The factory is a perennial of the umbrella family. In the natural environment, distributed in Asia Minor, Crimea and other southern regions. It has more than 50 varieties, of which only a few are cultivated.
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The plant has a powerful root system with a pronounced pivotal root. Therefore, it easily takes root both in sandy soils and on rocky and mountainous terrain. The leaves of the plant have a carved structure, resembling the greens of carrots. For this, it is often grown. Inflorescences are collected in umbrellas from the smallest flowers. On one bush, several dozen such umbrellas are simultaneously formed. It is considered a good honey plant and has a sweet, rich aroma.
The flowers are often white, but there are varieties with greenish or pink petals. The central umbrellas are larger and reach 10-12 cm in diameter, the side umbrellas are smaller. Flowering begins in late summer and continues until November, which is why seeds rarely have time to ripen. The flowering period ends with the complete death of the green part of the plant.
The average height of the bush is 1 meter and can vary significantly depending on the variety.
Varieties of factory
Among the wide variety of plants, only a few varieties are used in culture. Here are the most famous of them:
- Gummy. The plant abounds in compact rosettes with coarse bluish leaves.
- Sandy. A tall branched plant with a powerful root and foliage, collected in rounded clusters. Greens saturated emerald shade has high decorative qualities.
- Siberian. Tall stems with lowered leaves reach 1.5 m in height. White flowers with a yellow tint appear in mid-summer.
- Forked. Small bushes up to 60 cm are covered with carved velvety leaves. Often used for landscaping and composing bouquet compositions.
- Mountain. It is characterized by increased frost resistance, withstands frosts up to -25-28 ° С. The variety has a bluish tint of greenery and cirrus leaves. Pink petals are gathered in large umbrellas. Flowering occurs from July to August.
Factory cultivation
The factory propagates by seeds. Since they quickly lose their qualities, sowing is carried out immediately after harvest. The plant is unpretentious and grows well on any soil, except for very saline and marshy. Requires minor or moderate watering.
It prefers open, sunny places where it is developing rapidly. After sowing, only foliage develops for several years, the first flowers appear after 3-5 years.
It does not need a garter, although some varieties spread along the ground. Easily tolerates cropping to shape. Used to design flower beds and plots.
