• Flowers for home and beyond: Moss rose (purslane) - ideal for Armenia’s climate

  Moss rose plants (Portulaca grandiflora) are popular flowering annual succulents that are ideal for the hot, dry climate of Armenia. These flowers are easy to care for, love the sun, and do not require abundant watering. In addition, they are very affordable—a purslane seedling costs only 300 drams. These flowers spread across the ground, forming a dense mat of colorful flowers that often have ruffled petals, making them look like miniature roses...

Lavender makes a stunning addition to your garden or balcony, providing stunning shades of color from early summer through autumn. Lavender, with its silver-green foliage, upright flower spikes and compact shrubby form, is ideal for creating informal hedges. These flowers are quite unpretentious and affordable. In Yerevan, a lavender seedling can be purchased from 1000 to 4500 drams, depending on the size.

When and where to plant:

It is best to plant lavender in the spring after the soil has warmed up and the threat of frost has passed. You can also plant in the fall if you give the plants enough time to establish their roots before winter. Lavender loves sun, so it is best to choose a sunny location (at least 6 hours a day). In more shaded areas, plants will bloom poorly, lose energy and become less fragrant.

Soil requirements:

Lavender grows best in sandy, nutrient-poor, alkaline soil that provides excellent drainage. Avoid planting in heavy clay or areas where there is a risk of stagnant water. Because good drainage is important, consider growing plants in hills, raised beds, or slopes.

Watering:

Established lavender plants are extremely drought tolerant and only need to be watered during long dry periods. To prevent root rot and fungal diseases, avoid overwatering and keep leaves dry by watering at ground level or using drip irrigation. In winter, when the plants are dormant, additional watering is not required.

Fertilizers:

Fertilizing lavender is rarely needed and can cause a burst of foliage growth at the expense of flowering. Plants will generally be more resilient if grown in poor, nutrient-poor soil.

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