The romantic name "summer cypress" hides not a coniferous plant, but a prosaic culture - broom kochia. In rural areas, it is still grown for brooms and brooms. Such a decorative cochia (planting and caring for which will be described below) would not be considered if it were not for the diligence of breeders - they bred varieties of dark green, light green, pinkish and carmine leaf color.
Kohia, planting and caring for which does not require much effort, is an annual shrub that belongs to the Marev family. The plant is fast-growing, highly branched, can reach a height of 120 cm. Narrow small leaves remotely resemble cypress needles. Flowers have no decorative value, they are inconspicuous and small, hiding in the axils of the leaves. The leaves are light green or bright green. In autumn, they transform and acquire orange or reddish hues, depending on the variety.
Kohia (summer cypress) reaches over 1 meter in height in good conditions. She tolerates a haircut remarkably, and with the help of ordinary scissors, magnificent figures can be created from her. But her crown is quite elegant even without a haircut.
What these plants don't have is resistance to sudden cold returns. ByFor this reason, they are sown rather late and, if necessary, covered with a film of crops. You can grow summer cypress through seedlings. Then they sow it in April, and plant it in the ground at the end of May.
In plant compositions, bright emerald kochia is especially effective. It stands out favorably against the background of stones. If you plant it in discounts, then it will look like an elegant border. Unfortunately, cochia (planting and care do not play a role here) is an annual plant. But with her, you can do anything with scissors!
Growing summer cypress in a container or pot is almost impossible, it is an open field semi-shrub. Most of all he likes sunny places, but can tolerate a little shading. Afraid of very cold winds. The soil prefers light, non-acidic, nutritious humus. Frequent watering is required. The lack of moisture causes the kochia to lose its attractiveness, as the leaves droop and begin to wilt.
Fed once a week with liquid fertilizer. In case of damage by a spider mite, it is necessary to immediately treat the bushes with an appropriate remedy.
Kohia "summer Cyprus" (another name for this plant) looks great not only in flower beds and flower beds. Dried shoots are used by florists to create various dry bouquets. And dry kochia stalks turn into an ordinary broom without much effort.
Even traditional medicine is interested in the cochia plant. Landing and care in this case have their own therapeutic meaning. It is used whenedema, rheumatism, eczema, skin inflammation. It has diuretic, diaphoretic, cardiostimulating and tonic properties.
Fresh leaves are used for food - added to soups. They are also feed material for silkworm caterpillars and feed livestock.
Not only decorative, but also useful kokhiya. Planting and caring for her is easy and delights gardeners.
