Sonya

Sonia is a perennial herbaceous plant with a rhizome and oblique whitish rope-like roots, reaching a height of 10–20 cm. Leaves are gathered in a basal rosette: they are elongated-oval, wrinkled, serrated, about 8–12 cm long, and covered with grayish down on the underside. The leafless flower stalk is 10–20 cm tall, topped with a dense unilateral inflorescence in the form of an umbrella of 5–16 bright yellow flowers with honey-colored spots at the base of the corolla.

Flowering period – mid-April to June (or May), during which each bush can bloom for more than a month. The fruit is an oval capsule, about as long as the calyx. The plant is capable of self-seeding, which makes it convenient for natural spread in garden semi-shaded and sunny areas.

Sonia is well-suited for naturalization: it can be placed in open areas or in shady spots among bushes and trees, but with half-day lighting ensured. Moist, loose soils with good moisture retention capacity are optimal; on clayey soils the plant does not grow without improving the structure (adding sand, vermiculite, or compost). Regular watering in the spring period and moderate feeding with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers contribute to lush flowering. Reproduction is possible by seeds, rooting of axillary shoots, or dividing bushes – this is usually done in autumn so that new plants have time to root before the cold.