Choosing the best plants to grow in the garden or indoors is a task that requires research. Different aspects should be considered among which the shape and beauty of the bush stand out, their way of adapting to the environment, basic care, among others.
In other words, documenting yourself as much as you can about the type of flora you want to live with.
Features
In the Mediterranean area there is a wide variety of vegetation that adapts easily to the soil of the area.
There are many of these plants that are authentically beautiful, being ideal for cultivating it and keeping it part of the natural landscape. Among these are more than 100 species of scabiosa, some annual plants among which the atropurpurea stands out.
La Scabiosa stropurpurea it is a biennial plant, that is, it takes two cycles to complete its mature state.
They bloom and produce seeds several times so there are also perennial varieties. The stems of this plant can reach between 20 and 60 centimeters high and some even measure up to 100 centimeters.
The lower leaves of the plant are long, petiolate, simple and serrated and are found along the banks.
The flowers are approximately three centimeters in diameter with the appearance of small clusters. Color is outer calyx purple and with a rough surface. This plant is very attractive to butterflies, making the garden an enchanting sight.
Origin of Scabiosa atropurpurea
La Scabiosa atropurpurea It is a plant belonging to the flora of the Iberian and Balearic region. It is considered that It is typical of the habitat of Europe and Asia although many consider that it is native to North Africa.
The name is believed to have been given for two possible reasons. The first is the texture of the plant's clothing and in the second case it is because It is known that it was used to cure scabies of the skin and that is why they gave it its name.
The term atropurpurea is refers to the characteristic purple color of this species.
Other names by which this plant is known in the popular sphere are clergyman's crown, Moorish brush, bishop's hat, flowery bush, scabiosa de indias. All these names related to the particular appearance of the flower and plant.
Names like beautiful lady, beautiful mother, purple widow, and widow's hat are related to that the flower of the plant was taken as a model for jewelry during the Victorian era.
The women who had been widowed wore a brooch in the shape of a flower to announce their marital status socially.
Cultivation and care
El widow flower cultivation it is very popular in gardens thanks to its variety of colors.
Due to their size, it is preferable to plant them in groups so that the landscaping is completed with its beauty. Even if it is a plant it is wildIt still requires basic care for its cultivation. They should be sown when there is no longer a risk of low temperatures since they occur between 15 and 25 ° C.
It is preferable to sow the seed indoors in a good moist substrate, finishing germinating these after fifteen or twenty days and once germinated it is placed in a sunny place, doing it in the spring.
The evening shade suits them very well, since they are usually found in very hot climates. It is important to water regularly, especially in summer and winter, where the plant must also be mowed at ground level.
Plagues and diseases
If it receives plenty of sun and the soil is well drained, clayey and fertile there is no risk of pests or diseases.
The plant is easy to maintain, being recommended every two years and in the perennial variety divide the plant and relocate it And with respect to the fertilizer, the ideal is to do it every two months with natural fertilizer.
Annually compost and add a little lime and to help flowering flowers should be cut as they wither.