Content
Planting and caring for bathing in the open ground consists of simple rules. But first you need to study the characteristics and requirements of the plant.
Botanical description of the kupena plant
Kupena (Polygonatum) is a perennial plant from the Asparagus family. It has an angled horizontal rhizome with a bud in the upper part, from which a new vegetative shoot grows every year.The stems of the plant are ribbed, without pubescence, green or reddish, the leaf blades are sessile, oval in shape, with a smooth edge and a pointed apex.
The buds of perennial kupena droop and are usually directed in one direction along the stem
Kupena is also called the “seal of Solomon” for its interesting feature - with the onset of autumn, the shoot of the plant dies and leaves a characteristic-looking scar with a depressed middle on the rhizome. By the number of such “seals” you can calculate how old the herbaceous perennial is.
Features of flowering
The perennial plant enters its decorative period in May and June. Snow-white bell-shaped buds appear from the leaf axils in the lower part of the stem and gradually open into full-fledged fragrant flowers. Provided that pollination has occurred, by mid-summer fruits are formed in their place - dark berries with several seeds.
Habitat
The perennial plant lives in subtropical zones, Indochina and China, in the temperate climates of Asia, Europe and North America. On the territory of Russia you can find it everywhere in the middle zone, in Siberia, the Caucasus and the Far East. For growth, the perennial chooses meadows and fields, mountain slopes, and bushes.
Is Kupena a poisonous plant or not?
The generally useful perennial kupena is a poisonous plant and contains a large amount of cardiac glycosides, saponins and alkaloids. It must be used for culinary and medicinal purposes with great caution; the fruits are especially dangerous.
Types of purchased
The perennial plant is represented by several dozen species. Among them are the most famous and popular among gardeners.
Pharmacy
Pharmacy, or medicinal, kupena (Polygonatum odoratum) is a plant up to 65 cm tall with flowering in mid-May. The species is widespread in temperate climates and is especially valued for its medicinal properties. The photo of the garden flower Kupena shows that its buds are snow-white, with green tips of the petals.
Pharmacy purchase remains decorative for about five weeks
Whorled
Whorled rose (Polygonatum verticillatum) is a medium-sized plant up to 60 cm above ground level. A peculiarity of the species is that in the upper part there are whorls of 4-8 separate plates. The perennial plant is found mainly in Europe in shady forests.
Flowering of whorled rose occurs in June and July
Multiflora
Polygonatum multiflorum is a relatively tall perennial up to 1 m above the ground. The leaves of the plant are arranged in a couple of rows, small white buds appear in bunches of up to four pieces.
Multi-flowered kupena grows especially well in the shade on moist soils
Kupena two-flowered
Two-flowered rosemary (Polygonatum biflorum) is a perennial plant about 40 cm tall with a green, slightly pubescent stem. From the end of May to July it bears 1-2 tubular buds on each peduncle; after they wither, black berries are formed.
The buds of the two-flowered kupena are white-greenish.
Kupena crescent Variegatu
The sickle-shaped cupena (Polygonatum falcatum) is found mainly in the subtropics of Japan and Korea. It has a stem up to 80 cm, oblong-lanceolate leaves, and a light stripe often runs along the center of the plates. The buds of the perennial plant are greenish, up to six per peduncle.
The decorative variety Variegatum is of particular interest to gardeners.The photo of the plant in landscape design looks especially impressive; numerous white strokes are clearly visible on the leaves of the plant.
Crescent cupena blooms from late May to mid-summer
Kupena broadleaf
Broadleaf rose (Polygonatum hirtum) reaches 50 cm in height. It has large oval leaves up to 7 cm in diameter with a point at the top. It blooms with greenish-white buds at the usual time - in late May and early June.
Flowering of the broad-leaved rose lasts about 25 days
Narrow-leaved
Narrow-leaved rosemary (Polygonatum stenophyllum) grows in Northern China and Russian Primorye. It is distinguished by narrow lanceolate leaves without pubescence on the underside; it blooms from late spring to mid-summer.
The height of the perennial narrow-leaved cupena rises to 50 cm
Caucasian
Caucasian kupena (Polygonatum polyanthemum) is found in the Crimea, Dagestan, Ciscaucasia and Western Transcaucasia. The stem of the perennial rises an average of 30 cm, the long oval leaves below are covered with villi. In the photo of the kupena plant, white, tubular buds are visible, with an expansion at the top.
Caucasian kupena blooms from mid-April
Holly
Holly flower (Polygonatum acuminatifolium) is a fairly rare species that grows in Southern Primorye. It rises up to 35 cm above the ground, has a green bare stem without pubescence, pointed lanceolate leaves with a narrowing at the bottom. Produces 2-3 buds per peduncle.
Holly flowering begins in June
Application of bought in landscape design
Most often, kupena in the garden is planted in shady areas next to ferns, hostas, daylilies and primroses. Perennial plant suitable:
- for decorating empty lawns;
The low kupena forms an attractive green carpet
- for decorating space near walls and fences;
Kupena is not afraid of shaded areas near buildings
- for the formation of the middle tier of artistic compositions.
In group plantings, kupena favorably shades flowering perennials
Methods of propagation of kupena
The perennial plant is propagated in the garden in two ways - by seeds and vegetatively. The latter method is used more often because it is simpler and allows you to achieve results faster.
Growing from seeds
Seeds for growing can be purchased at the store or collected from mature perennial plants. Planting material is sown in a sand-peat mixture and placed in a cold place for at least a month, and preferably three. After this, the container is moved to a warm place, and after a couple of weeks it is put into a cool place for another 50 days.
After stratification of seeds, kupena acquires greater endurance
Then the seedling box is finally returned to a bright, warm place and watered regularly. With the onset of summer, the strengthened perennial plant is transplanted into open ground, and flowering should only be expected after three years.
Dividing the bush
Propagation by dividing the bush is a convenient and reliable method, suitable for those who are already growing an adult perennial kupena on the site. At the beginning of spring or in September, the plant is carefully dug out of the ground and cut into 2-3 parts with a knife or sharpened shovel. Each division is transferred to a prepared place and planted in the standard way.
The cuttings should have healthy roots and growth points.
Planting kupena in open ground
Growing a plant in a summer cottage is quite simple. In this case, it is necessary to carefully study the photo, planting and caring for the Kupena flower.
Recommended timing
It is best to plant a perennial plant in the garden in early spring or late summer. In both cases, it will be able to quickly take root in the soil and will not suffer from cold weather.
Site selection and preparation
The plant prefers light, humus-rich and well-moistened soil. Perennial lighting requires soft and diffused lighting, without direct sunlight.
Shortly before planting the plant, the selected area must be properly dug up and rid of weeds. If necessary, the soil is diluted with sand, peat and humus to make it as nutritious and permeable to air as possible.
Landing algorithm
Planting a perennial plant in the country looks very simple:
- in the selected area, dig a shallow hole for a horizontal rhizome - twice the size of the underground system of the seedling;
- drainage and complex mineral fertilizers are placed at the bottom of the pit;
- fill the hole with a mixture of fertile soil, sand and peat and compact it;
- deepen the roots of the seedling about 10 cm into the soil, if necessary add more soil on top;
- watered through a special groove made around the plant.
To ensure that moisture evaporates more slowly, the soil can be immediately mulched with peat, straw or wood chips.
Features of bath care
Planting and caring for garden lily of the valley is not particularly difficult.The main attention should be paid to watering and timely application of fertilizers for abundant flowering.
Watering and fertilizing schedule
The perennial plant loves moisture, so in summer it needs to be watered regularly - at least once a week. It is best to use the sprinkling method so as not to erode the soil at the roots passing close to the surface of the earth. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the intensity of natural precipitation. During periods of heavy rain, the amount of watering is reduced.
Fertilizer for the kupena plant is applied once a year in the spring before flowering begins. The perennial prefers organic matter, compost or manure; you can also use mineral mixtures containing nitrogen and phosphorus.
Weeding and mulching
Weeds can take away nutrients and moisture from an ornamental plant. They are pulled out by hand twice a month, and the soil is mulched to prevent them from appearing again. You can use peat, straw or fallen leaves.
The roots of the kupena pass near the surface, so standard weeding is not carried out for it
Preparing for winter
With the onset of autumn, the shoots of the faded plant are cut off at a height of about 5 cm above the ground. The perennial is quite frost-resistant and tolerates temperatures below -20 °C. However, in winter it is still recommended to cover the roots of the plant with a layer of sawdust or peat for insulation.
When and how can you transplant a kupena
Kupena grows slowly, but over time it thickens greatly, stops developing and also begins to interfere with neighboring perennials. Therefore, it is customary to replant the plant once every 4-5 years.
The procedure is carried out in early spring or autumn.They use the division method - the bush is dug up from the old place and the rhizome is cut into pieces, and then new plants are transferred to the prepared holes.
Diseases and pests
Garden kupena is highly resistant to diseases. The danger to the plant is mainly root rot. Since the perennial prefers moist areas, with excessive watering the fungus can lead to softening of the underground part. Rot can be recognized by drying of the foliage, the appearance of constrictions on the plates of the plant, slower growth and reduced flowering.
Root rot causes brown spots on leaves
Treatment of fungal diseases is carried out using fungicides and Bordeaux mixture. It is also necessary to review the watering regime and provide the plant with good soil aeration. If the root system is damaged too much, then it is better to remove the kupena from the site and burn it.
Among the pests that are dangerous to perennial plants are:
- slugs and snails — gastropods settle on wide leaves and feed on lush greenery;
An indirect sign of slugs on the kupena is the presence of sticky transparent marks on the leaves
- sawflies - Thick white caterpillars can quickly eat an entire plant if not controlled.
Sawflies can be collected by hand - they are loosely attached to the leaves and easily fall off
The fight against gastropods and insects is carried out using copper sulfate and chemicals. In case of minor damage to the plantings, pests can simply be washed off the plant with water under low pressure.
Medicinal properties of the plant
Some types of perennial garden plants have medicinal properties. First of all, these are fragrant, or pharmaceutical, and multi-flowered kupena, they are the most widespread. For medicinal purposes, whorled, two-flowered and broad-leaved varieties are used.
Products based on the garden plant kupena have numerous beneficial properties. When used correctly they:
- help in the treatment of gout, rheumatism and radiculitis;
- remove parasites from the intestines;
- promote healing of wounds, burns and ulcers;
- serve as prevention and help in the treatment of colds;
- cleanse the blood and strengthen the walls of blood vessels;
- relieve heat and inflammation, help reduce pain;
- prevent the development of vitamin deficiency and anemia;
- improve the condition of bones and joints;
- normalize digestive processes.
It is useful for women to use kupena to relieve painful menstruation and to prevent cancer of the reproductive system. Men can take the plant to maintain potency and to prevent genitourinary inflammation.
Use in folk medicine
Traditional medicine uses all parts of the plant, its rhizomes, fruits, flowers and herbs. Based on plant materials, it is possible to prepare aqueous and alcoholic products with a strong medicinal effect.
For stomach diseases
A water infusion on the leaves and stems of the kupena plant has a good effect on gastritis, sluggish digestion and heaviness in the stomach. The medicine is prepared as follows:
- two large spoons of dry raw materials are poured into 500 ml of boiling water;
- cover with a lid and wrap in a towel;
- put in a warm place for two hours;
- passed through cheesecloth for filtration.
You need to drink the product three times a day on an empty stomach, preferably at the same time. The infusion also helps with swelling and kidney diseases.
For abrasions and wounds
A decoction of a garden plant is used externally for wounds and abrasions. The product contains a large amount of tannins, prevents inflammation and promotes rapid healing. The recipe looks like this:
- three large spoons of dry roots are crushed;
- pour 500 ml of water;
- Boil over low heat for 20 minutes.
Use a strained decoction of a perennial plant for rubbing the skin, compresses and lotions. Kupena has a good effect on bruises and bruises and promotes their rapid resorption.
For gout
Kupena root is used in the treatment of joints to relieve the unpleasant symptoms of gout. For therapy, prepare a simple decoction:
- dry raw materials are crushed in an amount of 5 g;
- pour 250 ml of boiling water;
- boil over low heat with stirring for 15 minutes;
- cool under the lid and strain.
You need to moisten a bandage or clean gauze in the finished product and apply it to the affected area for 40 minutes. The anti-inflammatory properties of a decoction of a garden plant quickly soothe pain and improve mobility.
Kupena tincture is also used in the treatment of joints. To prepare it you need:
- pour 100 ml of medical alcohol into 100 g of fresh stems and leaves of the plant;
- keep the mixture in a dark place for ten days;
- filter the finished composition.
The tincture of the plant is used for rubbing; it has warming and analgesic properties.
The roots of the kupena plant are poisonous, but contain the most anti-inflammatory substances
For hemorrhoids
The medicinal properties of kupena root are in demand for hemorrhoids. The healing remedy is done like this:
- pour 3 liters of milk into a large enamel pan;
- add a small spoonful of powder from the dry roots of the plant;
- in the oven, the milk is evaporated until 1 liter remains of the original volume;
- the finished product is filtered.
You need to take the decoction four times a day, 30 ml on an empty stomach.
Use in cooking
Although all varieties of perennial plants are poisonous, the medicinal and multi-flowered kupena are used in cooking. Mainly young shoots and leaves are used, which contain large amounts of starch. Raw materials can be marinated with vinegar and garlic, added to soup, stewed vegetables or main courses.
Before cooking, the stems and leaf blades must be processed at high temperature, washed and blanched for several minutes in boiling salted water. After this, the liquid is drained and the raw material is left on the table until it cools. Heat treatment reduces the toxicity of the plant and makes it safe for food use.
Restrictions and contraindications
The useful but poisonous plant kupena has some contraindications. It cannot be used:
- during pregnancy and lactation;
- under the age of 16;
- for allergies - seasonal, contact or to medications;
- during exacerbations of gastrointestinal diseases;
- in the presence of individual intolerance.
For the first time, herbal remedies are tried with great caution.If a rash, itching, swelling, suffocation or redness appears, you should immediately stop using the plant and consult a doctor.
Collection and procurement of raw materials
The leaves and shoots of perennial kupena are harvested during the flowering period in late spring, and the roots of the plant are dug up in November or March. The berries are harvested in mid-summer during the period of maximum ripeness. If necessary, the raw materials are cut and laid out in a thin layer on a tray in a warm place in the shade. The plant should be dried with good ventilation, but away from direct sunlight.
Kupena leaves may contain dirt and dust, so wash the plant before processing
After all the moisture has evaporated, the medicinal preparations are laid out in paper bags or linen bags and put away in a dark place for storage. Perennial kupena can be kept in a dry cabinet with a temperature no higher than 25 ° C, avoiding its contact with other medicinal herbs. Also, the poisonous plant must be removed away from children and pets.
If all conditions are met, the perennial plant will be able to retain its healing properties for three years. After this, the plant will need to be collected again.
Conclusion
Planting and caring for kupena in the open ground is not a difficult task for a gardener. A simple but attractive plant can decorate a summer cottage, decorate empty spaces and also provide medicinal benefits for certain ailments.
