Mylnyanka - lush ornamental plant with pink flowers, used to decorate flower beds, borders. It is grown with success grown both in the city and in the suburban areas.
Description and variations
The Latin name of Saponaria is saponaria, which indicates the main feature of this flower. "Sapo" means soap, in the rhizomes of soapwort contains saponin - a natural detergentgiving foam when shaken.
This perennial is grown for the sake of beauty and beneficial properties, but it also exists in the wild. It lives on mountain slopes in dry areas throughout Eurasia, especially in the Mediterranean, but is also found in the Caucasus, Western Siberia, and Asia Minor.
Read also about how to grow other ornamental shrubs: viburnum, daphne, skumpiyu, fieldfare, bougainvillea, hydrangea, spirea, witch-hazel, lilac, geyher, kerriya, honeysuckle capricolee.
Separate several types of saponarii:
- Mylnyanka basilicolist (lat. Saponaria ocymoides-). The most common decorative look. The plant grows with creeping shoots, forming pillows up to 20 cm in height. Its flowers are smaller than those of the medicinal plant, but much brighter and more fragrant, they cover the entire shrub. Flowering lasts all summer. Variety Moon dust belongs here. Being engaged in planting and caring for the basilicotus soapworm, novice gardeners need not worry. It is unpretentious, landing and care will not be difficult. Another popular variety of basilicapus saponaria is Inspiration. It is propagated and grown from seed like other types of soapworm.
- Mylnyanka turfy (lat. Saponaria caespitosa). This perennial grows dense low bushes. He is more demanding to care and therefore not so well known among florists of Russia. It blooms only in the middle of summer.
Did you know? Mylnyanka - not the only plant containing saponin. A number of trees growing in the tropics accumulate soap in their bark and fruits.There are other types of soapwort, such as yellow saponaria, Lempergi, Olivan saponaria, but they are even less common.
Growing conditions
Mylnyanka - typical mountain plant. Although it is rather unpretentious, it is better to create conditions on the site that are close to natural conditions for saponaria.
Lighting and location
Natural environment saponarii - open areas, hills, rocky terrain. Best of all, this plant will feel in direct sunlight, but will also be planted in light shade, where it requires more care. The lack of light can affect the shade of the flowers - they will be less bright.
What kind of soil does soapbox love?
This is a mountain plant, because it is well acclimatized on the low-lying calcareous lands. It tolerates stony soil and does not tolerate gluttherefore it is necessary to ensure good drainage in the area where the soap pot grows.
Important! Not all fertilizers are equally beneficial. For example, oversaturation of soil with nitrogen has a bad effect on the flowering of saponaria.
Also, the soil must be loose, with good access of oxygen to the roots, otherwise planting and care are complicated. Desirable high calcium content. Saponaria is most often planted on alpine hills, curbs, among stones.
On the Alpine hills you can also plant other flowers: young, fescue, crocus, alissum.
Landing
The plant propagates in three ways: seeds, cuttings and dividing the bush. Here we look at the landing of the soapwort.
Seeds
Seeds of saponaria are sown spring or autumnMay or October. If it is decided to grow the soapstone from seedlings from seedlings, sowing is done in March. Before germination, the container with the soil is recommended to cover the film. As soon as the fourth leaf was formed on the seedlings, they were seated in separate pots. Seedlings provide good lighting, otherwise the shoots will be long and thin. In May, it is already possible to land a young saponaria in open ground.
Did you know? Saponariya well reproduces by self-sowing. Even if an adult plant does not survive the winter, new sprouts will surely appear next year.
Cuttings
Cutting shoots for breeding mylnyanki possible, until the plant has flowered, that is, from spring to summer. Cuttings from the top of the bush gently cut off and cut from them the lower leaves. Then planted in containers with wet sand until the roots.
Dividing bush
To do this, choose the most lush, overgrown bushes that do not suffer from the separation of the part. By dividing the bush it is propagated only in spring, as a top dressing add a little bone meal to new holes.
How to care for a plant
Saponarius is called the perfect solution for a lazy summer resident. But should be considered several features of cultivation and care of myalnyanka in the open field:
- Mylnyanka loves dry soil. Therefore, it should not be watered too often, and also provide good drainage.
- Every year it is cut to a third, to make the bushes creeping above the ground.
- The soil at the roots from time to time should be loosened to ensure access of air.
- Saponariya is a hardy plant, but it can freeze out in a harsh, snowless winter. It is believed that it carries frost up to -21 ° C, but it is better to provide shelter in advance.
- This perennial is well propagated by seeds. Therefore, if a large number of rose bushes are not included in the design plan, in September, seed boxes should be cut from the plant.
What to plant next?
Best of all soapbox looks on lush alpine hills. Stones and crevices - natural habitat this flower. It favorably emphasizes plants with high cuttings, such as sunflower, iberis, sage or eldweisce, covering the bare soil at their roots.
In landscape design, it is advised to cut it by a third every year, but if you allow the plant to grow, it will form large airbags. This property is used by saponarii, planting it in hanging pots - falling, twisted shoots form flowering clouds.
Little about the healing properties
The roots of saponaria contain triterpene saponins, which provide soap properties. But this does not end their meaning. Broth roots - a folk remedy for the treatment of eczema, dermatitis and liver disease.
He also proved to be an expectorant, used for bronchitis and coughing. To prepare the broth, just two tablespoons of chopped roots pour 0.5 liters of hot water and boil for 5 minutes. Saponarius is added to the composition for cleaning blood. On its own, it has a diuretic and laxative effect.
Important! Mylnyanka is considered a medicinal poisonous plant, so the dosage for oral administration is calculated very carefully. Like any medicine, it is better to use it as prescribed by a doctor.
Planting and caring for a blueberry is an easy thing to be rewarded with the long flowering of this perennial. Numerous photos confirm the beauty of the plant in various flower beds and flower beds.
