Also known as ethionema, there are about 30 species of winged grass, and all of them are distinguished by excellent drought tolerance. This plant is intolerant of waterlogging, and it does not matter, soil or air. Excess moisture can even destroy ethionema!
The plant occurs naturally in the mountains at an altitude of 1000-3000 meters. Thanks to such harsh conditions of existence, the winged grass is very tempered and so that when growing it as a cultivated plant, it is better to provide it with Spartan conditions.
Slightly alkaline or neutral, not very nutritious soil is best suited. In which it is worth adding coarse sand or even fine gravel. This is done in order to ensure reliable drainage. Most of the species should be sheltered for the winter from excess moisture. Good covering materials are glass and polyethylene.
The most unpretentious species is the large-flowered winged grass. This species practically does not require special care in central Russia.
This species is propagated by seeds, which, by the way, have good germination. You can also cuttings. The best time for this is summer.
Krylotychinnik flowers deserve a special description. The four-petalled flowers of red, white, or pink are grouped into round, dense heads that stretch out in length during the flowering period.
Expect the first inflorescences at the end of May, and you can enjoy them within a month.
If you do not plan on receiving seeds, remove the faded buds.
The winged grass forms a dense carpet of leaves, which can be an excellent decoration, for example, a rock garden or used as a curb plant.
Successful in composition are beetroot, Iberis, which we have already mentioned, sunflower.
Happy experiments!
