessively or drainage is poor, the roots are prone to rotting from moisture; in mild cases leaves yellow and fall, and in severe cases the whole plant wilts and dies.
Growth habits: It likes a mild climate and cannot tolerate severe cold or intense heat. The suitable growth temperature is 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. It can endure short periods of 0°C, likes warmth and humidity, and the overwintering temperature should be above 10°C. (Send: nasturtium to the Flower Growing Knowledge Encyclopedia official account to learn more about nasturtium care knowledge)
2. Pansy
Sowing key points: Generally sow by broadcasting in early September. The soil in the seedbed or sowing pot must have good drainage. After sowing, cover with soil to twice the depth of the seeds, water thoroughly with a fine watering can, and place in a place with sufficient light.Growth habits: Relatively cold-tolerant, likes coolness, likes sunlight, and develops well under conditions of a daytime temperature of 15-25°C and a nighttime temperature of 3-5°C. It dislikes high temperatures and waterlogging, and is cold-tolerant and frost-resistant. (Send: pansy to the Flower Growing Knowledge Encyclopedia official account to learn more about pansy care knowledge)
These 15 flowers should be grown in autumn
3. Calendula
Sowing key points: It can self-sow, grows quickly, is relatively cold-tolerant, and is not picky about soil, with loose, fertile, slightly acidic soil being best. Autumn sowing is often carried out after mid-to-late September.Growth habits: It likes a sunny environment, has strong adaptability, can withstand a low temperature of -9°C, and fears hot weather. It is not picky about soil, with loose, fertile, slightly acidic soil being best. It can self-sow, grows quickly, is relatively cold-tolerant, and is not picky about soil. It tolerates barren, dry soil and cool environments, and grows well in sunny and fertile areas. (Send: calendula to the Flower Growing Knowledge Encyclopedia official account to learn more about calendula care knowledge)
4. Campanula
Sowing key points: The seeds are very small, so the covering soil should not be too thick. The suitable germination temperature is 20-24°C. It can also be propagated by division or cuttings.Growth habits: It requires a warm winter and cool summer, sufficient light, and good ventilation. It cannot tolerate dry heat, is not strongly cold-tolerant, and likes deep, fertile, well-drained neutral soil; it can also grow normally in slightly alkaline soil. (Send: campanula to the Flower Growing Knowledge Encyclopedia official account to learn more about campanula care knowledge)
These 15 flowers should be grown in autumn
5. Snapdragon
Sowing key points: It can be sown in both spring and autumn, but autumn-sown seedlings grow more robustly and bloom more abundantly than spring-sown seedlings. After autumn sowing, seedlings emerge in 7-10 days. If conditions permit, soaking the seeds in a 50-400 mg/L gibberellin solution can increase the seed germination rate.
Growth habits: It likes sunlight and can also tolerate semi-shade. It is relatively cold-tolerant and cannot tolerate intense heat. It is suitable for growing in loose, fertile, well-drained soil, and can also grow normally in calcareous soil. (Send: snapdragon to the Flower Growing Knowledge Encyclopedia official account to learn more about snapdragon care knowledge)
6. Dianthus
Sowing key points: Generally carried out in September. Sow in an open-air seedbed, keep the pot soil moist after sowing, sprouts appear 5 days after sowing, seedlings emerge in about 10 days, and the suitable growth temperature during the seedling stage is 10-20°C; when the seedlings grow 4-5 leaves, they can be transplanted and will bloom the following spring. They can also be directly sown outdoors in September or pot-sown in a cold room from November to December, and planted out in the open field in April of the following year.Growth habits: It is cold-tolerant, drought-tolerant, and cannot tolerate intense heat. In summer it often grows poorly or withers, so shading and cooling should be noted during cultivation. It likes sufficient sunlight, dryness, ventilation, and a cool, humid climate. It requires fertile, loose, well-drained loam or sandy loam containing calcium, hates waterlogging, and likes fertilizer. (Send: Dianthus to the Flower Growing Knowledge Encyclopedia official account to learn more about Dianthus care knowledge)
These 15 flowers should be grown in autumn
7. Daisy
Sowing key points: Grafting and sowing methods have high technical requirements and relatively cumbersome propagation processes. Without superb cutting and grafting skills, selection of superior varieties, artificial pollination, and other techniques, it is very difficult to propagate successfully. These two propagation methods are also only carried out in nurseries when large-scale seedling production is needed. For home chrysanthemum growing, division and cuttings are generally used for propagation.Growth habits: Daisy likes a cool climate and dislikes heat. It likes light and can also tolerate semi-shade, and has no strict requirements for cultivation soil. The suitable germination temperature for seeds is 22-28°C, and the suitable growth temperature is 20-25°C. In the southwestern region, medium and small single-petaled or semi-double varieties are suitable for planting. Medium and large double-petaled varieties have weak growth and poor seed setting. (Send: daisy to the Flower Growing Knowledge Encyclopedia official account to learn more about daisy care knowledge)
8. Autumn zephyr lily
Sowing key points: Take the mother plant out of the flower pot, shake off excess pot soil, separate the tangled root system as much as possible, and cut it open into two or more plants with a sharp knife. Each divided plant must carry a considerable amount of roots, and its leaves should be properly pruned to help survival.Growth habits: Autumn zephyr lily likes fertile soil and sufficient sunlight, tolerates semi-shade and low humidity, and is suitable for fertile, slightly clayey, well-drained soil. It is relatively cold-tolerant.
These 15 flowers should be grown in autumn 9. Silene pendula
Sowing key points: Seed propagation, sow in early September, transplant before winter into a cold frame with cold-protection equipment, and transplant to the open field the following spring. Because it has a semi-prostrate habit, it should be planted out in flower beds early.
Growth habits: Cold-tolerant, light-loving, fertilizer-loving. It grows well in soil rich in humus, well-drained, and moist. (Send: Silene pendula to the Flower Growing Knowledge Encyclopedia official account to learn more about Silene pendula care knowledge)
10. CornflowerSowing key points: It can be sown in spring or autumn, with autumn sowing being better. Cover with soil just until the seeds are no longer visible, press lightly, cover with grass, water thoroughly, and keep the soil moist frequently. Remove the covering grass after germination.
Growth habits: It has strong adaptability, likes sufficient sunlight, cannot tolerate shade and moisture, is relatively cold-tolerant, likes coolness, and dislikes heat; it likes fertile, loose, and well-drained sandy soil. (Send: cornflower to the Flower Growing Knowledge Encyclopedia official account to learn more about cornflower care knowledge)
These 15 flowers should be grown in autumn
11. Wallflower
Sowing key points: Autumn sowing is better, generally carried out in September. Seedlings emerge in about one week, and after passing through the low temperatures of winter, they will bloom abundantly in the following spring.
Growth habits: Wallflower likes sufficient sunlight and a cool climate, is slightly cold-tolerant, and fears waterlogging and intense heat. South of the Yangtze River basin, it can overwinter in the open field; in the East China region, it can overwinter in a leeward, sunny seedbed with slight insulation measures. (Send: wallflower to the Flower Growing Knowledge Encyclopedia official account to learn more about wallflower care knowledge)
12. Phlox
Sowing key points: Seed propagation. When sowing, the covering soil should not be too thick, and slight light exposure is best. The suitable germination temperature is 15-20°C. Phlox has richly varied flower colors, dense flowering, and a long flowering period, and its management is relatively extensive, so it is a main planted variety for basic flower beds, and potted results are also very good.Growth habits: It likes warmth, is slightly cold-tolerant, and dislikes intense heat. In the North China area, it can overwinter in a cold frame. It is suitable for well-drained, loose loam, is not drought-tolerant, and hates waterlogging. (Send: phlox to the Flower Growing Knowledge Encyclopedia official account to learn more about phlox care knowledge)
These 15 flowers should be grown in autumn
13. Hosta
Sowing key points: Collect seeds after they mature in autumn and dry them in the shade, then sow in March-April of the following spring. Seedlings grow slowly in the first year and need careful care, grow rapidly in the second year, and begin to bloom in the third year. It is best to apply sufficient base fertilizer in the planting holes.Growth habits: It likes warmth, is slightly cold-tolerant, and dislikes intense heat. In the North China area, it can overwinter in a cold frame. It is suitable for well-drained, loose loam, is not drought-tolerant, and hates waterlogging. (Send: hosta to the Flower Growing Knowledge Encyclopedia official account to learn more about hosta care knowledge)
14. Sage
Sowing key points: After sowing, thinning is needed 1-2 times. When the seedlings are 15 cm tall, plant them out into 10 cm pots and pinch the tips. During the growing period, fertilize once every half month and keep the pot soil moist.Growth habits: It likes a warm, humid, and sunny environment, is strongly cold-tolerant, and fears heat and dryness. (Send: sage to the Flower Growing Knowledge Encyclopedia official account to learn more about sage care knowledge)
These 15 flowers should be grown in autumn 15. Osmanthus
Sowing key points: Osmanthus is suitable for planting in a well-ventilated and well-lit place; it likes a clean and ventilated environment and cannot tolerate smoke and dust damage. After being damaged, it often fails to bloom;
Growth habits: Osmanthus likes warmth and has strong stress resistance. It can tolerate both high temperatures and relatively cold conditions. Osmanthus relatively likes sunlight and can also tolerate shade. Under full light, its branches and leaves grow luxuriantly and it blooms densely; in shady places, its branches and leaves are sparse and flowers are few. (Send: osmanthus to the Flower Growing Knowledge Encyclopedia official account to learn more about osmanthus care knowledge)