In recent decades, special attention has been paid to planning flowerbeds and flower beds, as well as gardens. Importance is given to the harmonious combination of different types of plants, making up for the shortcomings of their neighbors and at the same time emphasizing their advantages. No area should be left unattended.
The basis of a bright flower bed that pleases the eye is always flowers that love the sun, but what to do with shaded places where the southern beauties do not open their buds and die?
And here the dim, but remarkable in its beauty, garden flower, somewhat reminiscent of a large but graceful lily of the valley, will come to the rescue. With its discreet simplicity, this flower will decorate shaded areas where it is difficult for exotic flowers of the south to adapt.
Description of the plant
Kupena (Polygonatu )
- a plant belonging to the genus lily of the valley, asparagus family, lily family.
This flower has a graceful ribbed stem, decorated with bright green oval or lanceolate leaves with vertical veins.
Blooms in late spring - early summer. The flowering period lasts approximately 4 weeks.
Kupena flowers are small, bell-shaped, white and cream in color, slightly greenish towards the end of the petals. The aroma of flowers is pleasant. At the end of summer, round fruits ripen in the form of dark blue poisonous berries. The number of seeds in them varies from 2 to 9.
Distributed in mountainous areas, temperate and subtropical climates. Less common in tropical European zones, America and Asia.
It is widespread and cultivated as an ornamental (Kupena multiflorum) and medicinal (Kupena officinalis) plant.
This plant has other names: garden lily of the valley, Solomon's seal, crow berries, bloodworm .
There are several dozen subspecies of this plant, and each variety is characterized by the color and shape of the inflorescences, the size of the bush, and the height of the stems. Gardeners mainly cultivate two types of this flower: multifloral flower and medicinal flower.
This is a moisture-loving, shade-tolerant plant that tolerates winter frosts well.
The following are characteristic of the purchase: signs:
- the shape of the flowers is similar to a large lily of the valley;
- straight, and in some species climbing, stem;
- thickened horizontal rhizome with characteristic nodes;
- on the root after the autumn death of the stem, a round depressed mark is noticeable, by which the age of the kupena is determined - this is the sign that gave the plant the name “Solomon’s seal”.
Purchased in your garden: benefits
The advantages of this perennial for the gardener and amateur florist are the unpretentiousness of the plant, the possibility of planting it in shaded areas and dense gardens:
- it perfectly hides empty spaces in the flower garden that are unsuitable for other flowers;
- it is often planted as a decoration for tree trunk circles;
- Kupena perfectly complements low-growing plants in the flowerbed;
- even after flowering has ended, the garden lily of the valley will be an excellent element of garden design - a background for irises, lilies and other flowering plants;
- The plant reproduces by dividing its rhizomes, so it is easy to care for and grows quickly, thereby crowding out weeds.
Planting and care in open ground
Choosing a landing site
When planning the landscape of the site, do not forget the advice of experienced flower growers: it is advised to plant kupena closer to hedges and shrubs - as they grow, the tall stems of the flower sometimes lose their attractiveness and become bare. The flower grows in one place for 12 to 15 years.
It is better to plant the flower in a place where there is no direct sunlight.
Soil
The soil should be fertile, moderately moist, fertilized with mineral fertilizers and ash.
Please note: close groundwater has a negative effect on plants.
The area intended for planting must be prepared in advance: the soil should be treated to remove weeds and their seeds, and dug to a depth of 25-30 cm.
Landing in the ground
It is more advisable to plant multi-flowered kupena in open ground at the end of summer or early spring, before the first frosts have yet arrived.
Kupena is planted in pre-prepared planting holes: a little sand mixed with crushed stone is placed on the bottom, and the drainage is covered with a layer of soil mixed with compost on top.
The distance from one flower to another should not be less than 20 cm - 25-30 cm would be optimal.
Reproduction
Typically, garden lily of the valley is propagated by dividing the rhizome and much less often by seeds. Kupena seeds quickly lose their viability, and after planting, the sprout from the seed, when planted in the ground in the fall, can only be seen in the spring. The plant will bloom only 4 years after the sprout appears. As a result, kupena is mainly bred by dividing the geniculate rhizome, which is dug up and divided for planting material in late August - September. When cutting rhizomes, it should be taken into account that each plot should have a growing point.
Please note: on the root there are two types of buds - flower (round, large) and growth point, growth (small, with a sharp tip). It is recommended to plant plots with a flower bud and a growth bud in different places. Flower shops will delight you with flowers next season. The tall ones should be grown a little - they will bloom a little later.
Part of the root with a bud or stem is placed horizontally at the bottom of the planting hole to a depth of 10 cm. Soil is poured on top, compacting it.
The plant planted in this way must be watered abundantly.
Already in the new season, Kupena will delight you with friendly sprouts.
The kupena takes root for about a year or two, after which it begins to develop intensively, which should be taken into account so that this close relative of the lily of the valley does not “survive” other plants from the site.
Care
In order for the “Solomon’s seal” to please your eye, you should take care of proper care for this modest beauty.
Interaction with other plants
Kupena grows well in the vicinity of similar shade-loving plants, so it is usually planted next to “broken heart” (dicentra), hellebore, and ferns.
Lower-growing “neighbors” should be planted nearby, but not close to the shoots of this lily of the valley, because the lily of the valley can shade them, and this will affect the growth of these plants, causing their disease and death.
Medicinal properties
Legend has it that the wisest King Solomon himself appreciated the amazing properties of this flower. In folk medicine, kupena officinalis is known as hemostatic And anti-inflammatory remedy used for osteochondrosis, gout.
The decoctions were famous for their healing effects in stomach ulcer And respiratory diseases.
The juice of the stems and leaves is effective for purulent skin rashes and eczema.
The fruits of this medicinal herb are used in medicine as an emetic.
This plant contains many useful substances, but the rhizomes and fruits of the plant are poisonous and can be harmful to health if taken in the wrong dosage.
- a perennial that thrives in the shade, which means it can be a good addition to a dense garden. Garden lily of the valley (the second name for kupena) is ideal for creating a design in a natural environment, especially considering the plant’s ability to grow quickly.
In total, there are about 50 species of kupena, and different varieties differ not only in the color and shape of the flowers, but also in the size of the bush itself (for example, the giant Chinese kupena grows up to 120 cm in height). Professional and amateur flower growers prefer to grow fragrant, medicinal, whorled, low-growing or broad-leaved flowers.
If you decide to plant the described plant in your garden, then the following information will be especially useful.
Place for planting kupena
Almost any soil composition is suitable for the growth and normal development of the kupene, but it looks best when planted in partial shade or shade. The only requirement for soils is obligatory fertility. In sparse areas, which are also located in the open sun, the garden lily of the valley will not look so impressive, and the lily of the valley grows much worse in such conditions.
When choosing a place for planting, it is worth considering the depth of groundwater, because this plant does not tolerate stagnation of liquid. If you plant a kupena under trees, it will quickly get rid of weeds, since the dense thickets it forms do not give them any chance to live.
Did you know? The English name of the plant is Solomon's Seal, which means "Solomon's Seal" and indicates the healing properties of this plant.
Planting and propagation of kupena
Despite the fact that many experts talk about the possibility of planting kupena in open ground at any time of the year, it is best to do this at the end of summer, after first clearing the selected area of weeds and digging the soil 20-25 cm deep. In addition, you can add a little ash to the soil and apply mineral fertilizer, at the rate of 10-15 g per bush.
A drainage layer is also poured into the finished planting holes (crushed stone and sand are excellent for this role), and then compost is added, which is pre-mixed with the top layer of soil. Further developments depend on the method of breeding kupena you have chosen.
Division of rhizomes
One of the most popular options for vegetative propagation of garden lily of the valley is dividing its rhizome, and the resulting division should not be too small.
The landing process itself goes as follows: part of the rhizome with a stem or bud is buried horizontally into the soil by 8-10 cm, after which the soil above them is compacted and moistened abundantly. In the first two years after such planting, the kupena develops very slowly, and more intensive growth begins only with complete root survival.
If you decide to propagate the kupena by planting part of the rhizome of a donor plant, then the soil in the chosen place should be dug up (30 cm deep), all weeds should be removed and loosened well. It is also useful to add wood ash, organic and mineral fertilizers.
After planting, the young bush must be protected as much as possible from unnecessary attention.
Important! If you do not control the growth and development of the plant by dividing the rhizome every few years, then over time it will grow too actively and begin to oppress or even displace its neighbors.
In addition to vegetative propagation, seed propagation is also often used. However, kupena seeds very rarely set, since pollination of the plant can only occur with the help of long-proboscis bumblebees. An exception is the broad-leaved lily of the valley, which produces new fruits in large quantities almost every year.
In general, seeds quickly lose their viability and require mandatory stratification, but when choosing this method, it is better to plant closer to winter.
Important! A plant grown from seeds begins to bloom only in the 3rd or 5th year after planting.
Since the development of kupena takes place underground for a long time, you will only be able to see the first shoots next year. In one place the plant can grow up to 15 years.
Simply put, answering the question “How does kupena propagate?”, it is not advisable to talk about the possibility of a seed version.
Bought in landscape design and combination with other plants
Dense ornamental thickets formed by the activity of the kupena make the plant a desirable guest in any garden or flower garden. A garden lily of the valley will perfectly hide all the empty and unsightly areas of the territory and make such places a real paradise.
Kupena is also good when growing in the shade of trees, which is why it is often used for landscaping the tree trunks of garden trees. However, the plant can also help in organizing a rock garden, becoming an excellent central addition among its low-growing counterparts (for example, daisies, asters or pansies).
Using kupena in landscape design, you definitely can’t go wrong, because even after it fades, the gracefully curved leaves of the plant will support the overall composition in a new color.
“Solomon’s seal” will be an excellent background for daylilies and irises, and in a general planting with tulips it will help hide the withering of spring bulbs. In addition, the kupena is excellent for proximity to other plants that, like it, prefer partial shade.
These include various types of ferns, dicentra and frost plants. By the way, these plants are often chosen as neighbors for the bath.
Kupena looks good when cut, which is why it is often used to create bouquets or entire flower arrangements.
Did you know? All parts of the garden lily of the valley are very poisonous, although many animals eat them with pleasure. The most dangerous parts are the rhizome and fruit.
Many gardeners recommend planting garden lily of the valley along a hedge formed by perennial or annual bushes. The fact is that when the bushes mature, their lower stems begin to become bare and lose their former attractiveness. Tall shoots of garden lily of the valley perfectly hide this drawback, simply growing in the shade of bushes.Caring for the purchased one during the growing process
Having planted a kupena on a summer cottage or in a garden, you must provide it with good care in the open ground. This concept means timely watering and mulching of the soil, high-quality weed control, as well as regular feeding of plants.
Watering and mulching the soil
The selection of watering regime largely depends on what type of garden lily of the valley you are growing. For example, multi-colored kupena should be watered regularly, but in moderate doses, constantly maintaining soil moisture, but without flooding the plant itself.
At the same time, broadleaf, medicinal and pink kupena do not need frequent watering and tolerate long-term drought well. Therefore, these types of kupena need to be watered only when there has been no rainfall in a particular region for a long time and the soil is very dry.
Important! When there is an excess amount of moisture in the soil, kupena is often attacked by snails, slugs, mold and various fungal diseases.
Usually, after watering the plants, gardeners loosen the soil, but in the case of kupena this option is unacceptable, since there is always a possibility of damage to the fragile rhizome, which is very close to the surface. That's why, loosening is replaced by mulching.
Weed control
However, to prevent the seedlings from dying at the initial stages of their development, carefully inspect the site of future planting and carefully collect all the weeds. Washing its rhizomes, which is done before directly placing the plant in the ground, will also help protect the plant.
Plant nutrition
As we have already mentioned, kupena is quite unpretentious to the composition of the soil and can grow on depleted soils, but if you want to get a beautiful and vibrant plant, then you should plant it in soil rich in humus. When planted in fertile soil (including fertilized soil when planting the plant), lilies of the valley do not need to be fed for several years.
Otherwise, when you have got a very meager territory, for the rapid growth of kupena you will have to purchase complex and mineral fertilizers, which are applied to the soil twice a season: the first time in early spring, and the second time during the flowering period. In addition, even on soil rich in vitamins, the plant feels better if once a year, in the spring, it is additionally fed with organic fertilizers: manure or compost.
Resistance to pests and diseases
Perhaps, kupena is almost the only plant that is highly resistant to natural pests and diseases.
Garden lily of the valley rarely suffers from such misfortunes, but in dry weather it can still be attacked by snails, slugs, and in some cases sawfly caterpillars, which can completely destroy the leaves of the plant in a matter of minutes.
That is why it is so important not to miss the moment of the appearance of insects in order to begin the correct fight against them.
Wintering bought
Successful cultivation of kupena requires the fulfillment of one more requirement, which is important when preparing for the winter season. The ground part of the garden lily of the valley simply dies with the onset of cold weather, and the rhizome calmly waits out the frosts in the ground.
However, this feature is only relevant in temperate climates, so nothing else is required from you. However, if the cultivation of kupena occurs in areas with severe frosts, then the plant should be provided with additional shelter. It can be made using sawdust, peat or spruce branches.
In a word, growing garden lily of the valley will bring the desired result only if all recommendations regarding planting and caring for the plant are strictly followed.
Was this article helpful?
Thanks for your opinion!
Write in the comments what questions you have not received an answer to, we will definitely respond!
269
once already
helped
Almost all decorative summer plants are natives of distant tropics, which means that they are given the warmest, sunny places in the flowerbed. However, in every garden there is a secluded corner where life-giving rays rarely penetrate. A natural question arises: what should be planted in such a plot? When choosing plants for a shady flower garden, be sure to pay attention to the charming representative of the Asparagus family - kupena. In nature, this modest, unpretentious plant lives in birch and coniferous forests of the temperate zone, which means it will not suffer from a lack of light. At the first glance at the kupena, you can easily guess that it is the closest relative of the lily of the valley: the same beautiful leathery leaves and delicate bell-shaped flowers of white or greenish color.
Among the people, the forest enchantress is called differently - wolf grass, magpie eyes, bloodshed, hernia, pure tears, deaf lily of the valley, Solomon's seal. The last name is associated with a legend according to which the ancient Jewish king Solomon marked the healing herb with a magic ring. In the confrontation with his sworn enemy Asmodeus, the biblical ruler lost his wonderful amulet, and the memorable mark on the rhizomes of the kupena remained forever. The beneficial properties of the plant were appreciated not only by the legendary hero. Despite the fact that kupena is extremely poisonous, it has been used to treat many ailments for many centuries. Healing decoctions are prepared from the rhizomes to treat diseases of the respiratory and digestive system, hemorrhoids and radiculitis, and the fresh juice of the leaves is used to treat wounds and dermatitis.
All that remains to be added is that it requires little maintenance and with its help you can easily turn an abandoned corner of the garden into a nice forest clearing.
When to plant
Theoretically, kupena can be grown from seeds, but this process is too long and labor-intensive, and the germination of the material and the viability of the seedlings leave much to be desired. It is much easier to purchase a grown strong seedling for initial planting, and subsequently propagate the plant yourself by dividing the rhizomes.
As for timing, the best time to plant kupena is September. Bushes planted in the spring will also take root, but will take longer to adapt to new conditions and most likely will not bloom this season.
Landing rules
As mentioned above, kupena should be planted in shade or partial shade. It will also grow in the sun, but bushes accustomed to cool weather in an open place will look depressed and pale. The forest guest prefers soil that is well fertilized and has a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. It is recommended to prepare the area for autumn planting in the spring.
When digging grooves, be guided by the size of the root system of the seedling: the rhizome will need to be laid horizontally, and the sprouts will need to be buried 2–3 cm into the ground. Water the plantings only if the soil in the area is too dry.
From the second year of life, the kupena begins to actively grow, “conquering” space for itself from neighboring plants. Dig up sheets of old slate around the perimeter of the site, and destroy or replant those bushes that still manage to get out of the boundaries of the territory allotted to them. If you allow the kupena to grow spontaneously, then in the near future it will “rule over” even vegetable beds.
Basic care
Like any forest plant, kupena is quite capable of growing and blooming without care, but if you give it a little attention, the bushes will be more lush, and the flowering will be abundant and long-lasting. Activities for caring for plantings are simple:
- In hot weather, water the bushes deeply and often. The soil on the site should always be slightly moist. Don't get carried away! If, as a result of your efforts, the clearing turns into a swamp, then the roots of the kupena will rot.
- The culture responds very gratefully to the addition of organic matter - rotted mullein or mature garden compost. Fertilizing is carried out in early spring or late autumn.
- It is recommended to periodically loosen the soil under the kupena and weed it in a timely manner, since it is wildly growing weeds that most often cause the development of fungal infections.
In addition to seasonal procedures, the bushes must be rejuvenated by division every 5–6 years. Due to the toxicity of the plant, plant the kupena only with gloves and be sure to wash your hands with soap after finishing work.
Diseases and pests
Nature has given the kupena good health, but in unfavorable conditions it can become infected with gray vegetable rot. The plantings will have to be saved with the help of fungicides (Fundazol, Maxim, Tattu).
Among the pests, bushes growing in the shade are attacked by slugs and leaf-eating caterpillars, against which the drugs “Intavir” and “Thunderstorm” are effective, and to discourage gastropods from getting into the flower garden, sprinkle the soil under the plants with ground hot pepper or dry mustard. The worst thing that can happen to a kupena is infection by a nematode. There is no escape from this pest, so damaged bushes should be immediately removed from the area and burned.
Bought in the fall
At the end of the season, the above-ground part of the kupena dies off, and the rhizomes remain to overwinter in the ground. The indigenous inhabitant is resistant to cold weather, but in anticipation of a harsh winter with little snow, it would be a good idea to play it safe and mulch the area with a heap of fallen leaves. In the spring, when the snow melts, rake the old leaves and wait for the new greenery to appear. Do not leave the shelter for a long time, otherwise the sprouts will rot.
Popular types
The genus Kupena is represented in nature by more than 50 species, of which about 10 are cultivated. They are conventionally divided into 2 groups. The first includes forms with dense wide leaves and arched shoots, such as:
- Kupena fragrant (medicinal, pharmaceutical) is a plant widespread in middle latitudes, 40–100 cm high, with a straight faceted stem, slightly curved at the top, and large, rigidly pubescent leaves. White-green tubular flowers, exuding a delicious aroma of bitter almonds, bloom in early summer, and after 2-4 weeks, fruits ripen in their place - blue-black berries. In floriculture, variegated forms of fragrant roses are in demand, the leaves of which are decorated with white veins and a light border.
- Kupena multiflora is another popular representative of the genus. Plant 30–80 cm high with elongated, lanceolate, bare leaves. Large (up to 2 cm in length), greenish, odorless flowers, collected in brushes of 2–5 pieces, bloom in May and decorate the garden for 30–40 days. Garden variegated forms of the species, as well as cultivars with pinkish flowers, have proven themselves to be excellent.
- Broadleaf kupena is the most drought-resistant variety of garden kupena. A fast-growing, long-rhizome plant that forms dense clumps up to 50 cm high. Fragrant white flowers delight the eye from late May to mid-June.
- Kupena squat (low) is an ideal species for decorating rockeries. Slow-growing bushes 15–30 cm high with large white-green flowers form nice compact “islands”.
The second group is represented by erect species of kupena with narrow lanceolate leaves:
- Kupena rosea is a rather rare species in cultivation with graceful mauve flowers and bright red berries. The stems of the plant are 40–60 cm high and have an unusual reddish tint. Pink kupena blooms in May-June.
- Kupena whorled is an indigenous inhabitant of the Caucasus. Medium-sized (30–80 cm) plant with tubular white flowers and red fruits. The stems are faceted and strong. Lanceolate leaves reach a length of 15 cm. In garden cultivation, the whorled form with red shoots is in demand.
Sometimes in a variety of sources there is a description of the unburnt kupena, which essentially has nothing in common with kupenas. This is the name of the ash tree - a plant of the Rutaceae family, which has the ability to light up with colorless fire in extreme heat. There is an explanation for this strange phenomenon: the ash tree secretes highly flammable essential oils, which, when evaporated under the rays of the sun, burst into flames. Unburnt kupena is found extremely rarely, but this is perhaps for the best, since it is extremely dangerous to human health. The plant esters are not only flammable, but also toxic. A slight contact with an amazing stranger leaves deep chemical burns on the skin, which will be extremely difficult to cure.
In the landscape, it is recommended to combine garden roses with the same unpretentious and shade-tolerant plants as she herself: hostas, ferns, hellebore, dicentra, irises, woodruff. The flowers of this modest forest dweller look great in bouquets and last a long time when cut.
But! Don’t forget that kupenas are poisonous, so before planting, explain to younger family members that they should never touch the plant, much less taste the beautiful berries and leaves.
Kupena is a shade-loving perennial plant that can grow in any corner of the garden, even under the dense canopy of trees. In nature, this unpretentious plant lives in shady forests and does well without sunlight and even prefers to hide from them. Thanks to these properties, kupena is an opportunity to refine and decorate those corners of the garden where other ornamental plants cannot be planted.
Kupena is a plant from the Liliaceae family, widespread in Europe and Asia. Its rhizome is developed, the stems are inclined, growing in height up to 1-1.5 meters. The leaves of the plant are lanceolate. From their axils grow small tubular flowers in pink, cream, and white tones. After flowering, the plant produces fruits in the form of inedible berries. The resulting blue-black berries give the plant a particularly decorative appearance.
The most popular varieties and types of purchased with photographs
Kupena flower , also known in nature under the name Solomon's seal, under natural conditions it is distributed in temperate and subtropical zones of the Northern Hemisphere. There are several dozen species of this plant in its natural habitat.
The following species are cultivated in gardens:
- Bought medicinal (pharmacy). Plant height up to half a meter. The leaves are large, located on a faceted stem. The buds are formed on an inclined stem on long stalks. Blooms in May-June.
- Kupena multiflorum. The height of the bush is about 100 centimeters. The leaves are oval. Flowers of 5-6 pieces are formed in the axils of the leaves. It blooms throughout June and after flowering produces dark blue berries. The Variegatta variety of this species is particularly decorative, with white stripes at the tips of the leaves.
- Kupena is fragrant. The leaves of this species have a bluish tint. There are varieties with crimson bases and veins. The height of the plant is about 80 centimeters. Flowering continues throughout May and the first ten days of June.
- Kupena whorled. Plant height is from 30 to 60 centimeters. The leaves are lanceolate, up to 17 centimeters long, with pointed edges, light green. The upper leaves are collected in whorls of 5-8 pieces. The flowers are white, elongated, hanging on long peduncles.
- Kupena is squat (low). The species is widespread in Siberia, Primorye, and Sakhalin. Prefers rocky soils. The bush grows no more than 20 centimeters. The leaves are ovate, pubescent below. It produces single shoots, in the axils of the leaves of which white flowers are formed.
- Kupena profusely flowering. In nature, it grows in coniferous and deciduous forests among bushes and on shady edges. The height of the plant is about 50 centimeters. The leaves are located on both sides of the stem. They have a lanceolate shape, the leaf length is 9 centimeters. The flowers are small, from 2 to 5 pieces formed on long stalks. After flowering, dark blue berries are left behind.
- Kupena Siberian. One of the tallest species, up to 60 centimeters. The leaves are lanceolate or linear, grow in whorls, 8 centimeters in length. Flowers of 2 are formed on bare stalks. The perianth is white, with greenish teeth and slightly pubescent. The berries are red.
- Bought pink. Grows in China, Tien Shan, Siberia. The stem of the plant is straight, reddish in color. The leaves are linear-lanceolate, grow in whorls of 5-6 pieces, up to 15 centimeters in length, with slight pubescence. Flowers are formed in the axils of the leaves, 2-4 pieces each. The perianths are pink, lanceolate, with teeth bent outward. At the end of flowering, in June, it produces elongated red berries.
Kupena fragrant
Features of planting bought in open ground
Kupena is a surprisingly unpretentious and hardy plant with an unusual development cycle. In the first year, its shoots develop underground, forming a powerful root system and main stem. In the second year, an erect shoot grows from a rhizome growing horizontally underground.
Simultaneously with the formation of the stem, a new branch of the rhizome grows underground. Kupena is an ephemeral plant, its above-ground part dies off after the growing season, and the underground part continues to grow and form new stems for up to 15 years. These growth characteristics dictate some rules for planting and caring for this original plant in the open ground.
Place and soil for planting kupena
It is necessary to plant kupena in shady or semi-shaded corners of the garden, under trees or tall shrubs. In direct sunlight, this flower will not die, but it will look unpresentable. The leaves of the plant become pale and small in the sun, and flowering may not occur at all.
It is advisable to plant Kupena in shaded areas: it does not really like bright sunlight
The soil for growing kupena must be neutral or slightly acidic. The plant is not very demanding on its composition, but it develops better on fertile, dense soils. In areas with a high level of groundwater, kupena cannot be planted, since its roots will rot in this case.
Planting rules and methods of propagation of kupena
You can grow kupena on your own plot by sowing seeds or planting part of the rhizome. Planting can be done at any time of the year, but it is more advisable to carry out this procedure at the end of summer. Each method has its own characteristics.
Sowing seeds
Sprouted seeds of kupena
The peculiarity of kupena seeds is their fragility. They retain germination for less than a year, so planting material collected from the plant is planted in the same year. After the seeds are freed from the berry pulp, they are placed in the cold for stratification for 3-4 months, and then sown in a peat-sand mixture.
After stratification, the pot with the crops is placed in a warm and bright place. Seedlings emerge and develop very slowly. Alternatively, the seeds can be sown directly into the ground, where they will undergo a process of natural stratification. The development of the kupena lasts from 3 to 5 years, and only after this time a full-fledged and flowering plant is formed from the seeds.
The difficulty of growing from seeds is that fruits do not always appear on the plant. This is due to the fact that pollination of flowers occurs only with the help of long-proboscis bumblebees, which are rare guests in gardens. The exception is the broadleaf kupena, which produces fruits almost every year.
Rhizome division
Using a rhizome or part of it is the simplest and most reliable way to plant and propagate kupena. The rhizome of the kupena is geniculate, and the marks of dying stems are clearly visible on it. Using these characteristic marks, you can even determine the age of the plant.
The division of the rhizome is carried out in August or April, once every 3-4 years. Digging up the rhizome is a rejuvenating procedure and also serves as a way to obtain new flower specimens. The rhizome is removed from the ground and divided into sections with formed buds. The cuttings are planted to a depth of 8 centimeters, placing them in pre-prepared grooves. The distance between plants is 20-25 centimeters.
Plantings are watered and mulched with peat or humus . In the first two years, the kupena develops underground, and in the third year the first shoots appear.
Kupena can be propagated by dividing the rhizome
Caring for the purchased one during the growing process
Kupena requires minimal attention and is very easy to care for. Caring for the plant consists of watering, fertilizing and pest control. Regular watering is necessary only in dry years, when the plant does not have enough natural moisture. Soil moisture should be moderate so that excess water does not lead to the development of rot on the roots.
To prevent crust formation after watering, the soil around the plant needs to be mulched. This will help maintain soil moisture levels and protect the roots from overheating on hot days.
It is impossible to loosen the soil around the plant, since the roots are close to the surface and their exact location is almost impossible to guess. When loosening, the delicate rhizome can be damaged and the plant will begin to hurt and may even die.
If, when planting, the soil is well seasoned with organic and mineral fertilizers, there is no need to use fertilizing. The plant will receive a sufficient amount of fertilizer if a small amount of humus and complex compounds are applied to the area where the kupena grows every year in the spring.
Kupena needs to be fed annually
In the first year after planting, when the above-ground part of the plant is not yet developed, the area must be carefully weeded. Weeds will not provide space for the development of shoots of the kupena, and it may stop its growth. In subsequent years, the kupena will cope with the weeds on its own: they simply will have nowhere to grow.
Resistance to pests and diseases
Gray rot and slugs are the only enemies of the kupena. Rot affects the plant when the soil is waterlogged. The invasion of slugs threatens the bath almost constantly, since the most favorable environment for their existence has been created in the shade. To kill slugs, the kupena is periodically treated with an appropriate insecticide. You can scare away annoying slugs by sprinkling wood ash on your plantings.
Wintering the plant
Kupena is a frost-resistant plant that can withstand fairly severe cold. In late autumn, all shoots are cut off at soil level, leaving stumps of about 5 centimeters. No additional shelter is required for the plant; you can only lightly sprinkle the area with rotted humus or compost. In spring, the plant produces shoots almost from under the snow.
Kupena winters with virtually no shelter
Bought in landscape design and combination with other plants
Kupena serves as an indispensable element for decorating shady corners of the garden and tree trunks of fruit trees. Planting it, in addition to being decorative, also has a practical purpose, since weeds do not grow at the place where the kupena is grown.
Kupena is used quite widely in landscape design. It looks great with dicentra, fern, and doronicum. It looks impressive when bathed in rocky gardens, next to forest geraniums. With the help of a flower you can decorate any deserted and unsightly corner of the garden plot.
Kupena's neighbors should be located at some distance from it so that its powerful shoots do not obscure other flowers.
Frequently asked questions from flower growers about caring for kupena
Inexperienced flower growers often have questions about caring for the kupena; they are related to the peculiarities of caring for this unusual plant.
How many years can kupena grow in one place? Is it possible to replant it with a kupena?
On the site, the kupena can grow continuously for 10-15 years. It is often not recommended to replant it. The first transplant can be carried out no earlier than 4 years after planting. To prevent the area under the bath from becoming clogged, dying parts of the root can be removed, and new specimens can be planted in this place.
Is it necessary to cover the bath for the winter?
Kupena does not need shelter for the winter, since its root system is frost-resistant. In the spring, the area with the planted kupena must be cleared of debris and excess snow as quickly as possible to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged.
How long does Kupena bloom?
Kupena, depending on the variety, blooms for 35-45 days in May, June or July. After flowering, small berries form on the stem, so the plant remains decorative for another 30 days.
How to protect your bath from slugs?
Slugs on kupena plantings can be collected manually or destroyed using chemicals. They give good results. Beer traps are effective in the fight against slugs. A bottle filled with 100 ml of beer is dug into the soil next to the plant at an angle of 45 degrees. The neck of the bottle is placed flush with the soil. Slugs are collected in such a trap at night, and in the morning they are destroyed. The disadvantage of this method is the need to replace the contents of the trap daily.
You can get acquainted with the purchased plant and the features of its cultivation in more detail by watching the proposed video material. Enjoy watching!
Found throughout the European part of Russia, in Western and Eastern Siberia, Ukraine and Belarus, kupena ( Polygonatum), known primarily due to the healing properties of one of its types - fragrant bath ( Polygonatum odoratum) (its other names are pharmaceutical purchase, medicinal purchase). In medicine, it is used as a hemostatic, antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.
FotoprzyrodaBought, or Solomon's seal ( Polygonatum) - a genus of plants in the Asparagus family ( Asparagaceae). Common names: crow berries, wolf grass, wolf berries, hernia, spool, umbilicus, core, krovavnik, krovavnik. The genus consists of more than 70 species.
In decorative floriculture the following are most often grown: Kupena multiflorum (Polygonatum multiflorum), Kupena two-flowered(broadleaf) ( Polygonatum biflorum) And Fragrant bath(medicinal) ( Polygonatum odoratum). Also interesting Kupena pink (Polygonatum roseum) with pink flowers.
Description of fragrant (medicinal) kupena
Kupena is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Asparagus family. The rhizome is thick, knotty, clearly shaped, horizontal. The stem is grooved, straight below, arcuately curved at the top, 35-60 cm high. The leaves are alternate, rather large, elliptical or oblong-ovate with protruding arcuate veins, green above, bluish-green below, glabrous, facing one side of the stem.
The flowers are white, slightly greenish, drooping, 1-2 per peduncle, located in the axils of the leaves. The pericarp is six-toothed, 6 stamens, one pistil. The fruit is a spherical black and blue berry. Blooms in May-June. The fruits ripen in July-August. The scientific name of the genus “polygonatum” comes from the Greek words “poly” - many and “goni” - node or knee and characterizes the multi-nodular or multi-generated rhizome of the medicinal plant.
Phillip Merritt The plant is also called Solomon's seal. The origin of this name goes back to the distant past. According to legend, King Solomon marked the kupena with his seal as a useful plant, and traces of the seal on its rhizome are supposedly preserved to this day. Kupena officinalis grows in the European part of the country, in the Urals, in Western and Eastern Siberia. The plant contains alkaloids, glycosides inherent in the lily of the valley, as well as saponins, mucus, resins, sugars (glucose, fructose, arabinose). The leaves contain ascorbic acid.
Caring for your bath
Kupenas are very unpretentious in culture. Particularly effective in shaded areas. In illuminated places, although they develop normally, the stems reach smaller sizes. They are relatively undemanding when it comes to soil, but grow better in humus-rich, manure-rich, moist areas. The plant does not tolerate stagnant spring waters; in dry weather it should be watered and also protected from snails and caterpillars.
Colin Gould Plants in shady places are especially comfortable. The elegant shape of the stems with large, long-lasting leaves and light-colored flowers that stand out against the background of dark green shoots, and later large dark blue or red berries give groups of these plants a decorative appearance. It is recommended to grow kupena in shaded and semi-shaded areas to create a decorative and stable ground cover.
Kupena thickets are long-lived, can occupy an area for 12-15 years without replanting, under their canopy the growth of weeds is difficult, and they do not need watering or fertilizing. They provide excellent cutting material for bouquets and arrangements. Kupena squat is suitable for a rocky garden; it looks good in combination with tiara, dicentra, hellebore, and woodruff.
Planting and propagation of kupena
Reproduction by segments of rhizomes with a renewal bud. The best planting time is late summer.
Seed propagation is difficult. The seeds are enclosed in the berry and do not remain viable for long. A gradual stratification is recommended: 3-4 months at 2-5 degrees, 3 months at 18-20 degrees and again 3-4 months at 2-5 degrees. The seeds germinate when they pass the 3rd stage, after which they are transferred to a bright room with a temperature of 20-22 degrees. Seedlings are not capricious, but develop slowly. Flowering occurs in 3-5 years. Pre-winter sowing in open ground is preferable.
Use of kupena in medicine
When handling the bath, you need to be careful, since all parts of the bath contain toxic substances and have an emetic effect. Before use, you should consult your doctor.
For medicinal purposes, rhizomes, which are dug up in the fall, and fresh grass are most often used. The drugs have a hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Anne Vorstenbosch Kupena is used in folk medicine for rheumatism, lower back pain, hernia, hemorrhoids, colds, dropsy, jaundice, diabetes, as an antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, expectorant, blood purifier, emetic, emollient and enveloping agent. Sometimes Kupena leaves are applied to wounds, a decoction is used to make a poultice for bruises.
Decoction and alcohol tincture of rhizomes Kupena is used for bronchitis and pneumonia, peptic ulcers, headaches, heart ailments, osteochondrosis, gout, arthritis, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Juice of fresh rhizomes baths remove spots and freckles on the face. (You should remember the possibility of a burn!) In Tibetan medicine, kupena was used for hemorrhoids, polyarthritis, gastrointestinal and other diseases, and it was also believed that it prolongs life.
Flower Photos Kupena, like lily of the valley, belong to the same genus of plants and in addition to its medicinal properties, kupena is grown in gardens for its delicate, lightly touching aroma that will carry you into the summer on a soft cloud of its flowers.
