Marsh marigold (Сaltha palustris) - herb for the garden
Content:
Wild plants embody the beauty of nature. Very often they have medicinal properties, beautiful flowers. Marsh marigold, which is also called "yellow eye", is one of these.
Description of the plant
Marsh marigold is a perennial herb, a representative of the Buttercup family. Natural habitat - European, Siberian and Far Eastern expanses of Russia, the Caucasus, Central Asia. Height varies from place of growth. On solid soil, it is only 40 cm, and in water it reaches 3 meters. The stem is thick and fleshy, it can be straight, creeping or ascending. The leaves are dark green, heart-shaped with serrated ends. Length - 15-20 cm. On the opposite side of the leaf, red-blue veins are clearly traced. With prolonged exposure to the scorching sun, they form a tube. The diameter of the flowers is five centimeters. The main part is yellow, but there are golden, white and orange.
Detailed description of Marsh Kaluzhnitsa
Common varieties of Caltha palustris
- Multiplex. Small plant with double yellow flowers;
- Flore Pleno. Dimensions about 25 centimeters, flowers - double, yellow;
- Aiba. An early flowering neat plant. Height - 22 cm, width - 30 cm. Flowers - white color with yellow stamens.
Healing properties
Marsh marigold is the basis for many medicines. It is used to treat anemia, colds, skin problems, and metabolic disorders. Water infusion of marigold helps to get rid of diseases of the respiratory tract, fever and urinary tract. This representative of the plant kingdom is poisonous, so you should not use it yourself. Possible nausea, vomiting, burning, damage to mucous membranes and skin.
History of appearance
The first publication about the plant dates back to 1753, when it came to the attention of Karl Linnaeus. However, there are still references in ancient Roman and ancient Greek written sources, where it is called "long-flowered". It is also said to have been used to treat eye diseases.
The plant received its modern name during the Kievan Rus. It grew in swampy areas (kaluzha - swamp), hence the name - kaluzhnitsa.
Common varieties
Features of caring for marigold marsh at home
Watering
The plant needs regular and abundant watering. One should always make sure that the ground remains moist.
Spraying
Marsh marigold is very fond of water, so at least once a week you need to spray it from a spray bottle.
Humidity
This is a very important aspect for successful growth. It should have the maximum value. If the humidity drops even a little, then the decorative effect may deteriorate.
Priming
The plant will normally feel on loam, with good porosity and high nutrient content. Well-lit areas and places with partial shade are suitable for marigold.
Landing in the ground
Top dressing
For good growth and development of the marigold, it will be enough to feed it with complex mineral fertilizers 2-3 times per season. Composting is useful every few years.
Features of care in winter, dormant period
There are no problems with wintering in this plant. Kaluzhnitsa is distinguished by its hardiness and good frost tolerance. Only warm southern species and terry marigold need shelter. To do this, it will be enough to sprinkle them with peat in order to avoid freezing.
When and how it blooms
The flowering period lasts 2 months - from April to May. During this period, buds open on long peduncles. The shine of the petals collects the rays of the sun. As a result, it becomes warmer inside the bud and pollinators begin to fly towards it. The flowers themselves consist of five petals and a simple perianth. However, the appearance of flowers is possible only in plants that have already reached the age of 8-10 years. There are both ordinary and double flowers.
After the end of flowering, you must immediately cut off the dried inflorescences. This will ensure the active growth of green leaves and ensure their beautiful appearance.
Reproduction of marigold
The best option for growing a new plant is to buy ready-made seedlings from the manufacturer. However, you can also cook it yourself. To do this, in the spring, seeds should be sown in a container or pot with fertilized and moistened soil, then stratified.
It consists of two stages:
- seeds are kept at + 10 ° С for 30 days;
- for the next 60 days they are kept at + 20 ° С; at this stage the seeds sprout.
Then the seeds are sown in open ground. Planting seeds without seedlings is also possible. If freshly harvested seeds are sown at the beginning of summer, then shoots will appear by the end. It is better to sow purchased seeds before winter. Then they will also undergo natural stratification, and in the spring you can see seedlings.
Vegetative breeding methods
For reproduction of an already adult plant, the following methods are applicable:
- dividing the bush;
- cuttings;
- layering method.
Dividing a bush is one of the most common breeding methods. The dug out bush is divided into several parts, which are then planted.
The procedure is carried out in early spring before flowering or already in the fall.
For grafting, take the upper part of the stem and cut off the cuttings. After rooting, you can plant it in the ground.
Diversion method. To do this, you need to choose a few sturdy stems. We take them to the ground and sprinkle them with fertile garden soil. Layers are watered and fed in the same way as the mother plant. The next spring, small rosettes with roots are formed on the layers, which are separated and transplanted.
Reproduction methods
There is another way of propagation by layering: internode. For this, the stem is also tilted to the ground, but it is fixed in the area of the internode. Next, the stem is covered with peat or light soil.
Transfer
Transplanting is best done in autumn or early spring. It is considered optimal once every 3-4 years. This rejuvenating treatment can be combined with root division. You need to cut it carefully and into large pieces, otherwise it will be difficult for the marigold to take root. Over the course of life, the marigold grows and loses its decorative effect, therefore, rejuvenation is necessary.
Problems in the growing process
Kaluzhnitsa is a plant resistant to diseases and pests, but some troubles still exist.
Pale or rusty leaves are a sign of powdery mildew.The reason for this is the hot summer. The solution to the problem will be the processing of the leaves with Bordeaux liquid (a solution of copper sulfate in lime water).
Possible planting difficulties
Drying or falling leaves are a sign of a lack of moisture. In this case, the irrigation schedule should be revised.
If the division is carried out during the growing season, then the marigold may begin to shed leaves and buds, and also wither. This is a temporary problem - after being ill, the plant will recover and continue to develop normally.
Pests do not threaten the plant. The only thing that can be encountered is poor flowering of the marigold. This is due to a lack of moisture or insufficient light. Increase watering and transfer (transplant) the flower to a sunnier place.
How to properly care for a plant
Marsh marigold is not a very popular plant. And in vain. When used correctly, this flower is a remedy for various ailments. Beautiful flowers will be the perfect decoration for a site or an artificial reservoir. Planting such a representative of the plant world in your country house will be completely superfluous.
