Mans litter is an undemanding, decorative ornamental plant for Mediterranean perennial borders or natural gardens. Breeding and care are explained in detail here.
Thistles in the garden, hobby gardeners don't like that at all. Thistle-like ornamental perennials, such as the Eryngium, are undoubtedly an exception. In the company of other flowering perennials, the man litter visually enhances any border. The shrubby growth and the simple umbels, which form head-shaped inflorescences and are usually surrounded by bizarre bracts, give the perennial border a special attraction.
Loy alty has many "faces"
Here in Europe, 26 species of man-litter thrive. Each one differs in the color and shape of the flowers. Depending on the species, man litter can also reach heights of 30 to 120 centimeters. The amethyst and alpine man's litter and the Spanish thistle are primarily used in ornamental gardens in this country. This perennial blooms from August to September. When dried, the strong inflorescences can be used for attractive dry arrangements.
This is what the location for the Scatter should look like
Loyal prefers a site in full sun. A partially shaded place is also accepted. The plants should get at least four hours of sun a day. Also, position the crop so that it is sheltered from the wind.
Avoid wet floors. Mannstreu generally does not tolerate waterlogging. You can mix heavy soil with grit or coarse sand and thus make the space more permeable for the plants. The plant also tolerates calcareous and stony soils well.
How to plant man litter correctly
❍ Sowing:
If you decide to sow seeds, we recommend doing so in loose, sandy soil at a temperature of around 20°C. From September, however, you should no longer sow seeds. It is best to sow the noble thistle in seed pots before mid-August. In this way, the plants can still be planted outdoors in late autumn.
❍ Plant seedlings:
Young plants from the garden shop or online are planted in the spring after purchase. Before doing this, dig up the earth in the conventional way. Then the youngPlant in a shallow hole so that the base of the plant is level with its roots at the surface of the soil.
You should estimate around 6 to 8 plants per square meter. Space seedlings 30 to 40 centimeters apart.
How to properly care for man-loy alty
Casting:
After planting, you should water the young plants regularly for the first few weeks. Later they won't be watered as often. The Manntreu survives short periods of drought without any problems. It thrives excellently if you let the soil dry out a little on the surface. The soil must not dry out.
Fertilize:
Fertilize your thistle-like ornamental plant in the first year after planting with an organic perennial fertilizer. It is then completely sufficient if you fertilize every 2 to 3 years. Don't use compost as fertiliser, because the man litter doesn't tolerate it.
Pruning:
Prune out dead flowers. This will prevent the man litter from seeding itself. Basically, you should cut back the plant after flowering from mid-September, otherwise the ornamental thistle will lose its winter hardiness.
Hiberation:
As long as the soil is deeply permeable and there is no risk of waterlogging in winter, the frost cannot harm the man litter. However, a winter cover is recommended for a better development in the following year. Twigs and garden fleece are very suitable for this.
Possible pests and diseases
The eryngium keeps pests away with its thorny leaves. A pest infestation is therefore not to be feared. In addition, the plant is essentially resistant to diseases. Only waterlogging can lead to root rot.
Summary:
The man's litter is a robust, easy-care and hardy ornamental plant and is suitable for Mediterranean perennial borders or for the natural garden. A sunny, wind-protected place is preferred as a location. The soil should be water-permeable. However, calcareous and stony soil is also accepted. You should only water moderately. Is fertilized with an organic perennial fertilizer. The plant does not tolerate compost.