Are you looking for a permanent bloomer for your perennial bed? We can recommend the pearl basket. Here everything about the location, cultivation and care of the plant.
Anyone looking for an uncomplicated garden plant that turns out to be floriferous and can largely be left to its own devices is well advised with the pearl daisy (Anaphalis triplinervis). With the right site conditions and the appropriate soil conditions, the plant proves to be an uncomplicated enrichment for group planting in the bed. The pearl basket can also be used as a cut flower.
Origin of the Pearl Basket
The pearl bead belongs to the daisy family. The drought-tested plant comes from Tibet and the Himalayas. There you will find the hardy perennial on screes or dry grassy areas.
| pearl cup (Anaphalis triplinervis) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | bushy, erect flower stalks, clumpy |
| Growth: | 30 - 50 cm |
| Growth: | 20 - 30 cm |
| Usage: | Open spaces, stone structures, rocky steppes, borders |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | permeable, dry, low in humus, sandy, mineral |
Planting and caring for pearl baskets
➙ Suitable location for the beaded basket
A light location is important for the beaded basket. The plants do best in a sunny spot. The perennials also tolerate prolonged drought, but are sensitive to moisture. A warm and full sun location in the rock garden suits the natural growth conditions of the beaded plant.
The plant can also be cultivated in a bucket. To prevent waterlogging, a drainage layer should be placed in the bottom of the container. Gravel or lava granules are suitable for this. The planter should be at least twice the size of the root ball. Then you don't have to repot as often and the plant can spread sufficiently.
➙ Ideal substrate for the beaded basket
For the pearl basket should be apermeable, fresh soil can be found. There must be no waterlogging. You can use sand or gravel to loosen up clayey and compacted soil.
Tip: An acidic substrate can be neutralized by adding lime.
➙ Planting pearl baskets - step by step
1. Select location
2. Prepare the soil
3. Dig the planting hole
4. Insert the plant
5. Fill up the substrate
6. Press down the soil well7. Water the plant
Once the right place has been found, weeds and stones are removed from the ground. Depending on the soil quality, compost, lime, sand or gravel is added to this. The best planting time is spring. When planting, a distance of 30 to 40 centimeters to the planting neighbor must be maintained.
If the soil tends to be damp and wet, a drainage layer is important. The introduction of gravel or potsherds allows the moisture to drain off better and the tendency to waterlogging is prevented. If you do not want the beaded basket to spread uncontrollably, you can add a root barrier to the soil.
➙ Watering the pearl basket properly
After planting, the plant needs sufficient moisture. The surface of the soil should feel dry between the individual waterings. Once the pearl basket has grown, it only needs to be watered during longer dry periods.
Tip: You can water with tap water. The plant tolerates lime.
➙ Fertilize the beaded basket properly
The nutrient requirement of the beaded basket is low. Regular fertilizing is not necessary. An oversupply of nutrients can even have a harmful effect on the weak eater. If the plant is less floriferous or grows poorly, fertilization can be recommended. Small doses of mature compost or the supply of field horsetail broth in a low concentration are suitable.
Tip: The pearl basket is fertilized, if necessary preferably in spring or after the flowering period in autumn.
➙ Cut the pearl basket
The plant is only cut back in spring. This should be done before the first sprouting of the beaded basket. All dead plant parts are removed close to the ground. This may make the plant appear bare at first, but at the same time ensures vigorous budding and he althy plant growth in the coming gardening season.
Tip: The inflorescences can be used as dried flowers. Then in late summercut.
Pretty varieties at a glance
Some attractive varieties are also suitable for group planting in the garden:
| pearl basket variety | Features |
|---|---|
| Sulphur Light | • original homeland Tibet • growth height up to 30 cm • floriferous |
| Silver Rain | • growth height up to 50 cm • flowering time in autumn • silver-grey leaves • white flowers |
| Summer Snow | • compact habit • height of growth up to 20 cm • floriferous |
Increase beaded baskets
The pearl capsule can be propagated by seeds or division. Sow directly outdoors in spring. The division also serves to rejuvenate the plants. For this purpose, the pearl basket is completely removed from the ground. The substrate is removed from the root ball and the condition of the roots can be checked. After dividing the plant, several pearl baskets have emerged, which can be planted directly at a new location.
Tip: The plants can be divided in spring or summer.
Diseases and pests on the beaded basket
The robust plant is rarely visited by diseases or pests. However, the hobby gardener himself can certainly damage the beaded basket.
The most common care mistakes
- moist soil
- Overfertilization
- dark stand
- Waterlogging
- missing pruning
Wet is the pearl cup's worst enemy. If pruning is neglected, the withered leaves provide a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria. If the plant is affected by rot, the hobby gardener must react quickly and remove all affected parts of the plant. If the plant is repotted as soon as possible and kept dry, there is little chance of rescue and he althy new growth.
For over-fertilized plants, any help usually comes too late. Wilted leaves, leaf fall and discoloration of the leaves are clear indications of the damage. Occasionally aphids may appear. Usually this is not a big concern outdoors, because ladybugs and other natural predators take care of the fight.
Tip: Spraying against pests is extremely unfavorable for the plant, which is used to drought.
Hibernate beaded baskets
The plant survives the winter in the bed undamaged. A light protection against frost is advisable. For potted plants there is a stand on a padmade of wood or styrofoam. This prevents the planter from freezing through.
Tip: The plants are not watered during the winter months.