Tricks for growing ornamental St. John's wort - from preparing planting material to caring for the plant. Community of little green men

Plant type: perennial.

Description: St. John's wort Most residents of our country are probably familiar with a low herbaceous species that can be found almost everywhere: on the edges, in light forests, in dry meadows. This is one of the many species of this plant - St. John's wort.

This modest flower attracts not only ordinary residents, but also doctors and scientists. St. John's wort has many benefits. It contains carotene, vitamin C, essential oils, resins and tannins. Medicines containing substances from this plant have hemostatic, astringent and antimicrobial effects that can stimulate tissue regeneration. For such a wide medical use The flower is popularly called a “remedy for 99 diseases.”

But the following fact is interesting. St. John's wort, so popular here, is considered a harmful weed in the pastures of Australia, North America and New Zealand. The reason why farmers in these countries are worried is that this plant can cause serious illness in livestock. Sheep and horses are most sensitive to it. Perhaps this is where the name of the flower came from.

Species of this plant can be found in the wild in the most different places, and even in the savannah of Africa. Moreover, they can be found on mountain slopes up to the Alpine belt. For example, the Kenyan species grows even at an altitude of 4200 m above sea level.

Appearance various types, of course, diverse. St. John's wort can be a shrub, low grass, or upright subshrub various sizes, almost spread out or creeping. They can also be either deciduous or evergreen. Some short trees are even known to science. Almost all types of St. John's wort grow intensively, bloom well and do not freeze only in the subtropical and warm temperate zones. Therefore, to grow them on the site, you need to know whether the selected species is suitable for the existing climate.

The following fact is also known: herbaceous species of St. John's wort are less decorative than shrubby ones, but they are more winter-hardy.

Several species have been identified for growing St. John's wort bush in central Russia. For example, St. John's wort Kalma (Hypericum kalmianum) And St. John's wort (Hypericum densiflorum). The first grows in the central, and the second in the eastern states of North America. They differ in the height of the bush. Densely flowering reaches height at 3 m, and Kalma - about 1 m. Each species has dark green foliage with a bluish coating, leathery to the touch. St. John's wort flowers of a golden yellow hue are collected in dense corymbose inflorescences. They appear in mid-summer and open until autumn.

St. John's wort berries in the photo

There are species that are relatively stable. They must be planted in places protected from cold winds, and on winter period their root system must be covered with spruce branches or leaves. If the temperature drops below 25 degrees, then these measures will no longer be enough and the plant may die.

The most a prominent representative of these species is St. John's wort (Hypericum olimpicum). His homeland is Türkiye and Bulgaria. It is a dwarf creeping deciduous shrub with drooping branches. Its leaves are 4 cm long, bluish opposite, elliptical, thin and leathery. The flowers are collected in bunches and have a lemon-yellow or sometimes reddish tint. The shape is star-shaped. Moreover, this species has a separate variety, “Citrinum,” which has flowers up to 3.5 cm in diameter.

St. John's wort (Hypericum androsaemum)

His homeland is the Caucasus. Long golden stamens protrude from its yellow star-shaped flowers. Its fleshy fruits, boxes of a bright red hue, are also famous for their extraordinary beauty. During ripening they turn black. In the wild, you can also find a form with white-pink foliage, thanks to which it was possible to create varieties with golden yellow and dark purple leaves.

St. John's wort (Hypericum calycinum)

It grows in Transcaucasia and Crimea. It's short and evergreen shrub, which does not exceed 20-60 cm in height. But its feature is large golden-yellow single flowers up to 8 cm in diameter. Its foliage is leathery, dark green and shiny. The value of this decorative look also increases due to long flowering, occurring between July and September.

Also found in nature individual species St. John's wort, which are quite demanding environment. Their decorative properties can be fully observed only in the south. For example, this is the prostrate, dwarf, evergreen leathery St. John's wort (Hypericum coris). It does not exceed 45 cm in height. The foliage is linear and small with a bluish tint. The golden-yellow petals have a red tint visible along the veins. This species is ideal for dry rocky screes and rockeries.

Moser's St. John's wort (Hypericum moserianum)

In the 19th century, a hybrid species was bred - Moser's St. John's wort. This shrub reaches 30-50 cm in height and has arched, drooping red shoots with greenish-blue leaves. The flowers reach 7 cm in diameter. Their pink or red stamens are of particular interest. This species of St. John's wort has a special variety "Tricolor", which is famous for the fact that on one plant the simultaneous existence of variously colored leaves is possible: pink, cream and green.

Growing and care: St. John's wort can grow on both sandy and loamy soils. They must be sufficiently moistened and drained. The landing site should be sunny and well protected from northern, cold winds. For the winter, the roots should be covered with spruce branches or dry leaves. IN spring period It is recommended to trim dead shoots. The flowers of the plant are formed on the young shoots of the current year. These shrubs are not so durable and in the middle zone they will have to be renewed after 7-10 years, even with good care.

Everyone knows about the variety of healing properties of St. John's wort. This plant has long been of interest not only to traditional healers, but also to doctors in modern medicine. But St. John's wort is different from its wild “brother”. It does not have such an impressive range of medicinal properties, but it is characterized by much greater decorative properties. A plant in the form of large spherical bushes with spectacular flowers can revive any area and add bright colors to it. In this article we will look at distinctive features varieties of St. John's wort, planting rules and recommendations for caring for this plant.

St. John's wort - botanical description

• The branches of St. John's wort are prone to strong branching and give a lush shape to the plant.
• The oval or ovoid leaves of St. John's wort have a solid edge and are located opposite on the stem. Depending on the variety of St. John's wort, the length of the leaves of the plant can vary from 1 cm to 10 cm.
• St. John's wort, depending on the variety, can reach a height of up to 1 meter.
• St. John's wort blooms with very showy bright yellow flowers. Flowers can be both large and small, but always in large numbers on the bush. In the center of each St. John's wort flower there is a large number of long stamens, which are a real decoration of flowers.
• The period of active flowering of St. John's wort begins in early summer. The undoubted advantage of this ornamental plant is the duration of flowering - about 30-50 days.
• The fruit of St. John's wort ripens in early autumn and is presented in a triangular capsule with big amount small seeds inside.

St. John's wort - beneficial properties and contraindications

IN folk medicine St. John's wort is most often used. This is where the largest amount of useful substances. But also varieties St. John's wort can bring many benefits to a person when used correctly. This plant is rich in flavonoids, tannins, phytoncides, microelements and macroelements, and vitamins. Traditional healers advise using products based on St. John's wort for the following ailments:

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• liver diseases;
• disorders of the cardiovascular system;
• diseases of the urinary system;
• "women's" diseases;
• neuropsychiatric disorders, sleep disorders;
• some skin diseases;
• dental problems.

Most often, infusions and decoctions are prepared from St. John's wort. Before using such folk remedies Be sure to consult your doctor. In some cases, St. John's wort may be contraindicated altogether. For example, children, pregnant women and people prone to allergic reactions. Among side effects The use of products containing St. John's wort in the composition can be noted as follows:

• sudden increase in blood pressure;
• decreased effect of certain medications taken simultaneously with St. John's wort;
• weakening of potency in men;
• sudden sensitivity to sunlight;
• allergic reaction.

Thus, growing St. John's wort on your site has not only decorative value. Self-collected plant parts can become good and natural remedy for the treatment of many ailments.

St. John's wort - photo

St. John's wort - the best varieties

St. John's wort "Spreading"

• Natural habitat is the territory from the Himalayas to Japan, Southeast Asia.
• The semi-evergreen shrub can reach a height of up to 1 meter.
• The shoots of the bush can be brown or red-green.
• The leaves of St. John's wort have an oval or obovate shape and a leathery surface. Average length leaves - 5 cm.
• St. John's wort blooms with spreading beautiful yellow flowers collected in small inflorescences. A distinctive feature of the flowers is the presence of long stamens in the center. This trait is inherent in almost all varieties of St. John's wort.
• The period of active flowering lasts about 60 days, which is an undoubted advantage of the plant.
• The fruit of St. John's wort is a triangular capsule with numerous seeds inside, which opens the following year.
• St. John's wort Spreading can be propagated both by seed and green cuttings. The plant is unpretentious and grows best in moist and protected soils. After freezing it recovers very quickly.
• St. John's wort has been cultivated since 1862. Looks impressive on rocky areas, in single or group plantings.

St. John's wort "Hooker"

• Hooker's St. John's wort is a shrub that is most often found naturally in East Asian countries.
• The bush is evergreen, which can reach a height of up to 1 meter.
• The flowering period of Hooker's St. John's wort is not very long. It begins at the end of July and ends in mid-August.
• This variety of bush St. John's wort has low winter-hardiness characteristics. Growing in regions with cold winters is possible only if shelter is provided for the plant.
• The fruit of Hooker's St. John's wort is a leathery capsule with seeds inside, ripening in early autumn. The shrub begins to bear fruit after 3 years of age.

St. John's wort "Bifraternal"

• The second name of the Dibred Shrub St. John's wort is St. John's wort.
• St. John's wort prefers to grow in gorges, on rocky mountain slopes, and also in forests.
• In the wild it can most often be found in the Caucasus, in the countries Western Europe and Asia Minor. In Russia, this variety of bush St. John's wort is not very popular, as it does not have sufficient winter-hardy characteristics.
• This variety of bush St. John's wort is also semi-evergreen. At comfortable conditions growth can reach 1.5 meters in height.
• St. John's wort does not bloom for as long as its “brothers”. You can admire the spectacular yellow flowers from mid-June to mid-July.
• A leathery capsule with seeds inside begins to form on plants that are more than 3 years old.

St. John's wort "Hidcot"

The favorite variety of bush St. John's wort among gardeners has the following characteristics:

• St. John's wort Hidcote grows as a compact and low-growing bush. It reaches a height of 1 meter and a diameter of 1 meter;
• A huge advantage of this variety of bush St. John's wort is that the period of active flowering lasts from the beginning of summer until October. Not every ornamental plant can boast of such characteristics;
• flowers of St. John's wort Hidcot have a bright yellow color, but look slightly less voluminous than other varieties;
• St. John's wort Hidcote is an unpretentious plant both in terms of soil and light. Can grow on dry soils, acidic, alkaline, slightly acidic soils, in sunny places, in partial shade. Shrubs of this variety do not like stagnant moisture too much, so when planting you need Special attention pay attention to creating a good drainage layer;
• St. John's wort Hidcote is valued for its high decorative qualities and ease of cultivation. It can grow both in single plantings and in group plantings. Gardeners prefer to allocate space for this shrub in rock gardens and heather gardens.

St. John's wort "Brigadoon"

• St. John's wort Brigadoon is a low-growing shrub. Reaches a height of 30-40 cm.
• A distinctive feature of this variety of bush St. John's wort is the color of the leaves. They have a shiny and smooth yellow-green color. The leaves of the bush are oblong.
• The low-growing Brigadoon shrub blooms with small bright yellow flowers. They abundantly decorate St. John's wort in early spring.
• The variety of bush St. John's wort Brigadoon exhibits all its decorative qualities to the maximum on dry soil with a good drainage layer. The plant also prefers open and sunny areas.

St. John's wort "Calyx"

• St. John's wort is an evergreen variety of bush St. John's wort, often found naturally in Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria.
• The bush is quite unpretentious. Can grow both in open sunny areas and in partial shade.
• The plant reaches 50 cm in height.
• The shoots of St. John's wort are prostrate, with reddish bark.
• The oval-shaped leaves of the shrub are leathery and sessile. They can reach up to 7 cm in length.
• A distinctive feature of this variety of bush St. John's wort is its large, juicy yellow flowers. They reach 6-7 cm in diameter. You can admire the spectacular flowering of this unpretentious shrub throughout almost the entire summer.
• In the center of each flower there is a huge number of long stamens, which gives the flowers an incredibly lush appearance.
• The fruit of St. John's wort is a leathery capsule with small seeds inside, which reach a length of 1 mm. Fruit ripening occurs in October.

St. John's wort - planting and care

Planting St. John's wort

1. If you decide to plant St. John's wort on your site, then you should first decide on the planting location. Although the plant is unpretentious, the brightness of the flowers and the splendor of the bush itself reaches a maximum under certain conditions. Almost all varieties of St. John's wort prefer to grow in well-lit places. Planting is also possible in partial shade. It is advisable that the place where St. John's wort grows is protected from winds and drafts. The plant, like most ornamental shrubs, prefers protected soil.
2. St. John's wort is an absolutely unpretentious plant. If your site is dominated by sandy and dry soil, then this perfect option for planting this ornamental shrub. St. John's wort grows in loose, dry soils, neutral soils or low acidity soils. Some varieties of bush St. John's wort need a good drainage layer. This is especially true for areas where groundwater lie too close to the ground surface.
3. The simplest and favorite way for many gardeners to plant St. John's wort is to plant cuttings. You can prepare cuttings yourself or purchase them in specialized stores. The cuttings just need to be placed for 14 days in a container with clean water. After this period, the cuttings will develop roots.
4. After the roots appear on the cuttings, you need to prepare containers for planting St. John's wort. These can be small pots that should be filled with a mixture of sand and peat in a 1:1 ratio.
5. Shrub St. John's wort cuttings will overwinter in these pots all winter. You will need to water the plants regularly, not to allow the earthen ball to dry out, but also not to over-water the St. John's wort.
6. In the spring you can transplant the grown cuttings into open ground to a permanent place of growth. Dig a small hole, at the bottom of which you need to pour a drainage layer and a layer of humus.
7. Place the young St. John's wort in the center of the hole and cover its roots with soil. Do not bury the plant too deeply. It is enough that he root system will be covered with soil. Compact the soil around St. John's wort and water.

If all planting rules have been correctly followed and the conditions are comfortable for the plant, then flowering will occur in the same year.

Rules for caring for St. John's wort

You have successfully planted St. John's wort on your site. Now you need to care for the plant. Even novice gardeners can cope with this, since the shrub is unpretentious in care. Let's consider his main preferences in care:

• watering. Most varieties of St. John's wort prefer moderate watering. There’s definitely no need to overdry the plant, but you also shouldn’t allow it to become over-watered. Water the shrub as the soil around it dries out. If the weather is too dry and hot, then spraying the aboveground part of the plant is permissible. Young St. John's wort bushes especially love this;
• weeding. Like any other ornamental plant in your garden, St. John's wort needs regular weeding. This will create a beautiful, well-groomed and healthy look for your planting. Weeds often act as carriers of diseases and pests. This is another reason to regularly remove weeds around St. John's wort;
• feeding St. John's wort will delight you with yellow flowers even if you do not feed it. But periodic application of mineral fertilizers will promote more luxuriant flowering and accelerated growth. Experienced gardeners note that the plant responds positively to nitrophoska;
• regular bush inspection. Like any ornamental plant in the garden, it is advisable to inspect St. John's wort regularly. This is necessary in order to notice the first signs of disease and traces of pests on the bush in time. As St. John's wort grows, dry leaves and flowers may appear, which must be removed in a timely manner so as not to spoil the appearance of the shrub;
• pruning St. John's wort requires 2 prunings per season. In spring, as a rule, frozen shoots are pruned. Don't worry if too many shoots are damaged after winter. The bush recovers very quickly. In autumn, old shoots that are damaged are removed. If the bush St. John's wort was planted to form a hedge, then it can be trimmed as it grows;
• preparation for winter. Most varieties of bush St. John's wort have good winter-hardy characteristics. Well, it’s better to prepare the plant for winter if it is expected to be too harsh. Shoots need to be trimmed as much as possible. The remaining aboveground part cover the bush with dry leaves, straw or other material.

Methods of propagation of St. John's wort

Some gardeners mistakenly believe that due to its unpretentiousness, St. John's wort can grow in the same place long years. But this is far from true. After 3-5 years of growth in one place, the plant begins to noticeably “wither” and lose its decorative qualities. To avoid this, the plant needs to be propagated. Let's look at the most popular methods.

Reproduction of bush St. John's wort by seeds

• Propagating St. John's wort by seed is not very convenient, since the seeds are very small, and they need to be sown at a distance from each other.
• St. John's wort seeds can be sown as in early spring, so very late autumn before frost sets in.
• St. John's wort seeds are planted on prepared soil, where they will grow and “mature” for several years. Only after this period are the young plants planted in permanent places of growth.
• St. John's wort seeds germinate in soil that has warmed up to 5 degrees.
• St. John's wort can also be propagated by seed by growing seedlings. Pour nutrient soil into the containers and water it. The seeds should be laid out on top, lightly sprinkled with sand. The container with the planting should be covered with glass or polyethylene and stored in a cool, dark place. After the long-awaited shoots of St. John's wort appear, you need to wait about 2 months to bring them into the light. Now they can be thinned out. Observe a moderate watering regime for young St. John's wort. At the end of spring, seedlings can be planted in open ground.

Propagation of bush St. John's wort by cuttings

• St. John's wort propagates remarkably well from cuttings taken in the spring. They are placed in a container with clean and warm water and wait for the roots to appear. Then the cuttings are planted in containers with prepared soil, where they will “grow up” and overwinter. In the spring of next year, the cuttings can be planted in a permanent place of growth in open ground.
• St. John's wort can also be propagated by cuttings taken in the fall. Choose young shoots for cutting, which need to be planted in moist soil in a greenhouse. It is advisable to shade the planting. In the spring, when the cuttings are already well rooted, they can be transplanted to a permanent place of growth.

Reproduction of bush St. John's wort by dividing the bush

Despite the fact that most varieties of bush St. John's wort have a rather lush shape, its root system is no different large sizes. But the shrub still lends itself perfectly to propagation by dividing the bush. Prepare the planting hole for the new plant. Place a drainage layer and a layer of humus mixed with mineral fertilizers there. Carefully dig up the St. John's wort bush, divide it into as many parts as its size allows. Water the new plant.

St. John's wort - pests and diseases

Almost all varieties of St. John's wort have good resistance to diseases and pests. But sometimes such problems still arise. Predict all the causes of diseases and pest infestations ornamental shrubs impossible. Perhaps irregular weeding, untimely watering or “overflow” are the main factors. Among the diseases that can affect plants are:

• rust. If you notice characteristic yellow or orange spots on the leaves of St. John's wort, then this may well be rust. Bushes slow down their growth and development. How to deal with this disease? Affected leaves must be promptly removed and burned. The rest of the plant must be treated with a fungicide, which can be easily found in a specialty store;
• fungal disease. This type of disease most often overtakes shrubs, which are often “flooded” with water. Excessively damp and humid weather can also contribute to plant infection. Inspect St. John's wort bushes in a timely manner and, if necessary, begin urgent treatment with fungicides.

Among the insect pests that can settle on St. John's wort are:

• St. John's wort moth. The insect most often affects the tops of shoots;
• leaf roller. The caterpillar, with the help of a web, envelops the leaves of St. John's wort, its flowers and the tops of its shoots;
• thrips. It is very easy to combat this pest of St. John's wort with the help of modern insecticides.

If you grow St. John's wort for medicinal purposes, then use any chemicals to combat diseases and pests is not possible. Best protection decorative St. John's wort bushes means regular inspection of plants and compliance with all recommendations for planting and caring for St. John's wort.

If you are looking for a beautiful, spectacular and unpretentious plant for your site, then be sure to pay attention to the varieties of St. John's wort. Beginning gardeners will also find this plant easy to grow. St. John's wort is perfect for creating a hedge. The amazing combination of bright yellow flowers against the background of lush green foliage involuntarily attracts the eye every time.

The well-known plant St. John's wort is not the only one in the family of this type of plant. Science knows about 300 species of St. John's wort. Moreover, among the famous St. John's worts there are not only herbaceous perennials, but also shrubs, even annuals. Flower growers who are interested in decorative flowers may be interested in this plant, beautiful during flowering and useful in medicine. Then this article is for them.

Characteristics

It is familiar to many and can be found everywhere.

It grows in meadows, forest clearings and ravine slopes. It's humble herbaceous plant attracts not only flower growers, but also healers. His supporters do not ignore him either. official medicine. But most of them know ordinary gardeners only one variety.

But the plant, which is so popular among us, is a weed in Australia, North America and the meadows of New Zealand. Why? The reason for this is that the flower has poisonous properties for livestock. Sheep especially often get sick after consuming it. It’s probably not for nothing that it’s called St. John’s wort. And they know everywhere, as a rule, one of the types of such a plant: perforatum.

A little description

Different types of St. John's worts have very different appearances. St. John's wort can be a shrub, herb or subshrub. In addition, among plants of this genus there are deciduous and evergreen. Almost all types of St. John's wort bloom well. But in order for that type of plant to grow successfully and not freeze, it is necessary to find out exactly whether it is suitable for the local climate. This fact is the reason why gardeners use only a few species.
Most herbaceous species of St. John's wort have erect, tetrahedral stems. The leaves sit on short petioles and have translucent grooves. Flowers in most species are single or collected in semi-umbrellas. And the cups are deep, five-parted in appearance. But the flowers of almost all species are somewhat different from one another.

Classification by type

As already mentioned, there are many types of St. John's wort, but no more than a dozen of them are used in gardening. Here are a few species used in gardening.

1. St. John's wort is also called pyramidal. It's grassy perennial shrub with a smooth straight stem, sometimes about a meter high. At the top, the young part of the stem branches and takes on a shape similar to a pyramid. This is where its second name came from. Its leaves are slightly elongated and large. Sometimes they are about a decimeter long, and are located in pairs on the stem. This shrub is especially beautiful when flowers appear on it. This St. John's wort flowers are sometimes up to 8 cm, the petals of which are bent to the side. Thin stamens protruding from the calyx seem like a delicate cloud. The plant blooms long and luxuriantly. This is what makes this flower so attractive.
2. St. John's wort belongs to the decorative shrubs. It overwinters without shedding its leaves; the bushes are stunted, their height is no more than 30 cm, and the stems are thin. But still this is a very frost-resistant plant. For this reason, flower growers love him middle zone. St. John's wort blooms from mid-summer to the end of August. The flowers are located at the ends of the shoots in 3-4 pieces and have a diameter of up to 5 cm. The lemon color that this garden flower has looks very beautiful in a flower garden or flower bed.
3. St. John's wort is a decorative spreading species, also classified as a subshrub that has gained popularity in gardening back in the late XIX century. It is semi-evergreen, branchy, even too branchy. The leaves of this plant species are ovoid in shape.

Read also: Description of the annual delphinium: reproduction and care features

Cultivation of St. John's wort

Planting and caring for the plant has no special features. St. John's wort is usually planted in the garden. autumn time, before the onset of frost. Let's consider a description of the secrets of how to grow St. John's wort.

This flower loves open, brightly sunlit areas. This must be kept in mind when choosing a landing site. It can grow in one place for more than 10 years. For this reason, you should not plant perennials very close to St. John's wort.

To plant the bush, prepare a hole that is not too deep, since the roots of the plant are quite compact. In addition, all types of St. John's wort are not demanding in relation to soil fertility. They can develop and bloom in any soil, but they will not refuse feeding. Therefore, you can pour a little humus and mineral fertilizers into the hole, but only in the spring. You can also water perennials with liquid droppings or mullein solution. During the warm period you can fertilize 1-3 times. The bushes are also watered especially in dry times, but do not moisten the soil too much. This will lead to rotting of the roots.

In spring, the bush can be shaped by pruning to improve the design. And twigs are often used for cuttings. In winter, the plant’s stems are not cut off because they do not freeze. But it should be remembered that where there are animals, St. John's wort must be grown carefully.

Reproduction methods

St. John's wort can be reproduced using seeds, cuttings or dividing the bush. Propagating the plant from seeds is very simple. To do this, you do not need to prepare the seeds for sowing, sow them for seedlings, etc. You just need to sow them on a selected bed and give them freedom to grow. You just have to remember that you shouldn’t sow the seeds too thickly. This will lead to a slowdown in the development of seedlings, therefore, in the case of dense planting of seedlings, it is necessary to thin out the sprouts, leaving the strongest plants. Over time, after 2-3 years, the grown seedlings are transplanted. Seeds begin to germinate at a temperature of about 6 C.

Read also: Features of growing Shpet's tree

They reproduce well with help green cuttings, which is performed in the spring by pruning shoots. The cut branches are “settled” in the nursery and create conditions for future bushes to develop roots. The place of permanent growth is usually replaced the next year in the autumn.
If desired, overgrown perennial St. John's worts are sometimes divided into different parts and each part is planted separately. The parts take root well after planting. And they bloom immediately, in the same summer.

Collection of St. John's wort herb

The grass is collected for harvesting during the flowering period, approximately in June - July. Collect top part stems with flowers. The cut stems are immediately laid out to dry.
After the first harvest, the stems grow again, and after about a month new shoots appear and flowering begins again. These new flowering stems are again cut and dried.

Compound

The medicinal properties of St. John's wort have been noticed for a very long time. All parts of the plant contain coloring components and tanning elements, flavonoids and some essential oil elements. It also contains organic acids, for example, isovaleric acid.

Moreover, the grass contains many useful elements, for example, the plant contains a certain amount of ascorbic and nicotinic acids, vitamin group P, and carotene. It also contains ceryl alcohol, very few alkaloids and other substances.

Application

St. John's wort is used to treat various gastrointestinal pathologies. It is used as a rinse for stomatitis, inflammatory processes in the mouth and throat. The plant is also widely used externally, for example, for multiple burns. They treat purulent wounds, abscesses, and ulcers. This plant also has antidepressant effects.

The grass has pronounced bactericidal properties. Preparations made from St. John's wort are used as astringents, weakly acting anti-inflammatory or aseptic agents that promote rapid tissue repair.

Several popular recipes for using St. John's wort

1. For rheumatic pathologies and stomach ulcers, diarrhea, diseases of the urethra and bladder, bedwetting and some other diseases, make a decoction: for 10 g of dry grass, take a glass hot water, put on low heat and boil for half an hour. Then leave for 10 minutes and filter. You need to take this decoction three times, a third of a glass, half an hour before meals.
2. For disorders of the liver and gall function, use a mixture composed of 10 g of dry St. John's wort, 15 g of flowers sand cumin, 10 g of wheatgrass roots and 20 g of buckthorn bark. Add half a liter of hot water to all this and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, cool, filter. You should drink half a glass about five times during the day.
3. Tea from this plant is a tonic drink. It is especially useful to drink in winter. It relaxes nervous system, strengthens the immune system, restores the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The recipe for this tea is very simple: it is brewed in a porcelain teapot. Before brewing tea, the teapot is scalded with boiling water. For tea, take 10 g of dry herb and pour a glass of boiling water. After steeping for about 10 minutes, the tea can be drunk.
4. The collected grass is slightly withered and finely chopped, placed in a glass jar and pure water is poured into it. vegetable oil. Then they close the jar and leave it in a place illuminated by sunlight and keep it there for 14 days. After the specified period, the oil is drained. Store the prepared product in an opaque container in a dark place. St. John's wort oil heals cracks in the skin, different types erosions, external ulcers. In addition, this homemade drug is also used for pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, etc.

St. John's wort is known to many as a herbaceous plant that is found almost everywhere: on forest edges, meadows, and roadside forest plantations.

This perennial plant is of interest to doctors and scientists for its numerous medicinal properties. It contains carotene, ascorbic acid, essential oils, resins and tannins. Based on extracts of this plant, hemostatic, astringent and antimicrobial drugs are made, as well as products that promote tissue restoration. It’s not for nothing that people are popular for such a wide range beneficial properties St. John's wort is called a “remedy for 99 diseases.”

While St. John's wort has medicinal value for humans, it can cause serious illnesses in animals (hence, in fact, the name of the plant). Sheep and horses should absolutely not eat this grass - these animals are the most sensitive to it.

St. John's wort hedge

Under natural conditions, varieties of this plant are found in the most unexpected places, even African savannah. They grow on mountain slopes up to the high alpine belt. The Kenyan species is known to grow at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level.

Each species of this St. John's wort has its own unique appearance. This plant can be a low herb, an upright subshrub or a shrub itself. different heights, creeping and almost spread out on the ground. There are evergreen and deciduous varieties of St. John's wort. There are even references to short trees in scientific sources. All species of this beauty are distinguished by their ability to grow quickly and bloom well.

Varieties

More than 300 species belonging to the genus St. John's wort are known. Areas of growth - tropics, subtropics and mountainous regions of tropical zones. Let's look at some of them.

• St. John's wort is an evergreen subshrub with erect, rather long stems (up to 35 cm) and bluish leaves in the shape of an ellipse. Came to us from the mountainous regions of southern Europe and Asia Minor; it does not tolerate winter cold. Has small yellow flowers(up to 2 cm in diameter), the flowering period is June-July.
• St. John's wort can reach 1 meter in height, lanceolate leaves up to 10 cm in length. Grows in the forests of Siberia and Far East.
• St. John's wort calyx native to the Eastern Mediterranean, grows up to 25 cm, has large oval leaves.
• Gebler's St. John's wort came to us from the wet meadows of the Far East, a plant with beautiful bright orange flowers. The species is resistant to cold.

Shrub plant species have decorative value, but herbaceous ones are more cold-resistant. Widely used in decorative floriculture St. John's wort Hidcote is beautiful bush with unusual leaves bluish on the inside and large inflorescences (up to 8 cm in diameter). Characterized by lush flowering from the end of the scales until the beginning of winter cold. In height, as well as in width. can reach a size of up to 1 meter. The plant is interesting and quite unpretentious. Let’s take a closer look at the principles of growing and caring for it.

Features of care

As noted, St. John's wort belongs to unpretentious plants, caring for it does not require special knowledge and skills. It grows and develops wonderfully in light, neutral or slightly acidic soils mixed with sand. Good drainage- an indispensable condition for growing this shrub. The site chosen for it is sunny, protected from wind and drafts. St. John's wort loves timely weeding and moderate watering.

Responds well to mineral fertilizers. Plant seedlings are fed with nitrophoska two months after their appearance, and during rapid development in subsequent years. Before planting seedlings in a permanent place of growth, they are fed with organic matter.

Before the winter cold, the above-ground part of the bush is removed. The remaining stems and root collars can be covered with fallen leaves and dry grass.

Over time, the external appearance of St. John's wort deteriorates; it is recommended to replant the plant after 3-5 years.

The plant is not demanding to care for.

St. John's wort is propagated by seeds. Can be used seedling method or sow the seeds directly into open ground. For seedlings, the seeds are laid out on the surface of the prepared soil, lightly sprinkled with earth. The container with seedlings is covered with film and placed for 2 months in a dark and cool place. After this time, the box is brought out into the light, the seedlings are thinned out and watered moderately. When warm summer weather sets in (around May), the seedlings are transferred to the site.

Sowing seeds in open ground is possible in the spring in April or in the fall. Sowing seeds in late autumn gives good results - the sprouted seedlings begin to bloom by the end of spring.

The decorative value of St. John's wort can hardly be overestimated. This bush grows well next to perennial plants, is used in single plantings, and is indispensable when creating compositions and groups in a natural style. Thanks to its unpretentiousness and wonderful appearance it is increasingly becoming an inhabitant of our gardens.

IN Lately many people are trying to replace traditional pills and injections with therapy using. One of the most medicinal herbs is St. John's wort; it is increasingly grown. St. John's wort is unpretentious and can produce a good harvest even with minimal care.

Description

St. John's wort is known for its healing properties for a long time. The slightly strange name for this is due to the fact that its consumption by herbivores can cause illness, weakness, and even.

Predecessors

The best option areas that were fallow are suitable for planting, but few people can afford such luxury. St. John's wort grows well after well-fertilized row crops and fallow winter crops.

Location and lighting

This medicinal herb loves the sun, so preference should be given to planting the crop. open areas- this can be either the perimeter of the garden house.
The crop also grows well between young rows. In general, any piece of land cleared of and with a good level of natural light will do for this.

The soil

St. John's wort does not like clayey, aluminous, and alkaline soils; this crop feels best in black soil and sandy soils.

The crop grows well in moderately fertilized soils; preference should be given - 4–5 kg of humus per square meter will be enough; it can be applied both during and after digging up the soil.
You can fertilize the soil with either peat compost at the rate of 2–3 kg per square meter. Inorganic complex fertilizers, saturated, will also work.

Did you know? Latin name Nurericum translates as "among the heathers", and the most common is Nurericum perforatum - St. John's wort, characterized by small spots on the leaves that can be seen by looking at them through sunlight.

Sowing seeds

Growing St. John's wort, like most others medicinal herbs, comes from seeds. The seeds are very small, 3–4 kg is enough to sow a whole hectare. It is recommended to sow St. John's wort before winter or early spring.

It is important to maintain a row spacing of 40–45 cm; seeds are applied superficially, without embedding.
If you plant St. John's wort in the spring, then preference should be given to seeds; winter sowing is carried out with dry seeds. Buying seed material is not a problem now; this can be done in specialized stores, markets, pharmacies and even on Internet sites.

When stratifying (long-term aging of seeds), it is advisable to mix the seed with sand, keep it in the cold for 2-3 months, and dry it to a free-flowing state before sowing it in the ground.

Important! St. John's wort is rich in vitamin C, contains carotene, essential oils and tannins, resinous substances. Medicines made on its basis have bactericidal, astringent and hemostatic properties, promote tissue regeneration and rapid wound healing. This plant is popularly called a “remedy for 99 diseases.”

Crop care

Grains begin to germinate already at a temperature of 5–6 °C, optimal temperature for this crop is 20–25 °C.
It is very important to care for seedlings in the early stages, while the plants are not yet strong; care should be especially meticulous in the first month after germination from the ground.

Did you know? There are cases when St. John's wort helped save people with burns on 2/3 of the body surface.

Watering

Sowing is necessary, especially if it is cultivated in arid and hot climates. The system will help reduce costs to a minimum. It is important to avoid cases of excessive soil moisture; St. John's wort does not like this.

Top dressing

In order for the harvest to be good, it is enough to properly prepare the soil before planting, in additional fertilizer this culture does not need.
But if you want to get excellent harvest guaranteed, then you can feed this medicinal herb, the best thing for this is mineral fertilizer in granules, it should be added to the soil at the rate of 8 g per 1 sq. m. The optimal period for fertilizing the land is early spring, at this time there should be no flowers on St. John's wort.