Eustoma grandiflora, lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) or Japanese house rose, is a herbaceous flower plant of the gentian family. The homeland of the flower is the southern part of the United States. It is here that the rose naturally grows in the lowlands or on the slopes of the rivers. The height of the plant reaches an average of 30 cm, and sometimes it can stretch up to 90 cm in height. The stem is branched, the leaf is green with a grayish tint, the color of the inflorescence in its natural environment is purple or blue. In appearance, the Japanese rose is similar to the poppy flower. Up to 20 buds can develop on one bush, and they do not bloom immediately, but alternately.
Variety of eustoma
Breeders have created many varieties of eustoma: with white inflorescences, apricot, pink, yellow and even greenish hues. There are also varieties that combine several representatives of the color scheme. The selection of this plant is very relevant in countries such as the USA and Japan. It was here that the Japanese rose (photo below) with a double flower was bred. Her inflorescence is no longerlooks like a bluebell or a poppy. Thanks to this, the plant is experiencing its second revival. It is very popular in European countries, Australia, America and Japan.
The natural color of the plant does not shine with variety. But thanks to the efforts of breeders, today there are a huge number of varieties that are characterized by a variety of not only colors, but also flower shapes.
Varieties by cultivation method
The natural variety of the plant is very capricious, breeders managed to develop hybrids with less care requirements, for example:
- Tall bushes that are used in garden decoration. These are varieties "Aurora", "Echo", "Flamenco" and others.
- Short. Home grown in pots: LittleBell, Fidelity, Florida Pink, Mermaid and others.
By growing season
- Annuals. They are easier to grow, as such a Japanese rose does not require special care, so these varieties are most suitable for amateur flower growers.
- Biennials. More demanding to care, so they are most often handled by professionals.
- Perennials. They simply do not exist in nature, they are grown only decoratively in pots.
By flower variety
- Kioto variety is characterized by a large, but non-double inflorescence. Color palette: red, white and pink. Grows fast, pleases with fast flowering. Has an amazing color of petals.
- "Echo". Japanese rose of this variety bloomsplentifully. Very tenacious plant, terry petals of different colors.
- "Cinderella". Delicate flowers of a pleasant color - lilac, snow-white and purple. The variety belongs to the terry variety. Perfectly coexists at home - in a pot and in the garden.
- Variety with medium-sized flower, funnel-shaped and simple. The color range is extensive. Small in height, which makes it possible to cultivate plants in pots.
Japanese rose - plant care
Beginning amateur flower growers cultivate eustoma as an annual. In order to achieve repeated flowering, you need to remove faded buds and properly care for the plant. How exactly, we will describe below.
Lighting
As for lighting, the plant prefers diffused light. With direct sunlight, brown spots can form on it - this is a burn, they can also be observed on the bud or leaf itself. If you plant a Japanese rose in the garden, then the area under it should be located in a semi-dark zone. If it is planted in an apartment, in a pot, then the room must be sufficiently moist and well ventilated, otherwise the Japanese rose will simply die.
Transfer
With decent and proper care, eustoma survives the winter period well. In the spring, it must be transplanted if the bush has grown very much. The soil should be with normal acidity, nutritious and light enough. An important condition for transplantation isgood drainage. And in order for the rose to feel more comfortable, it is recommended to add a small amount of fine sand to the soil.
Water and fertilize
In the natural environment, the Japanese rose (eustoma) most often grows on the banks of rivers and reservoirs. But this does not mean that she likes high humidity. When grown indoors, frequent watering should be avoided. It should be based on the degree of drying of the soil between the previous and current watering. The water temperature should be room temperature, it is strictly forbidden to water with cold water.
Fertilize the plant with liquid mixtures and only during the growing season.
Possible growing problems
Problems in caring for and growing a plant can arise in the process of exposure to a rose of pests and diseases. The flower of the plant can be affected by spider mites, whiteflies or thrips. You can get rid of the lesions by treating the bush with insecticides. As for diseases, the most common are fusarium, mycosis and gray rot.
Reproduction of the Japanese rose
The plant propagates exclusively by seeds, because it cannot tolerate violations of the integrity of the root. Therefore, the division of the bush is excluded. Cuttings do not give sprouts and roots at all. The seeds themselves can be purchased at specialized flower shops or collected from your own plants if they grow in a garden or apartment. It is recommended to collect them from November to February. Japanese rose blooms only in the 20th week, maybe a little earlier, aftergermination. Therefore, if you plant a plant in the spring, then this year it will have time to bloom, delighting with the beauty and charm of blossoming buds.
Planting a rose in open ground should not be earlier than 4-8 strong and he althy leaves are formed on it. The procedure is performed in the evening. After planting, it is recommended to cover the seedling on top with cellophane or a plastic (cut off from below) bottle for about 3 weeks. The distance between each of the sprouts should be at least 15 cm. To achieve better branching, strengthened canes should be pinned.
At first glance, caring for a Japanese rose seems laborious, but it's worth it. After all, the blossomed bud itself is in no way inferior in beauty to the traditional rose for most amateur flower growers. In a bouquet, eustoma looks amazingly beautiful, albeit a little unusual.
