The flora of our planet is famous for its diversity, and all owners of country houses enthusiastically use its gifts to decorate their plots, near-house territories. Thus, it turns out to create your own beautiful corner in which to have a good time, enjoy the silence, take a break from the bustle of the city. One of the most popular plants among nature lovers is the Cylindrical Red Baron. This plant is famous for its extraordinary coloring of the leaves, does not require much knowledge in the field of botany for care and maintenance. What kind of plant is this and how to properly monitor it, we decided to tell in this article.
About the plant
Imperata cylindrical refers to cereals and is an ornamental plant. It is used to decorate the landscape, and the root system has proven itself in medicine. But in many countries, such as the United States, the emperor is considered a noxious weed, whose seeds are quickly spread across the territory by the wind. Farmers do not use this plant for livestock feed and it is considered useless. In the nature of the emperor, the cylindrical exists in the soleform, but this unusual plant has many names. Thus, you can hear about imperata koenegii, kazaro, kogon grass, alang-alang, Imperata koenegii, Lagurus Cylindricus, red lightning, red Japanese grass.
Imperata cylindrica "Red Baron" mostly grows in warm climates such as Japan and China, but is found throughout the continent.
Features of the plant
Imperata cylindrical attracts people's attention with its extraordinary leaf color, and gardeners like it not only for its interesting appearance that can give the landscape an exotic beauty, but also for its ease of maintenance. The appearance of this plant is able to decorate the design of any site, whether it is the territory of a chic country house or a small cottage of an amateur gardener.
For the combination of bright red and green shades in the color of the specific form of the leaves, the emperor received its common name "red lightning". All leaves have clear lines and purposefully directed to the sky. This beautiful, but at the same time simple plant is able to cheer up any person looking at it.
Until now, no one has been able to create a similar cereal, with a similar color and texture. Imperata remains the only one of its kind, and not a single gardener will refuse to plant it in a summer cottage.
Description of the plant
As it was written above, the emperor is cylindrical "RedBaron" has a very remarkable leaf color. This plant belongs to tall cereals. The stem can grow up to eighty centimeters in length, but usually does not exceed half a meter. The leaves of this herb are similar to a wide blade of a knife, pointed at the end.
When the emperor begins to bloom, the spectacle is enhanced by an unusual inflorescence. It is quite large, usually its size is fifteen centimeters in length. The plant blooms with an interesting spike-shaped panicle. The shade of the inflorescence is a delicate silvery. Imperata usually blooms from mid-spring, but this is quite rare. This plant, though not capricious, but requires a certain climate.
The use of the emperor by people
Besides decorating the landscape, the Red Baron is also suitable for other, no less useful purposes. Imperata roots contain substances that perfectly moisturize the skin, so emulsions and creams are made from them. In China, this plant has also been used, it is used in brewing. In New Guinea, the leaves of this grass cover the roofs of houses, it is quite durable, withstands winds and rains, keeping the house cozy and warm.
Can I plant in Russia?
Imperata cylindrical is considered a frost-resistant plant. It endures severe frosts of unpredictable and harsh Russian winters. But still, you should not plant a plant in areas with an unstable climate, since in case of severe frost in conditions of insufficient snow cover, its roots will freeze.
"Red Lightning" isperennial plant and every year becomes more and more luxurious. If you plant it in an area where there are strong seasonal differences, you should take care to protect the root system in the winter. With the first cold weather, the emperor must be sprinkled with dry leaves, covered with a thick blanket and during the winter, pour more snow on the place where the plant "sleeps".
Planting and necessary care
When working with "red lightning" it is necessary to wear protective gloves and tight clothing, as it can severely injure the skin with its leaves. The leaves are so sharp and tough that in nature it crowds out other plants, and its dense growths are not suitable for nesting birds, animals avoid it.
When new green shoots appear, they must be removed so that the main plant is not deprived of nutrients. In late autumn, it is recommended to cut the tops of the plant up to ten centimeters. That's all care. Now consider the correct landing of the "Red Baron".
Imperata is cylindrical, the care of which, as you can see, is very simple, not particularly whimsical even when planting. It is necessary to dig a small hole, up to twenty centimeters deep, put a mixture of minerals on the bottom, which is sold in a gardening store. Seeds or plants with roots are planted, sprinkled with earth.
The main condition for the growth of the emperor is good drainage and plenty of sun. Excessive moisture will harm the plant, and if there is insufficient sunlight, it will not produce a special pigment,due to which it acquires the red color of the leaves.
Plant reviews
Impera cylindrical is gaining more and more popularity. It is planted not only in private areas, but also in parks and squares. Gardeners note the unpretentiousness of this plant, ease of care and at the same time always a neat, beautiful appearance.
They write that it is combined with absolutely any landscape, plants and flowers. Does not require weeding and trimming, perfectly takes root and grows.
It is advised to get rid of new unnecessary shoots in time, as the root system quickly grows stronger, and then it is difficult to remove the extra plant.
Following the tips above, you can decorate your site, grow a he althy and strong plant that will certainly please the eye.
