Snowdrop. Red Book of Russia: Snowdrop

Charming and tender, surprisingly defenseless and enduringly hardy - these are all snowdrops, the very first appearing every spring on the thawed thaw. The surprising aroma and no less amazing fragile appearance of this beautiful flower, unfortunately, turned against him - enterprising traders practically mow the spring lawns covered with galanthus, endangering the very existence of this elegant beauty. Since 1981, the snowdrop is listed in the Red Book.

A gentle primrose

The botanical name of the snowdrop is galanthus, euphonious and elegant, like the representative of the family of amaryllis, a dozen species of which are still found on the European forest expanses of Kabardino-Balkaria, North Ossetia, Chechnya and Dagestan, as well as in eastern Georgia and north-west Azerbaijan. Galanthus is a primrose, which is protected by the Red Book of Russia.

The snowdrop is a perennial and very early-flowering bulbous plant, making its way from the ground with the first warm rays, as soon as snow gathering begins. Each bulb throws out only one straight pedicel. Dark green shiny leaves appear simultaneously with a flower, similar in shape to a bell. Flowers are snow-white with a green edging, they have three internal petals, surrounded by three larger ones. This unusual structure makes them unique and elegant. In height, the plant reaches 15-18 cm, abundant flowering begins in early April.

Red Book of Russia: Snowdrop

Unfortunately, the collection of galanthus for bouquets or for trade is not the only reason that influences the significant decrease in the number and representatives of this plant. Factors leading to unpleasant consequences, causing the snowdrop to disappear, the Red Book says:

• digging bulbs by amateur gardeners,

• deforestation, reducing the area on which snowdrops previously grew;

• trampling or destruction of forest litter;

• environmental problems in the region.

For example, in Dagestan all species of snowdrop plants growing on the territory of the republic are under threat of extinction. The Red Book of Russia has appropriated the third category of galanthus, which characterizes it as a rare species, which is not yet threatened with extinction, but as it already occurs in small numbers and in fairly limited areas, with a negative change in the habitat provoked by some natural Or anthropogenic factors, it may very soon disappear.

Snowdrop: description. Red book and plant protection

The red book provides for the responsibility of the country in which the endangered species grows, therefore, the implementation of conservation measures, such as bans on the sale of rare plants, the creation of reserves and reserves, and their cultivation, should yield results.

I want to believe that the galantus population will be preserved, because the Red Book of Russia is protecting it. Plants, snowdrop including those under protection, can not be torn down, sold, etc. Selective surveys on the cultivation of many rare species are carried out constantly, and in the environment of flower growers cultural cultivation of snowdrops is welcomed. To reproduce galanthus in your own summer cottage you should know about its preferences and development features.

Agrotechnics of cultivation

Snowdrop is unpretentious. Growing under the canopy of forest trees and shrubs, he has long since adapted himself perfectly to tolerate penumbra, but he feels no worse in open spaces. Magnificent winter hardiness and endurance to the changes in spring temperatures enable the flower growers to plant it in various parts of the garden. Just need to know that it will grow better on a loose and well drained, fertilized soil or compost soil. In heavy clay soils it is worth adding sand. But the stagnation of groundwater will not allow the snowdrop to successfully settle down.

The Red Book of Russia welcomes the garden reproduction. Plants - snowdrop, crocus and other bulbous plants - are planted according to the general rule: to a depth corresponding to two bulbs. Usually snowdrops regulate the depth of planting themselves. If they are too deep, they form a new onion on the upward peduncle at the right distance from the soil surface. With a shallow disposition in the soil, the bulbs fade, but children quickly form.

About the choice of planting material

Buy bulbs better in July and September, and planted in the fall. At this time the plant is at rest. When buying, you need to pay attention to the condition of the planting material. Bulbs should be tight to the touch, with preserved shells, without mechanical damage and putrefactive manifestations. If they have overgrown roots and stems, then this will require an early landing. Small (dead and unpainted by mold) cuts on the scales of the bulb are permissible, but there should be no damage to the bottom. A planting material with cut off apex, but not damaged by the bottom, is considered viable. Obtain broken or crumpled bulbs is not worth it - they can have internal damage or foci of decay. It is impossible to grow a good snowdrop from such planting material. The Red Book does not give recommendations on the cultivation of species, only determines the status and territory of growth. The most favorable conditions for breeding are where the natural habitat is located.

Bulbs of galanthus do not tolerate prolonged drying. Do not keep them outdoors for more than a month. If the planting time has not yet come, the bulbs must be poured with sawdust or small shavings into a cotton bag or a perforated plastic bag. Shelf life will last for 2-3 months.

Feeding

While the snowdrop is actively growing, he needs liquid top dressing of inorganic potassium-phosphate fertilizers without nitrogen, which can cause excessive growth of leaves. Potassium is needed for the formation of healthy winter-hardy bulbs, and phosphorus is necessary for flowering. Active growth requires a lot of water. Usually, early in the spring, watering is not needed, but if spring is dry, then the plant will have to be supplied with moisture by the floriculturist. Watering of small-bellied ones is not burdensome - they are very resistant to drought and will not die, but they will not be high. After flowering snowdrops until the end of the season, care is not needed.

So, unburdened caring for an unpretentious and rare flower will bring joy to the gardeners and keep the snowdrop. The Red Book is needed as a document that controls its protection.