Rump or bonfire (lat. Coster ) is a perennial herb of the Bluegrass family that grows in most countries. It is valued in agriculture as a fodder crop, as well as a plant that can saturate the soil with nitrogen. In garden landscape design, it is used to complement decorative compositions. It does not require care and grows successfully in any conditions.
Description
Bonfire is a cereal plant with a superficial root system, which grows rapidly, occupying large areas, goes deep into the soil by 2 m. Thanks to powerful roots, it tolerates a long drought.
The shoots of this culture are branching, thin, smooth, rather brittle, densely covered with foliage, reaching about 50 cm. The leaves are broadly linear, rough, with a pointed base, 0.5–1 cm wide, dark green in color.
The inflorescence is paniculate, 20 cm long, includes spikelets 3 cm long. The scales of the inflorescences are purple in the lower part. The upper part of the caryopsis, wrapped in a dense film, is densely pubescent. Flowering lasts for 14 days. The fruit is a caryopsis covered with membranous scales. Seeds are grey, oblong.
The description of the bonfire grass is supplemented by a photo showing this plant, showing its characteristic features:
Where does it grow
This perennial is common throughout Europe, sometimes found in Asia. It settles on forest edges, grows in meadows, in fields, along the banks of reservoirs. Prefers well-lit areas with nutritious loose soil.
It develops best on loams and former peat bogs. Does not tolerate saline substrates, does not grow well on clay soils with a dense structure.
Despite the resistance to harsh conditions, it burns out at temperatures above 35 degrees. However, dry winds are quite successful compared to other crops. The grass is frost tolerant, requiring no cover. In the spring it gives new shoots that develop very quickly and form a lush bush in a matter of days.
Varieties
The genus Rump includes 150 species, most of which are weeds. Only a small part of them is used in horticulture.
Beneken’s bonfire ( B. inermis ). Perennial grass with a developed root system. The rhizome is branched, 2 m long. The shoots are thin, brittle, up to 120 cm long. The leaf plates are linear, not more than 1 cm wide. The inflorescence is a panicle consisting of spikelets of a purple hue.
Cleansing bonfire ( B. catharticus ). Plant up to 100 cm high. The leaves are long, narrow, rough, 0.6 cm wide. Inflorescences are paniculate, 20 cm long. They consist of spikelets, each of which forms about 8 flowers.
Bonfire decorated ( B. Ornans ). Herbaceous perennial 150 cm high. It has a thin and not as powerful root system as other representatives of the genus. The leaves are wide, with a slight pile on the surface, rich green. Inflorescences paniculate, about 20 cm long, consist of spikelets, forming up to 9 flowers.
Reproduction methods
The rump is propagated by seeds or vegetatively. Despite the fact that the grass produces a large number of seeds, they germinate rather poorly, unevenly. Most of the germinated seeds stop developing after a while and dry up. For this reason, experienced gardeners resort to the vegetative propagation method.
In an adult who has reached the age of 4, a bush forms a large amount of root shoots.
The overgrown plant is dug up, equal parts are separated, then the seedlings are transplanted to a permanent place. This culture transfers transplantation quite successfully, it is enough to irrigate after planting the seedling in the planting pit. In the future, the new plant will quickly develop roots, it will continue to form shoots.
Sowing seeds
When planting bonfire seeds, certain rules are observed, for example, the place for planting seed must have a flat surface. The site should be well ventilated from all sides.
It should be borne in mind that this plant is photophilous and will develop better in sun-drenched areas. The soil should be drained, loose, light, containing nutrients.
Sowing is carried out in the spring from the first half of April to mid-May, or in September. Before planting, the seed is treated with a solution that prevents the development of fungi. Before sowing, they dig a plot, make a ridge. Seeds are buried by 5 cm, the surface of the ridge is leveled, watering is carried out.
Care
This culture practically does not need care, because, as already noted, it quite successfully does without watering for a long time, tolerates prolonged heat and grows well without top dressing. Despite this, in order to grow a luxurious lush bush, certain work must be done.
Watering. It is necessary to water the fire moderately and only when the topsoil dries. It is important to prevent stagnation of moisture, which can lead to the death of the plant.
Topdressing. Fertilization is required only if the soil on the site is depleted. Mineral complexes and organics are suitable as top dressing.
Other care. This grass responds well to loosening the soil, but this work should be done carefully so as not to damage the roots lying close to the surface of the earth.
Wintering. In autumn, the aerial part of the bush is cut off or left as is. The plant does not need shelter, as it can withstand even severe frosts.
Applying
Unpretentious and hardy grass has found wide application in ornamental gardening and agriculture. The flowering plant bonfire is used in the cultivation of lawns, with its help they create original flower beds, combining with flowering plants.
This culture is harmoniously combined with ferns, coniferous trees and shrubs, various bright colors.
In addition, bonfire grass is a valuable fodder crop that yields high yields. Mow it 3 times per season. The plant improves the quality of the substrate by enriching it with nitrogen.