Secrets to Continuous Blooming of Starflowers Throughout the Year
A comprehensive explanation of the knowledge about starflowers in the field of green plants and flowers. Keep reading!
Called the "robust version of hydrangea," it is not a hydrangea but boasts numerous blooms and a long blooming period. It is also very easy to care for, capable of blooming for 300 days a year in southern regions, heat-resistant, sun-resistant, and shade-tolerant, with almost no diseases or pests. It is the starflower.
Introduction to Starflowers
Starflowers, also known as five-pointed flowers, belong to the sub-shrub of the Rubiaceae family, reaching heights of 30-70 centimeters. They are suitable for potting as well as for ground planting as foreground plants in flower borders or in flower beds. If the branches are not very strong, they can sprawl, making them ideal for planting along the edges of flower beds to decorate the borders.
Starflowers are native to the tropical regions of Africa and are cultivated in southern China. They prefer a hot and humid climate, being heat-resistant, sun-resistant, drought-resistant, and humidity-tolerant, as well as semi-shade tolerant. Particularly recommended for southerners, they are a perfect choice for those who do not want to pot plants in summer. They have an extremely long blooming period, from spring to late autumn.
Starflowers not only have high ornamental value but also have insect-repellent properties in their stems and leaves. Their root bark has medicinal value and can be used to dispel wind, relieve depression, and treat arthritis.
Secrets to Continuous Blooming of Starflowers Throughout the Year
Starflowers have an exceptionally long blooming period. In warm southern regions, they can bloom throughout the year. Of course, for potted starflowers to bloom continuously throughout the year, you need to manage the following points.
1. - - Use loose, well-draining, and fertile potting soil - -
Starflowers are not picky about soil and can be planted directly in the ground in southern regions, requiring very little management. For potted plants, it is recommended to use loose, well-draining, and fertile potting soil to make management easier. General-purpose potting soil is recommended for its loose texture and ease of management.
Of course, you can also mix your own soil, such as garden soil mixed with general potting soil, or a mixture of one part garden soil, one part river sand, and one part compost, all mixed evenly. Adding bone meal and fermented organic fertilizer as a base fertilizer when potting is also recommended.
2. - - Maintain relatively sufficient sunlight - -
Starflowers enjoy plenty of sunlight and are also heat-tolerant. It is recommended to place them in a well-lit area for more blooms. While they are also shade-tolerant, they can bloom in areas with little direct sunlight, but the number of blooms will be less compared to well-lit environments.
3. - - Avoid drought in summer and apply thin fertilizer frequently - -
Starflowers are very easy to care for as long as there is no drought. During the summer, it is recommended to keep the potting soil moist or water immediately when the surface of the soil dries out. In other seasons, allow the soil to dry out before watering. Starflowers are drought-tolerant and not very demanding when it comes to water, making them friendly for新手 gardeners.
Since potted starflowers have limited growing space and limited nutrients in the potting soil, regular fertilization is necessary for continuous blooming throughout the year. It is recommended to apply a water-soluble fertilizer every 7-10 days and a slow-release fertilizer every 3 months to ensure sufficient nutrients for continuous blooming.
For fertilizer selection, it is recommended to use Huaduo No. 2, or alternate between a general-purpose water-soluble fertilizer and potassium dihydrogen phosphate.
4. - - Prune appropriately to control shape - -
Starflowers grow relatively fast, and if not pruned, the branches can easily sprawl. For potted starflowers, it is recommended to prune appropriately to maintain a good shape.
If you want continuous blooming of starflowers, prune one bundle after it fades and another will bloom. This allows starflowers to continuously produce new flower buds. However, if you want an explosion of blooms with a consistent blooming period, you will need to prune uniformly.
When the number of blooms in a batch is significantly reduced, prune all the branches uniformly to ensure that new branches sprout simultaneously and blooms are uniform. This will result in a more spectacular display but also an empty blooming period. So, you can choose between the two pruning methods according to your preference.
5. - - Keep warm in winter - -
As a tropical flower, starflowers can easily survive the summer but are sensitive to cold. Therefore, it is recommended to pot them or transfer them to a pot in the fall and keep them indoors during the winter. Keeping them above 5 degrees Celsius ensures safe overwintering. With heating in winter, maintaining sufficient sunlight allows starflowers to continue blooming.
The above is the complete introduction to the starflower's introduction and secrets to continuous blooming throughout the year, for everyone's learning and understanding!