The similarity to the button of a hussar uniform gave the hussar button or hussar button its name. The small, annual ornamental perennial is a popular balcony and container plant that is particularly popular because of its long flowering period. Of course, the prerequisite is proper care.
How do you properly care for hussar buttons?
When caring for hussar buttons, you should make sure not to allow them to dry out or become waterlogged, to fertilize regularly and to cut out spent inflorescences. Overwintering is not possible for this annual plant.
What do you have to consider when casting hussar button?
- Don’t let it dry out
- no waterlogging
- large drainage hole in the planter
- drain excess water
The plant must neither dry out nor remain moist for long periods of time. Only water when the top soil has dried.
Plant Hussar Button only in planters with a large drainage hole so that the irrigation water can drain away. This prevents waterlogging.
If you care for hussar buttons in the rock garden, place them close to stones. These prevent the water from evaporating and ensure consistent soil moisture.
What is the best way to fertilize hussar heads?
Amend the soil before planting Hussar Button with compost if available. Otherwise, use good, nutritious garden soil. Then you don't need to fertilize for the first few weeks.
Later, applying fertilizer every two weeks is recommended. Commercially available liquid fertilizer is suitable for this (€12.00 on Amazon).
Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer provides sufficient nutrients.
Is cutting hussar buttons necessary?
You don't necessarily have to cut your hussar heads. A topiary is not necessary because the hanging shoots are so decorative.
But keep cutting out spent inflorescences. This will stimulate the development of more flowers.
If the Hussar's button becomes lazy to bloom, you can cut back he althy plants by up to two thirds. They recover quickly and then sprout again.
Are there any diseases you need to pay attention to?
Neither diseases nor pests are common. Even snails don't seem to like Hussar Head.
If the plant is suffering, it is usually because it is too wet. Certain ascomycetes (Botrytis) can then spread and cause the roots to rot.
Mushrooms almost never appear in a favorable location.
Can the Hussar Button be overwintered?
Hussar buttons are annual, non-winter-hardy plants that are used up after one season. They cannot be overwintered.
Tip
You can propagate hussar heads yourself using seeds that you collect in the fall. However, sowing must take place very early in the year.
