Id-Code: AB 167
Family: Apiaceae, Umbelliferae
Origin: Europe
Special Features: Sturdy stems carry cream-colored, rounded umbels with harmonious purple-red flowering bracts.
History: Introduced by JELITTO PERENNIAL SEEDS in 1994.
Colour: Purple red
Natural Flowering Period: June - August
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z5-7
Growth Habit: Clumping habit; 2-3 years to establish
Foliage: Neatly divided basal foliage
Height with Flower: 70 cm (28'')
Spacing between Plants: 38 cm (15'')
Soil Requirement: Well-drained, cool, moist soils, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Location: Full sun to partial shade in warmer climates
Use: Plant together with Aruncus aethusifolius, Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus, Geranium macrorrhizum and Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'.
Specialities: An excellent border plant and cutflower in climates not too hot or too humid.
Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 3,03
Seeds per Gram: 330
Seeding Recommendation: 10g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 3 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): open flats
Germination: The sowing must be kept warm (about +18 to 22°C) (about 64 to 72°F) and moist for the first 2-4 weeks. After this period the sowing must be kept at a cold temperature (between -4 and +4°C) (between 25 and 39°F) for another 4-6 weeks. It is not so important if the temperature is higher of lower during the cooling period, but the cooling period has to be prolonged because the synthesis of the germination inducer, homonlike acid, slows down or comes to a standstill.
It is beneficial to cover the sowing with snow during the cooling period. After this cooling period the sowing may not be immediately exposed to high temperatures. The most effective temperatures are between +5 to 12°C (41 to 54°F), even if germination has started. The best location for this sowing, even in March, April and May, is open field, the cold frame or a cold greenhouse.
Scheduling:
Growing On:
Best Sowing Dates: November - March
Sowing to Germination: 8 - 10 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 6 - 8 weeks
Transplanting to Salable Plant: 8 - 10 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Cut-back once to keep more compact
Container Size(s): 1-2 plugs per 11/12 cm (4 1/2''); 2-3 plugs per 15 cm (6'')
Vernalization: There is no current research on vernalization but a prudent recommendation for any perennial would be 6-12 weeks (a few might need 15 weeks!) at an average daily temperature of 40°F (5°C). Exposure to cold may not be necessary for flowering but might improve quality.
Forcing: An obvious place to experiment - following vernalization - would be raising daytime temperatures to 60° - 65°F (15° - 17°C). Provide 16 hours of continuous lighting. During the short days of winter, provide a night interruption lighting of 4 hours between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.
Fertilization: Medium (150-200 ppm)
