The cockade flower (lat. Gallardia, parrot flower) is one of the extremely attractive flowering perennials. It is robust and forms beautiful flower carpets that should not be missing in any perennial bed. We have summarized for you in this article what you need to pay attention to when caring for it.
How do I properly care for a cockade flower?
The care of the cockade flower includes regular watering without waterlogging, fertilizing with slow-release fertilizer, removing spent parts, occasional division and relocation, pest control if necessary and winter protection using brushwood or twigs.
Water requirements
Watering regularly is important, but this should not be overdone. In general, Gallardia tolerates dryness better than too much wetness. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs, as the cockade flower is extremely sensitive to this.
The water requirement of parrot flowers grown in pots is significantly higher than those that thrive in flower beds. Ensure good water drainage with a drainage layer made of expanded clay and always water when the top centimeters of soil feel dry.
Fertilize regularly
Like all flowering plants, the cockade flower requires a lot of strength to produce numerous flowers. It is recommended to give long-term fertilizer in spring as well as regular top-fertilization throughout the entire growing season. For example, add a liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water every two to three weeks. A fertilizer with guano has a very beneficial effect and can cause a real explosion of flowers.
When and how do you cut?
Pruning is only necessary in autumn. However, in order to produce abundant flowers, it is necessary to regularly remove everything that has bloomed. If you cut a bouquet for the vase every now and then, this will also stimulate the formation of new flowers.
Share and implement now and then
If the parrot flower's ability to bloom decreases, you should divide Gallardia. Dig up the perennial in spring and use a spade to break the root ball into two to three individual parts that can be reinserted. Place them in normal topsoil which you enrich with compost and horn shavings and loosen with a little sand if necessary.
Pests and diseases
Corcade flowers are very robust plants that are rarely affected by diseases or pests. Even snails avoid the plants. Only aphids appear from time to time, but in most cases Gallardia can deal with these itself. If powdery mildew occurs, you should cut off the affected parts of the plant. This often solves the problem. If this is not enough, spraying with milk or substances containing silicic acid will help.
Care in winter
Cockade flowers are moderately hardy. It is enough to give the parrot flower an airy winter protection made of brushwood or twigs. Do not cut Gallardia back too deeply in autumn, as its own leafy greens provide excellent protection from the cold.
Tip
In harsh regions, place the cockade flower in a protected location, for example in front of a wall. The climate here is milder, which suits the sun-hungry plant very well.