Difference between malopa and lavatera flowers. Malopa: care, watering, photo, reproduction. Care and cultivation of malopa in open ground

Malopa - a luxurious competitor to mallows
Among summer flies, only selected species can boast significant height. Reaching a meter or more, malopa is a plant that can easily be mistaken for mallow from afar. But the closer you get to know her, the more obvious the advantages of this still rare aircraft will become. Hardy and unpretentious, very beautiful, requiring minimal care, this beauty will become an original accent, an excellent background or camouflage crop.

More than "another mallow"

Malopa is known in our country by not the most beautiful name"hole" or "summer mallow". The appearance of malopa is most reminiscent of mallow; the flowers sometimes evoke associations with evening primroses. Even the name of a beauty known since the times of Ancient Hellas is translated as “mallow-like.” But the character of the plant is completely different. The dazzling tenderness of the play of pink and white colors does not make the mallow just a slightly different “mallow”. This is a special culture that deserves more respect and careful use in garden design.

Malopes are decorative flowering annuals of large size. These annual giants reach a height of 1 m, although some varieties are limited to 40-60 cm. Three species of plants are found in nature, but only one species is cultivated as a garden annual and ornamental crop - Malope trifida. Found in nature only in northern Africa, in the territory of the Pyrenees, the annual beauty is herbaceous plant, producing tall stems up to 1 m tall. Toothed, three-lobed, massive and bright leaves seem very juicy and attractive. Despite the modest volumes of the annual plant, there are so many leaves that they create neat, beautiful silhouettes.

Malopa flowers open in the axils of the leaves. Luxurious “gramophones” reach 5-7 cm in diameter. They attract attention already in buds, since they are hidden not only by the sepals, but also by the leaves located under the flower, which seem to hug the unopened bud. After the funnel-shaped flower blooms, the leaves and sepals form a powerful, solid foundation, which only emphasizes the quivering tenderness of the corolla. Malopa flowers really look like a funnel. Beautiful contrasting veins run along the rim, as if applied by an artist’s hand. And the pharynx, thanks to the dark base of the corolla and the massive stamen, seems especially bright. The fruits are inconspicuous, but the seeds ripen well even in regions with harsh winters.

Flowering lasts literally throughout the entire summer, right up to the first frost.

The color palette includes white, pink and purple. In the basic Malop species, the color of the flowers is purple-red, muted, with beautiful dark veins; in cultivated Malop, the colors are more varied

Decorative forms and varieties of malopa

Malops today are available for sale in both basic variations and forms with improved characteristics. The best decorative plant subspecies include:

The large-flowered form grandiflora, whose shoots are even more impressive, exceed 1 meter in height, the leaves are heart-shaped, sit alternately on cuttings, and the flowers are large, about 9-10 cm in diameter, showy and bright;
. early large-flowered form praecox, blooming from June to September, much more modest in flowering duration, but producing flowers in larger quantities and limited to 60 cm in height;
. variety "White Queen" with smaller but snow-white flowers;
. variety "Vulcan" with a crimson color.
. variety “Diamond Rose” with white flowers with a bright raspberry-cherry throat;
. white-carmine mixture "Capri";
. snow-white variety “Belyana”;
rich, velvety carmine beauty “Purpurea”;
. variegated variety mixture “Pretty Woman”.

Malope trifida.
Malopa in ornamental gardening is used for:

Creation of temporary hedges and borders (for the latter, low-growing varieties are used);
.decoration of the backgrounds of flower beds and the middle plan of double-sided borders;
.in flower beds-islands on the lawn;
.V high groups to improve vertical structure or for camouflage purposes;
.narrow flower beds and ribbon borders near walls and fences;
.in flower beds from annual gardens;
.medium and large groups, usually with a combination of different varieties;
.arranging bouquets as a magnificent cut plant.

The best partners for malopa: plants with a snow-white color, snapdragon, Iberis, fragrant tobacco, phlox, asters, cornflower, decorative flax

Conditions required by malope

Like most large annuals, malopa is a sun-loving plant that actively blooms only in open areas. But malopa also has a considerable “trump card” - it is cold-resistant, is not afraid of the slightest drop in temperature and even sowing on days when late frosts still persist. This plant continues to bloom until really serious frosts, and is one of the last summer bloomers to leave the garden scene.

The better the soil, the more actively the malopa will bloom. Nutritious, loose, high-quality soils with good water permeability are best suited for it. The soil reaction should be neutral. But it can take root and even bloom, albeit not so spectacularly, on almost any soil.

Malope trifida.
Planting malopa

Before planting malopa, you need to improve the soil by adding organic fertilizers, compost or humus. It is better to dig the soil deeply, carefully selecting all the weeds, stones, and breaking up large piles.

The optimal distance for planting is from 30 to 40 cm. Seedlings can be planted only in May, after the threat of frost has completely disappeared.

Caring for smallfoot

The spectacular and profusely flowering malopa, for all its beauty, does not require special care. Water the plant actively only when at a young age, to improve adaptation and active growth. Once the malopa grows, it will only need watering during very dry periods, in extreme heat.

But feeding is a completely different matter. Malopa blooms only on fertile soil. And stable soil nutrition must be maintained throughout the entire flowering period. Without fertilizers, flowering will be vigorous, but short, and the size of the flowers will be smaller than usual. Feeding for summer is applied 1 or 2 times a month. For malopa, it is better to use complex mineral fertilizers. Organic matter for malopa can only be used when planting.

In order for malopa to look attractive and bloom tirelessly, and not in waves, it is better to remove fading inflorescences from the plant in a timely manner.

This is one of the most persistent summer trees, which practically does not suffer from pests and diseases.

Malope trifida.
Reproduction of malopa

The only method of propagation of malopa is by seed. Malopa is also sown in open soil, but in order to enjoy particularly long and abundant flowering, it is better to grow the beauty through seedlings. The seeds of the plant are best used fresh, but they retain partial germination for 3-4 years.

Malopa seeds are sown in open ground as soon as the soil warms up. Optimal sowing dates for middle zone considered to be the end of April and May. Shoots appear in approximately 2 weeks, and this plant usually gives a fairly good percentage of germination. As soon as the plants are slightly stronger, they are thinned out and replanted, placing them in a permanent place so that there is a distance of 30-40 cm between the bushes.

Sowing of seedlings is also carried out very late - only in April. Seeds are scattered rarely, on a loose, sifted substrate. Moisten the soil only after sowing. It is better to germinate malopa under glass or film. Seedlings are thinned out as needed; if the planting is sparse enough, the plants need not be picked.

Malopa is a showy annual shrub that inexperienced gardeners mistake for lavatera. The plant can reach more than a meter in height, which allows it to be planted in almost any area without cluttering it. Due to the fact that malopa tolerates cold well, this bush will feel great in our area. Interestingly, malopa was used in landscape design back in Ancient Greece for decorating gardens.

How to grow malopa from seeds?

This annual plant It is diverse in its varieties, although it has only 3 species. One of the most popular varieties is three-cut malopa with a massive branched trunk, large funnel-shaped flowers and bright leaves. Growing malopa from seeds is quite simple and as it grows it can be formed into beautiful hedges.

This plant, grown from seeds, will delight with its abundant flowering from mid-summer until the onset of the first frost (November-December). Malopa seeds can be planted for 4 years; the bush prefers fertile and light soils that do not allow water to pass through. Although most gardeners do not pay any attention to the substrate when planting malopa.

Malopa seeds are planted directly in open ground in a sufficiently lit place in mid-spring. Before planting, it is necessary to add complex mineral fertilizers to the substrate. In addition, before planting it is necessary to mix the main soil with sand and peat. If all seed growing conditions are met, the first sprouts will appear in 14 days. If necessary, thin out the seedlings, keeping a distance between them of at least 35 cm. When sprouts appear, you can begin basic care.

If there is a long winter in the year and there is still snow in April, you can grow malopa from seeds at home. To do this, pour fertile substrate into the container, plant the grains and slightly moisten the soil. To make sprouts appear faster, create greenhouse conditions - cover the box with the seeds with film or glass. Just remember to ventilate them from time to time. The first shoots will appear in about a week and a half. If the seedlings in the boxes are too dense, plant the malopa in separate pots. When the snow melts, transplant the sprouts into open ground.

Malopa annual: planting and care

Caring for the plant is not difficult, just follow a few recommendations.

Despite its frost resistance, the malopa flower prefers sunny and warm areas. You need to remember this when planting seeds.
Since the plant tolerates cold well, there is no need to cover the little plant during frosts, but very young bushes can be covered with leaves during frosts.
Malopa loves loose soil, so from time to time do not forget to loosen the soil and also weed out the weeds.
This plant tolerates drought well, so if you suddenly forget to water it, don’t worry, the malopa will survive it. In hot and dry summers with no precipitation, watering should be plentiful and regular. If the summer turns out to be rainy, humidification can be reduced or stopped altogether.
Remember that Malopa prefers fertile soils, so do not forget to apply mineral fertilizers from time to time.

Sometimes this plant is affected by rust. You will notice it immediately - pronounced red spots on the leaves. If rust is detected, it is necessary to remove the affected leaves. If the disease has spread throughout the malopa, the plant must be destroyed, and this place should not be used for planting for several years. Very rarely bushes are affected powdery mildew and aphids, which can be combated with special preparations.

Malopa: photo of the plant

Malopa is a beautiful plant often used in landscape design. It is distinguished by lush flowering, which will help you create noticeable colorful accents in your flower beds. Malopa makes fragrant and cute bouquets that fit well into the interior. For the plant to grow as effectively as possible, provide it with the right conditions and necessary care.

Malopa is an ornamental herbaceous plant with beautiful large flowers. Its homeland is the Mediterranean, and its name is translated from Greek as “mallow-like.” Indeed, the funnel-shaped large flowers have some similarities, but are distinguished by greater grace.

Description

Malopa lives only one year, during which it grows 30-120 cm in height. The stems are straight, dense, smooth or slightly pubescent. Leaves on long petioles are located along the entire length of the stem. The shape of the leaf blade is round or ovoid with a slightly pronounced five-fingered outline. The surface is smooth, the color is light green.

Single flowers are located in the upper or central part of the stem. At one level you can see several buds directed towards different sides. The petals are soft, voluminous, pink, lilac, violet and white. The flower consists of five petals with veins in the form of dark relief rays. The core is yellow, column-shaped, lush due to the many stamens. The open flower is large in size, from 7 to 9 cm in diameter. Flowering is long and abundant, lasting from the end of June until frost.

The fruits are collected in small head, where they are located in uneven rows. The size of the fruit is very small at 1 g, there are more than 400 of them. Up to 50 seeds are formed on one flower.

Varieties

There are three main species and several hybrid varieties in the genus of this plant. The most popular among gardeners is Malopa Trekhdreznaya. It is an annual plant with a powerful branched stem and three-lobed large leaves. Large flowers up to 9 cm in diameter are attached to long peduncles. The funnel-shaped petals are colored white, lilac, pink, crimson and scarlet with dark pronounced veins. Breeders have developed several varieties of malopa, which differ in the size of the stems and the color of the petals. With their help you can create an unusual composition in the garden. The following varieties are popular:

Malopa Diamond Rose. The plant reaches 90 cm in height and is strewn with large flowers. The color of the petals is gradient, from the white edge to the burgundy base.
Malopa Purpurea. Features bright purple flowers. The petals are glossy with burgundy veins. Stem height up to 90 cm.
Malopa Belyan. Very tender due to the snow-white inflorescences. Decorates the garden in summer, resembling snowballs on the branches.
Purple malopa. In addition to the bright ones pink flowers attracts with its size. On tall stems (up to 120 cm) there are simply gigantic flowers. Their diameter is from 10 to 12 cm. The color of the petals is uniform pink with a dark base.

Reproduction

Malopa, like all annuals, reproduces by seeds. They retain good germination for 4 years after collection. Depending on the climate, sowing is done in early April for seedlings or in May in open ground. For seedlings, prepare boxes with loose peat substrate. Small seeds are lightly pressed down, but not covered with soil. Moisten the soil and cover with glass or film to avoid excessive drying.

With the emergence of seedlings, the shelter is removed. When the danger of frost has passed, the seedlings are picked up and transplanted into a permanent place in the garden. Prepare for planting shallow pits(5-10 cm). Organic fertilizers are added to the soil and planting is carried out. A distance of 30-35 cm is maintained between individual plants.

When sowing in open ground, small grooves are dug. On the 14th day, seedlings appear and are thinned out as they grow.

Growing and care

Malopa is undemanding to soil composition, but produces more flowers in fertile soil. Prefers sunny areas of the garden or slight shading. The plant is unpretentious and does not require regular care. A little watering in dry weather is sufficient. On depleted soils, the plant is fertilized with complex fertilizers. They are applied once every 2-4 weeks during the growth and flowering period.

Malopa tolerates pruning well. It is produced for the formation of bushes and the use of inflorescences in bouquets. When you cut off faded buds, new ones appear more quickly in their place. The strong stems are resistant to gusts of wind and do not require staking.

Uses of malopa

Malopa is used to decorate flower beds, borders, ridges and hedges. Tall stems with bright colors are able to place the necessary accents in the garden. Suitable for high group plantings. Gets along well with annual and perennial neighbors. You can choose petals that are similar in shade or contrasting flowers. Malopa harmonizes with bush roses, calendula, nasturtium, irises, phlox, and asters.

Tall shoots can hide an unsightly fence or barn wall. With the help of dense linear planting they create hedge for garden zoning. Low-growing varieties can decorate flowerpots on the veranda or balcony.

Malopa is ornamental plant, having large red flowers. This annual flower, some species of which reach 120 cm in height. Photos of malopa are reminiscent of photographs of mallow, after which the plant is named, because it is translated as “similar to mallow.”

Planting malopa

Malopa grows from seeds. Seeds that are no more than 4 years old are suitable for planting. If you plan to grow seedlings, this should be done in April, and if you want to plant seeds in open ground, wait until May.

Source: Depositphotos

Externally, malopa looks like mallow

The malopa flower grows on any soil, but prefers fertile soil. A sunny or partially shaded site is suitable for sowing. Landing proceeds according to plan:

If you plan to prepare seedlings, you will need boxes with loose peat substrate. The seeds are simply sown into the soil and lightly pressed down, but in no case are they sprinkled with soil on top.
The earth is watered, but not too much, and then the container is covered with glass.
The glass is removed as soon as the first shoots are visible.
As soon as you are sure that no more frosts are expected, pick the seedlings into separate cups.
For planting, holes up to 10 cm deep are dug into the ground, into which organic fertilizers are added. After this, the seedlings are transferred to the soil.
The optimal distance between plants is 30 cm.
If you choose to sow in open ground, dig holes of the same size, add fertilizer to them and plant the malopa. Water it, and after 2 weeks watch the first shoots.

Growing malopa is much easier than planting it. The flower is not demanding and capricious.

Caring for smallfoot

Maintenance activities do not have to be carried out regularly:

In extreme heat or drought, water the plant with a moderate amount of water.
If the soil is poor, the flowers are periodically fed with complex fertilizers. It is enough to apply them once every 2 weeks during the flowering period.
If you want to make the flower decorative, periodically prune the plant; it tolerates it well. Pruning is also used when making bouquets.
Remove faded buds without hesitation, as new ones will soon appear in their place.
Malopa is resistant to sharp gusts of wind and does not require protection.

This plant is extremely beautiful and original. In addition, it is easy to care for. Therefore, malopa will fit perfectly into any garden and refresh it with delicate flowers unusual for modern times.

Flowering in large "gramophone" flowers, the little python is sometimes mistakenly mistaken for. The bright representatives of the mallow family are indeed surprisingly similar, which is why they are often called twin sisters. However, malopa was used in landscape design back in Ancient Greece, because it comes from the Mediterranean, but lavatera is from other lands.

Today, instead of the wild form with purple flowers, garden variations of various colors have appeared. Petals can be snow-white, crimson, pink, purple, red.

In the open ground

This plant has quite a lot of varieties, but only 3 species. The most popular is three-cut malopa with a powerful branched stem, large foliage and large single funnel-shaped flowers, which are decorated with veins. They can reach 9 centimeters in diameter. The variety is the large-flowered malopa or "summer mallow", it is recognizable by the brownish tint of the leaves and its fairly high growth - up to a meter. It blooms in July and decorates the garden with bright colors until frost.

In landscape design, malopa is distinguished by its generous flowering, ability to create colorful accents in flower beds, mixborders and edgings, as well as to form hedges. For the implementation of the idea to be successful, it is important to choose the right place to plant the plant. The site should be sunny, the soil loose and fertile. Obviously, the flower is valued precisely for its beautiful blooms. Fertilizing with mineral fertilizers will help improve it. For young plants, regular but moderate watering is very important.

Having chosen a place, you can plant the seeds directly into the ground. This is done in April or May, the distance between the planting holes is at least 35 centimeters, or later the plants will have to be thinned out. In less than two weeks, young shoots will be visible in the flowerbed, and by July it will be covered with a flowering carpet.

Accommodation options

1. Group compositions on lawns, ridges, mixborders. Malopa is especially good in high group plantings. At the same time, it does not need a garter; it will withstand both drought (except for young specimens) and frost.

When designing a ridge or flower garden, it is important to remember the changing flowering of plants and the combination of tones. Malopa looks great next to flowering annuals of a similar shade, but you can also choose spectacular contrasting options. For example, calendula, fragrant tobacco, phlox, and snapdragons are often planted next to white malopia.

2. Decoration of fences and outbuildings. It is enough to plant malopa along the fence or in front of an unsightly shed, then a green area with bright flowers will transform the area, making it more “elegant” and neat. Rows of branched malopa can also serve as a hedge, for example, to separate areas of the garden. Sometimes it is simply planted along.

3. Malopa will help to recreate the original rustic style on the site. It is planted either simply in rows, or in flower beds along with lavatera, rudbeckia, daisies, and nasturtiums. The site must be stylized; wicker fences, pottery, and simple wooden benches are suitable for this.

4. Low-growing varieties will be an excellent solution for containers, potted arrangements and flowerpots. With the help of attractive decorative elements you can successfully decorate a window sill, veranda or balcony.

When cut, they make wonderful bouquets that will pleasantly enliven the interior.