Kokhiya is a decorative-deciduous plant from the Marevaya family. Its homeland is East Asia and Africa, although for a long time it has been actively cultivated around the world. The people of kohiya are also known under the names "summer cyprus", "bassia", "isen", "annual cypress", "broom grass", "thistle". Slender, lush bushes represent a large scope for the creativity of gardeners. They draw fences, borders and flower beds. The unpretentious nature allows even a novice to master plant care.
Botanical Description
Kokhiya is a perennial or annual decorative culture with a rapidly growing crown. The genus includes grassy and semi-shrub forms. They acquire an attractive appearance already in early June and persist until the first frosts. The height of the cochia is on average 60-80 cm. It consists of many thin, highly branched shoots along the entire length. At the base is an upright lignified stem.
Some people, when they first saw cochia, attribute it to conifers. The reason for this is very narrow leaves that resemble needles. However, the foliage, like the upper part of the shoots, is very soft and pleasant to the touch. Narrow leaves have short pubescence. Young cochis are covered with light green, emerald leaves, but within just a few months they change to pink and raspberry.
In addition to decorative leaves, kohiya has flowers, however tiny buds do not attract attention. They gather in panicled inflorescences in the axils of the apical leaves. After pollination, miniature nuts ripen. Each carries only one seed, which retains germination for two years.
Species and varieties of kohii
The genus of kohii has about 80 species. In our country, only some of them are used in decorative gardening.
Kochia is coronet. Unpretentious and drought-resistant plant forms spherical bushes. In autumn, the crown is painted in maroon tones. The plant is able to withstand even small frosts, so it will delight with a decorative appearance until late autumn.
Kochia is hairy. The species forms slender, elongated bushes up to 1 m high and 50-70 cm wide. Narrow, pubescent leaves are painted light green in spring, and become burgundy by autumn. The plant prefers sunny areas and can grow on depleted soils.
Kochia Childs. Compact spherical bushes do not exceed a height of 50 cm. Branching shoots are densely covered with light green foliage. It does not change color throughout the year.
Based on these species, breeders have bred several decorative varieties:
- The sultan. The plant forms slender bushes 70-100 cm high. The leaves change color during the year from emerald to burgundy. The variety tolerates a haircut.
Kohiya sultan - Acapulco Silver. Spherical bushes are covered with green leaves with a silver edge. In autumn, the plant becomes raspberry.
Cochia Acapulco Silver - Nephritis. A fast-growing plant up to 1 m high. Suitable for the formation of green sculptures.
Kohiya jade - Flame. An annual with a columnar shape of a crown 80-100 cm high. By autumn, green leaves become crimson. The variety is resistant to small frosts.
Kohiya flame - Shilzy. Dense bushes up to 1 m high and up to 60 cm wide begin to turn purple-red in summer.
Kohiya shilzi
Growing
Cochia is grown from seeds. They can be planted previously on seedlings or directly in the open ground. Cochia seedlings are sown from late March to late April. Shallow boxes are prepared for sowing, which are filled with garden soil and sand. It is advisable to calcine the soil before use. Humidify the earth and try to evenly distribute small seeds on the surface. They are pressed with a plaque and not sprinkled. The capacity is left in a room with an air temperature of + 18 ... + 20 ° C. In order for the seeds to sprout, sunlight must fall on them.
When shoots appear, the temperature should be lowered to + 10 ° C. With the advent of three true leaves, kohiyu is dived into small pots. In each container with a diameter of 10 cm, 3 seedlings can be planted. In late May, when spring frosts pass, seedlings 10-15 cm high can be planted in open ground. Kokhiya loves space, so there should be a distance of 30 cm between the bushes.
It is allowed to sow kohiya immediately in open ground. This is usually done in the southern regions, in the second half of May. Autumn planting is possible, then kohiya will germinate after the snow melts. In favorable conditions, abundant self-seeding is observed. Seeds can withstand small frosts, but young shoots can die from the cold immediately. Before sowing, the flower garden should be dug up, as well as a small amount of peat and sand. Seeds are distributed on the surface and carefully watered. Seedlings are expected in 10-12 days.
Care Rules
Caring for kohiya will not be difficult. The plant is very unpretentious and is characterized by vitality. However, it is important to choose the right place for him.
Lighting. In the natural environment, kohiya is an inhabitant of rocky and desert areas. Well-lit areas are suitable for her. You can grow kohiya in partial shade, but then the bushes cease to be so dense and stretch.
The soil. It is important that the soil is well drained, easily pass water and air to the roots. It should have a neutral or slightly acid reaction. Several times during the season should loosen and weed the soil. Lowlands that are flooded are contraindicated for the plant. The root system of kohii needs space, so you can’t grow a flower in pots. As soon as the rhizome becomes crowded, the crown stops growing and flowers appear. The same problem occurs when there is insufficient distance between the plants.
Watering. Kokhiya is a drought-tolerant plant, so it can be content with natural rainfall. If the summer turned out to be too dry, the leaves begin to fall. In this case, watering will be beneficial.
Fertilizer. For active growth, cochia needs regular top dressing. The first is introduced 2 weeks after planting. Then monthly fertilize the soil with a solution of mineral fertilizers or organics. You can use mullein, as well as ash. Additional dressing is applied after each haircut so that the bush can recover faster.
Pruning. The kohii crown is so dense and homogeneous that it can be given any shape. These can be not only geometric figures, but also complex garden sculptures. The shoots grow back quickly enough, so you can cut them 1-2 times a month.
Diseases and pests. Cochia is resistant to plant diseases and pests. Only with prolonged flooding can rot develop. Of the parasites, the most common is the spider mite. At the first sign of insects, insecticides should be treated.
Plant in landscape design
Kokhiya is widely used in landscape design. Single plants are planted on the front flowerbed and give them the necessary shape. You can also make an entire ensemble of several bushes. In addition to a variety of forms, a combination of plants with different foliage colors gives a good effect. Group plantings of undersized species are used to edge the lawn or decorate the tracks.
Cochias look great in rockeries, rock gardens, on the background of high stones or near fountains. High grades can be used as hedges or for decorating farm buildings.
Emerald varieties are suitable for creating a brightly flowering background. With the help of group planting, you can create a vase effect in which tall plants with bright buds will bloom. Variegated varieties with crimson or purple foliage look better in the middle of the lawn.
Using Cochia
In addition to the decorative function, kohiya is used as a medicinal and feed crop. In folk medicine, young shoots and seeds are used. They are dried and used to prepare decoctions and alcohol tinctures. Medicines have the following effect:
- sweatshops;
- diuretic;
- laxative;
- stimulating;
- cardiotonic;
- bactericidal.
Cochia medicines also help reduce the symptoms of eczema, erysipelas, and gonorrhea. In eastern medicine, creams are made from overgrowth to strengthen nails and skin.
After trimming, the young shoots of kohii can be fed to livestock. At specialized farms, they are used to grow silkworms. In some countries, young foliage is used in cooking to prepare first courses. Cases of using cohia to produce soda are known.
