The Spring Commemorative or Spring Navel Nut is a vigorous budding perennial that makes a wonderful ground cover plant.
The spring memorial (Omphalodes verna) is all too often confused with the forget-me-not. This is mainly due to the fact that the flowering perennial produces similarly beautiful blue flowers. However, Spring Memorial grows much lower and is therefore more suitable for cultivation as a ground cover. There are other similarities between forget-me-nots and the spring navelnut known as spring commemorative aside from flower color. For example, both plants belong to the borage family. The name already reveals that both perennials have remarkably rough, more or less hairy leaves. Forget-me-nots and spring commemoratives also have the sky-blue, radially symmetrical flowers in common.A crucial difference, however, is the difference in size between the two plants. While large species of forget-me-not can grow up to 80 cm high with good care, spring memorial seldom reaches more than 20 to 30 cm in height. A property that predestines Omphalodes verna for very special uses in the garden.
Spring memorial in the garden
Because it grows close to the ground, Spring Commemorative is a very popular ground cover. The cushion perennial originally comes from Austria, where it forms entire carpets on mountainous terrain. It is therefore wonderfully suited for the edge of trees or denser undergrowth (e.g. in a forest garden or natural garden).
The groundcover is also well suited for planting in graves, flower gardens or potted gardens. Also of interest is a culture in the alpine garden, where the natural locations of Omphalodes verna in a montane location can be simulated.
Today, wild populations of the spring navel nut can also be found outside of Austria in the mountainous regions of Eastern and Southern Europe. So the little flower has eagerly spread over the mountainous regions. This is not least due to the good winter hardiness of Omphalodes verna, down to -29 °C. The cushion perennial needs no winter protection in the garden.
| Spring Commemorative Or Spring Navelnut (Omphalodes verna) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | carpet-like, creeping, forms stolons |
| Growth: | 8 - 12 cm |
| Growth: | 20 - 25 cm |
| Flowering: | April to May |
| Location: | Penumbra |
| Floor: | fresh, permeable, rich in humus |
Spring memorial - location and planting
Frühlings-Gedenkemein prefers a shady or semi-shady location. This is best achieved by planting larger shrubs or shrubs like
underneath+ Astilbe
+ Hosta
+ Magnolia
+ Splendor spars+ Spiraea
+ Bleeding Heart
+ Crabapplereached. Alternatively, of course, a culture in naturally shady locations is possible, for example in the protection of a house wall. However, blazing midday sun should be avoided in any case.
As for the soil, the Spring Commemorative prefers a loose, freshly moist soil. With a view to the natural habitat of the plant in mountainous regions, a gravelly-loamy to sandy-gravelly soil should also be chosen. The site substrate should have a good proportion of nutrients and humus and may also be somewhat calcareous. The optimal pH value of the soil is 6.5 to 7 points in the slightly acidic to neutral range.
» Tip: Suitable plant partners are similarly low-growing cushion perennials such as lungwort, Cranesbill or Waldsteinie.
Planting instructions step by step
1. Step: The planting of Omphalodes verna is best done in spring around March. This gives the ground cover enough time to get used to the location before winter.
2. Step: To optimize the soil, mix some sand into the substrate as required. Lime can also be applied lightly, which is best done by adding limestone gravel.
3. Step: The size of the planting hole for spring memorials depends on the root ball. Depending on whether a closed plant carpet is desired or not, you can set the planting distance a little closer at 12 to 15 cm or a little further at 25 to 35 cm. However, you should not plant more than 10 to 15 per square meter in total.
Watering and fertilizing spring memorial
For most of the year, Spring Memorial is self-watering from natural rainfall. In summerHowever, prolonged periods of drought could necessitate manual watering. If possible, only water from below to prevent damp leaves. This attracts pests and can lead to feeding damage to Omphalodes verna foliage.
For basic fertilization, a light layer of compost (approx. 1 to 2 cm) can be applied to the root area of the spring memorial after planting. Fertilizers are no longer necessary later on. You can only repeat the initial fertilizing step in March of the respective season if the plant's willingness to bloom and growth noticeably decrease.
Spring Commemorative - cut and propagate
The flowering period of the spring navel nut is relatively short and lasts from April to May. Since the flowers themselves are relatively short-lived, Omphalodes verna should be trimmed regularly during the flowering period. Extensive pruning is also conceivable to remove wilted leaves before winter.
Care cut in spring
During the flowering period in spring, cut back wilted flowering shoots immediately and down to the base of the leaves. With a bit of luck, a rebloom can be stimulated. Cutting out the flowers on the spring navel nut early also prevents uncontrolled self-seeding.
Pruning in autumn
The plant is cut back in late autumn, before the first frosts. Here the spring memorial is shortened to the ground. Please do not cut in winter or early spring. Here the flowering shrub is already developing its first buds.
Propagation by seed
The scientific name of the navel nut "Omphalodes" comes from the Greek and means something like "navel-shaped". It refers to the pods of the plant, which break down into four navel or cup-shaped pods after the fruit has ripened. The Klausen contain plenty of seeds, which ensure a lively spread of Omphalodes verna in the garden without removing the infructescence. Some gardeners want this self-sowing and therefore leave a few flowers in the care cut until the fruit ripens of the navel claws that give it its name. Alternatively, you can also collect the ripe seeds and sow them in the bed or in the pot.
Propagation by root division
The simplest way of controlled propagation is root division for the spring memorial. To do this, simply dig up the root ball of the plant in spring or autumn and first remove weak roots and shoots. Then divide the plant into two to three equal pieces. Every piece shouldhave at least two shoots to guarantee good development. The sections should later sit no deeper in the ground than the mother plant before. It is also important to ensure good watering in the first few weeks. With older plants, root division ensures that the plant rejuvenates, which then sprout and bloom more vigorously.
Propagation by runners
An increase in spring navel nuts by runners is also conceivable. To do this, lightly score a he althy shoot close to the ground with a small knife or razor blade and then cover the cut with some soil. The shoot must not be completely separated from the mother plant so that it is still sufficiently supplied with nutrients until rooting. An independent root system is only developing when the runners are noticeably attached to the ground. The stolon is then ready for separation and can be replanted directly.
Spring Memorial Potted
Both winter protection and targeted manual irrigation are not necessary for outdoor cultivation of the Omphalodes verna. In the case of pot cultures, however, the care routine differs somewhat. On the one hand, potted plants need significantly more waterings. This is especially important for the moisture-loving spring commemoration. On the other hand, a light winter protection should also be applied to protect the roots from frost. It is best to wrap some garden fleece or coconut mats around the plant pot.
This insulates the plant well and keeps it nice and warm even in winter. You can also place the bottom of the planter on wooden blocks or styrofoam. This prevents the cold from entering the bottom of the pot and causing root damage in winter. Spring memorial pot cultures are watered sparingly in winter.
Spring Commemorative - Interesting Varieties
Omphalodes verna, which naturally has light blue flowers, has a number of special varieties with different flower colours. The growth height can also differ depending on the variety. The most important varieties include:
| Types | Special Features |
|---|---|
| Spring Commemorative 'Alba' (Omphalodes verna 'Alba') | • white flowers • growth height 15 to 20 cm • multiplies less rapidly than the parent species |
| Spring Commemorative 'Elven Eye' (Omphalodes verna 'Elven Eye') | • Turquoise flowers with a white eye • Height of growth 10 to 15 cm |
| Spring Commemorative 'Grandiflora' (Omphalodes verna‘Grandiflora’) | • dark blue flowers • growth height of 15 to 20 cm • forms large flowers according to the name |
Diseases and Pests
Aphids
The Spring Memorial is a bee pasture and therefore attracts many beneficial insects, especially during the flowering period. Unfortunately, there are also some pests among the insects that visit the cushion perennial. These include all kinds of aphids. They deprive the plant of important nutrients and can thus abruptly end the flowering splendor of the Omphalodes verna. The presence of aphids on the plant is noticeable by the so-called honeydew. These are sticky excretion products from the pests that mainly stick the leaves of the spring memorial together.
You can get rid of the aphids with ladybirds, lacewings and parasitic wasps. On the other hand, spraying with soapy water or nettle decoction also helps. For the soapy water, simply dissolve 1 tablespoon of curd soap in 1 liter of water. The nettle decoction is made by soaking nettles in water. After about 12 hours, the histamine in the nettle has passed into the brew. It triggers unpleasant, burning irritation reactions in the aphids and thus successfully drives them away.
Mildew
Insufficient watering and also insufficient planting distance can cause mildew on the spring memorial. Remove all affected leaves immediately and prepare a spray with 9 parts water and 1 part fresh milk. Then spray the plant every two to three days until there is no more mildew. The diseased leaves must be disposed of separately in household waste. Please do not throw the plant parts on the compost. The fungal pathogen could spread further here. In addition, in the event of powdery mildew infestation, care must be taken to ensure that the plant is sufficiently watered and that it is well ventilated.