Bobovnik is a deciduous tree from the Legume family. Its homeland is Central Europe and the Mediterranean. Thanks to botanists and landscape designers, today the area of the plant has expanded significantly. Cultivated forms are sometimes called the "garden bean", but this is a common name, not a specific variety. The bobovnik attracts with dense golden inflorescences that bloom along with the leaves and resemble the rays of the sun or jets of golden rain penetrating through the branches. On different continents, whole bean lanes appear in city parks. You can also grow such a plant in your own garden if you follow the rules of care.
Plant description
Bobovnik (laburnum) is a perennial deciduous tree or a sprawling shrub up to 7 m high. Lignified shoots are covered with light brown speckled bark. Very often, even a tree has several trunks. The oval crown consists of weeping branches. Foliage begins to bloom from oval brown buds in early April. Branches quickly covered with bright green triple leaves. From below, leaves are covered with a silvery rare pile. By mid-summer, the color of the leaves becomes darker and more saturated. They are located on a long, upright petiole. The oval sheet plate has smooth edges and a pointed end. Its length is 15-25 cm.
In mid-May, dense racemose blossoms bloom on long (20-50 cm) flexible peduncles. During flowering, the bean tree exudes a heady sweet aroma and is an excellent honey plant. Flowering is very plentiful. Yellow flowers with the characteristic Bean family form resemble moths. The lower petals fuse into a keeled lip. Above it is wrapped one wide petal with reddish touches at the base. Flowering lasts only 14-20 days.
After pollination, brown beans with silky pubescence ripen. The length of the bean is about 8 cm. Inside are flattened seeds with a length of only 3 mm. Having decided to have a beaver on the site, you must remember that it is poisonous. The greatest amount of toxins is found in fruits.
Bean Species
The bean genus is very small, it includes only 2 species, 1 hybrid and several varieties.
Anobiolacea bobovnik. It is also called the "golden rain." A multi-stemmed tree or bush grows to a height of 6 m. Flowering begins in May and lasts almost a month. Yellow inflorescences do not exceed 30 cm in length. The species can withstand frosts down to -20 ° C.
Bobovnik alpine. A tree with a spreading, oblong crown grows up to 12 m in height. The trunk and old branches are located directly, and the edges of the shoots droop. Long (30-45 cm) yellow garlands open in late May. The plant lives in the southern part of Europe, therefore, in frosty winters, the ends of the branches can freeze. At the same time, the plant itself can withstand temperatures down to -25 ° C. Decorative varieties:
- Pendula - has long, drooping shoots;
- Aurea - in spring, young foliage casts with golden hues, but gradually becomes bright green;
- Quercifolia - leaves have a notched shape following the example of oak;
- Automnale - besides the usual spring flowering, the "golden rain" appears in September.
Voberera Bobovnik (hybrid). The plant was obtained by crossing two main species. A short tree or large bush is 1-3 m high. Upright old shoots end with drooping processes. Branches cover petioles up to 50 cm long. During flowering, it exudes a particularly strong, pleasant aroma. The species is sensitive to frost, therefore it is grown in the south of the country.
Breeding methods
Bobovnik propagated by seed and vegetative methods. Seeds remain viable for up to three years, but it is better to sow them immediately. Seeds without preparation or after scarification are sown in loose, fertile soil. Crops can be done in autumn or early spring, immediately after the thaw. Seedlings are well developed and do not require special care. Grown plants are carefully dug out with a large lump of earth and transplanted to a permanent place. Flowering bean bred from seeds will begin in 4-5 years.
Vegetative propagation of bean beetle is no less successful. This method is preferred for varietal plants, as it allows you to save unique traits. The following breeding methods can be used:
- Cuttings. Young green shoots are cut in July-August. They are rooted in loose soil in partial shade. Cuttings should be watered with care and cover with a cap until the roots form. In the first year of life, such seedlings need additional shelter for the winter.
- Graft. Varietal cuttings inoculated on a species stock. The vaccination site is located almost on the ground.
- Layering. The lower shoot is pressed to the ground and covered with soil. It is advisable to apply several cuts to the bark at the root formation site. After a month, the shoot is cut off and planted separately.
Rules of landing and care
For a heat-loving beaver, it is better to choose an open sunny place. It also develops normally in partial shade. The landing pit should be spacious. At its bottom, it is recommended to pour a thick layer of drainage. Strongly deepen the seedling is not worth it. So that young flexible shoots do not slope in different directions, they are tied to a strong stick.
Planting soil should be well-drained and nutritious. Alkaline soils containing lime are preferred. The plant does not tolerate soil compaction and stagnation of water. So that the earth is not taken by the crust after watering, its surface is mulched with peat and moss.
Watering the bean tree is necessary only during a period of long drought. The plant withstands drought much better than excessive watering. Most of the water he needs during the flowering period.
Providing the tree with the necessary trace elements during the period of active growth will help fertilizing. Organic fertilizers are commonly used. Each spring, the soil is mulched with compost. A few times during the season, a mullein solution is poured under the root.
Forming pruning to a bean tree is rare. Its flowing shoots without human intervention take a beautiful shape. In spring, you can remove part of the branches, including frozen shoots. You need to do this sparingly, otherwise the laburnum may get sick. After flowering, beans are removed whenever possible. This increases the attractiveness of the plant and prevents self-seeding.
Most bean branches are sloping. In winter, a large amount of snow can accumulate on them. Under such a weight, the branches break easily. To prevent this, part of the snow cover from the branches is shaken off or removed in another way.
In wet weather with frequent stagnation of moisture at the trunk, the bean tree is affected by powdery mildew. The disease is evidenced by a grayish coating on the trunk and branches. If such signs are found, measures should be taken to improve the conditions of detention, as well as carry out fungicide treatment. Due to its toxicity, the beaver is not affected by pests.
Using
Bobovnik is an excellent decoration of the garden. Individual trees are planted anywhere in the plot as a tapeworm. The gazebo under the spreading crown can serve as a place of solitude and relaxation. Some varieties have shoots similar to vines. They can be directed along an arch or other support, creating an amazing cascade or corridor.
Robedendron, hawthorn, wisteria, or scoopia can become neighbors for the bean tree. Bright inflorescences and succulent greens also look good against the background of conifers with dark green or bluish shoots.
