The knotweed plant has a varied appearance: it is presented in the form of grass or vines. Lives on the side of streets, in swampy, mountainous places. It is used in gardens and as a hedge. This unpretentious and hardy perennial retains its decorative appearance throughout the season, complements group plantings favorably, and works as a tapeworm. Its diversity allows the plant to be used in small areas and large areas to camouflage walls, outbuildings, and decorate gazebos. In the wild, mountaineers are found in the Far East, China, the Himalayas, Japan, Nepal, and some varieties live almost all over the globe.
Wild species
Most of the mountaineers that decorate gardens and summer cottages grow in the wild. Some cover the ground with a dense creeping flooring, others form thickets up to 2 meters high, and others climb tree trunks and mountain slopes with vines. The description of the 2 most common species growing throughout the Earth is as follows.
Knotweed is known as a weed called knotweed. In spring, numerous grass shoots cover the entire plot of land, growing, it occupies large areas, drowning out other crops. Mature knotweed has tough, creeping stems that are difficult to pull out of the ground. The weed is extremely aggressive, grows in any weather, is not afraid of heat, excess moisture, frost, and quickly recovers from damage.
Knotweed is not found only in regions with permafrost; the rest of the planet is covered with this plant. It lives in landfills, pastures, wastelands, forest clearings, slopes of ravines, vegetable gardens, estates, and dachas. If he has settled on the site, it takes a lot of effort to get rid of him.
Despite the harmfulness of this weed, people have long used its healing properties to treat various diseases, and young leaves and shoots are added to spring soups and salads.
Another type of knotweed that grows as a weed near natural and artificial reservoirs, in wet meadows, vegetable gardens, fields, and orchards is kidney pepper (water pepper). A herbaceous crop with shoots reaching 1 m in height, from June to August it blooms with spike-shaped pink or white buds collected in brushes that have no decorative value.
Polygonum is a medicinal plant, used to treat hemorrhoids, constipation, as a hemostatic and antibacterial agent. It has a rich chemical composition: organic acids, tannins, essential oil, carbohydrates, pectins, flavonoids. During flowering, from mid-summer until frost, bees collect nectar from knotweed, which produces high-quality honey of light brown or dark amber color.
Cultivated varieties
Some species of mountaineers are so beautiful that they have become domesticated. Dutch breeders, using the plant’s ability to modify, developed new varieties that retained the hardiness of the wild ancestor and acquired decorative qualities. All varieties live in open ground, only some specimens are suitable for indoor breeding.
In garden culture, mountaineers are also known under other names:
- bistorta;
- fallopia;
- buckwheat;
- persicaria;
- Rhinotrium.
Many bloom with racemose buds, white or pink, flowering lasts about 1.5-2 months. Some varieties have decorative foliage. The small-headed knotweed has a distinct plum-colored pattern on the velvety chocolate leaf plate, repeating the shape of the leaf. Some varieties of snakeweed, which prefer moist soil near a pond, are distinguished by large (up to 15 cm) pink-purple inflorescences.
The plants are so hardy that they require virtually no care and are not susceptible to attack by pests or diseases. To fully develop and maintain their decorative appearance, they need fertile, moist soil, sufficient space for growth, and direct sun. They overwinter in open ground; recently planted specimens can be covered in severe frosts.
Instructions for planting and care are as follows. Reproduction is carried out by dividing the rhizome, root layering, and seed propagation is suitable for certain varieties. On dry, infertile soils, the knotweed will not die, but will become untidy and will develop poorly. This culture, with the exception of some varieties, requires a large space for reproduction. If it is necessary to restrain growth, limiters are dug next to the plantings to prevent root shoots from spreading.
When propagated by seed, the material is stratified for 1-2 months or sown in late autumn. The sprouts that appear in the spring are transplanted to a permanent place. The delenki are carried out immediately, the mountaineers tolerate the procedure without any problems and develop quickly. Planting is done in the spring, plant care consists of regular weeding until the seedlings get stronger, and moderate watering. Fertilizer can be omitted or fed once a season with a complex organic composition.
The most popular varieties of knotweed: Alpine, Sakhalin, Aubert, variable, Baljuan.
Alpine knotweed
Alpine knotweed is a herbaceous perennial up to a meter in height with short branches and a weakly branched stem. The leaves are covered with hairs on both sides and bloom with small white buds from July to August. After this, an inedible fruit appears - a dark, glossy nut 3 cm long. It grows quickly, suppressing nearby crops; it is preferable to plant where it is necessary to cover the territory in a short time.
In nature, it is distributed in the Far East, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and in the mountainous regions of Europe. The plant has a wide range of uses: young shoots and leaves are used for culinary purposes; they successfully replace sorrel and spring greens in salads. All parts of alpine knotweed are rich in beneficial elements. Flowers and leaves contain glycosides, acids, flavonoids, roots are rich in tannins. In folk medicine, knotweed is used to treat dysentery.
Sakhalin
Sakhalin knotweed is a large herbaceous plant that grows to a height of three or four meters. Green stems in summer are covered with reddish spots, and in winter without leaves they resemble a bamboo forest, so planting the variety is decorative all season long. It is recommended to place it as a solitary plant, since after a short time it will take over the entire free area, taking nutrients from neighboring bushes and trees.
The hollow stems of knotweed taste like rhubarb, have a composition rich in vitamins and microelements, and are eaten as a medicine. The Sakhalin species is resistant to low light; it can be planted in light shade, under the wall of a building, or near a hedge. It is necessary to carefully consider what territory to allocate to it, since it will be very difficult to get rid of an overgrown perennial.
Aubert
Aubert's knotweed is a climbing native of China, a shrubby vine, which in mid-August is covered with white small inflorescences - panicles. The leaves (up to 9 cm in length) then acquire a purple tint. Like all varieties, Aubert's knotweed is unpretentious; for successful cultivation it requires loose soil, regular watering, removal of dead shoots, and mulching to retain moisture. The vine is pruned to curb excessive growth; if you need to cover a large area with greenery, the procedure is not carried out. In order for the Aubert Highlander to have an attractive appearance, a support is built for it along which it will curl.
Baljuan is often confused with it. They are similar to each other, but there are also differences. Baljuan knotweed is a liana that grows up to 15 meters in height, giving an annual growth of 3-4 m. It blooms more abundantly in large clusters up to 20 cm long; there are varieties with pink or cream inflorescences. In favorable weather, with timely watering and fertilizing, some specimens are able to produce buds from the beginning of summer until cold weather. In regions with low winter temperatures, they must be covered, since a frozen plant will not bloom.
Volatile
Variable knotweed is a herbaceous species, growing up to 2 m, perennial. The inflorescence is a large cluster of small buds of white or soft pink color with a strong honey aroma. They do not fall off, remain on the plant until the end of autumn, and the shoots of the variable knotweed change color to bright red.
This species is distributed by cuttings and root layering; seed propagation is not used for it. To give the bush symmetry, side shoots are regularly removed, preventing it from growing. It remains in a permanent place for up to 10 years, after which the crop must be transplanted to another area or rejuvenated.
The knotweed plant is quite popular among experienced gardeners. Knotweed is a special plant that has a huge number of subspecies that differ significantly from one another. Knotweed can be found in many parts of the world; there are more than 250 of its subspecies. 20 are used in our country, and they amaze the eye with their decorativeness.
Highbush knotweed is usually planted to green the banks near mini-lakes, ponds, to create beautiful fences and to make silage for livestock. The most relevant of the highest types are the following:
- 1 Eastern. The annual plant can grow up to 2 m in height and has voluminous paniculate inflorescences. The flowers are bright red, light pink, soft purple or snow-white. The leaves are green, oval-shaped, sharp at the ends. When the plant fades, you can see black nuts. This type of knotweed blooms in the last month of summer until late autumn. It is easy to care for; it loves rich and moist soil. It grows both in forests and steppes, and in home gardens. You can often see it in forest belts, steppe areas and meadows. As a plant for decoration, knotweed is grown in China and Primorye.
- 2 Sakhalin. A tall perennial with a creeping root system. It grows up to 5 m in height, the branches are not crooked and have good strength. The foliage has an oval shape, length 30 cm, width 25 cm. The flowers are snow-white, the inflorescence is in the form of a panicle. Flowering time is up to 90 days from mid-July. The plant tolerates cold well. Found in Russia and Japan. This subspecies descends slopes and grows in mountainous areas. Gardeners plant it to decorate ancient buildings, near water, to create a fence. Traditional healers add fresh leaves to medicinal dishes. Knotweed is also used as food for cattle. This type of plant grows very quickly, so many gardeners prefer not to grow it.
- 3 Japanese. A tall shrub grows up to 5 m in height. The branches are hollow, similar to bamboo. The leaves are green, medium-sized, oval-shaped with frequent veins. The flowers are small, soft cream, paniculate inflorescences. The plant blooms in early autumn. This is the fastest growing species, it makes it possible to quickly create a magnificent fence that will protect the territory of the dacha from prying eyes. Excellent resistance to pruning. The branches can be used to make baskets and other crafts. The plant grows very actively, it is extremely difficult to remove it.
Low-growing species are used to decorate the dacha area, create decorative compositions and as living fences. The most popular of the low-growing plants are Capitate and Related mountaineers.
The first one is not a perennial, it grows very quickly. Reaches a height of up to 150 mm, branches well. The foliage is medium-sized, green with bright red veins and spots. The inflorescences are neat, resemble mini-cones, and consist of whitish flowers with a small inclusion of pink.
The second species was brought from the Himalayas. Grows up to 250 mm. The foliage is elongated and green. The flowers have the appearance of compacted spikelets. The color can be soft pink or deep red. The inflorescences are approximately 120 mm long. This species blooms from early spring until the end of summer. When the flowers fade, the foliage turns red. It grows well in the shade, but can successfully spread in illuminated areas. You can water infrequently, as the plant survives drought normally. If water stagnates, the root system may rot. It has excellent frost resistance, but can freeze if there is no snow mass. The plant is very beautiful, used to decorate summer cottages, and withstands being in the vicinity of perennials. It grows beautifully and decorates the area.
Baljuana bindweed
Baljuan knotweed is a perennial liana that reaches a height of up to 15 m. It is used for landscaping vertical structures on the territory. The flowers of this species of knotweed are small, snow-white, and turn pink when the temperature drops. The leaves are dark green. The stems of an older vine become stiffer.
The Baljuan species prefers cool places. The plant must be watered in a timely manner. If planted in direct sun, the knotweed will stop growing and the foliage will curl and become small.
To give the plant a decorative appearance, the knotweed liana is pruned and shaped. Molding also gives impetus to the appearance of flower stalks. This type of knotweed survives frosts well down to 23 °C. When the vines freeze, the root system quickly recovers, and stable growth is observed in the spring.
Baljuan knotweed grows actively and quite quickly, so it will add beauty to fences, buildings and vertical surfaces.
Use in alternative medicine
In alternative medicine, knotweed is used to treat various pathologies. They treat eyes, gout, and eliminate problems with the gastrointestinal tract. It has a healing, astringent and antimicrobial effect. And this is not all the useful qualities of the mountaineer.
For therapeutic purposes, alpine or snake knotweed is usually used. These perennials have a pipe-like stem and medium-sized flowers. The flowers can be snow-white, soft pinkish, bright crimson, and they are collected in a spike-inflorescence.
Highlander, which was collected in May, will bring maximum benefit. The plant has a strong bactericidal effect, effectively stops the flow of blood and eliminates the inflammatory process. It is used for the treatment of diarrhea, gastrointestinal pathologies, problems with the gallbladder, pathologies of the throat, oral cavity, to eliminate purulent wounds and serious ulcers.
Alpine knotweed is also called taran, or sorrel. The plant resembles a beautiful weed. Dense bushes reach a height of 2 m. The stems of knotweed are branched, especially from above. The root system is strong and creeping. The foliage is green, oblong in shape. At the ends of the branches there are panicles of neat snow-white flowers. This type of plant blooms in mid-summer. In the wild it grows in forest belts, steppe areas and meadows. It does not require special care and grows actively. They are planted on the site in order to decorate old buildings or grow a spectacular fence.
This type of plant is successfully used in unconventional practice for the treatment of diarrhea and high blood pressure. The plant contains a large amount of vitamin C and is used for preventive purposes for the treatment of respiratory diseases.
The abundance of varieties makes the knotweed a unique plant. There are subspecies that have healing qualities, and there are those that are suitable only for decoration, there are valuable plants for livestock feed, and there are also pest weeds that are dangerous to plant in suburban areas.
To avoid getting an undesirable result after planting, when purchasing a plant, you need to become thoroughly familiar with its characteristics.
Variable and viviparous
Variable knotweed grows up to 200 mm in length and has a very branched stem at the top. At the top of the plant there are voluminous panicle inflorescences, which consist of small snow-white flowers, they resemble an air cloud. Blooms in July, blooms until the end of the season.
Variable knotweed is undemanding in care, tolerates winter excellently and grows in any soil. Brought to Russia from eastern Asian countries, so it feels excellent. The plant reaches a height of 2 m and, unlike the Sakhalin knotweed, is completely covered with elongated leaves, which makes the plant look voluminous and is perfect for creating a beautiful fence. The stems are straight, the roots are very strong. The flowers smell spicy, and after they bloom, decorative fluffy inflorescences remain in the form of panicles.
The viviparous knotweed is neat, differs from its tall “relatives” in that it is up to 0.5 m long. Introduced from the European and Asian continents, where this species grows in swamps and forest belts, that is, everywhere. The straight, stiff, gnarled stems are covered in tough green foliage. A huge number of stems have racemose-spikelet refined inflorescences between the nodes, the length of which is up to 150 mm, and they consist of small pink-crimson flowers. They are very juicy and look incredibly beautiful.
The plant, like all mountaineers, blooms for quite a long time, throughout the summer season, while the panicle-inflorescences do not lose their spikelet shape and aesthetic appearance. In garden plots, such a long-flowering plant looks great, especially when all the vegetation has already faded.
The viviparous knotweed loves moisture and saturated soil. It should be planted in a semi-shady place, then the flowers will be very beautiful and bright. It is better to plant it near the water or on an alpine hill; this will add grace and charm to the area.
Aubert's Mountain Loach
There are a great many subspecies of mountaineer. Knotweed bindweed is very similar to vines, reaching lengths of up to 15 m, but only under certain conditions. This variety of highlander does not require scrupulous care and therefore feels great both in the sun and in shady areas. The radical difference is that under the sun's rays it blooms thicker and more beautiful.
The key to good growth and proper growth of bindweed is a sufficient amount of nutrients and moisture. Aubert's knotweed does not tolerate drought; it must be watered systematically. During hot periods and when the soil is poor, this type of knotweed will be attacked by aphids, so the plant must be watered systematically.
Don't forget about mulch. Like all bindweeds, the knotweed liana requires a support on which it will climb - it is necessary to prepare a reliable support, since an adult plant is not easy.
The liana propagates by seeds and cuttings. In summer, knotweed propagates by treetops, and at sub-zero temperatures by lignified cuttings. They can reach 30 cm in length. They must be planted in prepared soil.
Before planting, the seeds should be stratified: kept in a cold place for 60 days, it is better to put them in the freezer. Further, everything will depend on the sowing period: in the spring, you need to sow in beds, and in the autumn, you need to plant seedlings in boxes. The seeds need to be deepened by 10 mm.
To decorate a suburban area, only 2 main types of knotweed are used: Aubert and Baljuan. Baljuan was described above. Auberta is a low-growing bush-shaped species. Shoots can grow up to half a meter. Auberta blooms from mid-summer to October. White flowers are located on top and look like neat buds collected in clusters. Fresh foliage has a soft reddish tint and turns completely green after a while. In winter, the plant may not survive; the loach liana will freeze in severe frosts, but when warm days come, the Highlander will quickly come to life.
Highlander (lat. Polygonum) or buckwheat is a genus of herbaceous wildly growing and abundantly flowering plants of the buckwheat family (lat. Polygonaceae). Due to the peculiarity of the plant's gnarled stems, the genus name in Latin is composed of Greek words meaning "many" and "knee".
Description
Representatives of the genus are extremely diverse in appearance and habitat. These are predominantly annual and perennial herbaceous plants, but you can also find vines, subshrubs, aquatic and amphibious species. There are few places on Earth where you won’t find buckwheat; more often it grows in temperate climates.
Himalayan knotweed
The rhizome of the plant is often creeping; there are also species with a taproot system. The stems are geniculate, grow straight or spread along the ground, sometimes they curl. The leaves are numerous, grow alternately, simple, on long petioles, small and larger, sometimes decorative and pubescent.
The flowers are small, in large numbers, located on the tops of the branches, often collected in inflorescences in the form of a brush, dense spikelet or panicle, white, pink, red.
Plant structure using the example of snakeweed
The fruits are dark matte small nuts, flattened or triangular. Flowering is abundant and quite long from May until frost.
Popular types
The genus includes more than 200 species, sometimes strikingly different from each other. Many have gained popularity in landscaping gardens around the world, especially on the European continent. Flower growers noticed the knotweed back in the mid-17th century, and since then the plant began to constantly appear in gardens, front gardens and flower beds.
G. related(P. affine) is a fairly common decorative species. Forms a dense turf about 25 cm high. The foliage is evergreen, usually collected in basal rosettes, has an oblong lanceolate shape and a pointed tip. The flowers are collected in spikes up to 8 cm long, the color can be various shades of pink. The inflorescences are quite attractive even after flowering, acquiring a deep crimson color.
Campanula flowers
G. double twisted(p. Bistorta) reaches 50-60 cm during the flowering period. The stems are straight and smooth. The leaves are up to 20 cm long, usually collected in basal rosettes, oblong-lanceolate in shape with pointed tips. Flowers are in cylindrical spikes up to 6 cm long, the color is light or pale pink. Used in medicine, a good honey plant.
G. amphibian(P. amphibium) is an excellent plant for beautifying the shores and shallow waters of ornamental reservoirs; there are aquatic and terrestrial varieties. The aquatic form can grow at a depth of up to 15 cm, has long floating stems, narrow leaves up to 10 cm long and soft pink spikelet flowers up to 5 cm, rising above the water surface. The terrestrial variety has straight, densely leafy stems up to 50 cm long, lanceolate leaves with a pointed tip and also spikelet inflorescences.
Highlander in the landscape
G. alpine(P. alpinum) forms a large branched shrub up to 100 cm tall. The stems are branched and densely leafy. The leaves are long (up to 14 cm), oblong-lanceolate, pointed at the end. The flowers are small, pure white or light yellow in color, collected in loose panicle inflorescences. Used in cooking.
G. stem-encompassing(P. amplexicaule) forms dense turf up to 90 cm high. The foliage is up to 25 cm long, usually collected in rosettes at the roots, has an oblong lanceolate shape and a pointed tip. The flowers are purple, sometimes pinkish and pure white. They are collected in long ears (up to 10 cm) at the tops of the shoots.
Oriental knotweed ‘Kiss Me Over The Garden Gate’
G. Oberta(P. aubertii) and G. baldschuanicum (P. baldschuanicum) are lush, branched vines that are capable of climbing supports up to 15 m high. At the root, the stems become lignified, then there are numerous densely leafed stems. Leaves up to 10 cm, pointed ovoid. The flowers are white, numerous, collected in loose drooping panicle-shaped inflorescences.
G. bellflower(P. campanulatum) forms a dense turf up to 90 cm in height during the growing season. It is distinguished by unusually beautiful pale pink flowers, shaped like bells. Several dozen of them are collected in loose panicle-shaped inflorescences.
G. capitate(P. capitatum) forms ampelous turfs 10-15 cm high and up to 30 cm in diameter. The pink flowers are very small, collected in dense spherical inflorescences, which look very interesting on long thin stalks
Polygonum capitate flowers
G. eastern(P. orientale) and G. variable (P. polymorpha) form erect shrubs up to 2 m tall. The rich purple inflorescences of the oriental knotweed have a pendulous, spike-like shape, while the inflorescences of the variable knotweed are multi-stage panicles of white flowers.
G. small-headed‘Red Dragon’ is popular among gardeners due to the extraordinary beauty of its leaves. The pointed, heart-shaped leaves have a rich wine color with a beautiful silver edging in the middle.
Photo gallery of species
Growing and care
To grow knotweed, you need sufficient lighting. It also grows in partial shade, but the leaves may partially lose their decorative properties. The plant loves soil that is fertile, light and loose, slightly acidic, permeable, sometimes waterlogged, but without stagnant moisture. The Highlander is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and endurance, and can even be aggressive.
Mature knotweed bush
Plants are mostly moisture-loving, so they need regular sufficient watering and periodic feeding, especially during the flowering period. To avoid excessive growth, they are shortened, unnecessary shoots are trimmed, and shoots are dug out. In early spring, old unattractive foliage is removed, and in late autumn, it is cut off.
Knotweed is quite frost-resistant without the use of protective measures. During severe winters it may be partially damaged, but recovers very quickly.
Buckwheat has good disease resistance and is little affected by pests.
Highlander variety ‘Superbum’ in a flowerbed
Reproduction
Knotweed develops very quickly and increases in size; it can be successfully propagated in various ways. The more popular method of propagation is by dividing the bush; cuttings and seed methods are also used.
Appearance of the seed
In early spring or autumn, an adult plant is carefully divided into parts and, with a small lump of earth, transferred to new prepared places, constantly moistening the soil for quick rooting.
Sowing is done in open ground with the onset of warmth (late spring) or seedlings are grown from February-March. To increase germination, seeds are stratified using a cold method.
Highlander entwining an arch
Use for decorating garden plots and on the farm
The knotweed produces a lot of bright greenery, grows well, covering unattractive places, pleases for a long time with a variety of flowers, even after flowering has ended, the spikelets and perianths often retain their decorative appearance. Plants are successfully used to decorate the coastal zone; they are indispensable for giving a beautiful look to fences, buildings and pillars; they are used on lawns, flower beds, rock gardens, and mixborders.
Some species are extremely popular as medicinal plants, and are also grown to produce the well-known and beloved buckwheat.
In mid-August, the most beautiful Sakhalin shrub, Highlander Aubert, begins to bloom. Unfortunately, it does not please us with its snow-white color for long, because at the end of September its leaves fall and its flowers fade. But this perennial is quite unpretentious in care, it is easy to grow and propagate. If you want this plant to decorate your flower garden, then we will tell you how to grow this plant correctly.
Aubert's knotweed plant: botanical description
Aubert's Knotweed is a species of Knotweed native to Western China. It is a low climbing shrub vine, the trunk and shoots of which are not woody. This plant has beautiful leaves, ovoid in shape and bright green in color. Their length reaches 9 cm. In autumn, when the plant fades, the leaves turn red.
Aubert's knotweed blooms from mid-August. It is covered with small white flowers, which are collected in brushes. Flowers are mainly located in the upper part of the shoots.
There is another name for the Highlander plant - Polygonum. It comes from the Greek words 'polys' - many and 'gonos' - knee. This name is given to the plant for its knotty, geniculate stem. However, it should be noted that botany has not yet given the plant a single generic Latin name, so we can call it as we like. If we look through the encyclopedia, we will see the following naming options:
- Polygonum;
- Persicaria;
- Fallopia;
- Rhinotria;
- Product.
In the genus Highlander there are 300 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants, less often subshrubs and vines, widely distributed throughout the globe. They grow in all climatic zones - near rivers, lakes, swamps and wooded areas.
Many people mistakenly confuse the Aubert Highlander with the Buljuan Highlander, because outwardly they are practically impossible to distinguish. However, it is worth noting that the latter species of Highlander blooms much more luxuriantly, reaching 5 m in height, while the maximum height of Highlander Aubert is 1.5 m.
Aubert's Highlander: planting and care
Growing Knotweed is an easy process, but it grows so much that it can be a challenge to care for. Experienced gardeners note that it will be more difficult to fight Highlander after its powerful, creeping rhizome has strengthened and begins to produce numerous offspring. The area can turn into real thickets that are impossible to get through. Therefore, the knotweed is perceived by many gardeners and owners as an aggressive but ornamental weed.
However, this weed can be made into a gorgeous bush. To do this, you need to dig part of the plant’s root system into the ground. You don’t have to worry about this, because it will take off well and will quickly grow throughout the surrounding area. Do not plant the Highlander next to fruit trees and bushes, otherwise in this case they will not produce a very good harvest, because the Highlander will take away moisture and a large amount of nutrients from them.
Owners who decide to decorate their yard with Aubert's knotweed should know about the peculiarities of propagation and care of this plant. Let us immediately note that the Auberta knotweed liana is widely used for decorative purposes, because it is covered with beautiful green foliage and grows so well that it can cover all the not so beautiful places in your garden plot.
People often plant Knotweed Auberta to beautify coastal areas, fences, yard structures and posts. Those who know about the healing properties of Polygonum must use its flowers as a medicinal plant.
Aubert's Highlander: landing
We will list the basic rules that must be followed when planting Highlander Aubert for you point by point:
- Check that the soil is loose.
- If you plant seeds, they must be stratified in advance (they must be stored in the refrigerator for 60 days).
- Sow seeds only in spring, when the air temperature reaches 5 degrees, either in open ground or in boxes for seedlings (planting depth should not exceed 1 cm).
- If you decide to plant Aubert's knotweed cuttings, then you will need to prepare them in the summer, when they are green. Each cutting must have 2 nodes:
- treat each cutting with a product such as Kornevin;
- send it to be stored in a dark room where the temperature is maintained at 22 degrees (the cutting should be in this place for about 18 hours);
- root the cuttings into the prepared soil 1.5 cm deep - the main thing is that the temperature of the bed is 4 degrees higher than the air temperature (to achieve this, you need to fertilize the bed with manure, sand and peat);
- after planting the cutting, cover it with a plastic dome so that the necessary microclimate is maintained under it;
- in winter, the cuttings will need to be dug up and stored in the basement, where the temperature should not fall below 2 degrees Celsius.
Aubert's Highlander: care
Aubert's knotweed is one of the plants that needs to be constantly watered. Daily watering will keep the soil loose and fertile, which is very important for plant growth.
If the need arises to replant the bush, you can do it even in summer. The main thing is to leave a piece of soil on the rhizome in order to replant the Highlander with it (this way the plant will take root better). Do not be alarmed if the Knotweed begins to wilt in the first few days after transplantation; this is a normal process. In the transplanted area, the plant will grow for 10 years in a row.
Aubert's knotweed is a winter-hardy plant. But you still need to ensure that frost does not damage the flower buds. If the bush is not protected from this, then it simply will not bloom. There is no need to constantly prune the plant. This should only be done if it has grown excessively. In spring, be sure to remove shoots from the bush that have already died. To prevent the soil from losing moisture, mulch it with wilted leaves in the fall. Prepare a support for Highlander Aubert to climb along. It could be a trellis, a pergola - anything. Otherwise, the plant will look like a weed, although this has advantages - no pests will stick to it.
To systematize all of the above, we will list for you point by point the basic rules for caring for the Aubert Highlander:
- In the summer, provide the plant with abundant watering (it should be done every day), but do not allow the soil to be damp, otherwise it simply will not survive this and will die.
- Constantly fertilize the soil in which Knotweed grows. Otherwise, the bush simply will not receive the necessary nutrition and will die from a lack of nutrients.
- If you have just planted young cuttings, then be sure to wrap them up for the winter so that they do not freeze.
- If the plant is hit by autumn frosts, then immediately cut off the stems of the Knotweed Aubert so that the entire plant does not die.
- In the fall, the leaves of the knotweed will turn yellow; they should be left in this state until spring, when they will already turn brown. They should be cut back in the spring to allow new leaves to grow.
- In the winter season in the middle zone, depending on the weather, the knotweed often does not tolerate frost well. Therefore, it is advisable to cover the plant with polyethylene so that its leaves do not freeze, and the knotweed blooms the next year.
The plant as a whole is very resistant to various pests and diseases. It does not need to be sprayed with any chemicals because it survives well in all conditions. But if you treat its leaves or flowers with pesticides, nothing bad will happen.
Aubert's Highlander: photo
Description of the medicinal properties of knotweed
As we mentioned above, the knotweed has very valuable healing properties. The branches of the plant cannot be used only for medicinal purposes. Folk sages recommend using only the leaves and inflorescences of this plant. The plant contains:
- a very large number of alkaloids (in particular, aliphatic mercyl alcohol);
- there is also a substance such as wax or rutin;
- there is emodin with essential oil;
- Highlander also contains tannins with coumarins and steroids;
- the plant contains anthraquinones with kaempferols and flavonoids;
- it is noted that Gorets also contains quercetin with vitamins C and K;
- high content of linoleic, oleic, myristic, stearic and palmitic acids.
Thanks to this composition, the plant can be used to treat numerous ailments:
- related to gynecology (very often doctors recommend that women drink decoctions from knotweed leaves during uterine bleeding during menstruation and after operations - you just need to grind 2 tablespoons of knotweed leaves and pour boiling water over them, this remedy can be consumed 2 hours after Once it brews, you need to drink it 3 times a day);
- The decoction is also prescribed to children who have been diagnosed with an umbilical hernia;
- if there are diseases associated with the kidneys or joints, then you can use a decoction of Highlander;
- if you are badly burned, you can prepare an ointment based on Highlander - it will very quickly relieve the inflammatory process and heal the wound (to prepare such an ointment, you need to squeeze the juice from the plant and mix it with butter).
Knotweed is one of the plants that can be eaten by people. Knotweed leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Some people use Knotweed fruits (its seeds) to feed pets, including chickens and other birds.
Many gardeners refuse to buy cuttings of Knotweed Aubert just because it grows out of control. It can fill the entire area and spread to the neighbors' area. Therefore, you need to monitor the growth of the bush and trim it in a timely manner.
According to reviews from gardeners who planted Aubert's Knotweed, the plant can be considered an ornamental plant. It looks great at any time of the year and is in great harmony with any flowers in the flowerbed. Surprisingly, Highlander will decorate your front garden in the autumn, when all the flowers have already faded. It will not have flowers, but the beauty of its leaves cannot be compared with them. If you have time to keep an eye on Aubert's Highlander, be sure to decorate your front garden with it. This perennial plant will delight you with its beauty on cold autumn evenings and bring brightness and freshness to your yard.
Video: “Highlander”
Even if the mountaineer climbing plant is not as spectacular as, for example, wisteria, it still occupies its rightful place in country gardens. Rather, this vine is suitable for garden plots designed in a landscape style.
Its natural beauty will become a worthy frame for the perimeter of the territory, highlight bright annuals, and serve as an excellent backdrop for any floral compositions.
Perennial ornamental vines- the largest group of all climbing plants. The value of perennial climbing plants lies in the fact that they, like other vines, occupy small areas when planted where there is no room for trees or shrubs.
Their long shoots, densely leafy and varied in structure, strewn with magnificent flowers, and then no less decorative unique fruits, cover a large area, provide shade and protection from the sun, and create a unique decorative effect.
A description and photo of the knotweed, as well as tips for growing the plant in the country, are presented in this material.
Liana knotweed baljuan
Among the plants with this name there is the Baljuan knotweed vine, or fallopia - rare and amazing. This is a deciduous climbing plant, growing very quickly, reaching a height of 10-12 m, a width of up to 5 m. Even in the year of planting, it can grow by more than 3 m.
Young shoots of this species are smooth, green or reddish-pink, while woody shoots are gray. The leaves are broadly oval or oval, up to 10 cm long, pointed, heart-shaped or spear-shaped at the base, smooth, light green, on petioles up to 3.5 cm long.
As you can see in the photo, the flowers of the knotweed plant are white, with a pinkish-lilac tint:
The flowers are small, 0.6-0.8 cm in diameter, collected in large, up to 40 cm long, terminal paniculate inflorescences located on branched lateral shoots, and have a pleasant subtle aroma.
The liana needs support in the form of a wire, or better yet, a strong cord with a rough surface for upward growth. The mountaineer does not have antennae, aerial roots, or suckers; it does not cling to the surface of walls, but actively wraps its shoots around any vertical support. Horizontal supports are not suitable for a highlander.
When growing a knotweed plant in the country, do not forget that it loves fertile soil, moderate watering, and a sunny place, although in our southern region it grows well and winters in semi-shaded places. In 1-2 years, the plant can cover the facade of a house with fresh, bright greenery, decorate a balcony, gazebo, pergola, or fence.
Its fast-growing shoots have to be directed in the right direction. In the middle zone, it freezes to the level of snow cover, but grows quickly and blooms only in the fall. Here it blooms better in the sun, much weaker in the shade.
But the most amazing thing is the abundant and long-lasting flowering.
Look at the photo - white bunches of knotweed thickly cover the vine from June to late autumn:
The autumn yellowish color of the leaves is also decorative. Knotweed blooms especially profusely in a well-lit place. Annual pruning stimulates the plant to bloom luxuriantly and prevents the lower part of the vine from becoming exposed.
The shoots curl not only along the support, but also among themselves, forming powerful rope-like stems. Under their own weight they can fall off the support.
This spectacular vine is propagated by seeds, layering and green cuttings. Seedlings usually bloom in the first year. When propagated by layering, shoots buried in the spring already have roots by autumn and can be separated from the mother plant.
The formation of young knotweed plants is usually carried out at the end of winter, depending on the circumstances, subjecting them to strong or weak pruning.
Planted in a permanent place where there is sufficient space for growth; This placement will eliminate the need for planting to trim.
It has a negative attitude towards open southern exposure, since in this case the flowers quickly wither in the south and reach better development in the shade. In frosty winters it freezes slightly, but with the beginning of the spring growing season it quickly recovers. He needs a spacious place, protected from cold winds.
Features of the vine: blooms on last year's shoots; shoots become woody only at the base; tolerates urban environments well.
Climbing tuberous knotweed
In addition to the above species, tuberous knotweed is also found in amateur gardening. Its above-ground part is very similar in shape to its leaves, shoots and inflorescences, but it blooms only in the fall.
It blooms, creating a fragrant aura, until the first frost, and then, as befits a herbaceous vine, it dies. The tuber is dug up for the winter and stored in the basement next to canna rhizomes and dahlia tubers.
The tubers of this knotweed are knobby, round or oval, weighing from 50 to 400 g, and creamy yellow. In the spring, it is advisable to germinate them on a windowsill or in a greenhouse a month before planting. When planting knotweed in the ground, the tubers of this type of plant can be divided or cut into pieces.
