Chinese lemongrass has a fragrant smell of essential oils, tones and stimulates the entire body. If you decide to grow this crop on your site, you should know that care and planting will not be difficult even for a novice gardener, and appearance This relic creeper will highlight the walls of the house or the columns of the arbors with a magnificent waterfall of greenery and the redness of healing berries.
Schisandra chinensis is a perennial, climbing, woody vine with globular, bitter-sour fruits and a characteristic lemon flavor. Chinese lemongrass is also called Far Eastern or Manchurian lemongrass, and in China itself it is called "wuwei-tzu", which means "berry of five tastes". Such interesting name lemongrass received for the versatility of flavors. The peel of the plant is sweet, the pulp of ripe berries is sour, in which tart bitterish seeds are located, which subsequently give a salty, sometimes even insipid taste during storage. The Latin name of the plant is Schisándra chinénsis, derived from the words schizo (to divide, split, split), andros (male), since both male and female flowers grow on the same branch. The genus Chinénsis means the place where the plant grows - China (China). Oriental healers greatly appreciated this wonderful plant along with ginseng for stimulating physical and mental strength, toning the whole body and treating most known diseases. Characteristics of Chinese lemongrassA relic subtropical plant, Chinese magnolia vine belongs to the species of flowering plants of the genus Schisandra and the Schisandraceae family. The structure of the inflorescence resembles Magnolia. Lemongrass grows in Japan, northeast China, Primorsky Krai, the Amur Region, Sakhalin and the Korean Peninsula, and there are 14-23 species in total. In our country, only one species grows in the wild - Schisandra chinensis. The trunk of the creeper can reach 17 meters in height and 3 cm in thickness, wrapping around bushes and trunks of other trees and has many longitudinal lenticels. The color of the stem varies from shiny yellowish uneven and flaky bark to dark brown, depending on the age of the vine. The leaves of Schisandra chinensis are alternate, elliptical in shape with a pointed apex and a wedge-shaped base. They grow in several pieces in pinkish-brown petioles and measure 5-10 cm long and 3-4 cm wide. The flowers of this plant are dioecious, but are on the same vine. The pedicel is thin and long, at the end of which there is a small fragrant flower from white to pale pink. Flowering of Chinese magnolia vine occurs for a short time - from late spring to early summer. At the end of this period, a multiple spike-shaped raceme with 20-25 juicy fruits appears from the receptacle. Chinese lemongrass in the photo:
The fruits of Chinese magnolia vine are bright red, have a spherical shape and are arranged in a brush on a pedicel, like grapes. The culture bears fruit in August - September, and since there are many fruits on one stem, up to 3 kg of crop can be harvested from one vine. Reproduction of the plant occurs vegetatively in natural conditions or with the help of seeds, followed by growing. Chinese lemongrass grows in well-lit places on well-drained, fertilized and moderately moist soil. Useful properties of Chinese lemongrass
This plant is native to Ancient China rather grow and enjoy it healing properties steel as early as 250 BC.
Growing Chinese lemongrass
It is not difficult to grow Chinese magnolia vine on a plot or in a garden. The attractive beauty of a living green hedge with delicious and fragrant refreshing fruits will delight more than one generation of the family. Varieties of Schisandra chinensisChinese lemongrass, like a climbing liana, will perfectly decorate the walls of the house, columns or the roof of the gazebo, give a picturesque look to the veranda. The plant loves a not very lit place of growth and moderate soil moisture. To date, there are no unambiguous varieties of Chinese magnolia vine, there are only experimentally selected forms and samples. Here are some of them:
Planting sites and soil for Schisandra chinensisChinese magnolia vine loves warm, slightly sunlit areas in fertile, loose soil and will not grow well in a spot with frequent standing water. A flat area near a house or trees is perfect, but you don’t need to plant it near a tree, since the root system of the latter will take most of the moisture and the liana will miss it. Lemongrass, in turn, will not contribute to the normal growth of the tree to which it will be planted. It is not worth planting a liana near buildings, it is better to step back 1.5-2 meters from the wall so that the water flowing from the roof does not stagnate for a long time in its roots. The best option for planting Chinese lemongrass in middle lane is the western side of the buildings, and in the southern regions - from the eastern sides so that lemongrass has enough shade during the day. Growing Chinese magnolia vine from seeds
Chinese lemongrass can be propagated using seeds. Seeds for planting must be fresh, that is, cut off from the pulp no later than a few months. It is more favorable to plant such seeds in the fall, and if you take the seeds of cultivated vines, this will improve germination. At spring sowing seeds prerequisite will be their stratification.
Vegetative method of planting Schisandra chinensisSeeds are usually cultivated in nurseries, since this is a long and meticulous process. The most acceptable way for suburban area- purchase seedlings of Chinese magnolia vine or independently dig up the root growth of a cultivated fruit-bearing Chinese magnolia vine. It is important to pay attention when choosing a seedling of Chinese magnolia vine to moistened roots and a small lump of earth on them. 2-3 year old seedlings take root better, they already have a fairly developed root system, despite the small stem size of 10-15 cm. Planting Chinese magnolia vine in the ground
Caring for Chinese Lemongrass
Chinese lemongrass - an easy-to-grow healing miracle from ancient China
Schisandra chinensis is an excellent long-term medicinal plant exuding a delicate fresh aroma of essential oils, pleasing the eye with the beauty of flowers. Drinks and juices made from the fruits of Chinese lemongrass raise the tone of the body and restore strength. Chinese lemongrass is a flowing waterfall of green leaves, white-pink hues of flowers and bright red berries that will add expressiveness to a house or gazebo. It is much more pleasant for amateurs or avid gardeners not to buy Chinese lemongrass, but to grow it yourself, since this does not require scrupulous and costly care. |
Schisandra chinensis is an ornamental vine with white flowers and bright green foliage. With its appearance, lemongrass can decorate any garden. The liana on the hedge looks very impressive, wrapping around the gate, and it is also decorated with gazebos and arches.
It is also important that for almost the entire season lemongrass is able to maintain its decorative appearance. And in the fall, when blood-red berries ripen against the background of yellowed leaves, the vine looks just great.
Chinese magnolia vine: cultivation and care
Not many people know that all parts of the vine contain useful substances and are used to prepare potions for depression and chronic fatigue.
Appearance:
Chinese magnolia vine: planting and care
Lemongrass feels great in a mild warm climate where there are no winters, and in the middle lane. In the first case, Chinese magnolia vine is planted in autumn, in October, so that it can strengthen and acclimatize over the winter. In the middle lane, landing is carried out only in the spring and not earlier than April. Despite the fact that the vines grow in height, the distance between them must be at least one meter. The same applies to the structure near which the landing is made. Measure a distance of at least one and a half meters from it.
He prefers light soil with a high content of humus and good drainage. The place where to plant lemongrass, choose the lighted. Seedlings are suitable for planting, in which the trunk height is at least ten centimeters, and the roots are well developed. Too branched roots are pruned.
Growing seedlings
The pit for seedlings should be not less than forty centimeters deep with a diameter of seventy centimeters. Put expanded clay or crushed stone on the bottom, and fill the pit itself halfway with humus, ash, superphosphate and leafy soil.
To nourish the roots, the following mixture is prepared: the mullein is mixed with clay and water is added. Everything is mixed and the roots of the vine are dipped into this composition. Bury the root system in such a way that the neck is on the surface of the earth. The earth is rammed and a mound is made. The soil is abundantly watered with water, and when it goes into the ground, sprinkle the hole with peat or humus.
Usually vine seedlings take root very well.. Caring for them is very simple. It is enough to water them occasionally and cover them in case of a scorching sun. The best seedlings are two-year-old vines.
Much will depend on the location. When the vine is well protected from the winds and is in a warm place, then the appearance of lemongrass will be healthy and blooming. The west side of the site or the east is perfect.
Schisandra chinensis: planting seeds
This growing method is very time consuming. and for this reason little popular among gardeners. Seeds are prepared in autumn. Sow them in wet sand and mix regularly. Dried sand is constantly moistened. Store the seed container in a cool place.
At the end of February, the container is placed in a warm place and it should be there until the end of March. Then again move to the refrigerator or basement. Thus, the seeds are forced to wake up and begin to germinate.
Seeds should be planted in a greenhouse in the garden. The soil for seeds is prepared as follows: park land mixed with river sand in a ratio of 2:1. From above, a bed with seeds already planted is sprinkled with peat. Water as needed, as it is impossible to fill the seeds with a large amount of water. So, during the year they keep the sprouts under the film in the greenhouse, and after a year, they grow without shelter. After two years, the seedlings should be planted in a permanent place in the garden.
Lemongrass cultivation and care involves:
- Good soil moisture.
- Top dressing.
- Darkening from the scorching sun.
Feeding lemongrass usually starts from the third year of life.. To do this, use saltpeter, bird droppings, ash and superphosphate. Feeding with saltpeter in the spring, you will achieve lush foliage in your vine. In summer, water every two weeks with diluted bird droppings or other organic fertilizers. In the autumn they are fed with ashes.
Fruits with flowers in Chinese lemongrass appear only in the fifth year of life. Now, as a top dressing, you can use nitrophoska and potassium sulfate. Water the vine abundantly. So, for one watering they spend up to five buckets of water for each vine.
Every year in early spring, lemongrass is pruned. Remove the top and two-row vines.
Watering
Pour lemongrass Chinese plentifully. V wild nature This plant prefers to settle in moist soils. Even taking into account the fact that the root system is located horizontally and the roots practically do not go deep, a lot of water will be required.
They try to water with warm and settled water, after which the hole is sprinkled with peat or moss to avoid drying out.
Support for Chinese magnolia vine
So that the plant has large and juicy berries on large brushes , use tapestries. Thus, the illumination of the vine increases. It was noticed that a small shrub has practically no fruits. They put the supports as soon as the seedling is planted.
The support consists of columns about two and a half meters high. They are deepened by sixty centimeters, and the distance between them should be at least three meters. Three rows of metal wire are stretched, and the distance between them should be sixty centimeters. As the vine grows, it is tied up each time to the next level. Young shoots are arranged in the form of a fan.
pruning lemongrass
From the age of three in the liana, the active growth of the root system slows down and the ground part begins to grow intensively. Usually three shoots are left, and the rest should be removed. When the lemongrass reaches fifteen years old, they try to remove all the old branches from it, and leave only the young ones.
In October, dried branches are pruned, and if necessary, pruning is carried out in the middle of summer. The only times of the year when you cannot do anything to lemongrass are winter and the end of spring. During this period, there is usually an active sap flow.
Be sure to remove root shoots, and this should be done below ground level, digging the ground a little.
To form a creeper, side branches are occasionally removed.
Wintering
For the winter, only young vines are covered, up to the age of three. In the future, Schisandra chinensis will not need shelter. They are usually insulated with leaves and spruce branches.
How to pick berries
In the fifth year of life, Schisandra chinensis begins to bear fruit.. As soon as the fruits turn red, you can harvest. Harvest fruits in whole bunches. Do this carefully so as not to damage the seeds in the fruits, otherwise the taste of the berries will change and become bitter. Harvested fruits are processed on the same day to avoid fermentation and mold.
Diseases and pests
The smell of Chinese magnolia vine perfectly repels all pests, but diseases typical of garden plants he can't escape. The most common problems:
First time on medicinal properties This plant drew the attention of Chinese healers. Since then, the popularity and fame of lemongrass as a healer has been strengthened. At the moment, in many countries, entire plantations are grown for the needs of pharmaceuticals.
The effect that berries and preparations from them have on nervous system, it is difficult to overestimate. It was not for nothing that the northerners-hunters, going hunting, took lemongrass berries with them. They not only helped restore performance, but also acted as an excellent sedative, allowing you to concentrate and withstand severe frosts.
The fruits of this plant significantly improve visual acuity. Use the fruits during the treatment of depression and nervous exhaustion. Lemongrass has proven itself well for anemia and intestinal infections. It has an antidote effect and can even withdraw from a post-alcohol or drug state.
At home, prepare a tincture of dried berries in a ratio of 1:4. The berries are infused dark place, in two weeks. Then use the finished tincture of twenty grams a day after meals. This product is great for relieving fatigue. Moreover, its action, unlike caffeine, acts gently without harm to the body.
From dried berries powder is prepared and added to tea as a tonic. No less healthy tea is prepared from the leaves of Chinese magnolia vine.
Juice from lemongrass berries is prepared as follows: the berries, sorted and peeled from the stalks, are covered with sugar and left for three days. The resulting juice is poured into jars and stored in the refrigerator. They drink it along with hot tea, adding it instead of sugar, or use it as a syrup for desserts.
Branches of the plant can also be used to make lemongrass tea. Those shoots that you cut in the summer, do not throw away, but chop and harvest for the winter. Thus, you will have an excellent vitamin drink until spring.
But also very beautiful plant. From spring to autumn, the vine pleases the owners. In the spring, it becomes prettier, covered with snow-white fragrant flowers, in the summer it is made into an elegant brush of ripening berries, which turn red in autumn against a background of lemon-yellow foliage. In the spring, plant seedlings, put up supports, do not forget to water and feed, and lemongrass will decorate the garden for your care, and add vitality, and heal ailments.
Planting lemongrass in a permanent place
The success of its cultivation largely depends on where lemongrass will be planted. He needs to take a warm place, well protected from cold winds, for example, near garden buildings. In the middle lane, it is preferable to plant it on the western side of the buildings, and in the southern regions - on the eastern side, so that the plants are in the shade for part of the day. You can plant along the fence, wrap them around a gazebo, arch.
About the propagation of lemongrass - in the article Breeding Schisandra chinensis.
In the middle lane, it is best to plant lemongrass in spring, in late April - early May, to the south - planting is carried out in October. It is recommended to plant at least 3 plants, at a distance of 1 m from each other. When planting near the house, creepers are planted, stepping back from the wall by 1-1.5 m, so that drops from the roof do not fall on the roots.
A landing pit is dug 40 cm deep, 50-70 cm in diameter. Drainage is laid at the bottom with a layer of 10 cm - expanded clay, crushed stone, broken brick. Leaf compost, humus, soddy soil are mixed in equal parts, 200 g of superphosphate, 500 g of wood ash are added, and the planting pit is filled with this nutrient mixture.
The most viable seedlings at the age of 2-3 years. With a small height (10-15 cm), they have a well-developed root system. During planting, the root neck should not be buried, it should be at ground level. Planted plants are watered abundantly, and the root hole is covered with peat or humus.
Young creepers take root easily. Care for them in the first after planting consists in shading from bright sun rays, shallow loosening, weed removal, spraying with water in dry weather. At the same time, covering the soil around the stem with humus will prevent the rapid evaporation of moisture and at the same time such a mulch will feed the young plant.
top dressing
In order for the foliage of lemongrass to be lush, from the third year of life in the garden, lemongrass is intensively fed. Supplementary meals begin to be given in April. In the near-stem circle, 20-30 g of saltpeter are scattered, followed by mulching of the near-stem circle with humus or leaf compost. In summer every 2-3 weeks liquid top dressing organic matter (fermented mullein or chicken manure at a dilution of 1:10 and 1:20, respectively). In autumn, after leaf fall, 20 g of superphosphate and 100 g of wood ash are added under each plant, followed by embedding to a depth of no more than 10 cm.
Creepers begin to bloom and bear fruit at 5-6 years of age, that is, 3 years after planting on the site. After another 2-4 years, the most fruitful period begins.
Fruit-bearing vines are fed in spring with nitrophoska (4-50 g / m 2), after flowering, diluted and fermented mullein or bird droppings(a bucket for each plant), in the fall - superphosphate (60 g) and potassium sulfate (30-40 g). Once every 2-3 years, compost (4-6 kg / m 2) is embedded in the soil to a depth of 6-8 cm.
Watering
At home, lemongrass grows in conditions of high humidity, so in hot weather, plants are sprayed with warm water. Young plants especially need moisture. Adult creepers are watered in dry weather, spending up to 6 buckets per plant warm water. Watered after each feeding. To preserve moisture after watering, the soil is mulched with dry earth.
supports
Lemongrass is grown on a trellis. With this placement, the illumination of the plant improves, which contributes to an increase in the size of the berries and enlargement of the brush. Lemongrass without supports has the appearance of a low shrub and most often does not bear fruit.
It is desirable to install a trellis in the year of planting lemongrass. If this fails, the seedlings are tied to pegs, and a permanent support is installed in the spring of next year.
For the construction of the trellis, pillars of such a length are needed that after installation they rise above the ground by 2-2.5 m. They are dug in to a depth of 60 cm, at a distance of 3 m from each other. On the pillars, the wire is pulled in 3 rows: the lower one at a height of 0.5 m, the rest after 0.7-1 m.
In the first year after planting, the growing shoots are tied to the bottom row of wire, in subsequent years - to the higher ones. The garter is carried out throughout the summer, placing the young shoots in a fan. For the winter, the tied shoots remain on the trellis, they cannot be removed.
When planting lemongrass near the house, obliquely installed ladders are used as supports.
pruning
Lemongrass begins to be cut from 2-3 years after planting. By this time, the increased growth of the roots is replaced by the rapid development of the aerial part. Of the numerous shoots that have appeared, 3-6 are left, the rest are removed at the soil level. In adult plants, unproductive branches at the age of 15-18 years are cut out and replaced with young ones selected from the shoots.
cut lemongrass better in autumn, after leaf fall. If the vine is heavily thickened, then pruning can be done in June-July.
At the end of spring and winter, the vines are not pruned, because after pruning, abundant sap production (weeping of the vine) and drying of the plants occur. Only root shoots can be removed in the spring, and this must be done annually. Root shoots are cut below the soil level.
With sanitary pruning, first of all, dried, broken and small branches that thicken the crown are removed. Timely shorten long side shoots, leaving 10-12 buds.
Preparing for winter
Young plants 2-3 years after planting are covered with a layer of leaves 10-15 cm thick, and spruce branches are placed on top to repel rodents. Adult creepers are frost-resistant and do not need protection for the winter.
Medicinal beds
Sometimes lemongrass is grown specifically for tea or medicines, which are prepared from leaves and stems. In this case, seedlings are planted in three beds. The following year, in August, the plants are mowed from the first bed. In the second year, they mow the second bed, and a year later, the third. During this time, plants grow on the first bed.
The collected green mass intended for tea is spread on cloth or paper and dried for several days in the shade. Stored in paper bags until winter. They drink lemongrass tea to restore strength after physical and mental stress. It raises blood pressure in hypotensive patients and may well replace coffee. The invigorating effect of tea lasts 6-8 hours, so it is better not to drink it late in the evening.
More about useful properties ah lemongrass - in the articles:
Harvesting
Lemongrass fruits are ready for harvest when they acquire a uniform bright carmine-red color, become soft and transparent. Collect lemongrass with brushes along with the stalks. They also have medicinal value. The stalks can be dried, crushed and used as a flavoring additive in tea.
In one go, you can harvest almost the entire crop. Cleaning will be accelerated if you spread burlap under the bush, and hit the stretched branch with the edge of your palm. From a sharp blow and shaking, the berries crumble, it remains only to collect them from the litter.
Lemongrass fruits are stored poorly, quickly become moldy and begin to ferment. Therefore, they should be processed on the day of collection or the next day. During processing, crushing of seeds should be avoided, otherwise the blanks acquire a bitter taste.
The berries are dried in the oven at a temperature of 60 0 C for 3-4 days. Properly dried lemongrass fruits have a dark red color. Medicinal properties are stored for two years.
The material was published in the Library of the newspaper "Gardener's World" "Garden. Garden. Flower garden", No. 12, 2010.
Photo: Lyubov Polyakova, Rita Brilliantova
The plant belongs to the Schisandra family of the Schisandra genus, and today it is grown throughout Russia. The fruits of woody vines have medicinal properties valuable to humans. Growing Chinese magnolia vine and caring for it can be done even by a novice gardener, if you know the agricultural technology of the plant well.
Features of growing Chinese magnolia vine in Siberia, the Urals and the Moscow region
The plant is strong and able to adapt to different climatic conditions. The culture is cold-resistant and does not die even in frost -40 C.
In the Moscow region, only seedlings in the first year need shelter. Further, the vine does not need to be covered, or removed from the support. For Schisandra chinensis, the climate of the Middle Strip can be called ideal.
In the Urals and Siberia, even adult vines will need shelter. They should be carefully removed from the trellis, laid on a layer of spruce branches and covered with a thick layer of sawdust or leaves on top.
Otherwise, the cultivation of crops by region does not differ.
Planting a plant
Its further growth rate, as well as productivity, directly depends on the correct planting of Schisandra chinensis. The plant is not only useful, but also decorative, which is why it can be placed in the front part of the garden.
Site selection and soil requirements
When choosing a landing site, first of all, pay attention to its illumination. Culture needs the sun, but it feels good in the openwork shade of the garden, braiding the trunks of neighboring trees. It is important that the area where lemongrass grows is well protected from the wind. The ideal place is considered to be the south side of the existing gazebos, fences, trellises and pergolas. Planting Chinese lemongrass under the wall of the house is not the best solution, since the vine, growing, will gradually destroy the roof, and the streams of water during rain will damage it itself. If you still have to plant a plant near the house, then at least 1.5 m must be retreated from the wall in order to protect it from drains from above.
The soil for creepers needs nutritious and loose. To prevent wetting of the plant at the bottom of the planting pit, it is necessary to arrange drainage. For this, broken brick or slate is used.
The optimal soil is considered to be a mixture of the following components, taken in the same amount:
- sod land;
- humus;
- compost;
- wood ash.
All components must be mixed well. When planting, 200 g of superphosphate is added under each plant.
How and when to plant?
Depending on climatic conditions, lemongrass is planted from late April to mid-May. The colder, the later the planting of the crop. In the southern regions, landing can be carried out in October. Here it is preferable than spring, because, taking root in a new place, the vine will not suffer from the summer heat, and due to the lack of severe frosts, it will be able to fully take root.
It is better that the number of planted plants be from 3 or more, as this gives the maximum decorative effect. The distance between them must be at least 1 meter.
A hole 40 cm deep and 60 cm wide is prepared under the lemongrass seedling. A drainage layer 10 cm thick is placed on its bottom. After that, the soil is filled up.
For planting, it is better to choose seedlings 2-3 years old. They are not tall, but at the same time they have formed a powerful root system and take root well. The viability of such planting material is maximum.
Growing Chinese magnolia vine from seeds
Growing a crop through planting seeds is possible, although more labor intensive. Schisandra is sown in April-May. Pre planting material needs to be stratified. Seeds from autumn are mixed with sand, which is slightly moistened, and stored at a temperature of +5 degrees in a refrigerator or basement. Once every 2 weeks they are taken out for airing and mixed again. As necessary, the sand is additionally moistened with cold settled water.
2 months before planting, the seeds are moved to heat: 30 days they are at room temperature, then for another 30 days the seeds are placed in a place with a temperature of +8 degrees. It is important to ensure that the sand does not dry out during the entire period of stratification.
For sowing seeds, peat and sand are mixed in equal parts. Seeds are sown in grooves to a depth of 2 cm, covered with peat and sand and watered. Above the bed, you need to install the arches and stretch the film. You can also sow lemongrass in a greenhouse.
Watering crops should be only in the heat and only in the morning. When sprouts appear, they will need to be shaken off after each watering. This is necessary to prevent decay. Excessive moisture for young plants is extremely dangerous.
When planting in a capital greenhouse, lemongrass does not need shelter for the winter. If the culture was grown with seeds in a greenhouse, then young plants must be covered with spruce branches to protect them from the cold, or covered with sawdust. Schisandra chinensis is transplanted to a permanent place in the spring after the first wintering.
Vegetative planting method
At home, growing a plant can also be carried out through a vegetative planting method. With it, shoots are dug out from the root of the plant. Also planting a purchased plant also applies to vegetative planting. Landing is carried out, as described above, in prepared pits with humus.
Lemongrass care at home
In addition to proper planting, for the well-being of the liana, she also needs proper care, which includes:
- watering;
- top dressing;
- pruning;
- preparation of crops for winter.
With errors in care, Chinese magnolia vine begins to grow worse and gradually withers.
Watering and feeding
Competent watering and top dressing ensure high-quality plant growth and its abundant fruiting.
In nature, lemongrass grows on moist soils, so in a garden it also needs high-quality moisture. Adult plants in the heat must be sprayed with warm water and watered, pouring 50 liters of water under each for one watering.
Wet soil is immediately mulched. This is necessary due to the fact that the roots of lemongrass are located very close to the surface of the soil and can easily dry out in the heat.
Feeding the plant is required from the age of 3 years. The main feed are organic fertilizers in liquid form. In summer, chicken manure diluted in water at a ratio of 1:20 is applied under the vine 1 time in 3 weeks. In spring, lemongrass is fertilized with 1.5 tablespoons of saltpeter per adult plant, and in autumn, in early September, 30-40 g / m2 of superphosphate and potassium salt each. In their absence, you can use the usual wood ash. Compositions with chlorine for lemongrass are harmful.
pruning
Pruning of Chinese magnolia vine is carried out according to certain rules. In the early years, it is not required, since the vine during this period is actively gaining root mass, and above-ground part grows slowly.
After winter, only excess basal shoots are cut off from the vine. Sanitary pruning, in which damaged and dry branches are removed, is carried out exclusively in the fall after the end of sap flow. Then the thickening shoots are cut off. Only the 3 strongest shoots should be left on the vine. This will greatly simplify care and increase its productivity.
Once every 8 years, it is necessary to replace the shoots, because, aging, they begin to bear fruit worse. To do this, 2 strong root shoots are left on one old shoot. When they have developed enough, choose the best one; and the old shoot and the weaker young one are cut out.
Support
The lemongrass plant is climbing and needs support for vertical growth. Without it, it will not fully develop and bear fruit. Only on a trellis does Chinese magnolia vine get enough light and the right ventilation. Comprehensive access to air is vital to him.
For support, poles 3 meters high are suitable. They are dug into the ground by 50 cm. A strong twine is stretched between them, and a liana is tied to it. As it grows upward, the garter is carried higher. As a result, between the pillars, the plant has a horizontal support in several tiers. When the vine reaches its maximum length, it begins to hang over the top twine, forming a roller. This usually happens 1-2 years before the replacement of the shoot.
Preparing the plant for wintering
In the Middle lane, there is no need to cook lemongrass for the winter. Shelter is required for young seedlings only in the first winter if they are not grown in a greenhouse. Mature plants take shelter only in cold climates. If the vine cannot be put on the ground to cover it with spruce branches or sawdust, then it should be wrapped with covering material and tied with spruce branches on top.
Plant diseases and pests
Schisandra chinensis is highly disease resistant and proper care in the garden almost does not suffer from them. For pests, the culture is also of little interest due to its specific resinous smell.
In rare cases, lemongrass affects:
- powdery mildew;
- spotting;
- Fusarium wilt - the plant cannot be saved, it should be completely removed and burned.
To eliminate the first two diseases, the affected leaves must be cut from the vine and burned. She herself should be sprayed with a 1% solution of Bordeaux liquid.
Collection and storage of lemongrass fruits
Schisandra chinensis begins to bear fruit at the age of 6. In the first years, the harvest is insignificant, but after 2-4 years it reaches its maximum. Berries are harvested when they turn translucent red. Also, the fruits should be soft. Picking berries so as not to crush them is easier with brushes. In addition, the stalks are also used for medicinal purposes.
Berries should be processed within a day, as with longer storage they begin to deteriorate. You can rub them with sugar or freeze them. Berries also insist on vodka to obtain an effective tonic.
Schisandra chinensis is rightly called unique plant which combines decorative and medicinal properties. Therefore, the cultivation of lemongrass has been popular with gardeners for many years.
In home gardens of domestic gardeners, Chinese lemongrass is still a rare guest. This is due, first of all, to the lack of information about the cultivation of this wonderful medicinal plant.
The description of its characteristics is new for many Russian users, but in China, the healing properties of the plant are used in traditional medicine since ancient times and are used in modern pharmacological preparations. In fact, there is nothing complicated in growing it, and performing the usual activities when planting and caring for lemongrass in open field will allow you to get bountiful harvest healthiest berries.
Origin and description of culture
Other names for this plant are Manchurian lemongrass, schisandra (from Latin name Schisandra chinensis). Schisandra chinensis is a perennial from the Limonnikov family. For the first time in scientific literature, it was described in 1837 by the botanist N. S. Turchaninov.
Botanical description and varieties
Branching, winding around tree trunks, the stems of Schisandra chinensis can be up to 15 meters long, although their thickness is small - no more than 2 centimeters. The bark of young shoots is yellow, darkening to dark brown with age. The wedge-shaped leaves, alternately located on the stems of climbing vines, like the rest of the plant, have a specific smell of lemon.
After the fall of slightly pink and white petals, multi-berry brushes (20-25 fruits each) are formed in place of the flowers of Schisandra chinensis. The flowers on the plant are male and female.
Among the garden and wild-growing lemongrass, there are several varieties or groups that have similar characteristics (mainly in terms of the appearance, size and design of the fruit):
- cylindrical - with fruits of the appropriate shape. The brushes are 5-10 cm in size, and the fruitlets in them are no more than a centimeter in diameter. This is the most common group of Chinese lemongrass;
- long-handed - with a correspondingly very long brush (at least 7 cm);
- spherical - with an unusual round shape of the brush. Fruit berries in it are located at the very top, forming the shape of a ball.
The plant is unpretentious, grows well on garden plots. It is valued for a large number of useful properties, but also looks very beautiful: in spring it is covered with fragrant flowers, which in summer are replaced by berry tassels brightly red against the background of yellow-green foliage. This is an excellent decorative planting for arbors, verandas, an excellent "material" for living fences and hedges. It should only be taken into account that without supports, Chinese magnolia vine develops into a low shrub that blooms, but rarely bears fruit.
It should not be confused with Chinese magnolia vine grass Crimean magnolia vine, which also exudes a pleasant, lemon-like smell, but has a medium-sized bush form and is a representative of a completely different botanical family.
Where does lemongrass grow?
Schizandra Manchurian is found in the wild in China and on the Japanese islands, and on the territory of our country - in the Amur Region, in the south of Sakhalin Island, in some areas of the Khabarovsk and Primorsky Territories. An uncultivated species of Chinese magnolia liana - impenetrable thickets - are found in broad-leaved cedar, coniferous-deciduous forests, near water bodies.
Chinese magnolia vine does not tolerate prolonged stagnation of water in the ground, therefore, it does not grow in floodplains that are subject to prolonged waterlogging. In the mountains, it is found at an altitude of up to 500-600 meters above sea level.
Useful Features
All parts of the schizandra - from roots to fruits - have healing properties, but more than others, the berries, including the seeds in them, give benefits. The former are saturated with vitamins C, E, tannins, selenium, iodine, manganese, copper, zinc and iron. List useful substances complement various minerals in the composition of salts and useful acids.
The seeds are rich in fat and essential oils, resins, phosphorus and iron, schizandrol and schizandrin - substances that have a tonic effect.
Thanks to such a rich composition, Schisandra chinensis berries are used in the treatment of the following diseases (if there are no contraindications):
- cardiovascular problems - medicines with Chinese lemongrass strengthen the tissues of the heart muscle and are indicated to patients if they do not cause side effects - tachycardia and chest pain;
- chronic gastritis - the use of drugs based on schizander seeds helps to normalize the secretory gastric function and at the same time effectively relieves pain;
- respiratory diseases - chronic bronchitis, pneumonia;
- anemia, low hemoglobin;
- menopausal problems, hormonal disruptions - Chinese magnolia vine stimulates the adrenal glands, simultaneously relieving menstrual pain;
- impotence;
- tuberculosis;
- constant depression and chronic stress - the berries of the plant contribute to relaxation, improve the psychophysical state. They are part of effective tonic drinks.
Contraindications to the use of schizandra may be associated with its overdose, as well as the following conditions:
- during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- with epilepsy, high intracranial pressure, a tendency to insomnia;
- suffering from allergies;
- with infectious diseases;
- with liver diseases;
- children and adolescents up to 12 years of age.
Breeding methods in the backyard
For propagation of Schisandra chinensis, vegetative and seed methods are used.
The plant is propagated by root cuttings or cuttings. This method is called vegetative: in spring, the side shoots are lowered to the ground, pinned neatly and sprinkled with soil. In a year, they take root, they are cut off, dug up and transplanted to where they will constantly grow in the future. This is a simpler and more popular option that allows you to transplant lemongrass: in the second, maximum - third year, the plant bears fruit. But in general, the way how to breed Chinese magnolia vine does not affect the final result and depends only on the gardener's capabilities or convenience. As a result of any of the breeding options, subject to the cultivation practices, strong fruit-bearing plants grow.
Seeds are planted only freshly harvested, as they lose their germination capacity quickly. The seedlings grown from them are moved to a permanent place next year.
How to grow lemongrass
The development of Chinese schizandra, its resistance to diseases is mainly influenced by the correct choice of a place for planting it. Soil fertilization and top dressing are common for horticultural plantings. Like the vast majority of vines, Chinese lemongrass on the site, the cottage takes root well. It is easy to grow: minimal effort provides a beautiful appearance of a well-developed plant and good harvest berries.
Agrotechnical requirements
It is not difficult to choose the conditions “liked” by the culture, and it will thank for them with strong growth and fruiting:
- sufficient illumination - at least 8 hours of daylight for adult plants. To do this, when planting Chinese magnolia vine near a house or garden buildings, you can choose both southern and east side- it is enough that the tops of the vines are well lit;
- the acidity of the earth is closer to neutral;
- minimizing drafts and strong winds. To plant Chinese magnolia vine in constantly and strongly blown areas - doom it to death in advance;
- provision with props - trellis, fence, wall of the house, gazebo, any other structure.
The soil for planting is prepared by standard digging with the addition of humus and peat. If the soil is heavy, it is advisable to drain it with river pebbles, broken brick.
In the conditions of the Moscow region, planting and caring for a Chinese magnolia vine plant involves the fulfillment of the above requirements - this is enough to get excellent result. Frost-resistant vines are suitable for the climate of Russia in the middle zone - grown here, they need shelter only in the first couple of years of growth. The cultivation of Chinese schizander in the Urals or Siberia requires shelter and adult vines to protect against dangerous cold weather. They are carefully removed from the trellises, placed on a layer of spruce branches and covered with a large layer of foliage or sawdust.
Terms and rules of disembarkation
Planting seedlings can be carried out in spring and autumn, depending on the climate. In the Moscow region, landing time is the second half of May and the beginning of June. Preferred in southern regions autumn period: summer heat more harmful to only planted, taking root plants, and the absence of strong winter frosts contribute to full rooting.
In the central zone of the country, cuttings are harvested in early June and kept cut in water until planting. It is optimal to plant them in a cold greenhouse, and if on the beds, then cover from above from the sun ( nonwoven fabric, which is harvested only in August). Usually half of the cuttings take root, which in the fall are removed to a cold cellar along with a clod of earth and stored in wet sawdust.
To a permanent place to achieve the best decorative effect cuttings are best planted in groups of three with a distance of a meter between them.
Landing pits are dug to a depth of 40 cm, 60 cm wide. The bottom is covered with a 10 cm layer of drainage, which is covered with soil.
The best seedlings Chinese magnolia vine - two and three years old. They are already provided with a developed root system - fully prepared for planting. It is desirable to find a permanent place, for all the years of the plant's life: mature vines tolerate transplantation extremely poorly and almost do not take root in a new place.
Growing from seeds is a more time-consuming option and is used if there is no other way to propagate the plant. Seed material is harvested in autumn from the most ripe berries and stored until December in the usual paper bag dry. Then they are soaked for 3-4 days, replacing the water with fresh water every day, transferred to a nylon bag and placed in wet sand (it is advisable to pre-calcine it to minimize the risk of introducing bacteria). Store at +5 °C ( the best way suitable compartment for vegetables in the refrigerator or cellar). Twice a month they are taken out, aired and again placed in the sand, monitoring its moisture.
Two or two and a half months before planting, the seeds of Chinese schizander are transferred to a room with room temperature, and for a month - provide them with a temperature of +8 ° C. The sand must remain wet all this time. This period of stratification is quite troublesome, but this is where the complexity of planting seeds ends. Can be sown in a greenhouse or on open beds. The planting substrate is a mixture of sand and peat in half. On its surface, grooves are shallowly carried out - by 2-2.5 cm, the seeds are laid out, sprinkled with the same mixture and watered. Planted in open soil, cover with a film on the arms. In the first year of life, they need only timely watering, they do not need fertilizers.
Features of care
In addition to the standard measures for growing Chinese magnolia vine and caring for it - watering, fertilizing, loosening - it requires supports. This helps the plant get more light, be ventilated, and in return give decorative lush foliage and fruit yields.
The easiest way is to install the trellis immediately when planting the cuttings. It is not necessary to spend money on factory ones - it is not difficult to make simple supports with your own hands. For the first year, small pegs are enough, but in the future, without a high support, the plant will not bear fruit, no matter how you take care of it. If Chinese magnolia vine is planted next to the wall of the house, an old ladder can be installed as a support for it in an inclined way.
The vine needs the first pruning after planting in two years. In autumn, after the end of leaf fall, 4-5 shoots are left, and the rest are cut off near the ground. If it was not possible to carry out pruning in the autumn, it is possible to remove the basal shoots in June, thus thinning the plant somewhat.
In winter and spring, pruning cannot be carried out, but as a sanitary cleaning it is permissible to remove old ineffective shoots, broken, dried vines, small branches that thicken the crown too much.
Watering and loosening
Young sprouts are watered regularly, making sure that the soil does not dry out, and avoiding water stagnation. In the homeland of the plant, the climate is characterized high humidity air, so it will be grateful if in hot weather it is sprinkled with warm water, and for irrigation they spend about 60 liters of water per stem (preferably not too cold). It is also customary to water the Chinese magnolia vine after feeding it.
root system the plants are located in the upper layers of the soil (up to 30 cm deep), so loosening is carried out superficially, no deeper than 5 cm.
top dressing
Manchurian lemongrass is fertilized twice in spring and once in summer and autumn:
- before flowering, in April, saltpeter (20-30 g) is poured around the trunk, covering it with a layer of leafy compost or humus;
- at the end of flowering and during the formation of ovaries, liquid organic matter is introduced at intervals of three to four weeks. At the same time, in order not to disturb the roots of the plant, the fertilizer is poured into the wells made with a crowbar;
- in the fall, after dropping leaves by a liana, 20-25 g of superphosphate are added under each trunk and the earth is carefully loosened, adding another 100-120 g of wood or straw ash under each plant.
Diseases and pests
Fragrant lemongrass is famous for its high immunity to diseases, and insect pests do not bother him, being scared away by the specific smell of foliage.
In extremely rare cases, the vines of Chinese schizander are affected powdery mildew and spotting, Fusarium wilt. In the latter case, the plant cannot be saved, it is removed and the remains are burned. Problems with the first two diseases are solved by removing the affected leaves (they are also burned) and spraying the entire plant with Bordeaux 1% liquid.
Growing unpretentious Manchurian magnolia vine in the Russian middle lane and even in the Siberian region does not cause much trouble. At the same time, lush lianas braiding supports will enrich the landscape of any site, bloom it with bright green foliage and colorful flowers and berries.