When a fruity scent reminiscent of honey flows through the air and magically attracts bees, one thing is certain: the parrot plant is in the middle of its flowering period.
How do I care for a parrot plant?
The parrot plant prefers a sunny location, permeable to well-drained substrate with a slightly acidic to neutral pH value and moderate nutrient content. It blooms in midsummer and should be planted at a distance of at least 60 cm.
Should the location be sunny or partially shaded?
This plant, originally from North America, prefers to grow in a sunny location. There it develops the most beautiful flowers. But it can also find a place in partial shade. Among other things, it is suitable for beds and for pot cultivation on balconies and terraces.
Which substrate does this plant like?
The hardy parrot plant does not place high demands on the substrate. However, it feels best in a soil that has the following properties:
- permeable to well-drained
- slightly acidic to neutral pH value
- moderately nutritious
- better dry than wet
When does the parrot plant bloom?
This exotic-looking plant blooms in midsummer. This is usually the case between July and August. Shortly afterwards, the unusually parrot-like fruits, which are often used as decorative elements, appear.
What planting distance is necessary?
When you plant the parrot plant, you should keep a minimum distance of 60 cm between it and other plants or several specimens of this species. A planting distance of 1 m is better.
How can you propagate this plant?
Various methods can be used for propagation. This plant can be propagated by seeds, cuttings and also by division. The seeds are blown by the wind in autumn and germinate in spring. They can also be sown specifically. Propagation by cuttings is similar to that of other shrubs. For division, the rootstock is dug up and divided in spring or autumn.
But this plant also likes to reproduce on its own. It has an underground rhizome from which several shoots can emerge on the surface over time. If you don't do anything about it, you will soon have a whole 'forest' of parrot plants that only need appropriate care in order to thrive.
Tip
If you don't want the poisonous parrot plant to spread unhindered, you should plant it in the ground outdoors with a root barrier.
