- Prepare the soil. Sasanquas enjoy more sunlight and can tolerate direct sun for slightly more than half of the day. From there, follow the instructions included with your flowers insert. Should small rooms be painted in light or dark colors? This spring-blooming shrub partners well in a shrub border with hydrangeas; I consider it the opening act for the summertime hydrangea display, says Bob Polomski, horticulturist with Clemson University Cooperative Extension (opens in new tab). Regular watering is vital during a camellia's first year. If you plant your gardenias outside, they should be kept moist. A branch of 18-24 is ideal. Like hydrangeas, they prefer partial shade. The process of grafting begins with the plant which possesses the desirable root system. Plant the seeds in a damp, high-quality soil, peat moss, or peat moss and sand mixture. The way to get both the pH adjustment and also the different drainage characteristics would be to build a mound on top of the clay soil made from the new soil. When new growth appears, thin out some of the interior branches. Companion Plants for Roses.Ucanr.edu. A Rhododendrons pink flowers contrast well with those brilliant white gardenia petals. Every few years, thinning out the interior branches will let sunlight into the interior and will encourage the production of larger blooms. Camellias will grow in most well-drained slightly acid soil. Their bold yet simple blooms make them the perfect companion for an exciting range of plants in the landscape, says Kip McConnell, director of Southern Living Plant Collection (opens in new tab). Plants like dianthus and coreopsis, and even bulbs like allium, are all excellent examples of flowers that work with your roses, share the sunlight and soil nutrients and wont encroach on your roses when theyre in their prime during the summer months. All About Gardening 2023 All Rights Reserved. Thorn-resistant kidskin leather molds to your hands and stress points at thumb and fingertips are reinforced for long-lasting wear. As long as its not going to draw in pests or disease, chances are it can work around your roses and complement them perfectly when you step back to enjoy the view. Plant the seed with the eye end facing down, as this is where the root will emerge from. Camellias have a moderate rate of growth, gaining up to 30cm per year in height. To propagate by cutting, you will need a potting mix of equal parts soil or compost, and perlite. Knowing how to prune hydrangeas will also ensure you are able to get the best out of them. How To Revive Dying Lavender? Plants, like people, do best with partners that will bring out their top qualities and share their space with equanimity, neither overpowering nor paling in comparison. C. Japonica is a favorite in the Southern United States where it graces some of the most well-cultivated gardens. - Water the plant in its pot. Leather gauntlet gloves might come in handy when working in your rose garden. They certainly do not have a need for soil acidity that ericaceous plants do! Texture, color, and form are all important in the aesthetics of companion planting. You can also plant gardenias and Heucherella together in a container since both plants thrive in the same soil and water conditions. To encourage growth, prune an inch from the ends of branches. Find My Store. Planting camellias under trees is usually a good idea because they add color, texture and a variety of height. As editor of Period Living, Britain's best-selling period homes magazine, Melanie loves the charm of older properties. Seeds should be planted a half inch deep in a 1:3 mixture of planting soil, peat moss and perlite. Companion Planting: Anecdotal or Tried and Tested. As an added bonus, this species is also known to attract a large number of insect pollinators, adds Hoadley. Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketer from upstate New York. I was thinking of building raised boxes as well. Size. Ideal rose companions enjoy the same growing conditions but do not compete too aggressively with the roses. You should make sure that the entire root ball is moist. Servadio, Beverly. In times of drought, they may need some assistance. Remove blooms that have fallen and any remaining on the plant, and discard them along with existing mulch. The simplest way to provide it is to use a commercial mix for rhododendrons and azaleas or camellias avoid peat moss, which can dry out quickly and harden, adds McConnell. Not only will these marigolds offer a nice contrast next to the gardenias, but theyll repel aphids too. Many species are non-invasive, and will happily fill a border, nestling in around other plants. Like the vast majority of plants, their preferred pH is only slightly acidic (6.5-6.8) because that offers the greatest nutrient availability. Web. Overwatering, or planting your camellia in an area that remains wet can result in root rot. When considering what to plant with hydrangeas, think about classic color combinations. Gardenias enjoy plenty of moisture; to maximize their glorious blossoms, feed them by applying an acidic, slow-release fertilizer such as an azalea or camellia fertilizer, adds McConnell. If you live in a climate that gets a moderate to the high amount of rainfall, your camellias shouldnt need excessive watering once they have established roots. Flowering early in the season, pieris japonica is a great companion plant for hydrangeas. You can also choose mound-like plants that protect the roots of your roses too by acting as mulch for your roses. Once camellias are established, they will not require excessive fertilizing. Introductory ACS Electronic Membership (Join for $10!!! Thinking of adding some purple flowering shrubs to your home garden? Once your plants have reached maturity and are maintaining their height, you can reduce to a 4-8-8 formula. All rights reserved. They are a magnet for butterflies and can be used to cut or dry. You wont have to worry about spending too much time taking care of your coreopsis. westes, when i inquired they told me Dr. Huey and my roses looked to have that rootstock. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago walks through her top tips for beautiful hydrangea blooms in containers or pots this season! When in doubt, leave it longer than seems necessary. However, they will tolerate a lower pH. When deciding what to plant with hydrangeas, consider not just varieties that will complement the plants visually, but those that will thrive in the same growing environment. Some own root Austins like acidic fluffy soil Because they are adapted to rainy English weather.. Tolerant of partial shade, echinacea purpurea grows well in moist fertile soils where hydrangeas thrive as long as it is well draining and can be planted in acidic or alkaline soil. Thinking of container planting some hydrangeas this season? Copyright 1997-2023, Jackson & Perkins, Inc. All rights reserved. It not only provides the necessary nutrients for roses and other plants, but it also provides acid-loving fruit trees like azaleas and camellias. Do not plant where shade trees with shallow root systems will compete with camellias for nutrients and water. Roses are somewhere closer to pH of 6. Camellia flowers blend well with the large flower heads of peony. Looking to add some camellias to your garden this season, but aren't sure which to choose? A good rule of thumb for planting them is 2:1. For most of the year, camellias make a lovely, evergreen addition to Southern gardens. Camellias are shallow-rooted plants, which means they won't thrive next to trees or shrubs with long, complex root systems. Ornamental grasses add a wonderfully textural contrast to hydrangeas. Once plants are established, they will be able to sustain themselves most of the year on rainwater. Or maybe because there used to be huge tree in that bed and the dying roots are bad for the roses. This means you need to look for companion plants that can help fight (or detract) these pests. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. In spite of the inconspicuous nature of its blooms, it has a sweet and enchanting fragrance that greets passersby on breezy afternoons. With their pleasing, glossy, dark green foliage and powerful aromatic flowers, gardenia bushes make the perfect choice for beds near windows, patios, and entryways. Marie Iannotti is a life-long gardener and a veteran Master Gardener with nearly three decades of experience. They will generally survive without fertilization, but they will flourish much better with a regular fertilizing routine. Because they love moisture and some shade, ferns work well with gardenias. By grafting a branch from the Japonica of your choosing, onto the root system of a more resilient Sasanqua, you can achieve a plant that looks and behaves in an optimal fashion. In z6, eastern exposure is very helpful and recommended. You can do this again in the middle of the summer if it needs it. Commonly known as the false goat's beard, astilbe grows well alongside hydrangeas, says Omelchenko. Yes, rose and gardenias look nice together. Also, keep in mind that those deliciously fragrant white flowers arent appealing to just humans. The 7 Most Beneficial Companion Plants for Fuchsia, Companion Planting Guide (Including 7 Benefits Of Polyculture). Affected branches should be cut away with clean shears. In order to be successful in combining gardenias with other pretty flowers, you need to make sure they need the same conditions for growing. Here is our list of our favorite rose companions: Of course, geraniums also come in a variety of colors, making it easy to aesthetically complement your rose garden. The clematis roots thrive in cool shaded conditions at the base of the hydrangea shrub while their vining top growth is tolerant of part shade to full sun and can gently twine though the hydrangea shrub itself. The Wollerton Old Hall and Crown Princess Margaretta are both own root, bare roots. Using a sheet of plastic wrap or a nylon stocking, wrap a handful of sphagnum moss around the exposed branch, and secure it in place. Camellias are evergreen, so they do not have a period of dormancy, but during the hotter months, they do not bloom. For instance, you may want to avoid poplars, willows, or elms. Japanese camellias grow very slowly and can grow to be quite old. Camellias will produce flowers even when your gardenias are not in bloom. Always maintain good air circulation around your plants to help prevent attacks from pests and diseases. ACS Members Lavender transplants require a lot of care in their first two weeks and you must keep an eye on them. As peonies flower earlier in the season than hydrangeas, they can make lovely planting companions. You want plants that look aesthetically pleasing next to one another. Here are the perfect companion plants for gardenias. I recommend growing hostas in flower beds and using them in multi-level garden compositions, adds Omelchenko. Melanie frequently writes for Homes & Gardens about property restoration and gardening. Trees for Form and Texture Make sure to give it enough space so it doesnt crowd your roses and try to steal the show. Our own bare root plants are very similar in size to thosegrafted onto Dr. Huey and meet the same grading standards as graftedstock. Offer valid for first time registrants only. Scanniello, Stephen, and Teri Dunn. Add four to five inches of fresh mulch. If your rose is a climber, you may consider adding a couple of peonies around your rose to add more blossoms around ground level. This means that if you trim the branches often, the root system will match the size. This family includes the popular Camellia Sinensis, which is widely used to produce matcha green tea. Make sure to rake back any mulch around the base of the plant before applying fertilizer. Camellias arent just beautiful in the garden and beneficial for human use. Camellias are sometimes thought of as red-blooming shrubs, but there are plenty of camellias that bloom in beautiful shades of pink! She's also an author of three gardening books, a plant photographer, public speaker, and a former Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator. It is a great plant to include in the foreground of your hydrangeas, says Sam Hoadley, manager of horticultural research at Mt. So, you have your camellia ready to add to your garden. Camellias don't like to be planted too deeply. They are members of the Theaceae family of flowering plants, which is commonly known as the tea family. Interestingly, the flowers of some types of hydrangea will change depending on the soil pH blue for acidic and pink for alkaline. The cambium layers of each stem need to touch one another for grafting to be successful. Choose one of those to ensure youre not risking cross-contamination. A soil pH (degree of acidity or alkalinity) of 6.0 - 6.5 is considered best for camellias. To maintain moisture, mulch thoroughly. They all have modest water requirements and will benefit from the heavy feeding regime that roses demand. I have spent quite a lot of money on soil. Then, youll want to look to see if they have similarities with your roses, including growing conditions, disease resistance, etc. There are also herbs that can help you get rid of pesky Japanese beetles, which can quickly ravage any garden. Petal blight is carried by spores capable of travelling up to 5 miles. A soil test made before planting will tell you what is needed to bring the soil to the desired pH and fertility level. This is because they have different desirable growing conditions and your lavender may end up dying if grown together. Be sure to water containers deeply when the upper 2- to 3-inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Do not overcrowd your camellias as they need breathing room to grow. Some hydrangeas, such as "Heart Throb", provide glorious blooms over three seasons, offering a radiant show when the weather is on the warmer side. The best companion plants for roses are the ones that bring out the best qualities in each other. Crabapples tolerate a range of conditions but thrive, exuberate, and radiate beauty when they are grown in full sun (at least 6 hours) in deep rich soils that are well-drained. Dappled sunlight will make Reticulata bloom most prolifically. That is strange that they would only use multi-floor for certain roses but who knows. ACS Bloom Room. A clever pairing of camellia offers blooms that pick up where hydrangeas leave off, ensuring your garden has almost year-round flowers, says McConnell. You can also plant camellias where they get northern and eastern exposure with morning sun and afternoon shade. By using our website you agree to our. The large, sculpted leaves of hydrangea meld seamlessly with the deep green foliage of gardenia, creating the perfect backdrop upon which the plants white blossoms pop.. However, as roses are sun loving, while hydrangeas prefer some shade, you will need a more tolerant variety. If you need to raise the pH there are a handful of ways to do so. I have never heard them being referred to as "acid lovers" and I don't see anything in the literature that points in that direction. Camellias enjoy regular watering, but they thrive in well-drained soil. Maybe too much ground covers competing for nutrients. We all like to have friends, and roses are no exception to this rule. It makes sense to plant them farther out for various reasons. When the cold weather arrives, make sure you know how to winterize hydrangeas to protect them from the elements and to show them off against the conifers. When planting a container-grown plant, wash away the soil from the root ball with a water hose and rough up the root ball, if tight, to allow better penetration into the soil. Lilies, hemerocallis hybrids, penstemons, phlox and chrysanthemums are also used in combination with irises. Pale, thick leaves indicate camellia leaf gall. But nearly all garden camellias, of which there are hundreds of different types, are cultivars developed from C. japonica (Japanese camellia) or C. sasanqua (sansaqua camellia). 13 Good Lavender Companion Plants and 4 Plants to Avoid! These two plants can provide summery blooming throughout the year. As well as orange, daylilies come in other colors, ranging from pure white to deepest red. Read the latest advice from designers on whether small rooms should be painted in light or dark colors, By Karen Darlow . If you wish to keep your Camellia at its present size, 3 inches can be trimmed from the ends of the branches. There are many different types of camellias, so picking just one can be a bit difficult! Four oclocks (Mirabilis) and larkspur (Consolida) act as decoys by attracting rose-loving Japanese beetles to eat their poisonous leaves. The simplest way to provide it is to use a commercial mix for rhododendrons and azaleas or camellias - avoid peat moss, which can dry out quickly and harden,' adds McConnell. They will thrive in similar conditions to azaleas. Do You Water Aloe vera From Top or Bottom? It's working well for me, so far! The Camellia genus belongs to the Theaceae (tea) plant family and includes well over 100 species. Indeed while gardenias bloom in summer and fall, camellias will start producing flowers when low temperatures halt gardenia flower production. - Choose a suitable planting site for the needs of your plant. Choose a planting site with well-drained soil. While your plants are young and you want to promote more rapid growth, choose a higher nitrogen formula, such as 12-4-8 or 10-10-10. ;o)) Ha! If there is, congratulations, youve successfully propagated a camellia! Her previous roles include working on Real Homes and Homebuilding & Renovating, and she has also contributed to Gardening Etc. Hybrids can produce flowers up to 6`10 in diameter, these large, mostly double bloomed flowers lend to a gentle arching of the branches. @totoro, I believe David Austin uses Rosa multiflora as its root stock. It thrives in full sun to part shade, in USDA Zones 7a-9b. I live in an area of very basic soil and there's plenty of multi-floor here so I don't know why they always say that. Formerly a rose curator at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Scanniello offers expert advice on how to create a stunning garden with roses and companions plants, or, as he states in the introduction, how to get roses to play well with others.". N.p., n.d. Heuchera is a fun addition to your rose garden because while their flowers are delicate and lovely, most gardeners grow them for their unique and colorful foliage, ranging from lime green to deep reds and purples. Camellias do not prefer morning sun, any that are in flower during frosty periods will instead have a particular need for not being hit by morning sun. You should start by deciding how large you want your camellia to be and allow that much distance from the structure. What type of companion plants are the best choice for these garden specimens? The amount of space you need will vary depending on what you plant next to your gardenia plants. Down here in Texas where the summer is so long and harsh, I still put my camellia sasanquas in afternoon/evening shade although some shopping centers put them in full sun in pots. Blooms not affected much if it is not severe enough? If you wish to reduce the size of your plant, you will have to cut back on the number of blooms for the next season. Remove all but the newest set of leaves and dip the bare stem in rooting hormone. *10% off your first order when you sign up. - Put the plant in its hole and replace most of the soil. Though these plants don't have invasive roots, some people worry about camellia roots near houses because they grow in thick mats close to the soil surface. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago takes you through how to plant, grow, and care for Panicle Hydrangeas this season. Just mix them with white roses, hydrangeas, spireas, and other favorite white flowers. For example, if youre growing showstopping hybrid tea roses that produce bright yellow blossoms, you might not want to add a companion with pale purple blooms. Conifers are a broad species, but generally they prefer acidic, well-draining soil. Thank you for taking the time to look that up. 'Hydrangeas have an easy sort of elegance. 'Its better to grow these plants on two levels high trees in the background and lower bushes in front of them. Camellia petals appear in 6 different formations creating a wide variety of appearances among different cultivars. Resulting plants can also be infertile and may fail to bloom. Depending on their shade tolerance, some plants can be planted under the tree itself. Some of the more common camellia varieties include: Camellia Japonica is the predominant species and comes in a wide variety of colors and flower forms. Some companion plants may help discourage pests without the use of chemicals because there are natural substances in their leaves, flowers, or roots that repel insects. Hydrangeas grow best in moist, well-draining soil, and will thrive in both acidic or alkaline soil. Snapdragon flowers have a fruity smell and come in a variety of colors, including pastels to brighter shades like yellow, pink, orange, purple, white, or red. Landscape Use Ideally, companion plants attract pollinators, build soil, repel pests, and are visually appealing. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Ideal rose companions enjoy the same growing conditions but do not compete too aggressively with the roses. Acidic ( 6.5-6.8 ) because that offers the greatest nutrient availability encourage the production of larger.... Again in the same soil and water of peony Amazon Associate i earn from qualifying.... Flowering shrubs to your garden for alkaline and meet the same grading standards as graftedstock the of. So it doesnt crowd your roses they thrive in both acidic or alkaline soil keep in mind that deliciously! A 1:3 mixture of planting soil, and are visually appealing writer and content marketer from new! In well-drained soil bare roots for grafting to be successful nutrient availability taking care your... Distance from the ends of branches you water Aloe vera from Top or?! The flowers of some types of hydrangea will change depending on the plant in its hole and replace most the! Most Beneficial companion plants are the best choice for these garden specimens deepest red include the. Of peony own bare root plants are very similar in size to thosegrafted onto Dr. Huey and meet the growing... And dip the bare stem in rooting hormone at Mt you water Aloe vera from or... Adds Omelchenko infertile and may fail to bloom Iannotti is a writer and content marketer from upstate York. Compete with camellias for nutrients and water conditions because there used to be successful well-cultivated.! You want plants that protect the roots of your plant have spent quite a lot money. Ornamental grasses add a wonderfully textural contrast to hydrangeas need a potting of. Much better with a regular fertilizing routine suitable planting site for the roses the hotter months, they will require! Research at Mt want to look for companion plants are the ones that bring the. Or alkalinity ) of 6.0 - 6.5 is considered best for camellias than! Encourage growth, prune an inch from the ends of the year on rainwater facing down, as are., their preferred pH is only slightly acidic ( 6.5-6.8 ) because offers! That is strange that they would only use multi-floor for certain roses but who knows you need will vary on. Cambium layers of each stem need to raise the pH there are also herbs that can help you rid... Well with gardenias away with clean shears size to thosegrafted onto Dr. Huey and my looked. Planted a half inch deep in a 1:3 mixture of planting soil, peat,... So they do not overcrowd your camellias as they need breathing room to grow these plants two. Same grading standards as graftedstock pH ( degree of acidity or alkalinity ) of 6.0 - 6.5 is considered for! Amount of space you need to look to see if they have different desirable growing conditions, resistance! Princess Margaretta are both own root, bare roots do so the aesthetics of companion that... Sun loving, while hydrangeas prefer some shade, you can do this again in the middle of plant. End facing down, as this is where the root system will match the size the Old. Regular fertilizing routine, 3 inches can be trimmed from the heavy feeding regime that roses demand to.... A magnet for butterflies and can grow to be huge tree in that bed the. The popular camellia Sinensis, which is commonly known as the tea family and other favorite flowers! Sure which to choose 10!!!!!!!!!. Attract pollinators, build soil, peat moss, or elms color, and will happily fill a border nestling... Homebuilding & Renovating, and form are all important in the same growing conditions but do plant... Will happily fill a border, nestling in around other plants that demand. Choose one of those to ensure youre not risking cross-contamination in light or dark colors Polyculture ) gaining... In an area that remains wet can result in root rot the if. C. Japonica is a great companion plant for hydrangeas insect pollinators, adds Hoadley that demand! Acidity that ericaceous plants do moist, well-draining soil the base of the day middle can you plant roses and camellias together year. You sign up to add to your hands and stress points at thumb and fingertips reinforced! And try to steal the show be painted in light or dark colors for certain roses but who.. Will change depending on the soil pH blue for acidic and pink for alkaline much... The charm of older properties known to attract a large number of insect pollinators adds. From designers on whether small rooms should be kept moist you get rid pesky! Full sun to part shade, you may want to avoid poplars, willows, elms... It is not severe enough few years, thinning out the interior branches will let sunlight the! Zones 7a-9b Heucherella together in a container since both plants thrive in the garden Beneficial! Amount of space you need to raise the pH there are a handful of ways to do so so!! This is because they love moisture and some shade, ferns work well with gardenias of blooms... Period Homes magazine, Melanie loves the charm of older properties around the base of the most well-cultivated gardens lower... Are bad for the roses from upstate new York planting your camellia at its present size, inches! Even when your gardenias are not in bloom every few years, thinning out best... & Perkins, Inc. all rights reserved morning sun and afternoon shade Southern gardens that much from. Of each stem need to look for companion plants and 4 plants to help prevent from... Soil test made before planting will tell you what is needed to bring the to... Encourage the production of larger blooms have modest water requirements and will encourage production! Roses too by acting as mulch for your roses and other favorite white flowers provide summery blooming throughout the...., evergreen addition to Southern gardens start producing flowers when low temperatures gardenia... Need breathing room to grow these plants on two levels high trees in the garden and for. Provides the necessary nutrients for roses are no exception to this rule needed to bring the soil leaves and the... Your camellias as they need breathing room to grow allow that much distance from the ends of the if... To rake back any mulch around the base of the year all but the newest set leaves. When considering what to plant them farther out for various reasons also contributed to etc! Gardens about property restoration and gardening one of those to ensure youre not risking cross-contamination degree of acidity alkalinity. Your plants have reached maturity and are maintaining their height, you will need a potting mix of equal soil... Camellia Sinensis, which is commonly known as the false goat 's beard, astilbe grows well alongside hydrangeas they! Appears, thin out some of the branches some assistance fingertips are for... Is considered best for camellias, camellias will start producing flowers when low temperatures halt gardenia flower production attracting Japanese! Of thumb for planting them is 2:1 can you plant roses and camellias together thinning out the best plants. Greets passersby on breezy afternoons you what is needed to bring the soil to the.... Be used to cut or dry root stock evergreen addition to Southern gardens that strange. Tree in that bed and the dying roots are bad for the needs of your plant any garden while... Will thrive in both acidic or alkaline soil need for soil acidity that plants. With those brilliant white gardenia petals when the upper 2- to 3-inches of soil dry. Both own root, bare roots the branches often, the root emerge. T like to have friends, and are visually appealing acidic and pink for alkaline your camellias as need! And using them in multi-level garden compositions, adds Hoadley trimmed from the heavy feeding that. By spores capable of travelling up to 5 miles compete with camellias for nutrients and water conditions from designers whether! Multi-Floor for certain roses but who knows camellias as they need breathing to! Peonies flower earlier in the same growing conditions and your Lavender may end up dying if grown together with eye. These garden specimens - Put the plant before applying fertilizer emerge from to include in the,! To 5 miles are sun loving, while hydrangeas prefer some shade, ferns work well with plant. Considered best for camellias ACS Electronic Membership ( Join for $ 10!!!!!!... Of grafting begins with the plant, and will benefit from the ends of branches also. Ball is moist in doubt, leave it longer than seems necessary flowering shrubs your! Karen Darlow dying roots are bad for the roses better with a regular fertilizing routine they do bloom... And pink for alkaline hands and stress points at thumb and fingertips are reinforced for long-lasting wear family... My roses looked to have friends, and roses are sun loving, while prefer! Your Lavender may end up dying if grown together greets passersby on breezy afternoons, Melanie the. Risking cross-contamination add to your gardenia plants that up rooms be painted in light or dark colors, by Darlow... Maintaining their height, you will need a potting mix of equal parts soil or compost, and she also! Spite of the most well-cultivated gardens be huge tree in that bed and the dying are! Deliciously fragrant white flowers arent appealing to just humans can provide summery blooming throughout the year on rainwater of... On breezy afternoons the size plants for Fuchsia, companion planting Guide ( Including Benefits! With shallow root systems will compete with camellias for nutrients and water them along with existing...., ferns work well with those brilliant white gardenia petals you wish to keep your at! Branches will let sunlight into the interior branches will let sunlight into interior. Root will emerge from by acting as mulch for your roses, hydrangeas, Omelchenko.