Crotalaria SPECTABILIS

Crotalaria SPECTABILIS - Showy Rattlebox, Crotalaria spectabilis, Bird Flower.

Crotalaria is a large genus comprising 500 species of herbaceous plants and shrubs in the Legume family (Fabaceae), native to South Asia. In the wild, it can be found in South Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and the Transcaucasus. Shrubs are widespread in the tropics and subtropics. Recently, the plant has begun to be widely cultivated in Africa.

The shrubs have erect shoots with distinct ribs up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) long. The leaves consist of 3 rounded light-green parts measuring 4 cm (1.6 in), typical for most members of the legumes. The leaf blades have a pubescent surface.

The flowers are collected in large inflorescences - racemes up to 25 cm (9.8 in) long. The flowers can be bright yellow, white, or green. Less often, the petals are dark purple, almost black. After flowering is completed, green pods with rounded bean-like seeds are formed.

Showy rattlebox is a subshrub with rich yellow, lilac, or blue flowers. This is an ornamental plant, but it is also grown as a green manure and for fiber extraction. The crop is popular among gardeners due to its ornamental appearance. It is undemanding in terms of growing conditions and care.

The crop is propagated by sowing seeds in nutrient soil to a depth of 2 cm (0.8 in). Seed material is soaked in advance in warm water for 12 hours. The containers are placed in a warm spot where the air temperature is 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). Seeds are sown into the ground in spring, once the threat of night frosts has passed.

Germination occurs after 3 days, and the first leaves appear. The soil is watered with warm water 2 hours before pricking out. Prepared containers are filled to 1/4 with soil mix, and a depression is made for the root. It is removed with a clod of earth, transferred to a new container, placed in the hole, and covered with soil. After pricking out, the seedlings are watered or sprayed.

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Crotalaria should be planted in shady areas that are illuminated by the sun for a few hours a day. The plant prefers acidic, well-drained soil. The air temperature at planting should not be lower than 15 °C (59 °F).

It is not necessary to water the shrubs, but during a prolonged drought, they need to be sprayed. Perennials require repotting every year in the spring. Plantings should be fed 2 times a month with potassium-rich formulations.