Kupena (Polygonatum) is a multicolored herbaceous plant from the Asparagus family. Occurs naturally in open areas of land in the subtropics and temperate latitudes. Tiny inflorescences, hidden under dense foliage, resemble a blooming lily of the valley. Adult shoots are capable of reaching considerable heights. Wild grass grows under the shade of trees. The cultural views of the kupena perfectly plant the garden area.
The medicinal properties of the flower have been proven by our ancestors. According to ancient legends, Solomon was the first to recognize the value of this perennial and marked the roots with a seal. It is not for nothing that the people call the kupena "Solomon's seal".
Description of the plant
In the genus Kupena there are various plants growing up to 1.5 m in length. The root with a lignified base lies close to the surface and occupies a horizontal position. Straight stems with a ribbed structure begin to grow from the buds with which the bush is strewn. Green stems are smooth to the touch. There are varieties with red skin on the stems. The preservation of shoots is observed for a whole season, before the onset of cold weather, they die off. In their place are traces reminiscent of the "Solomon's seal". Thanks to these prints, it is possible to find out how long the flower has lived in one place.
Shoots are bent as they grow. The leaves are bought sessile and are arranged alternately. The shape is oval, less often ovoid, the edges are smooth. Vertical streaks are felt on the plates. White blurred spots are present at the tips of the leaves.
The flowering phase of the perennial begins in May or June. At this time, the bushes smell pleasantly in the garden. Whorled buds peep out of the axils at the bottom of the shoot. The flowers look like bells hanging on long peduncles. The edges of the flowers are green. The pollination process ends with the ripening of juicy fruits. These are dark blue round berries filled with small grains.
Types and varieties bought with a photo
Experts count about 50 different species of kupena. In addition to the main varieties in botanical greenhouses, it was possible to breed beautiful variegated flower modifications with unusual leaf blades that remain noticeable throughout the summer.
Pharmacy bought (Polygonatum odoratum)
The plant is characterized by a spreading head of half-meter ribbed shoots covered with powerful oval leaves. Thin flower stalks are decorated with snow-white bells. The species blooms in May, the freshness of the buds lasts for more than a month. In place of the pollinated buds, berries of a deep blue color are ripening.
Whorled Kupena (Polygonatum verticillatum)
A flower with a thin flexible stem, capable of reaching a length of 30 to 60 cm. The lower layer of leaves fills the stem in succession. At the top, whorls gather in groups. The width of the leaves is from 1 to 2.5 cm, and the length is from 7 to 17 cm. The edges of the foliage are pointed, the color is pale green. At the beginning of summer, white bell flowers open on the drooping heads of the peduncles.
Fragrant Kupena (Polygonatum odoratum)
The height of the bush is 70-80 cm. The surface of the shoots is colored crimson. The leaves are green with a bluish tint and red veins. In May, flower stalks are covered with white inflorescences with green edging. They stay on the bushes for 4-5 weeks.
Kupena multiflorum (Polygonatum multiflorum)
The height of the thickets of this species is about 1 m. The oval-shaped foliage is concentrated closer to the crown of the shoot. Gathering in groups of 5-6, the buds form whorls hanging from long pedicels. Whorls hide in the axils of the leaf blades. The flowering phase is activated in June. Ripening of berries is planned in August.
Growing Kupena
Kupena is grown using seeds or root cuttings. At the end of August, the root is dug out and divided into parts with a sharp knife, leaving at least one kidney in the dells. The finished sections are sent directly to the ground and watered. The segments are rooted quite effectively. Having survived the winter, they give new green shoots.
Growing from seeds is a bit tricky. When the berries are fully ripe, the grains are removed and separated from the pulp. Before sowing, the material is stratified. The seeds are placed in a shallow container, where sand and peat are poured in advance. The containers are kept in the refrigerator for several months. After that, the containers are moved to heat and warmed up for three months, and then stored again in the refrigerator. Only after going through all the stages of the procedure, the grains will be able to germinate. The stratified crops are transferred to a light room. The development of seedlings takes a long time. Care for young seedlings is minimal. As soon as the kupena grows up well, it is transplanted to the site. The culture blooms no earlier than three years later.
Landing kupyna
The optimal place for planting kupena is a damp shady corner in the garden next to fruit trees. If tall species are planted in the sun, they will lose their decorative effect and slow down in growth. The location of the flower is of great importance, since the state and development of culture depends on it in the future. The life span of a flower is 12-15 years. The culture successfully suppresses the growth of weeds. In the shade of dense foliage, the weed does not survive.
Before planting, the soil is carefully dug up and the soil is enriched with mineral compounds, ash and compost. After that, feeding is carried out much less frequently. A heavy substrate is diluted with sand and gravel to increase drainage properties. The perennial is placed in a place where groundwater cannot reach the roots. Excessive moisture content negatively affects flower development. Dig holes for seedlings at intervals of 20 cm.
Outdoor care for the bath
Kupena does not need maintenance and grows steadily with regular watering. During a drought period, the plant reacts especially sharply to a lack of moisture. The surface of the site with the plant is covered with a layer of mulch, then the soil saturated with water will not be covered with a crust. Weeding is not done, otherwise there is a risk of affecting the closely lying rhizome. Rare weeds are pulled out by hand.
In September-October, the stems are cut at a height of 5 cm above the ground. Perennial wintering occurs without any shelter. The flower can withstand severe drops in temperature in winter. If the spring is too wet, the underground part of the plant may die from excess moisture. With the onset of warmth, the greens actively grow, and the stems gain height.
Kupena shows resistance to insects and infections. Occasionally, the growth is attacked by slugs. So that the parasites no longer bother the plant, ash or crushed eggshells are scattered around the bushes.
Kupena in landscape design
The cultivated species of the Kupena are attractive green cascading shoots with drooping peduncles of white bells, which look original on a flower bed or in the middle of a lawn. A perennial allows you to hide empty, nondescript areas in the garden.
Faded arcuate stems retain their decorative appearance. Against their background, they will look good irises, lilies, tulips, asters or daisies... The dense crown does not allow light to pass through, therefore, plants that are not afraid of shade should be planted next to the bath.
Medicinal properties and application
In the roots and shoots of perennials, glycosidic, alkaloid compounds and other useful substances have been found that soothe pain symptoms, relieve inflammation and stop bleeding. The juice extracted from the leaves of the herb is rubbed into the skin to remove freckles. It helps to heal wounds and open abscesses. A herbal decoction based on kupena is used for stomach diseases, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Root tinctures on alcohol are used for headaches, heart failure, osteochondrosis and gout. With all the medicinal properties of the kupena, in case of non-compliance with the dosage, the body is poisoned. Acceptance of any funds prepared with the addition of kupena must be agreed with your doctor.
