Content
Anaphalis is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants from the Asteraceae family, including several species and many varieties. Such flowers are often used for landscaping and decorating garden plots. Different varieties of anafalis are resistant to cold and drought. This explains the popularity of the plant among gardeners.
Description of Anaphalis
It is an erect, fast-growing shrub. Unlike many other flowering perennials, anaphalis has a strong and deep root system. Thanks to this, the shrub receives more nutrients and moisture from the soil, which, in turn, provides resistance to drought.
The average plant height is 30-40 cm. Some varieties reach a height of 80-100 cm. Plants need a garter or auxiliary support. Anafalis has thin single stems that can break under the weight of the flower stalks.
Erect shoots are covered with small white hairs. Due to this, the plant appears silver or white. The stems have a large number of elongated feather-like leaves resembling stripes. Sometimes they grow in bunches of 3-5 pieces.
The plant is very resistant to weeds
Almost all plant varieties are characterized by long flowering. It begins in July or August and lasts 2-2.5 months.
During this period, large corymbose inflorescences formed from numerous basket-shaped flowers appear on the plant. The color depends on the variety and variety. Most anafalis have flowers with white petals.
Properly planted shrubs can withstand temperatures down to -34 degrees. Therefore, they are suitable for cultivation in almost any climatic zone of the Russian Federation.
Description of the plant:
Types and varieties of anafalis
The plant has been cultivated for more than two hundred years. There are several main types, each of which includes many varieties. Below are the most common ones in Russia.
Anaphalis three-veined
A herbaceous perennial that grows naturally in the Himalayas. Three-vein anaphalis (Anaphalis triplinervis) up to 50 cm high. The shrub is erect, with a large number of elongated leaves.
The plant is covered with silvery hairs. This makes it appear grey.
Flowering of Anaphalis three-vein begins at the end of June and lasts until mid-September
Main varieties:
- Summer snow (Sommerschnee).
- Silver Wave.
- Silver Rain (Silberregen).
- Prunes (Snoeien).
- Winter.
In the photo of the three-vein anafalis, it is noticeable that the round-shaped flowers are collected in abundant inflorescences. This variety has a high growth rate. During the season, it is recommended to cut three-leaved anaphalis twice.
Anaphalis pearly
It is considered the most common type. Pearl anaphalis (Anaphalis margaritacea) is a low-growing shrub up to 40 cm in height. The plant has fragile stems that dry out in the summer season. Shoots and leaves are gray with a slight blue tint.
It blooms for an average of 2 months. Shield-shaped baskets are formed on the stems. They consist of numerous flowers up to 1 cm in diameter.
Areas located in partial shade are recommended for planting.
Main varieties:
- Fresh snow (Neuschnee).
- Pearly Everlasting.
The presented variety of anafalis can be grown on any type of soil. The only important requirement is the presence of drainage to drain excess liquid.
Anaphalis nepali
A dwarf variety whose representatives usually do not grow higher than 30 cm. Nepalese anaphalis (Anaphalis nepalensis) is often used as a ground cover plant. Shoots on bushes grow to the sides. In this case, the stems are located close to each other, due to which the foliage appears thicker.
Nepalese anafalis have 2 types of leaves - basal and stem.
This variety is considered late. Flowering begins in late summer and lasts until mid-autumn. A distinctive feature of this species is the single-color buds.
Nepalese perennial anafalis are found in nature in the mountains at altitudes of up to 5000 m. This explains the resistance of this plant to cold, winds and abundant sunlight.
Anaphalis velvety
It is a dwarf subshrub up to 35 cm high. Velvety anafalis (Anaphalis velutina) has larger flowers than other species. Their diameter reaches 2 cm.
Velvety anafalis grow well on rocky soils
The shrub is erect, with many stems and leaves. The shoots are prone to woodiness, which occurs in the summer. The decorative effect of the plant remains until the end of September.
Anaphalis alpine
Ground cover low growing shrub. Also called Anaphalis alpicola.
During the flowering period, flower stalks up to 40 cm high appear on the bushes. Each one forms a basket consisting of small white or gray flowers.
The plant has a unique shape of basal leaves.
The shrub is silver-gray. Due to the thick pile, the shoots and leaves retain liquid and acquire a bright shine.
Highland anafalis grow slowly. However, they tolerate cold, lack of moisture and strong winds well. They can be planted in poor soils.
Anaphalis in landscape design
There are many options for using this shrub for decorative purposes. Typically, anafalis are planted in groups for landscaping, zoning and decorating green borders. The plant is well suited for planting in rockeries and alpine hills.
Anafalis is considered compact, so it is suitable for any area
In mixborders, anaphalis is planted mainly with annual plants. Low-growing red or blue flowers that contrast well against the white and gray foliage work best. Anafalis perfectly complement compositions using coniferous plants and low-growing deciduous shrubs.
It grows well on rocky soils. Therefore, it is often planted near artificial ponds and decorative garden buildings.
Features of reproduction
The plant tolerates dividing the bush well. The procedure is carried out in spring or autumn after flowering. The entire bush is removed from the soil, several shoots with roots are separated from the plant, which are planted in a new place. For propagation, bushes that are at least 3 years old are used.
“Delenki” are sometimes planted in pots or flowerpots. The plants are adapted, left in a cool room for the winter and ventilated periodically. Planting in open ground is carried out in the spring.
How to grow anafalis from seeds
Perennial shrubs are rarely planted using seedlings. For these purposes, high-quality healthy seeds are required. In order for them to germinate, certain conditions must be maintained.
When to plant
To find out the sowing time, you must first determine the expected date of planting in open ground. Seedlings begin to grow in 1.5-2 months. This is enough to germinate the material and obtain healthy and strong seedlings.
You can collect the seeds yourself only after the plant has flowered.
When growing anafalis from seeds, it is better to plant at the end of winter. This will harden the plant, making it more resistant to adverse factors. Sowing can be done in mid-late February or early March in order to plant seedlings in open ground in April.
Preparing containers and soil
To sow seeds, use seedling cassettes, peat tablets or small glasses. Plastic containers with drainage holes, pots and cut-off bottles are acceptable.
Nutritious loose soil made from peat and river sand is recommended for the plant. It should be sufficiently moist and free of large solids.
Sowing algorithm
The method of planting seeds is simple. All you need to do is follow the short instructions.
Planting stages:
- Fill the container with soil mixture.
- Soak the plant seeds in a growth stimulator for 10 hours.
- Spray the soil with a spray bottle.
- Scatter the seeds over the surface of the soil at a distance of 2-3 cm from each other.
- Cover the container with film and leave it indoors at a temperature of 16 degrees.
If the soil is taken from an open area, it should be sterilized. This eliminates the risk of infections or pest larvae that can cause irreparable damage to young plants. The soil is placed in the oven for 4-6 hours at a temperature of 80 degrees.
The seeds do not need to be covered with soil after sowing. After germination, the root system itself goes deeper into the soil.
Growing anafalis seedlings
No specific care for seedlings is required. The container with seedlings should be kept on a windowsill or other place well lit by the sun. The film is removed 7-8 days after seed germination.Before this, they need to be ventilated daily.
Water the seedlings as the soil dries out. Picking the plant after seed germination is not required. When they get stronger, they are immediately transplanted into open ground. Stratification is also not required.
Planting and caring for anafalis in open ground
This perennial is known for its unpretentiousness. It can be successfully grown in any conditions. Therefore, planting and caring for an anafalis flower comes down to a set of simple activities.
Recommended timing
When growing by seedling method, spring planting is the best option. Then it is easier for the plant to adapt to new conditions. The bush has time to take root and later survive the winter.
Anafalis can bloom even in the first year after moving to open ground
Autumn planting is preferable when planting large seedlings or divisions. They must be placed in open ground after flowering. In this case, the buds must be removed to stimulate root growth.
Site selection and soil preparation
Areas located in partial shade are best suited for anafalis. However, the plant develops well in sunny places. It is advisable that there is no air stagnation in the area. The presence of drafts in this case is a plus.
Most varieties of anafalis are not picky about soil composition. It shouldn't be too dry. Acidity – neutral.
Perennial anafalis does not require large amounts of nutrients. Planting in sandy and loamy soils is allowed, provided that they are loose enough.
Landing
Anafalis should be planted in the soil in accordance with general technology. Then the flower fully adapts to open ground.
Main stages:
- Prepare a planting hole 25-30 cm deep.
- Place drainage layers of expanded clay, crushed stone or pebbles.
- Sprinkle with fresh, loose soil.
- Place the seedling in the hole with the roots pointing to the sides.
- Cover with soil so that the top roots are at a depth of 4-5 cm.
- Sprinkle surface soil with water.
If it is necessary to limit the growth of roots, a sheet of slate should be placed at the bottom of the hole and along the walls. Brick, stone and wood are also used for these purposes.
Watering and fertilizing schedule
For anafalis, moisture deficiency is not detrimental. The shrub tolerates drought well. Regular watering is required during the flowering period, as well as to prevent premature drying of the stems. 5-10 liters of liquid are added to each bush, depending on the size.
The plant does not require fertilizing for regular abundant growth.
The application of fertilizers to the soil affects the growth rate of anafalis roots, and does not affect the size of the bush itself. Therefore, there is no need for organic and mineral fertilizers. The exception is when anafalis are planted next to other plants that are more demanding on the composition of the soil.
Loosening and mulching
Anaphalis roots need space. In order for them to grow normally underground, it is necessary to periodically loosen the soil. The procedure is carried out as compaction occurs, which is especially important after heavy precipitation or regular watering of the plant. In summer, soil loosening is carried out 2 times a month.
Mulching the soil is carried out during the dry period. Material that retains moisture is added to the soil at a depth of 6-8 cm.Tree bark, straw, peat or compost are used as mulch.
Trimming
Both large and short plants require pruning. The first is recommended to be carried out 2-3 weeks before flowering. Shoots that lack buds are cut off from bushes. In the future, this stimulates the growth of peduncles and contributes to more abundant flowering of the plant.
The second pruning is intended to prepare the bushes for wintering. From the anafalis, first the wilted baskets with flowers are cut off, then the stem shoots to the ground. They are left 3-4 cm from the surface, which can be covered for the winter with spruce branches or dry leaves to protect them from freezing.
Diseases and pests
Anafalis does not require protection from infections or insects. The plant is not affected by bacteria and fungi. Diseases develop extremely rarely, usually due to excessive watering. Excess liquid contributes to rotting of the plant roots, which leads to wilting of the bush. To prevent such a pathology, it is enough to follow the watering regime and add a drainage layer when planting.
Anafalis is resistant to diseases and pests if the soil is not waterlogged
Almost all varieties of anafalis emit a specific odor that is almost imperceptible to the human sense of smell. This aroma is harmless, but it repels insects. Therefore, the perennial is not affected by pests that can cause significant damage.
The healing properties of anaphalis
This plant was previously used for medicinal rather than ornamental purposes. Pearl anaphalis has the greatest benefits, which is used in the manufacture of medicines in combination with other plant components.
The aerial parts of the plant – leaves and flowers – have healing properties.By distillation or steam distillation, a concentrated extract is obtained from them.
It has the following properties:
- expectorant;
- hemostatic;
- vascular tonic;
- antiseptic;
- astringent.
These properties are explained by the content of rosafuran in the anaphalis extract. Drugs containing this substance are used for numerous diseases.
Application of the plant
Due to their unique properties, anafalis varieties are used for various purposes. The most common area of application, in addition to decorative, is medicine. Anaphalis are also used in cosmetology and floristry.
In folk medicine
Dried flowers and leaves of the bush are actively used for medicinal purposes. The material can be prepared with your own hands, collecting it from a plant, or purchased at a pharmacy. When harvesting independently, harvesting is carried out during flowering.
The most common medication option is anaphalis infusion. To prepare, pour 2 tablespoons of dried flowers and leaves into 300 ml of boiling water. The mixture is infused for 2-3 hours.
The resulting liquid is used for:
- washing wounds, burns, cuts;
- muscle recovery after stretching;
- treatment of acne, pimples;
- pain relief and swelling relief due to injuries, damage to tendons and ligaments;
- for lotions for fungal forms of lichen;
- for compresses for headaches, arthritis, rheumatism.
The infusion can also be used internally. At the same time, it is diluted with water 1 to 1. Oral administration is indicated for numerous diseases.
Among them:
- diarrhea;
- bronchopulmonary diseases accompanied by cough;
- insomnia;
- nervous overstrain, stress, as a sedative;
- headache;
- muscle neuralgia.
Essential oil is obtained from anafalis as a folk remedy. It is used for steam inhalation for respiratory diseases.
Anaphalis oil is often used for massage treatments.
It is necessary to take into account possible contraindications and limitations of folk remedies. Before using Anaphalis for medicinal purposes, you should consult your doctor.
In cosmetology
The effectiveness of using pearl anaphalis for various skin diseases has been scientifically confirmed. Therefore, plant extract is often added to cosmetics.
At home, you can prepare a concentrated infusion. It is used to wipe problem areas of the skin. It is advisable to prepare an infusion of anaphalis for pathologies caused by bacterial or fungal infection. For preventive purposes, it is used as a cleanser.
In floristry
Numerous photos and descriptions of the anafalis flower indicate that this plant is actively used to create bouquets that decorate rooms. Moreover, the decorative function is performed by both fresh and dried specimens.
Dried anaphalis is a popular dried flower plant.
Flowers are used for compositions in combination with other plants. Also, anafalis can be cut and placed without addition. They retain their decorative properties for a long time and look good even after drying. Therefore, bouquets of them will complement any interior well.
Conclusion
Anafalis is a perennial plant with winter hardiness, low sensitivity to drought and excellent decorative qualities. There are many varieties that differ in bush size. Both tall and dwarf species of anafalis are used in landscape design.The flower is unpretentious and grows well in any conditions.
