Purchased, landing and leaving. Purchased in the open field: planting, care and photo

Added on 01/20/2015 medicinal plants, forest area, perennials, planting, shade, poisonous Reduce text size Increase text size Text size Print Send by mail

Fragrant Kupena (Polygonatum Odoratum)

Another perennial plant that can grow in the shade is Kupena (Polygonatum) from the Lily of the Valley family. It looks modest, but very elegant, ideal for a garden in a natural style, it grows quickly when suitable conditions are created. The English name of the purchased Solomon's Seal in translation means "the seal of Solomon" indicates its useful medicinal properties. If you are going to plant this perennial in your garden, pay attention to what the purchase loves and does not tolerate. Planting and care, soil requirements, breeding methods - you can find out about all this in this article.

Kupena, plant description

Kupena is a perennial plant of the Asparagus family. Outwardly, this flower is very similar to a lily of the valley.

The botanical name, "Kupena", translates from Latin as "many nodes" and testifies to the physiological characteristics of the plant's many geniculate rhizomes.

The people call the kupena differently: wolf grass, magpie's eye, bloodstain, hernia, deaf lily of the valley, pure tears, solomon seal. The last, original and mysterious name, "Solomon's Seal", is associated with an ancient legend. The story goes that King Solomon awarded the plant with his seal for its valuable medicinal properties. Another version of this name is the presence of round knots resembling seals on the rhizomes of the kupena - traces left after the death of the shoots.

In the wild, Kupena can often be seen in shady forests, meadows, or thickets of bushes. In Russia, perennial is widespread in the European part, in the Caucasus and the Far East.
Plant height varies from 10 to 150 cm, depending on the species and growing conditions.
The creeping rhizome of the kupena is thickened, multi-generational, with numerous nodes ("seals"). From these traces, you can determine the age of the perennial. The root system of the Kupena is horizontally located in the earth, lying close to its surface.

Green leaves grow on a curved (arcuate), thin, ribbed stem in even regular rows. Shoots are bought, although grassy, but strong enough and during the rains they practically do not lodge. The color of the shoots is green or reddish. Numerous growth points release young stems to the surface.
The leaves are elliptical, located on the stem alternately or in whorls. In some kupena forms, they resemble lily of the valley leaves.
Perennial flowering occurs in the month of May and June. Bisexual small flowers are in the form of miniature bells and are collected in several pieces in the axils of the leaves. The perianths are painted in delicate, whitish-green tones (less often lilac-pink). The flowers seem to hang along the lower edge of the shoot, while exuding a pleasant exquisite aroma.
The fruit of the kupena looks like small round berries, with several (from 2 to seeds inside, which ripen in the fall. The berries can be black or red.

Attention! The berries are bought - they are poisonous, so you should not grow a crop in the garden where small children can play.

Kupena is characterized by a 2-year development cycle. During the 1st year, the rhizome of the perennial herb grows underground to form the main shoot. In the 2nd year, an erect stem appears from a root growing horizontally underground. At the same time, the rhizome forms new branches underground.
Kupena is considered an ephemeral plant, the aerial part of which dies off in autumn, and the rhizome continues to grow and form new buds of renewal.
Kupena grass is a shade-loving plant that prefers shaded corners of the garden and quickly forms real "thickets" there. It is very easy to regulate such growth by pulling out unnecessary surface roots of the plant. Planted in the open sun, the kupena loses its decorative effect, does not grow in height and does not bloom.
A perennial herb, bought, absolutely unpretentious in care and durable. In one place, a flower can grow up to 15-20 years.

Kupena, meaning and application

Kupena is most often cultivated in garden and park areas as a shade-loving ornamental plant. Flowers of "Solomon's Seal" are also suitable for cutting, for the formation of beautiful table compositions.
Some types of kupena are edible. They eat young tender stems, as well as powerful roots containing a large amount of starch. But, taking into account the poisonous properties of the plant, in no case should it be eaten raw.
The Kupena plant is a well-known healing agent that has long been used in folk medicine and pharmacology. Infusions from the rhizome of the herb are used as an effective anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent. Broths are used in the treatment of the digestive system (gastritis, peptic ulcer), respiratory organs (bronchitis, pneumonia), sciatica, hemorrhoids. Fresh juice of the leaves of the Kupena helps in the treatment of dermatitis, rheumatism and wound treatment.
Kupena is used as a hemostatic, disinfectant, anti-inflammatory and enveloping agent (for the gastrointestinal tract).
A perennial herb is also used in cosmetology. The sap of the plant has a lightening effect on pigmentation, and is also used to remove freckles. It is better not to carry out such procedures on your own in order to prevent skin burns.

It is important to remember that you can independently use any folk remedies only after consulting your doctor. Improper use of the poisonous plant, bought, can lead to negative results.

Seat selection

The place where the garden lily of the valley grows plays an important role in the correct formation and development of culture. In natural nature, the flower grows in shady forests. If you do not protect the bushes from the direct rays of the scorching sun, the cultivation of the beauty will not be crowned with success. The site should be shady, and partial shade is acceptable.

Kupena flower grows in a shady place

In sunny territory, the bushes will develop more slowly and lose their spectacular appearance. The best option would be to plant a kokornik near garden trees. So the bushes can form lush thickets and leave no room even for weeds.

Informative! Solomon's seal can grow up to 15 years in one place.

Varieties of purchased

In nature, there are at least 50 types of kupena, which are conditionally divided into two groups. The first group includes plants with wide elastic leaves and curved (in the shape of an arc) shoots.

Consider the most popular and frequently encountered varieties of this group:

Kupena multiflorous.

One of the most common, among flower growers, decorative types of kupena. The height of an adult plant reaches from 40 to 80 cm.Leaves are smooth, not pubescent, lanceolate. Flowering begins in early summer and lasts about a month. The flowers are relatively large (up to 2 cm), odorless, collected in a cluster of several pieces (hence the name). The color of the pericarp is typical for the whole genus - light green. Outwardly, this type of kupena is very reminiscent of lilies of the valley, therefore it received its second name - "deaf lily of the valley." This type of kupena is most often used for planting in flower pots or on a flower bed, in open ground. The variegated form of the kupena, as well as varieties with a delicate pink color of flowers, are considered especially in demand.

Fragrant kupena.

This form of kupena is often found under the name "medicinal" or "pharmacy". This is due to the medicinal properties of the plant, which are widely used in pharmacology and traditional medicine. The species is widespread in the temperate climate of the middle latitudes. And although the plant grows quickly in a new place, it is not classified as an aggressive crop. The plant reaches a height of 60 to 100 cm (depending on the variety). The stem is even, faceted, curved at the top. Leaves are hard and pubescent. The color of the leaves is gray-green. Flowering begins in May and lasts more than a month. The tubular flowers are light green and have a pleasant almond aroma. The fruits have a powerful emetic effect. In floriculture, the most popular is the variegated form of the fragrant kupena, in which the leaves are "decorated" with white veins and framed with a light border.

Broad-leaved kupena.

It is a drought-resistant, unpretentious and fast-growing species of kupena garden, forming dense clumps, 40-60 cm high. The rhizome is well developed, elongated and powerful. The plant can grow even on dense clay soils. The flowers are fragrant, white. Flowering begins in late May and lasts until mid-June.

Kupena is squat.

Another name for the species is “Kupena low”. A low-growing variety used in garden paths, rockeries or alpine slides. Slow-growing compact kupena clumps reach a height of no more than 20-30 cm. The flowers are large, whitish-greenish. The view is considered highly decorative and is widely used in landscape design.

The second group of perennials represented by forms with erect stems and narrow elongated leaves. The most popular in floriculture are the following types of kupena.

Kupena pink.

The species is distinguished by erect stems and (according to the name) delicate delicate pink flowers. Shoots reach a height of 40-60 cm. In this case, the reddish coloration of the stems is especially remarkable. Leaves are linear-lanceolate, pubescent, up to 15 centimeters in length, grow in whorls of 5-6 pieces. The pink berries are also bright red. Flowering occurs in the month of May and June.

Kupena is whorled.

This medium-sized species is widespread in the Caucasus. Kupena grows in height from 30 to 80 cm, has strong faceted shoots and elongated (up to 15 cm), lanceolate, sessile leaves. Along the entire length of the shoots, the leaves are arranged alternately and only to the top are they collected in whorls of 5-8 pieces (hence the name). Whorled kupena blooms in June-July. The flowers are white, tubular, the berries are red. In culture, the most popular variety is the whorled kupena with reddish-colored shoots.

Siberian bought.

A tall variety of Kupena, with linear-lanceolate whorled leaves, up to 8-10 cm in length. Snow-white flowers stand out with delicate greenish teeth, formed in pairs (two each). Ripe berries are colored red.

Views

There are about 50 types of kupena, but only three are often found:

Medicinal (pharmacy) - grows along shady bushes and in the forests of northern latitudes.It grows about 50 cm and blooms with the arrival of summer.
Fragrant - grows on low slopes and hills, under tree crowns and in forest glades. Reaches a height of 80 cm, has emerald leaves. It begins to bloom in mid-May and stops flowering after 1.5 months.
Multi-flowered is the most popular variety among florists. In gardens, it is planted in the shade, and with the onset of summer, it begins to bloom.

Interesting fact! The root of the kupena consists of links and, when the shoot of the last year dies off, an area with a cork fabric is formed in this place, similar to a seal, and hence another name - "Solomon's seal". According to legend, King Solomon rewarded this plant with his seal for its healing qualities; the root tincture has anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.

Kupena, landing features

An unpretentious plant, bought, it easily takes root in a new place and does not require special care. The shade-tolerant culture perfectly adapts even in the most unsightly and abandoned corner of the garden, turning it over time into an exotic forest clearing.

When planning the planting of perennial grass, it is important to take into account the toxic properties of the plant. This is especially true for the younger members of the family, who can taste the bright berries of the kupena.

Pickup boarding time

The kupena rhizomes are planted in early spring or autumn. Seed reproduction bought in private floriculture is practically not practiced.
Experienced flower growers note that a kupena planted in autumn undergoes natural adaptation in winter, takes root faster and begins to bloom in spring. As for a plant planted in spring, it will bloom only for the next season and will take longer to adapt to new conditions.

Pickup Place

As mentioned above, kupena is a shade-loving plant, which means that the appropriate place for planting a perennial must be selected. Not every flower will grow in the shade, so this valuable quality of the purchase should be used when decorating a flower bed or landscape gardening. Unfortunately, on open sunny flower beds, the kupena loses its decorative appearance.
Kupena grass prefers dense, fertile and moist soil, but without prolonged stagnation of moisture. Areas with a close occurrence of groundwater are well suited. Low-lying areas, in which water can stagnate for a long time during the snow melting period, are not desirable for planting perennial ornamental grass.
For the purchase, it is preferable that the soil has a neutral or slightly acidic reaction of the environment.
Kupena is an undemanding plant and can grow in almost any conditions, but by creating the most favorable conditions, the lush clumps of perennials will look really impressive and attractive.
When choosing a place for planting a kupa, it is important to allocate an extensive area to a perennial culture, taking into account its further growth. If it is not planned to breed a perennial, its growth and distribution in the flower bed is constantly regulated (roots are removed).

Agrotechnics of planting bought

Before planting, the kupena rhizome is carefully examined for the presence of flower buds. If there are any (large, with a blunt end) on the rhizome, it is planted immediately in a permanent place, and the flower will bloom in the first year of planting. A root with small buds, distinguished by a pointed tip, indicates the presence of growth buds on it. Such planting material is planted on a separate bed for growing. For planting in the ground, a piece of rhizome with at least one bud is suitable. Ideally, the productive segment of the rhizome should have 2-3 buds.
The landing is carried out in a pre-prepared shallow hole. A drainage layer of sand or fine gravel is poured at the bottom of the planting pit.
Soil, poor in composition, should be fertilized with organic matter. To do this, add compost, peat, wood ash or humus to the soil.In heavy soil, it is better to add a little sand. In the case of autumn planting dates, it is better to prepare the site in the spring.
The root section is placed at a depth of about 7-10 cm, placing it horizontally in the hole.
When planting several specimens, they adhere to an interval between plants of about 15-20 cm.In the case of planting a segment of rhizomes, they are bought for growing, the interval can be reduced to 10 cm.
The kupena rhizome planting site is watered and then mulched with humus, peat or rotted foliage.
The planted kupen delenki take root for 2 years, after which they begin to actively grow and bloom. To prevent the kupena curtains from "conquering" new nearby territories, it is recommended to limit their growth with slate sheets dug into the ground.

Planting a plant seal of Solomon

There is a certain technology for planting in open ground:

The new planting site is cleared of weeds and dug to a depth of 20-25 cm. The soil is leveled and all boulders are developed.
Mineral complexes, ash and compost are introduced. In the presence of heavy and dense soil, sand is added.
In the process of placing the seedling in the hole, the rhizomes are laid strictly horizontally, deepening by 8-10 cm.
It is necessary to arrange the planting at a distance of 15-20 cm. The soil in the holes is compacted and abundantly watered.

Kupena, plant care

Kupena is an ideal plant for those who do not have enough time to care for flowers. A perennial practically does not need care and grows well in a garden flower bed, as if in natural, natural conditions.

Watering, loosening, mulching kupena

The kupena is watered only in very dry periods, when there is not enough natural precipitation. As a rule, perennials growing in the shade have enough moisture due to rain and groundwater. Adult Kupen bushes tolerate short-term drought well.
So that a crust does not form, after watering, the earth is loosened and mulched. Loosening is carried out shallow, given the superficial location of the plant's root system. Many growers avoid loosening as such, so as not to damage the fragile and thin roots of the "Solomon Seal". An alternative measure for loosening will be mulching the site.
As for the removal of weeds, it is only pulled out for the first two years. Then, the overgrown kupena does not allow the weeds to germinate and completely suppresses them.

Top dressing bought

The plant can grow well without additional fertilizing and fertilizers, but for its optimal development it is better to feed the flower annually.
In case of scarcity of soil, in order to improve the appearance of the curtains, in the spring, mineral complex fertilizers are applied.
Perennial grass responds favorably to the introduction of peat, compost and humus.

Diseases and pests are bought

Kupena is absolutely not susceptible to disease. In rare cases, slugs and caterpillars appear, feeding on the green foliage of the plant. Then, the pests are collected or any insecticidal preparation (for example, "Intavir") is used. To protect the flower garden from the invasion of harmful insects, the bushes are sprinkled with dry mustard or ground hot pepper. Some growers prepare the so-called. "Beer traps" for slugs. To do this, a bottle with a small (about 100 ml) amount of beer is buried in the ground, at an angle of 450. The neck of the bottle is positioned at ground level. At night, slugs fall into such a trap, and in the morning they are destroyed. For such a trap to work effectively, its contents should be changed daily.

If the perennial culture has been affected by microscopic worms - nematodes - the bushes will have to be pulled out and burned, and the soil will be processed.
Occasionally, under unfavorable external conditions, kupena can be affected by vegetable gray rot. In this case, to treat the plant, you should use fungicides, such as "Fundazol", "Maxim" and others.

Preparing bought for winter

In autumn, at the end of the season, the aboveground part of the kupena dies off, and the rhizome remains underground. If the stems are not completely dry, they are cut off, leaving "hemp" about 5-6 cm.
In the middle lane, for the winter, the bushes do not cover the bushes. The cold-resistant plant winters well and fully recovers in spring.
In case of expectation of a harsh and little snowy winter, the area where the kupena grows is mulched with sawdust, peat, fallen leaves or covered with spruce branches.
In early spring, winter mulch is removed so that the young shoots of the kupa do not get locked up. Kupena shoots out very early, practically out of the snow.

Growing a bush on your site, every 5-6 years you need to rejuvenate the overgrown bushes, planting a perennial by dividing it. Given the poisonous properties of the plant, all work should be carried out with gloves, after which hands should be thoroughly washed with soap.

Pests and diseases

Kupena is very resistant to most known diseases. But in dry weather, the plant can be chosen by snails, slugs or sawfly caterpillars, which can completely destroy the flower in a few hours. In order to avoid such misfortunes in the heat, monitor the appearance of these insects and take measures in a timely manner to destroy them. What are specially designed insecticidal preparations suitable for?

Of the diseases, the kupena is exposed only to fungal diseases. This may be due to excessive watering. For prevention, the amount of water entering the plant needs to be normalized. When symptoms of rotting appear near the root, the flower must be treated with fungicidal preparations. In case of significant damage, some of the plants will have to be removed.

Reproduction kupena

Kupena reproduces by seed and vegetative method (by dividing the rhizome).

Vegetative breeding method - the simplest and most effective method of cultivating a culture. In addition, digging out the root is a rejuvenating procedure for the plant. Reproduction is carried out by dividing the kupena rhizome. The optimal time for this procedure is early spring or early autumn. The excavated crank root is easily divided into parts according to the existing nodes. The main condition for the successful reconstruction of a young kupena is the presence of a root, one or more buds (or an already regrown shoot) on the segment. The features of planting rhizomes in the ground were discussed above.

Seed breeding method practically not used by flower growers, as it is considered a long, laborious and ineffective process. In addition, kupena seedlings may not repeat the hereditary characteristics of an adult plant, and the seed material quickly loses its germination capacity. Seeds can be purchased or collected from ripe berries yourself.

It is better to sow seeds in the ground in the fall, so that they undergo natural stratification in winter. Care for emerging seedlings in spring is the same as for adult specimens. Spring planting of seeds is also practiced. In this case, the seeds must undergo artificial stratification (for example, in the refrigerator) within 1-2 months. After "hardening" the seeds are sown in a container with a loose soil mixture (sand and peat). The grown seedlings are transplanted into open ground. Under favorable conditions, approximately 4-5 years after the emergence of shoots, the kupena will bloom. The difficulty of this method of reproduction is that fruits do not always appear on the plant. This is due to the fact that pollination of flowers is carried out by long proboscis bumblebees, which are not often found in gardens. An exception is the broad-leaved type of kupena, in which fruits appear almost every year.

If adult bushes are not purchased in the garden, it is best to purchase ready-made plant seedlings in garden stores or in botanical nurseries.

When choosing seedlings, you should carefully examine the rhizome of the kupena. It should be firm, without damage, covered with thin filamentous roots.

Kupena in landscape design

Perennial decorative bushes are attractive in any corner of the garden and flower beds. Dense curtains skillfully hide any unsightly area, turning them into a cozy natural corner.

Especially important for landscape designers are the shade-loving qualities of the plant, which make it possible to plant a pool under trees, between bushes, i.e. in places where most flowers do not take root and do not develop. In this regard, the kupena is often planted in the zone of the trunk circles of garden trees.
Lush plantings of low-growing species will be appropriate in rocky gardens, rockeries and along water bodies.
They try to plant the multi-flowered variety of the kupena as a vertical accent against the background of undersized flower crops (asters, phlox, pansies, daisies, etc.).

The popularity of bought in landscape design is explained by the unpretentiousness and decorativeness of the plant even after flowering. Graceful, curved and densely leafy shoots look great even after the plant has faded. Ripening fruits look especially decorative - gracefully hanging round berries, which, unfortunately, can only be admired and cannot be tasted, because they are poisonous.
Harmonious compositions form thickets of kupena with such plants as irises, daylilies, volzhanka, ferns, etc. In addition, by planting kupena with early spring flowering crops (tulips, daffodils), you can skillfully hide their swelling after flowering.
The plantings of the kupena perfectly "cover" the bare and unsightly trunks of tall shrubs. For this purpose, perennial grass is planted along a living "shrub" hedge, after which the plantings look much more spectacular and attractive.
Planting kupena perfectly restrain the growth of weeds, independently multiplying and spreading throughout the garden.

Thus, the perennial decorative bush serves as an indispensable element for the decor of shady areas of the garden. The plant is absolutely unpretentious to care for, inhibits the appearance of weeds and multiplies easily.

Kupena multi-flowered or garden lily of the valley

Kupena multiflorum (Polugonatum multiflorum) of the Asparagus family is a perennial flowering herb, a close relative of May lily of the valley. Previously, the kupena belonged to the Lily of the Valley family, which has now been abolished. Translated from Latin, the name of the perennial consists of two words "many" and "knee", which indicates the shape and size of the rhizome.

Flowering plant

The origin and appearance of the plant

In the wild, the flower is ubiquitous in Northern and Southern Europe. It grows in forest glades of coniferous and deciduous massifs, preferring shady, semi-shady places.

Kupena is a perennial 50-90 cm high, has a bare stem, curved by a yoke, elliptical smooth leaves. The inflorescences are bisexual, collected in small groups in the leaf axils. Kupena flowers are small drooping snow-white bells with green teeth along the edge and with a delicate aroma. The flowering period is about five weeks in May-June. The fruit is a black-purple berry.

The rhizome grows in a horizontal direction, lignifies over time, becomes multi-generational. Roots and buds overwinter in the ground, foliage dies off in autumn. In early spring, new stems grow from the buds at the ends of the root. On the rhizome, traces of dead stems at the end of each season are clearly visible, which helps to determine the age of the plant.

Combination with other plants

Thanks to its beautiful foliage and touching bell flowers, the perennial goes well with brightly flowering plants. Spring primroses - crocuses, scillas, primroses and daffodils and tulips blooming a little later - look beautiful against the background of the lush greenery of the bush.In summer, Kupena successfully masks the withered foliage of spring bulbs.

Perennial among flowers

After the flowering period, the multiflorous one does not lose its decorative effect. Its curved stems create interesting compositions with daylilies, astilbe, irises and other perennial flowers. The bush is well adjacent to plants that prefer partial shade - ferns, hosts, dicentra, hellebores.

On a note! The most decorative multiflorous variegated kupena, characterized by variegated foliage.

Kupena in landscape design

Due to its shade tolerance and unpretentiousness, the kupena is an indispensable element in landscape design. The plant is used to mask problem areas in the shade. Often the shrub is used to create picturesque clumps in the near-trunk circles of garden trees and shrubs.

Kupena looks impressive against the background of large stones and wooden compositions. The plant is planted to frame decorative ponds in combination with forest geraniums, iris-iris and primroses.

Garden lily of the valley in landscape design

Why is this flower dangerous?

All parts of the plant, especially the fruit, contain plant alkaloids. Kupena is considered a poisonous plant. Careless eating can cause vomiting and hallucinations. Juice with careless external application can cause burns.