22 Apr

Kupena officinale (Polygonatum officinale)

The medicinal or pharmaceutical flower is a poisonous plant, therefore, when grown from seeds or rhizomes, the plantings are located on the site in such a way that children and animals have access to them. Polygonatum officinale has a lot of useful properties, many of which are described in detail in this material.

Here you can get acquainted with the agricultural technology of the crop. It tells about planting kupena and caring for it in open ground - from the moment of sowing seeds to technical maturity, at which it is possible to collect medicinal raw materials.

Read the description of the kupena flower and look at the numerous photos located on the page:

Description of the medicinal product purchased

Kupena officinale (Polygonatum officinale) is a herbaceous perennial plant up to 60 cm high. Common names: wolf's eyes, wolf's grass, wolf's apples, wolf's berry, wolf's berries, crow's eyes, magpie's eyes, raven, gladysh, crane pods, Solomon's seal, crane grass , kupena-lupena, wild hellebore, hare cabbage, signet, cockerels, tirlich, lily of the valley and other names.

The description should begin with the fact that the medicinal plant (Polygonatum officinale) belongs to the lily family. The stem and rhizome of the plant are knotty, the stem is bent in an arc at the top, the leaves are alternate and facing one direction.

The leaves of the plant are oblong-oval, ovate, green above and bluish-green below. The fruit of the kupena is a bluish-black spherical berry. Kupena flowers are white, bare, drooping, located in the axils of the leaves in 1 or 2 groups. Kupena blooms from May to June.

Kupena grows throughout the European part of Russia and the CIS, in Western and Eastern Siberia. Kupena grows among shrubs in coniferous and deciduous forests.

For the preparation of medicines from kupena, the raw materials are grass (leaves, flowers, stems) and rhizomes. The grass is harvested from May to June, and the rhizomes are harvested in the fall.

The rhizomes of kupena officinalis contain mucilage, starch, ascorbic acid, alkaloids, arabinose, fructose, and glucose. All parts of the drug product contain cardiac glycosides. Vitamin C and glycosides are found in the leaves.

Medicinal properties of the pharmacy product

Traditional medicine uses the medicinal properties of the pharmaceutical product for dropsy, hemorrhoids, colds, rheumatism, lower back pain, edema of various origins, diabetes, hernia, and also as an enveloping, blood purifying, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, emetic, emollient and expectorant. Fresh leaves of the plant are also used externally, applying them to wounds, and boiled ones - in the form of poultices for bruises.

• A decoction and tincture of the rhizomes of kupena are indicated for bronchitis, pneumonia, headaches, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, peptic ulcers, osteochondrosis, arthritis, heart ailments, and gout. The juice of fresh roots helps remove facial spots and freckles. Just don’t forget about the possibility of skin burns!
• Kupena rhizomes infused with 40% alcohol (or vodka) are used in the form of drops for scabs and pimples on the body.
• A decoction of the root of kupena officinalis is used externally in the form of lotions, compresses, and washes for bleeding abrasions, bruises, gouty and rheumatic pain.
• The plant kupena officinalis can be used to treat acute and chronic gynecological diseases.
• Small doses of a decoction of rhizomes are used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers.
• A decoction of the rhizome of kupena helps to resolve bruises. It is also recommended for rheumatism and gout.

However, it must be borne in mind that the kupena plant is poisonous and great care is required when used internally!

Kupena multiflorum or fragrant

Kupena multiflora belongs to the Landyshev family, has a rather modest appearance, but at the same time looks elegant. The Solomon's seal plant prefers shady places. If the flower is planted in an area that is too sunny, its growth may not occur so quickly, and the adult plant will not please you with its splendor. It is recommended to plant the flower under a tree - it will look beautiful as a thicket.

No more than 50 species of kupena are distributed throughout the world, they are mainly concentrated in Asia and Europe. In Russia, 2 main varieties are grown: fragrant or medicinal kupena, used in pharmacology, and multi-flowered kupena, more often used for decorative purposes.

This plant is distinguished by a fairly powerful root system, several erect stems, often located at a slight angle. They sometimes reach a height of 1.3-1.5 m. Wide lanceolate leaves on the stems grow vertically, as a result of which it seems that they are planted on it. And due to the size of the leaf, small tubular flowers looking down from the axils are often not noticed. They have a pale yellow color at the edges, fading towards the center. Some species have petals in cream and pink tones with a terry frame. At the end of flowering, fruits appear on the kupena, which cannot be consumed: they are toxic to humans.

Fragrant kupena belongs to perennial plants, does not reach 70 cm in height: the average value for a bush is 40-60 cm. The length of the leaves ranges from 10 to 14 cm, width - 2-5 cm. On the back side they are rough and matte, with silvery tint, glossy, dark green on the front.

The plant has a branched and long root. There are 1-2 white flowers on the peduncle, which bloom at the end of May. The dark blue berries of the fruit appear at the end of June. In nature, medicinal bath can be found on the edges and between bushes, in coniferous forests.

Soil for growing

Any soil is suitable for the plant, but if you want rapid growth, it is better to give preference to dense, fertile soil. Poor soils inhibit the development of the flower, and it looks sickly. Moist soil works well, but do not allow moisture to stagnate.

Choose a place for planting where the groundwater runs deep. Did you know? The plant received its name “Solomon’s Seal” due to its unique medicinal properties and unusual shape. According to legend, King Solomon awarded the kupena with his seal for the ability to cope with many diseases.

Before planting, it is recommended to fertilize the soil of the bed for growing kupena with mineral fertilizer (15 g per bush) or wood ash. It is worth filling the holes with drainage and adding compost mixed with the top layer of soil.

Planting and care in open ground

Planting kupena and subsequent care in open ground will not require constant monitoring by the gardener. This lily of the valley is one of the types of crops that only need to be planted once and carefully weeded every spring. Then everything happens “of course.”

In the table we consider the types of drainage for growing Kupena in open ground:

Types of drainage	Drainage Features	Types of reproduction Kupena
Perlite	Makes the soil structure porous. Promotes good rooting of root suckers, divisions, cuttings	When propagated by dividing the rhizome
Vermiculite	Absorbs most of the water, and during drought, returns some of the water to the roots.	When transplanting and propagating plants in divisions
Charcoal	Protects the top layer from flooding with water	Used at all stages of plant development
Sand	Prevents water stagnation at the roots	When planting seeds and cuttings of rhizomes
Crushed stone	Promotes the penetration of water into deeper layers, which avoids stagnation of water at the roots	For all types of reproduction

Kupena can be propagated in two ways - by seeds and vegetatively. Let's look at each of them.

Seeds

Not only planting and caring for the multifloral plant can provide you with a beautiful and healthy shrub. It is very important to choose the right method of propagation. The seed method is used quite rarely, since the setting of seed is poor, they quickly lose their germination capacity, and flowering begins only in the third year (and sometimes in the fifth). This method is not used at all for propagating hybrid varieties, since the offspring do not retain maternal characteristics. If you still intend to use this method, you need to plant the seeds in late autumn - early winter. In the best case, seedlings will appear by spring, but more often this happens only in the second year.

Vegetatively

This method is the simplest and most common. The rhizomes have a cranked appearance, they have marks from dead stems, which are called seals. They are necessary to determine the age of the flower. Since the rhizomes are quite fragile, they should be divided carefully. By August - September, renewal buds may already be noticeable. Division is usually performed in early September or early March. This event is not recommended to be carried out more than once every 3 years. In addition to the fact that the flower will be renewed and you will receive new planting material, division will allow you to control the growth of the crop.

Important! The plant is resistant to diseases and pests, but at the end of summer it can be attacked by slugs. To prevent this, be sure to treat the culture with Inta-vir. The sprouts must be planted in holes with a maximum depth of 8 cm, and they must be located horizontally. The distance between seedlings should be at least 20 cm. After planting, mulch must be spread on the soil. During the first few years, the growth of the flower will be slow, but then it will begin to rapidly grow upward.

How to care for a plant

If you want your kupena to always please you with its beautiful appearance, you need to know how to plant and care for it in the open ground. Watering and soil care The plant does not need constant and careful care. Watering should be carried out only during drought; in other periods, the kupena will be fed by rainwater and groundwater. To prevent crust from forming on the ground after watering, it is necessary to mulch the bush. Loosening is not recommended, as you can damage the root system of the plant - it is quite fragile and is located close to the surface. You can only fight weeds for the first few years; after this period, the bushes grow and do not give the weeds a chance to break through.

Fertilizer

If the kupena grows in fertile soil, one fertilizer per year will be enough. Organic fertilizers - manure or compost - are used as top dressing. Mineral fertilizers are also added in small quantities.

Transfer

Kupena reacts negatively to frequent transplants. This plant will feel great in one place for a long time, up to 20 years. If replanting is nevertheless necessary (for example, to obtain seed material), you should not disturb the shrub with obsessive care - gradually it will regain its strength on its own.

Covering the bath for the winter

Kupena multiflorum is a frost-resistant variety, so it does not need to be covered for the winter. If you are still worried about the plant, you can cut the shoots down to 5 cm, and cover the newly planted bushes with a layer of mulch.

Use in landscape design

Kupena is used quite often in landscape design. The plant gives an original fresh look to unsightly areas, creating extraordinary comfort in them.

Kupena forms dense decorative thickets and covers empty and unsightly areas well. Since Kupena is a shade-loving plant, gardeners often plant trees and decorate the tree trunks.

The tall kupena looks good in the central part of the garden plot, for example, in rockeries with flowers such as pansies, daisies, irises and daylilies. Kupena is planted next to plants such as ferns and hellebores in order to protect the plant from sunlight.

Kupena is very popular among designers due to its beautiful spreading appearance: even after flowering, the plant attracts attention. The flower will become an original decoration for a rocky garden and will look harmonious with flowers such as daylilies, hostas, irises, tulips, and forest geraniums. Floral arrangements are also not complete without a purchase - it will fit very well into any bouquet. Once you have read the description of the crop, the features of its propagation and care, it will not be difficult for you to grow a beautiful and unusual plant on your site.

Types for garden cultivation

Kupena is a very popular plant; species for garden cultivation are highly decorative. But not all of them have a set of useful properties. The following types of kupena can be planted in gardens: caring for them in the open ground will not be difficult:

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.
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.

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Kupena is an unusually spectacular plant that surprises everyone who sees it for the first time. The elongated oval glossy leaves resemble hosta, the delicate white flowers resemble bells, and the dense thickets of kupena look almost the same as fields of lily of the valley. Thanks to its expressive appearance and unpretentiousness, this forest beauty has firmly settled in our gardens, becoming the favorite of many gardeners.

The plant looks unusually good in flower beds and decorates shady corners of the garden. Snow-white flowers appearing in early summer stand out against the rich greenery. The dark blue berries, which ripen in August, are also attractive.

Among the people, the purchase is often called the seal of King Solomon or simply the Solomon seal. Where this name, which refers to a biblical ruler, came from is not known exactly. According to one version, the thickenings on the roots of the plant resemble a seal; according to another, the cut roots are shaped like the Hebrew alphabet. The official name of the flower is derived from two Greek words translated as “many” and “knee,” which refers to the structure of a long rhizome consisting of a large number of knees or joints.

In Russian provinces, kupena was called differently: wolf's eyes, crow's eyes, raven, wolf's berry, magpie's eyes, gladysh, crane's eye, hellebore, etc.

Kupena is known not only for its beauty. It is both a medicinal and an edible plant.

A mixture of varieties of kupena is used in traditional Chinese medicine to restore energy, increase vitality, and relieve stress. In 1930, German pharmacologist Hedwig Langecker discovered that the plant helps treat diabetes. In Ayurveda, one type of kupena is considered an aphrodisiac and is also used to treat pain, fever, inflammation, allergies and weakness.

The kupena has found even greater use in cooking:

• In China and Korea, the leaves, stems and rhizomes are used raw or cooked and served as a side dish for meat or as an accompaniment to rice. The rhizomes are used to make tea and flavor alcoholic beverages. Roots fried with sugar and honey serve as dessert.
• In India, kupena is considered a vegetable, and its leaves and young shoots are eaten. Raw sprouts taste similar to asparagus.
• Native Americans ground the root of the plant and added it to flour or ate it boiled. Due to its high starch content, kupena root is slightly reminiscent of potatoes.

[!] All parts of the plant, including the fruits, are poisonous. Eating them uncontrollably and raw is prohibited, and treatment must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

It is now difficult to name the homeland of the kupena - the culture has spread throughout the world and is found on almost all continents. Most often the plant can be seen in Europe and most of Asia, as well as in the Americas. In Russia, the kupena settled in Siberia, the Far East, the European part and the Caucasus.

Botany classifies the genus Kupena (lat. Polygonatum) to the extensive family of asparagus (lat. Asparagaceae), the subfamily nolinaceae (lat. Nolinoideae). The closest relatives in the plant world are aspidistra, lily of the valley, nolina, butcher's broom and, widely known in indoor floriculture, sansevieria. Previously, the genus was assigned to the abolished family of lilies of the valley and lilies.

The genus includes several species of herbaceous perennials, united by common characteristics: a long horizontal rhizome with traces of dead stems similar to seals, dense erect or drooping shoots, glossy ovate or oval-elliptic leaves and flowers appearing in the axils of the leaves. The flowers can be single or collected in loose inflorescences, and their color is usually snow-white. After flowering, fruits appear in the form of red or blue-black berries containing several seeds.

One of the features of kupena is the presence of rhizomes, horizontal root-like creeping shoots that serve for asexual reproduction of the perennial. The development cycle of a rhizome differs in duration:

1. Initially, the stem grows underground in a horizontal position. At its end, an apical bud is formed.
2. After about six months, by mid-summer, the bud turns vertically, but does not germinate.
3. In the spring of next year, a bud appears on the surface of the earth and a young shoot grows from it. At the same time, a new shoot with an apical bud is formed underground, repeating the entire path.
4. In autumn, the above-ground part of the kupena dies off, but the underground part remains, providing a new development cycle for the next year.

Types and varieties of kupena

According to the latest data, the genus includes at least 75 species, some of them are used in ornamental gardening.

Kupena two-flowered(lat. Polygonatum biflorum) is sometimes called smooth or magnificent and is confused with the similar-looking Smilacina bony. This species is most often found in the forests of North America.

The plant is distinguished by strong, slightly bending stems of medium height (about 30-40 cm). In the upper part of the shoot there are large glossy leaves of an oval shape with a sharp end. In late spring or early summer, flower stalks with one or more often two white bell-shaped flowers appear from the leaf axils.

Kupena multiflorum(lat. Polygonatum multiflorum), unlike the previous species, is found mainly in the forests of Eurasia. The flower is especially widespread in Great Britain, the countries of northern and central Europe, Russia and Belarus.

This is a fairly large (on average 50 cm, maximum size 90 cm) crop with slightly drooping, leafless stems at the bottom, large elliptical leaves of bright green above and grayish below, and white inflorescences. The inflorescences appear in late spring and consist of several flowers, which is how the species got its name.

K. biflora, K. multiflorum

Kupena fragrant, aromatic, pharmaceutical or medicinal (lat. Polygonatum odoratum) is found in many regions and countries: Great Britain, Russia, Japan, China, etc. This is a tall (up to 85 cm) herbaceous perennial with large alternately arranged leaves and inflorescences collected from 1-3 bell-shaped flowers. The color of the flowers is slightly different - the tips of the petals have a delicate greenish tint.

There are several varieties of fragrant kupena:

1. Maksimovich (var. maximowiczii) – Japan, Far East.
2. Fragrant (var. odoratum) – Portugal. Great Britain, Japan, Kamchatka.
3. Multi-flowered (var. pluriflorum) – Japan, Korea.
4. Thunberg (var. thunbergii) – Japan, Korea.

This type is most often used in folk medicine.

Kupena Hooker(lat. Polygonatum hookeri) differs from others in its very beautiful soft purple hue of flowers that appear in spring, elongated linear leaves and miniature size. This plant can be seen in the mountains and foothills, in rocky alpine meadows. Bright blooming curtains look unusually decorative against the backdrop of lush greenery.

Bought low or squat (lat. Polygonatum humile) is another representative of compact species. It is found mainly in Siberia, the Far East, as well as China and Japan.

This is a low (up to 30 cm) herbaceous perennial with erect or slightly bending stems, along the entire length of which there are large, rounded and glossy leaves. In late spring or early summer, a peduncle with a single snow-white flower at the end appears from the bases of the middle and lower leaves.

K. fragrant, K. low

Kupena whorled(lat. Polygonatum verticillatum) is a medium-tall (about 45 cm) plant with a strong, straight stem and elongated, pointed at the ends, bright green leaves. Flowering time is early or mid-summer. After flowering, fruits are formed in the form of berries of a rich red hue, which contrast beautifully with the greenery of the leaves and shoots.

Kupena hairy or pubescent (lat. Polygonatum hirtum) is a perennial, reaching 50 cm in height, with drooping, pubescent stems at the top. The leaves are oval and large. In May, flowers appear from the leaf axils.

Often found in the temperate zone of Eurasia, preferring to settle in sparse forests, forest-steppes, mountains and foothills. The species is unpretentious and drought-resistant, which makes it indispensable for cultivation in areas with depleted soil.

K. whorled, K. hairy

Purchased hybrid(lat. Polygonatum × hybridum) is an artificially bred plant, the most popular in ornamental gardening. The hybrid is the result of crossing multi-flowered and fragrant bathhouse. It is characterized by excellent hardiness, rapid growth, resistance to drought and other adverse effects.

This is a large (up to 90 cm) perennial with thickened drooping stems and alternately arranged elliptical leaves. The flowers are white or greenish, on thin long stalks, pleasantly scented.

Numerous varieties are known:

• "Striatum" (Striatum) is a variegated (variegated) variety. The leaves of the plant are decorated with green and cream stripes. It stands out for its more compact (no more than 60 cm) dimensions.
• "Betberg" (Betberg) - the variety is named after a German village. Interesting with dark brown, brown or purple leaves. Unlike the previous one, it is larger than standard hybrids and can reach a height of more than a meter.
• "Wakehurst" (Wakehurst) - soft pink bell-shaped flowers, elongated leaves and burgundy shoots.
• "Purple Katie" (Purple Katie) - the leaves and stems of this variety have an unusual purple hue.
• "Nanum" (Nanum) is a low-growing variety.
• "Variegatum" (Viriegatum) - a group of varieties with a pattern on the leaf blade. The pattern is usually an alternation of light green and dark green stripes.
• "Flore Pleno" (Flore Pleno) - large flowers with a white base and greenish ending of the petals.

K. "Wakehurst", K. "Betberg", K. "Striatum", K. "Flore Pleno"

Purchased in landscape design

Kupena looks very impressive in a flower bed, and the variety of species allows you to choose a plant that is suitable in size.

Tall and medium-tall species look great together with hostas, astilbes, (classic combination), compact and ferns. Miniature varieties are good in rocky gardens next to lily of the valley and kandyk.

This crop is great for shaded areas of the garden. Its graceful snow-white flowers stand out brightly against the background of dark greenery, and the foliage remains decorative throughout the season. Kupena looks great in landscape compositions created in a romantic or natural style.

The undoubted advantage of the purchase is its rapid growth. Purchased as a shoot, it grows over the course of several years, without, however, showing aggression towards other crops and without occupying excess space. Varietal kupenas give a slightly smaller increase. Another advantage of the plant is its stability and long life: the curtain can not be replanted for 10-15 years.

Among the disadvantages is the exposure of the lower part of the shoots, which many gardeners do not like. To hide unattractive stems, you can plant low-growing and bushy plants from below.

Growing and caring for kupena

In nature, kupena grows in deciduous and pine forests, among bushes, along river banks, along streams, where there is fertile soil, high humidity, but little sun. For the rapid growth of a forest beauty in the garden, first of all, you need to plant it in the right place in fertile soil, and then actively water the plant.

Location, soil, watering, wintering

The best place for a bath is in shade or partial shade, under the canopy of large trees. This perennial will, of course, survive in the sun, but it will grow and bloom very poorly.

Another important factor in the successful cultivation of kupena is rich humus soil. It should be loose, water- and breathable. Before planting, a little humus should be added to the substrate, and it is advisable to dilute too dense clay soil with clean coarse sand.

[!] Kupena reacts poorly to stagnation of water at the roots, especially during spring floods, so you should not plant the plant in soaking lowlands.

Watering is vital for the kupena during drought; on rainy days, watering can be stopped; natural moisture will be sufficient.

The vast majority of perennial species tolerate frost well. Moreover, kupena grows well even in Siberia, keeping well in winter. In late autumn, all the green above-ground part of the plant dies off, leaving only the roots, from which new young shoots appear the next year.

Reproduction of kupena

In nature, kupena reproduces by rhizomes and seeds; in culture, the first option is preferable. The fact is that perennial seeds quickly lose their viability and also require lengthy stratification, which is not always convenient.

For propagation, you should separate a section of rhizome with an apical bud and plant it again. The rhizome is planted horizontally, as they grow in nature, to a depth of 5-7 cm, and the best time for this procedure is the end of summer or the beginning of autumn.

Diseases and pests

The beautifully flowering kupena is resistant to many diseases and pests. Among the most dangerous infections for her are:

Perennial shade-loving plants are very much in demand in an established garden. A special microclimate is formed under the canopy of tree crowns, and shady places appear more and more. The time has come to select flowering shade-loving plants for the garden. One of these plants is kupena. It is unpretentious, blooms pleasantly, and after flowering, due to the curved shape of the shoots and beautiful foliage, it does not lose its decorative effect. So, briefly about planting and caring for kupena in the open ground.

Kupena: description

The kupena plant (Polygonatum) belongs to the Asparagus family. It has thick horizontal roots that lie shallow. Loves rich, moist soils, but does not tolerate prolonged stagnation of water. The leaves are oval or lanceolate, arranged alternately, oppositely or in whorls on inclined shoots. There are species with erect stems, but in private gardens plants with arched stems are more often grown. The shoots of the kupena are herbaceous, quite strong, and do not die from rain.

The kupena acquires a special grace during flowering - bell-shaped flowers, which are shaped like lilies of the valley, appear on the shoots in the axils of the leaves. Plant height depends on the type - from 10 to 150 cm:

• The fragrant or medicinal plant (P. odoratum) has many garden forms, with a height of 60 to 115 cm, and grows quickly. Although this garden form grows quickly, it is not an aggressive plant - the area of ​​its growth can be easily regulated by simply pulling out excess roots, since they do not lie deep. There are variegated variegated forms. It blooms at the end of May for about 20 days.

• The broadleaf plant (P. Latifolium), about 60 cm high, can grow in extremely dense, clayey soils. Quite drought-resistant species. It also blooms at the end of May. It is this species that most often sets fruit after flowering, so it is easy to propagate by seeds. Sprouts appear in the second year after planting.

Of the upright species, the following can be named: narrow-leaved cupena (P.stenophyllum), pink cupena (P.roseum), whorled cupena (P.verticillatum).

Kupena: planting and care in open ground

Kupena is most often propagated by dividing rhizomes, and planting can be done without any problems throughout the growing season. But if you replant sections of kupena rhizomes in August, they will have already matured buds of renewed growth. The root is buried 5 cm, positioned horizontally. For good establishment, maintain soil moisture.

It must be emphasized that kupenas are not just shade-loving garden plants; they are very undemanding in terms of growing conditions and care. Kupena live in one place for a long time - 10 years or more. In dry weather they need to be provided with watering. Kupenas grow best in shade and partial shade; in sunny places they become smaller. In addition, the plant weakens in the sun and can be attacked by slugs. So growing kupena works better in shady corners of the garden.

Purchased in garden design

Good purchases for compositions in a natural style. They perfectly control the growth of weeds, creating very nice thickets. Combines with ferns, hostas, hellebores, dicentras. Since kupenas are decorative throughout the growing season and do not require frequent replanting, they can be recommended for creating stable ground cover in shaded and semi-shaded areas of the garden.

So, when selecting shade-loving garden perennial plants, you should pay special attention to the kupena; it is very charming in the shady corners of the garden and is undemanding in care. But if you have children in the garden, then it is better not to use broadleaf rose for planting - its fruits can attract the attention of children, and they are poisonous. This is perhaps the only drawback of the purchase. Well, planting and caring for kupena in the open ground is very simple.

Kupena, a member of the lily family, has a graceful, curved stem bearing bright green leaves and white flowers. The main advantage of the perennial is its shade tolerance and ease of care. This is an excellent addition to any garden, and with 50 known varieties, you can choose exactly your cupena.

The most popular types are medicinal, fragrant, low-growing, whorled and broad-leaved. To grow a spectacular kupena flower in your garden plot, it is enough to adhere to the timing of its planting and provide it with proper care.

Selecting a location

Garden lily of the valley, also called kupena, grows calmly and develops in almost any conditions. However, it is better to plant it in shaded areas. The soil must be sufficiently fertile. If you place a perennial plant on depleted soil or in open sun, then the plant will grow much worse and will not be able to become a beautiful addition to the garden.

Advice
Garden lily of the valley will help get rid of weeds under trees: the lily of the valley forms dense thickets, leaving no chance for green parasites.

Planting technology and propagation

It is believed that garden lily of the valley can be planted in open ground at any time of the year. But it is preferable to do this in the last days of August, before autumn. Preparing the seat includes the following steps:

1. Clearing a specific area of ​​weeds.
2. Digging the soil to a depth of 20-25 cm.
3. Formation of holes.
4. Laying a drainage layer of broken bricks, fine crushed stone, and coarse sand on the bottom of the pits.
5. Fertilizing with mineral fertilizers at the rate of 15 g of product per plant or with wood ash. To do this, the excavated soil is mixed with nutrients, including compost.

Further actions will depend on the chosen method of reproduction. In this case, seed and vegetative methods are equally successfully used. As a rule, the first one is taken into service to plant new bushes. To multiply an existing kupena, it is divided.

Vegetative method

The easiest way to propagate kupena is to separate part of the rhizome with a bud from an adult bush. This method makes the garden lily of the valley grow and develop faster.

Procedure:

1. The divisions are placed in the prepared planting holes to a depth of no more than 10 cm and positioned horizontally.
2. Sprinkle with fertile soil and compact gently.
3. Water generously.

This option for breeding kupena in the country can be used at any time of the year. The period during which the bush will completely take root and take root is two years. The first buds of a multi-flowered plant will appear in the third year after planting.

Seed method

A significant disadvantage of this method of propagation is the long waiting period for the first buds; it happens that they appear 5 years after the seeds are planted in the soil. In addition, it is difficult to collect material: due to the narrow inflorescences, the kupena is poorly pollinated and does not bear fruit every year. Finally, the qualities of hybrid flowers are not preserved when dispersed by seeds.

If the seed method is nevertheless chosen, then the planting material will require natural stratification. The manipulation is carried out before winter. Given the long period of their development, they will be able to hatch only next year in the spring.

When growing for seedlings you need:

1. Collect fully ripened fruits.
2. Remove the seeds from them and rinse them under water to remove the pulp.
3. Prepare containers filled with sand and peat mixture.
4. Plant the seeds in the soil and cover with film.

Important
Kupena is poisonous - children need to be explained that picking these flowers is dangerous.

During the first three months, the room temperature should be within +2-5° C. For the next three months, the crops are kept at a temperature of 20-23 degrees Celsius. For the last three months, the containers should again be in a cool room at a temperature no higher than +5. Lighting should be diffused and the soil should be moderately moist. Irrigation is carried out as the soil dries out.

Secrets of perennial care

Bought is an unpretentious plant, but basic agrotechnical requirements must be observed so that the flower will delight you with its delicate flowers for a long time.

Watering and mulching

The amount and frequency of irrigation depends on the specific plant variety. Kupena needs regular but moderate watering, which will not cause rotting of the root system, the development of fungal diseases, or the invasion of snails and slugs. Broadleaf, pink and medicinal varieties of this flower grow well even in dry weather. Watering is carried out only in the absence of precipitation for a long time.

Considering the fragility of the perennial root system, it is not advisable to loosen the soil; there is a high probability of its damage. The best way to retain moisture is to mulch with pine sawdust and grass clippings.

Weed removal and fertilizing

It is necessary to clear the flower garden of weeds when growing kupena only in the first two to three years after planting.

Even when planting a perennial in an open area, nutrients are added to the holes, and that supply is enough for 2 years. Subsequently, it is recommended to fertilize the bushes once a year - in the spring, using organic compounds.

Diseases, pests, wintering

The advantage of the plant is its excellent resistance to various diseases and garden pests. The main thing is to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged, and then there will be no problems with the plant.

As soon as cold weather sets in, the above-ground part of the garden lily of the valley dies. The roots of the plant are not affected. But this only applies to temperate climates. In northern regions with severe frosts, bushes without shelter will die. For protection, it is better to use sawdust, peat or spruce branches.

Kupena is rightfully considered hardy and does not require special growing conditions. By performing basic agricultural techniques, the gardener receives an elegant decoration for his garden.

Kupena is somewhat similar to lily of the valley. People call it as many different names as: deaf lily of the valley, kokornik, signet, Solomon's seal, wolf grass, wolf fang, core, crow berries. This unpretentious perennial is not only decorative, but also one of the medicinal plants.

Kupena is unpretentious and grows quickly

Kupena(Polygonatum) is a perennial rhizomatous herbaceous plant that in nature often grows in meadows and slopes. Lignified multi-jointed (articular) rhizome located horizontally at the soil surface. In spring, a new stem grows from a bud at the end of the root. In the fall it dies, leaving a mark like a seal. The age of the plant is determined by the number of small round scars with a depressed middle from last year’s stems (“Solomon’s seal”).

Ribbed stems covered with thin, smooth green skin, in some species with a reddish tint. The shoots are bent into a semi-arc, and large sessile oval-shaped leaves with smooth edges, a pointed apex and raised veins are alternately located on them.

Bought in May - June blooms. First, snow-white bell-shaped buds hang from the axils of the leaves along the lower edge of the stem, then the flowers bloom. They smell nice. After pollination, fruits appear. These are reddish berries that turn blue-black when ripe. The fruits bought with seeds are poisonous.

Bought flowers

Types of purchased

About 50 species of kupena have been described, many of which are decorative.

Bought pharmaceutical (medicinal), or fragrant(P. odoratum). The height of the perennial with ribbed stems on which oval-shaped leaves sit is 30 - 65 cm. Flowering begins in the second half of May and lasts almost 5 weeks. The flowers are snow-white, bell-shaped.

Kupena whorled(P. verticillatum). This type of plant, 30 - 60 cm high, blooms in June-July. Its lower sessile elongated narrow leaves are attached alternately, the upper ones are collected in whorls of 4 - 8 pieces. The variety "Rubrum" is popular.

Kupena multiflorum(P. multiflorum). The height of the perennial is about 1 m. The leaves are arranged in two rows. Snow-white small flowers are collected in bunches of up to four pieces in the axils of the leaves. This is a moisture-loving species that grows well in the shade. Kupena multiflora variegatum(P. odoratum) has leaves with longitudinal white stripes. It is good even after flowering.

Kupena broadleaf(P. hirtum). The height of this species is about 50 cm. The oval leaves have pointed tips. The flowers are white, with a greenish tint. They bloom at the end of May.

Kupena is squat, or low(P. humile). A low-growing plant 15 - 35 cm high, it has sessile leaves of light green color. The flowers are white with a noticeable pinkish tint.

Kupena Hooker(P. hookeri). This is a unique dwarf species of kupena, less than 10 cm high. The oblong leaves are narrow. The flowers have a distinct purple tint.

Kupena prati(P. prattii). This is a very decorative species with purple bells collected in paniculate clusters. The stems are dark purple, the elongated leaves are greenish-silver.

Reproduction of kupena

Kupena propagates by seeds and vegetatively. Let's consider first seed propagation method this plant, with which it is possible to grow a large number of seedlings. But he is quite troublesome. You can use your own collected seeds. First you need to collect the ripened fruits, remove the seeds from them and wash them to remove the pulp. After this, the seeds are stratified (in the refrigerator) for a month. Then they start sowing, filling the container with a sand-peat mixture. It is left for three months in a cool place (+ 5°C).

After three months, the container with the crops is moved for a short time to a warm place (+20 - 23°C). But in order for the seeds to germinate, they again need coolness for one to two months. After this, the container with the crops is kept in a warm room (+20 - 23°C) with diffused lighting and the soil is regularly moistened. At first, the seedlings grow slowly.

Planting in a permanent place in the flower garden is carried out in late spring. Flowering is expected only in the third or fourth year.

Dividing the bush- the easiest way to propagate kupena. It is usually held in late summer or early autumn. I divide my overgrown bushes in the spring, when shoots begin to grow. I take into account that when digging and planting it is easy to break off young shoots.

It is advisable to divide the bushes every four to five years, because... the overgrown kupena creeps into the territory of neighboring plants. The dug out bush is carefully cut into pieces. Each division should contain a section of rhizome with a growth bud, and in the fall, always with a part of the stem.

When planting, you need to carefully straighten the rhizome, deepening it by 5 - 8 cm. The divisions are planted at a distance of at least 20 cm from each other. Only after this, watering is carried out and a little dry soil is added. In the fall, you need to additionally mulch the planting site.

For the first two years, the kupena gets used to its new location, after which it blooms and begins to grow actively.

Raindrops on leaves

Caring for your bath

Place. Kupena grows best in a semi-shaded place.

Watering. This unpretentious perennial plant is surprisingly undemanding when it comes to watering. In dry summers, the soil has to be moistened more often. Mulching perfectly retains moisture and eliminates the need for loosening, which can damage the rhizome.

Feeding. Complex mineral fertilizer is applied to fertile soil in early spring. The poor thing must be flavored with organic matter. The second feeding is carried out during the flowering period.

Diseases and pests. Kupena is classified as a plant with good health. But its leaves are spoiled by slugs and some sucking pests.

Not only slugs and snails feast on the succulent leaves of the kupena, but also other pests that appear in the second half of summer

Wintering. In the middle zone, the kupena winters well without complex shelters. It is enough to mulch the ground in the fall with compost, a mixture of peat and sand, or sawdust. In windy areas it is worth covering with spruce branches to retain snow. In spring it is removed before young shoots appear.

Bought when registering the plot

Kupena is good even after flowering. It has curved shoots that die off only in autumn. This perennial is often used for landscaping shady places, but it also decorates well-lit areas.

Kupena looks great next to stones and driftwood. Especially if they are covered with thick moss. It can be safely planted at the edge of decorative pools and in rock gardens, if there is a place with fertile soil.

In flower beds it looks amazing next to ground cover plants, for example, tenacious (ayuga), loosestrife, periwinkle, speedwell, etc. It is an excellent neighborhood with garden mantle, which emphasizes the beauty of other plants (article “Cuff: garden plant or useful weed? "). I have a lot of bulbous primroses (crocuses, scylla, etc.) settled around this perennial. They have been living their own lives on our site for a long time and appear in the spring even in the most inappropriate places. Kupena looks amazing next to white lilac.

Blooming kupena and white lilac

Bought as a medicinal plant

Kupena has long been classified as a medicinal plant that helps with many diseases. Traditional healers use it, but do not forget about contraindications:

Kupena is a poisonous plant. Roots, grass, flowers and berries have an emetic effect. An overdose can lead to more unpleasant, even dangerous phenomena. Kupena is contraindicated during pregnancy (R.B. Akhmedov “Plants are your friends and foes”).

This plant relieves pain, inflammation, stops bleeding and helps with severe cough. But often self-medication leads to bad consequences. Therefore, without consulting a specialist, you should not use decoctions and infusions purchased internally. It is better to use fresh juice applied externally. It heals wounds well and treats ulcers.

Kupena is able to quickly heal wounds, bleeding abrasions, bruises, and also relieve bruises and bruises.
The easiest way is to use a decoction: boil 2 - 3 tablespoons of chopped roots over low heat in 0.5 liters of water for 20 minutes. Use for compresses and lotions. Do not take orally, as this dosage is strong and will immediately cause vomiting. For oral administration the proportions are different. The plant is poisonous and requires careful attention (R.B. Akhmedov “Odolen-grass”).

Kupena and mysticism

The purchase is often called the “seal of Solomon”, or “Solomon’s seal”. There are two legends associated with this plant and the biblical King Solomon. In one of them, the king, who lived for a very long time, marked the purchase with his seal to make it easier to find a healing plant that prolongs people's lives. In the second legend, the king ordered the same design to be applied to his seal as he saw on the round scars on the rhizomes of the kupena.

From a dried piece of rhizome “with a seal” they make amulet, strengthening family ties.

The peasants cut off those pieces from the root that looked like a cross and wore them as amulets from the evil eye, damage and wrath of heavenly forces (lightning, hail, etc.).

To this day, healers use the “seal of Solomon” to speak hernia.

A shoot of a kupena with an even number of leaves was called “ lupena" In the old days, it was infused with spring water, and then they washed their face with it so that damaged skin would come off. They also looked for a shoot with an odd number of leaves, or “ foam" They washed their faces with this infusion to remove freckles and other age spots.

Burning bush. Our beautiful kupena has nothing in common (except for similar pronunciation) with dictamnus, or ash tree (Dictamnus). This southern perennial plant of the Rutaceae family is well known in the Crimea and the Caucasus. During flowering, a characteristic pharmaceutical smell appears. The fruits smell like freshly ground cinnamon. The insidiousness of this beautifully flowering plant is that the burn on the skin is felt only after a few hours, when watery blisters appear. They leave a wound. It takes a long time to heal. The ash tree is enveloped in ethereal vapors, so the flame burns them without damaging the plant itself. It seems that the fire is scorching him, but cannot set him on fire.

© "Podmoskovye", 2012-2018. Copying texts and photographs from the site podmoskоvje.com is prohibited. All rights reserved.

Sometimes a gardener has to solve difficult problems. For example, choose a shade-tolerant plant that can be placed even under a dense canopy of trees.

In this case, a purchased plant is suitable; planting and caring for it are done in shaded areas. Otherwise, Solomon’s seal, as this spectacular representative of the Asparagus family is also called, will refuse to bloom.

In nature, kupena grows in shady forests. All species, and there are up to 50 of them, are perennial, usually bloom in May-June, and berries appear in the fall. Different varieties can vary strikingly in height, leaf shape and color.

The giant Chinese rosemary grows up to 120 centimeters in height; almost a hundred snow-white flowers can appear on the stem of a large bush. A hardy variety of sickle-shaped plant called Silver Lining will surprise you with its unusual leaves decorated with silver stripes. The species Polygonatum kingianum blooms in rich orange or red.

There are also dwarf squat kupenas, their height barely reaches 35 centimeters, the leaves resemble lily of the valley, and the white flowers are very fragrant. There are very miniature bushes about 15 centimeters tall. Landscape designers also fell in love with the multi-flowered, broad-leaved, fragrant, pink, Caucasian kupena.

How to plant a kupena and provide it with care

It is important to remember that planting and caring for kupena will not be successful if you do not protect the plant from direct sunlight. The area should be shady, but partial shade is also possible. The soil will need to be fertile, moist, sandy loam or loamy soil is suitable.

Theoretically, kupena can be propagated by seeds and division of rhizomes. But practice shows that the first option is less successful; the seeds lose their viability very quickly. But thick rhizome segments rarely fail.

Before planting, you must carefully examine the rhizome. The fact is that the buds on it can be flower buds - larger, with a blunt end, and growth buds - smaller, with a pointed end. A piece of tuber with flower buds can be immediately planted in a permanent plot, the plant will bloom the next year. It is better to plant the part with growth buds in a separate bed; it will have to grow. Solomon's seal adapts remarkably well after transplantation.

It is better to plant rhizomes in early spring or early September. If this is a permanent area, it is advisable to maintain a distance between them of approximately 15 centimeters. If you plant a piece for growing, 10 centimeters is enough. A shallow hole is made in the soil, drainage is placed at the bottom, then the rhizome with at least one bud is lowered into it, covered with soil and moistened. It is necessary to provide daily watering for the next week, except on days when it rains.

Caring for the purchased one is extremely simple; regular moistening is enough for it, but mature bushes tolerate drought well. Moreover, they inhibit the appearance of weeds and it is rare to weed an area with plants. Diseases rarely affect Solomon's seal. Sawfly caterpillars can become malicious pests; sometimes in the summer they devour leaves in a matter of days, so it is important not to miss the appearance of insects.

Solomon's seal is a godsend for a garden that you don't have time to care for. It overwinters without shelter and grows remarkably in one place without transplanting.

Kupena with graceful stems and large leaves is very decorative and will help diversify the shady areas of the site. It is often placed in a group with shrubs and trees, planted near bodies of water, and decorated with mixborders and flower beds.

Low-growing varieties are useful for decorating large rockeries and rock gardens.

The plant is also suitable for cutting; you can create very beautiful tabletop compositions.

Kupena is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Asparagus family. In its natural environment it lives in the subtropical and temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere, preferring slopes and meadows.

Botanical description

In appearance it is similar to lily of the valley. The height of the plant is from 10 cm to 1.5 m. The rhizome is multi-generated, woody, and is mainly located horizontally close to the soil surface. The rhizome has rounded marks with a depressed middle - the so-called Solomon's seal. According to legend, it was left by the king due to the medicinal properties of the plant. Based on these marks, the return of the plant is determined.

Numerous growing points produce stems to the surface. They are ribbed and covered with thin, smooth green or reddish skin. The arched shoots are covered with large sessile leaves arranged alternately. The shape of the leaf blade is oval, the edges are smooth, the apex is pointed. The leaves are covered with raised veins running vertically.

When it blooms

Flowering occurs in May-June. Snow-white, bell-shaped buds appear in the leaf axils. They are collected in whorls, hang along the lower edge of the stem, and exude a rich, pleasant aroma. After pollination, the fruits appear: round berries of a reddish hue, which become blue-black as they ripen. Each berry contains 1-9 seeds. Be careful - they are poisonous.

Growing kupena from seeds

Kupena seeds photo

Seed and vegetative propagation of kupena is possible.

Growing kupena from seeds is a rather troublesome process, but it allows you to immediately obtain a large number of seedlings.

• Collect ripened fruits, remove seeds, and rinse to remove pulp.
• Keep the seeds in the vegetable section of the refrigerator for about 1 month.
• Sow in a container with a sand-peat mixture and keep at an air temperature of +2-5 °C for 3 months.
• The next 3 months the crops should be kept warm (about 20-23 °C).
• Then keep it cool again for about 3 months - at this stage the seeds will begin to germinate.

Bought from seeds photo seedlings

• Sprouts develop slowly. Grow at an air temperature of 20-23 °C, diffuse lighting is necessary, moisten the soil.
• Plant in open ground in the spring. Flowering will occur in the 3-4th year of growth.

Reproduction by dividing the bush

Vegetative propagation is carried out in late summer or early autumn.

Dividing the rhizome is the simplest and most effective method of propagation. The bushes should be divided every 3-4 years, otherwise the kupena will grow greatly and drown out its neighbors. Dig up the bush and carefully divide it into parts. The cuttings should be large and contain a section of rhizome with growth buds and part of the stem.

How to plant Kupena seedlings

Delenki, just like plants grown from seeds, are planted in the same way.

• Dig the area to the depth of a spade bayonet, get rid of weeds, and level the soil.
• It is recommended to add complex mineral fertilizers, compost, and ash. Add sand to dense, heavy soil.
• When planting, place the rhizome horizontally, deepen it by 8-9 cm.
• Keep a distance of about 20 cm between plantings. Compact the soil and water.

The divisions will take root for about 2 years, and then the bush will begin to grow and bloom.

Grows best in the shade. In a sunny area it develops more slowly.

How to care for a bath in the garden

Watering and loosening the soil

Water only when there is severe drought.

To maintain moisture and to avoid the formation of crust on the soil surface, the area should be mulched. It is not recommended to loosen the soil so as not to damage the roots of the plant. Carefully pull out weeds.

Feeding

If the soil is fertile, it is enough to apply complex mineral fertilizer or organic matter in early spring. Fertilize poor soil in spring and during flowering.

Diseases and pests

The plant is resistant to diseases and pests. Occasionally, slugs may appear on lush greenery. Collect them by hand, use traps, or cover the surface of the soil with a thin layer of ash or crushed eggshells.

Wintering

In the middle zone, the kupena successfully winters without shelter. If winters in your region have frosts above 20°C, mulch the soil with peat, sawdust, and cover with spruce branches. In spring, remove the cover.

Purchased in landscape design

Bought in garden design photo

In landscape design, kupena is most often planted for landscaping shady areas. It also grows well in sunny areas. It retains its decorative appearance even after flowering - the lush greenery dies off in the fall.

Looks good in rock gardens, rocky gardens, and will become a bright accent in vertical planting with low-growing plants (daisies, asters, phlox, hydrangea, corydalis, pansies, etc.).

Bought in landscape design photo mixborder

Combines with daylilies, irises, dicentra, and will advantageously cover the withered greenery of faded tulips and other spring bulbs.

Medicinal properties of kupena

Roots and shoots are rich in alkaloids, saponins, glucose and other active substances. Due to this, the plant is used as an anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, analgesic, enveloping, and expectorant agent.

Fresh juice is used externally to treat ulcers and heal wounds. The decoction is taken for bronchitis, stomach ulcers, and pneumonia.

An alcohol tincture of the roots of kupena should be taken for headaches, gout, osteochondrosis, and heart failure.

Be sure to consult your doctor before using any folk remedies. Overdose leads to negative consequences.

Types of purchased with photos and names

The genus contains about 50 species. Let's look at some of them that are grown decoratively.

Bought pharmaceutical or medicinal aka fragrant Polygonatum odoratum

Bought pharmaceutical or medicinal aka fragrant Polygonatum odoratum photo

Kupena is 30-65 cm high. Ribbed stems are covered with oval-shaped leaves. Flowering starts in mid-late May and lasts about 5 weeks. The flowers are snow-white, bell-shaped.

Kupena whorled Polygonatum verticillatum

Kupena whorled Polygonatum verticillatum variety ‘Rubrum’ photo

The height of the plant is 30-60 cm. The leaves are sessile, the lower ones are attached alternately, the upper ones are collected in whorls of 4-8 pieces. The leaf length is 10-17 cm, width - 1.5 cm. Flowering begins in June-July.

Polygonatum multiflorum

Polygonatum multiflorum photo

The height of the plant is about 1 m. The leaves are arranged in two rows. Small snow-white flowers of 1-4 are collected in the axils of the leaves. Grows best in the shade and loves moisture.

Kupena broadleaf Polygonatum hirtum

The height is about 50 cm. The leaves are oval-shaped with pointed tips. At the end of May, white flowers with a green tint appear.

Kupena squat or low Polygonatum humile

Polygonatum hirtum photo

Kupena height 15-35 cm. Leaves are sessile, light green in color. The flowers are white with a pinkish tint.

Hooker's Kupena Polygonatum hookeri

Hooker's Kupena Polygonatum hookeri photo

Original look. A dwarf only 5 cm high. The leaves are narrow, oblong. The flowers are colored purple.

Kupena variegated

Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’

Beautiful varieties with longitudinal white stripes on the leaves. Even after blooming, such a purchase remains the central accent in mixborders.

Kupena pratti Polygonatum prattii

Kupena pratti Polygonatum prattii photo

A beautiful plant with scatterings of purple bells collected in dense paniculate clusters. The leaves are lanceolate, elongated, and have a peculiar greenish-silver color. Stems are dark purple.

Kupena is a herbaceous perennial plant. A distinctive feature is thick, fleshy, erect peduncles with thin drooping petioles. The petioles on the stems are arranged alternately, from which hang white or greenish-white bell-shaped flowers. Peduncles develop in early spring from a knotty root system. The leaves on the peduncles are arranged in two rows, from top to bottom. The shape of the leaves is oval-elongated. In the article we will look at the step-by-step cultivation of Kupena in open ground, propagation and determine where and when to plant the flower.

There are more than 20-25 flowers on one erect peduncle of Kupena.

In its natural environment, you can find Kupena with pink, purple and cream flowers. Depending on the species, Kupena can be dwarf and tall, the height of the bush of the former reaches no more than 10 cm; the second - 1.5 m.

The bell-shaped flowers of Kupena bloom in May. Flowering duration is 3-4 weeks. After flowering ends, poisonous dark blue berries appear.

Bought a shade-loving plant. Under favorable conditions it grows quickly. Prefers to grow in moist, fertile soil. Kupena has a multi-jointed root system. The plant is propagated by seeds and division of the rhizome.

Place for planting kupena in the garden

Kupena grows well in sunny and shaded areas, which means it can become a worthy decoration for any corner of the site. Kupena responds with lush flowering on almost any soil. However, the duration of flowering and resistance to low temperatures and diseases of this plant depend on the fertility of the soil.

Kupena does not tolerate waterlogged soils, as well as soils with close groundwater. Intolerance to highly moist soils is associated with the root system of the plant, which quickly rots even with a slight accumulation of water.

Kupena is best planted under trees and shrubs, which will not only shade the plant, but also take up most of the water when the soil is abundantly moistened. Kupena can be grown in areas where weeds sprout annually. Kupena forms dense thickets, which helps in the fight against weeds. Read also the article: → “How to fight weeds in the garden: the best methods and means.”

Kupena looks good along the fence and walls of the house. Can serve as a shield for other plants from direct sunlight.

Preparing the soil on the site for planting kupena

The process of preparing the soil for planting Kupena begins with the end of the summer season. The main soil preparation activities include:

• removal of weeds;
• digging the soil to 25-30 cm (or a shovel bayonet);
• adding drainage material to the soil;
• application of mineral fertilizers;

Many gardeners prefer to use sand and crushed stone for drainage. Such components make it possible to improve the mechanical structure of the soil, namely, they make the soil more air- and water-permeable, and therefore fertile, since intensive growth and development of beneficial microorganisms occurs in such soil. Moreover, Kupena’s root system on well-aerated soil easily absorbs the required amount of nutrients produced by beneficial organisms, as well as micro- and macroelements added to the soil as fertilizers by humans.

In the table we consider the types of drainage for growing Kupena in open ground:

Types of drainage	Drainage Features	Types of reproduction Kupena
Perlite	Makes the soil structure porous. Promotes good rooting of root suckers, divisions, cuttings	When propagated by dividing the rhizome
Vermiculite	Absorbs most of the water, and during drought, returns some of the water to the roots.	When transplanting and propagating plants in divisions
Charcoal	Protects the top layer from flooding with water	Used at all stages of plant development
Sand	Prevents water stagnation at the roots	When planting seeds and cuttings of rhizomes
Crushed stone	Promotes the penetration of water into deeper layers, which avoids stagnation of water at the roots	For all types of reproduction

Reproduction of Kupena by division of rhizomes

Kupena mainly reproduces vegetatively, namely by dividing the rhizome. The procedure of dividing the rhizome of the mother plant can be carried out throughout the year. However, it is best to divide the rhizome in August. During this period, the roots have fully formed growth points. Let's look at the step-by-step instructions for planting Kupena trees:

• add complex mineral fertilizers at the rate of 20-30 g per m2;
• dig up the soil along with mineral fertilizers to a depth of 20-30 cm.
• add wood ash to the dug up and fertilized soil at the rate of 10-15 g per plant;
• Before planting, treat the cuttings in a solution of a growth stimulator;
• finished divisions with at least two buds are placed horizontally at a depth of 10-12 cm.
• The soil is lightly compacted with a garden spatula and watered abundantly.

For the first year and a half, divisions planted in open ground will grow slowly. Active growth begins as soon as the rhizome takes root in a new place.

Tip #1. Rhizome divisions should be large, since large divisions contain a sufficient amount of nutrients necessary for further successful rooting.

Kupena has a horizontal root with swellings, each of which has a mark reminiscent of an ancient seal. That is why Kupena is popularly known as Solomon's seal.

Reproduction of Kupena by seeds in open ground

Kupena is propagated by seeds very rarely, since the plant rarely sets seeds. Seeds are formed if the plant is pollinated by long-proboscis bumblebees. Moreover, Kupena seeds have a low germination rate and do not retain the varietal characteristics of the mother plant.

Kupena seeds must be subjected to a stratification procedure before planting in early spring. Therefore, experienced gardeners prefer to sow seeds in late autumn. Such seeds do not require stratification, since they are stratified under natural conditions in winter.

Let's look at step-by-step instructions for sowing seeds in open ground:

• raised beds 5-7 cm high are formed on the site;
• seeds are sown in a strip method at a distance of 5-10 cm, depending on the desired planting density;
• bury the seeds into the soil no more than 2-3 cm;
• sowing is sprinkled with loose soil and watered abundantly.

Seedlings appear the following year in late spring. Gardeners note cases of seedlings appearing in early summer due to the slow development of the plant. In the table we consider the advantages and disadvantages of two methods of propagating Kupena:

Purchased in landscape design

Kupena forms dense decorative thickets and covers empty and unsightly areas well. Since Kupena is a shade-loving plant, gardeners often plant trees and decorate the tree trunks.

The tall kupena looks good in the central part of the garden plot, for example, in rockeries with flowers such as pansies, daisies, irises and daylilies. Kupena is planted next to plants such as fern and hellebore in order to protect the plant from sunlight. Read also the article: → “We arrange country life and create landscape compositions.”

Kupena looks good in combination with compact, lush-flowering plants

Cultivated varieties Kupena for planting in the country

Wild varieties of Kupena grow in mountain and lowland forests. In regions with temperate climates. Uncultivated varieties of Kupena are used as a medicinal plant. The distribution area of ​​the medicinal Kupena is Siberia, the Caucasus and the Far East. Let's consider varieties suitable for growing in garden plots:

• Kupena Fragrant;
• Kupena Multiflorum;
• Kupena Variegata;
• Kupena Crescent.

The above varieties of Kupena are distinguished by their decorative leaves and lush flowering. They are characterized as the most winter-hardy. They reach a height of up to 1 m. They bloom in late May - early June. Read also the article: → “Beautiful perennial flowers for the cottage and garden.”

Mineral complex fertilizers for growing Kupena

Mineral fertilizers are necessary for Kupena not only for growth and development, but also for abundant and long flowering. When planting Kupena in fertile soil, it is enough to add individual mineral elements for positive growth and flowering. In the table we will consider what mineral elements are needed to be added when planting Kupena, taking into account the type of soil:

A lack of useful elements manifests itself in the form of yellowing leaves, weak growth and short flowering. Often, on poor soils, unopened buds fall off. With severe mineral starvation, Kupena has low resistance to pests such as slugs and sawflies.

It is advisable to apply mineral fertilizers taking into account the structure and fertility of the soil. You can compensate for the lack of nutrients in the soil using fertilizers such as:

1. For nitrogen deficiency:

• Ammonium nitrate - for application to the soil;
• Urea solution - for foliar feeding.

1. For phosphorus deficiency:

• Superphosphate solution - for foliar feeding;
• Monophosphate - for application to the soil.

1. For potassium deficiency:

• Potassium chloride – for application to the soil;
• Potassium salt solution - for foliar feeding.

1. For calcium deficiency:

• Calcium sulfate for application to the soil;

1. For magnesium deficiency:

• Magnesium sulfate for foliar feeding.

The above fertilizers are applied before and after flowering. To reduce soil acidity, it is best to use organic fertilizers: manure, compost or humus. It would not hurt to apply complex mineral fertilizers for flowers, as well as biofertilizers to increase soil fertility.

Tip #2. Infertile soil for planting Kupena should not be enriched with earthworms. Since for worms the optimal soil moisture should be more than 80%, which means frequent watering is required, which can negatively affect the growth and development of the plant’s root system.

Slugs and sawflies attack plants with weak immune systems.

Common mistakes gardeners make when propagating and planting Kupena

1. Grown on highly moist soils or on soils with close groundwater.
2. The soil for planting Kupena is chosen to be dense and poorly drained.
3. Kupena is grown in the sunniest areas.
4. Sow seeds in open ground in spring without stratification.

Frequently asked questions from gardeners when propagating and planting Kupena

Question No. 1. How many years can Kupena grow in one place?

Kupena grows in one place for 10 to 15 years, depending on the care of the plant.

Question No. 2. Is it necessary to cover Kupena for the winter?

If Kupena was planted in fertile soil and a sufficient amount of fertilizer was applied, Kupena need not be covered for the winter. Healthy plants overwinter well in open ground.

Question No. 3. How to protect Kupena from slugs?

For protection, it is enough to treat with broad-spectrum insecticides. These drugs include the universal insecticide Intavir or Actofit.

Question No. 4. How long does Kupena bloom?

The duration of flowering depends on the care of the plant. On average, all types and varieties of Kupena bloom for 4-5 weeks. After flowering ends, dark berries appear.

Question No. 5. Is it possible to replant Kupena?

Kupena is very difficult to tolerate transplantation, since the survival of the root system in a new place is very slow.