Anaphalis is a flowering perennial from the Astrovye family that has earned great popularity among florists and landscape designers. One of the advantages of the herb is its long flowering period, which lasts from early summer to mid-autumn. Anaphalis also attracts gardeners and florists with its unpretentiousness, resistance to weather changes and temperature fluctuations, ease of care and cultivation, long storage after cutting.
A flowering perennial is found in poor sandy and sandy areas in East Asia, as well as in North America and in many European countries. In the course of breeding work, about 40 varieties were bred, among which Nepalese, velvety, three-veined, pearl anaphalis became widespread in Russia.
Description of the plant anafalis
Anafalis is a flowering shrub 30-50 cm high with a well-developed root system, elongated small leaf plates of gray-green color (more like needles) and small pearl-like flowers that look like artificial ones. Propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Anafalis finds its rightful place in garden compositions, flower beds and flower beds, as hedges and in bouquets. Small white inflorescences of numerous small flowers look like festive bouquets, often growing up to 50 cm in height. Abundant and lush flowering is achieved, among other things, due to the unusual pubescence on the leaves and stems.
Growing anaphalis from seeds
Growing seedlings begins around the end of February - early March. Planting boxes are filled with light soil, on the surface of which small seeds are randomly scattered, after which they are moistened from a fine sprayer. It is recommended to pre-soak the seed in a growth stimulator. Diving is not required for young plants. After about 40-50 days, the mature seedlings can be transferred to a permanent place.
Planting and caring for anaphalis in the open field
A favorable time for planting cuttings is mid-May. Each stalk (5-7 cm long) is planted in prepared holes to a depth equal to double the volume of the rhizome at a distance of 20-30 cm from each other and watered abundantly.
Location
In well-lit sunny areas, perennials will give more lush bloom than in the shade. They prefer poor soil, but with a good drainage layer. It is important that water does not stagnate on the flower garden. Sandy and sandy loam soils will be ideal for anaphalis. Since the plants are aggressive in spreading over the surrounding area, it is recommended to build a reliable fence around the edges from sheets of slate, iron or plastic. Before planting seedlings or cuttings, compost can be added to the soil.
Watering
Regular watering is required for plants during flowering and during a period of long absence of rainfall.Since the root system of anaphalis perennials is very strong and strong, you can water them in different ways - from a watering can, from a hose, using an irrigation system.
Lack of moisture for anaphalis is not dangerous, but excessive watering will lead to its death. From excess water, the root part begins to rot, the leaf mass will begin to fall off, and the flowers will dry out. Only a reliable drainage system built in advance can save plants during the period of heavy rainfall.
The soil
The main care is loosening the soil so that it is sufficiently saturated with air. Weeding is not required when caring for anaphalis, because well-developed roots with numerous lateral shoots do not allow weeds to develop in a flower bed or on a flower garden.
Diseases and pests
The main pests of anaphalis are ants, aphids, butterflies - whites. When they appear, you will need to spray the area twice with special preparations for flowering plants in the open field.
Anafalis in landscape design
Anafalis goes well with other flowering crops in various compositions, in group plantings. Designers use it as a curb plant, for framing the territory, for planting in the center of a flower bed and a flower garden, for decorating a lawn. A perennial culture will decorate any garden or backyard plot and as an independent plant. Throughout the summer months and the beginning of autumn, pearl bloom will attract the eyes of others.
The pearl shade of anaphalis flowers will look great against the background of red, yellow, blue crops. Neighborhood with petunias is not recommended, as an aggressive rhizome will interfere with their development. But for a rose and clematis, a perennial will become a reliable protection against weeds.
Anafalis in floristry
Bouquet compilers and flower designers recommend using not only fresh flowers for decoration, but also dried flowers. Decorative compositions can decorate any room, become an original gift or unusual design. A bouquet created from dried flowers will look great on gift wrapping instead of the usual ribbons made of artificial flowers.
Useful properties of anaphalis
ethnoscience
In folk medicine, the medicinal properties of anaphalis have been known for more than one century. Herbalists and folk healers use not only fresh plants, but also harvest dried flowers for the preparation of alcoholic tinctures and herbal decoctions, for compresses and baths. Anaphalis flowers are used in the complex treatment of diseases of the skin, respiratory and digestive organs, for poisoning and constipation, for shortness of breath and colds. The plant gives a good healing effect:
- For the healing of cuts and burns;
- With stomatitis and other inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity;
- With a dry cough;
- With bronchitis and shortness of breath;
- For chronic constipation and bowel disorders;
- To remove toxins and toxins in case of poisoning;
- For cleansing the body and cleansing the stomach.
Cosmetology
On the basis of anaphalis, various cosmetic preparations are made, which are used to treat allergic rashes on the face, to heal wounds and to cleanse the skin. For example, tonic, face mask, cream and balm.
