Content
Kupena squat (Polygonatum humile) is a perennial that belongs to the Asparagus family. It is a typical forest plant, which in appearance is similar to a large lily of the valley. In some sources it can be found under the name “Solomon’s Seal”, which is due to the structure of the root. Nowadays, the squat kupena is widely used in landscape design, as it is highly resistant to adverse weather factors and retains its decorative effect throughout the season, which allows you to create spectacular compositions.
Kupena squat - shade-tolerant crop
Botanical description of the species
This plant is low-growing and slow-growing. The height of its bushes reaches 12-30 cm. Kupena squat is distinguished by dense low clumps and thin erect shoots. The leaves are lanceolate-oval or ovoid in shape. They are pointed at the ends. The plates are sessile, located alternately on the shoots. There is a slight edge on the back surface.
The flowers of Kupena are squat, bell-shaped, and white in color. The diameter of the corolla reaches 2.2 cm. The buds are single, growing from the axils of the leaves in 2-5 pieces. simultaneously.Peduncles are bare, arched. The stamens of Koupena squatta protrude from the perianth tube. The plant forms buds at the end of May and continues for 15-20 days. As a result, dark blue berries are formed. They contain from 1 to 9 seeds. The fruits ripen in August.
The root of the kupena is squat, cord-like, light in color. Its thickness is 2-3 cm. It is located horizontally to the soil surface. Every year in the spring the plant's growing season begins and several shoots grow. With the arrival of autumn frosts, they die off, and peculiar round dents-scars, reminiscent of a seal, remain on the root. As a result, the plant received its second name.
The root of the plant has recovery buds
Where and how does it grow
This culture is widespread in Siberia, the Far East, China and Japan. Kupena squat prefers to settle in thin pine and birch forests. It can be found on the edges under the canopy of bushes and trees. Less common in meadows, hills, and slopes.
Prefers places with nutritious soil rich in vermicompost. The plant easily tolerates waterlogged soil.
Application in landscape design
Kupena squat is increasingly used by gardeners as an element for landscaping. It helps to successfully disguise unsightly places where most crops die. It should be planted in groups. It is suitable as a frame for garden paths, flower beds, and artificial ponds. It can also be planted at the base of shrubs to embellish their bare shoots below.
You can choose companions for the squat kupena:
- marsh irises;
- tulips;
- hyacinths;
- daffodils;
- crocuses;
- dicenter;
- colored callas.
Reproduction methods
To obtain new seedlings of this crop, it is recommended to use the method of dividing the bush. This procedure can be carried out at any time of the year, but the most optimal period is the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.
To do this, you need to water the squat one a day before. Then dig up the plant and carefully clean the root from the soil. Divide the bush into separate segments with your hands or a knife. Each of them must have a shoot, a recovery bud and a well-developed underground shoot. The cuttings should be planted immediately, deepening them to 8-9 cm. The root should be laid horizontally.
The seed propagation method is not used for this crop, since pollination rarely occurs due to the narrow, long perianth. Only long-proboscis bumblebees are suitable for this. Therefore, the seeds of the squat plant ripen very rarely.
Landing dates and rules
For this crop, the composition of the soil is not important. Therefore, for the squat kupena, you can choose any slightly shaded area where the ground rarely dries out. Planting is recommended in late spring or early autumn. To do this, you should first dig up the area and prepare holes measuring 20 by 20 cm. Place a layer of drainage on the bottom, and cover it on top with a mixture of turf and humus in equal quantities.
When planting, the root collar should be deepened by 2 cm. Then sprinkle the roots with earth and compact the surface. At the end of the procedure, water the squat bath generously. When planting in groups, seedlings should be placed at a distance of 25 cm.
The plant blooms in the second year after planting
Features of care
The plant does not require much attention and is ideal for a garden that does not have time to care for. It is necessary to water the squat kupena only during prolonged drought. This should be done 2 times a week, soaking the soil to a depth of 10 cm. During hot periods, mulch from humus or peat must be laid between young seedlings, which will reduce evaporation.
It is necessary to loosen and remove weeds only for the first 2 years after planting. This should be done carefully, since the plant’s roots are located close to the soil surface. In the future, the bushes will grow and close together, so this will no longer be necessary.
The plant responds well to fertilizing, so it is recommended to add organic matter to the soil in spring and early summer, and then use phosphorus-potassium mineral mixtures.
Preparing for winter
With the arrival of autumn frosts, the above-ground part of the squat plant dies off. And its root is capable of overwintering without any shelter. Therefore, the plant does not need special preparation during this period.
But to prevent wilted leaves from becoming a source of infection, they should be cut off at the base. When growing squat kupena in regions with difficult climatic conditions, it is recommended to cover the root of the plant with spruce branches. The cover should be removed in early spring, without waiting for sustained heat, so that the roots do not dry out.
Spruce branches provide excellent protection from frost
Diseases and pests
Kupena squat has high natural immunity. Therefore, it is resistant to many diseases. However, in case of prolonged stagnation of moisture in the soil, it can be affected by root rot. To prevent this, you need to choose areas with good air permeability for the plant.When planting in heavy clay soil, you must first add sand and peat to it at the rate of 5 kg per 1 sq. m. m.
Among the pests, slugs that feed on its young shoots and leaves can cause damage to the squat plant. As a result, holes appear on the plant, which reduces its decorative value. To deter them, sprinkle the soil at the base of the bushes with tobacco dust or wood ash.
Conclusion
Kupena squat is an unpretentious crop that can decorate any inconspicuous corner in the garden. At the same time, the plant does not require complex care and is able to fully develop and bloom annually. But to do this, you must initially select a site taking into account its requirements. And this is quite simple, since it takes root where other garden crops die. The main thing to remember is that when working with a plant you need to adhere to personal safety rules, since all its parts are poisonous.
