Korostavnik (Knautia arvensis) is a herbaceous ornamental perennial that belongs to the Honeysuckle family. The origin of the genus is associated with the name of the German botanist and physician Christian Knout. The scientist managed to develop a classification of plants, the basis of which is considered to be the signs of a flower corolla. Translated into Russian, the root of the word means "scab". Among the people, there is another definition of a scabiosus - scabiosa. There are both field species and cultivated flowering branched varieties.
Under natural conditions, the korostavnik prefers areas with fertile soil, forest edges or wastelands. Most of the plant forms of scabiosa grow in European countries.
Description of the plant korostavnik
This melliferous perennial has a wide rhizome with many adventitious roots. Straight stems are pubescent with dense bristles, capable of reaching a height of about 40-100 cm. Closer to the crown, the stems begin to branch. The leaves of the middle layer are sessile, pinnately-separated, near the roots - oblong-lanceolate. The flowers are small in diameter, gather in flattened spherical heads. At the edges, the flowers look larger. The petals grow together and form a funnel-shaped corolla, painted in lilac tone. Blooming lasts the whole summer. In warm autumn, flower stalks are preserved. Then an achene is formed in their place.
Planting the barker in open ground
The borer is suitable for seedling and non-seedling cultivation. In order to choose the right sowing method, first of all, the climatic conditions that are inherent in this region are taken into account. In areas where frosts often occur in spring, it is recommended to grow seedlings first. Seeds are allowed to be planted directly in the ground if the site is located in warm southern regions.
Sowing starts in April. The seeds are evenly distributed on the surface of the soil and carefully sprinkle them with earth, covering them with a small layer of compost. Seed germination becomes noticeable after 2 weeks. Seedlings must be thinned out so that there is a distance of at least 25 cm between individual specimens.
To obtain seedlings, sowing is carried out in February or March. Planting material is placed in boxes or any other containers filled with nutrient soil. Sprinkle lightly on top with earth and spray with water. To preserve soil moisture, crops are covered with plastic wrap and stored in a dry room at room temperature. Seedlings are aired every day. Under favorable conditions, green shoots appear 7 days after planting, after which the polyethylene can be removed from the boxes.
When a pair of healthy and strong leaves has formed, the seedlings are dived into different pots or larger boxes, keeping a distance of at least 5 cm between seedlings. Only well-hardened bush bushes are planted in fresh air.It is not worth the risk, it is better to wait until the spring frosts have passed.
Korostavnik grows well and develops in open, illuminated areas. The soil should have a neutral environment and normal water balance. Before planting, it is fed with compost or manure diluted in water. For each square meter of the site, 1 bucket of fertilizing is introduced. The wells for growing the plant are placed at intervals of 20 cm. At the end of planting, the garden bed is watered.
Caring for the barker in the garden
Watering
The plant requires moderate watering. It is better to keep the soil moist, the top layer of the soil should not be allowed to dry out. At the same time, excess moisture negatively affects the root system. Stagnant water in the soil leads to root rot. After each watering, the site is loosened and weeds are removed, which drown out the growth of shoots.
Top dressing and fertilizers
For abundant and bright flowering, the plant is fed with mineral fertilizers containing potassium and phosphorus.
Pruning
In order for new flower heads to form faster in place of wilted buds, they must be cut off from the bushes in time. At the end of flowering, the stems are cut at the root.
Wintering
Korostavnik is cold-resistant. The plant can easily do without any additional shelter. However, if very frosty and snowless winters are expected, it is advised to insulate the area where the perennial grows with the help of spruce branches or dry foliage.
Diseases and pests
If the watering regime is not followed, the plant is affected by fungal diseases such as root rot or powdery mildew. Treating the leaves with fungicidal preparations helps to fight diseases. Spraying the ground parts with a solution of soda ash or mullein helps prevent the spread of spores. Insects practically do not harm the shoots.
Types and varieties of korostavnik
The most common ornamental cultural species are the field and Macedonian korostavnik.
Macedonian barker - grows in the wild in the southern regions of Romania and in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula. This species is grown in garden plots as a biennial. The height of pubescent and erect stems is about 75 cm. Lanceolate-elongated leaves form a rosette near the roots. They are able to maintain a bright green color throughout the year. On the stems, the leaf blades are oval in shape and jagged edges. Inflorescences are spherical heads, the diameter of which does not exceed 3 cm. Most often they are painted in burgundy, lilac or white.
Among the most popular varieties of korostavnik, the following names can be distinguished:
- Egyptian rose - a plant with bright scarlet inflorescences;
- Ruby star - flower stems are covered with dark ruby heads;
- Pinkation Plant is a dwarf tree with deep red flowers.
In addition to the above varieties, in the botanical literature there is a description of the common bark, meadow bark or Tatar bark. However, such information is erroneous, since the mention does not refer to a korostovnik, but a cross, belonging to the Astrov family. Do not mix these two completely different plant groups.
The use and application of the barker
The medicinal properties of korostavnik are recognized only by traditional medicine. Plant tissues are able to remove toxins from the body, accelerate metabolism. They exhibit excellent disinfecting and anti-inflammatory properties. The substances found in the herb help in the treatment of bronchitis and diseases of the genitourinary system. Dried raw materials scare away fleas, and decoctions based on scabios are used for inflammatory skin diseases, for example, eczema, scabies. Daily wiping of the face with a decoction of korostavnik will solve the problem of acne.
In many medicinal herbal preparations used for various allergic reactions, the components of this representative of Honeysuckle are present.
Scientists have not yet found serious contraindications, however, as a precaution, pregnant women and young children should refuse to take the herb.
