Month: May 2021

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Flower

Marsh marigold

marigold

The marsh marigold (scientifically Caltha palustris) is a plant that belongs to the genus of marigolds and is related to the buttercups.

The plant is deciduous, perennial and herbaceous. Depending on the location, marsh marigold reaches a height of 15 to 60 cm. It has arching to erect, glabrous and hollow stems that have branching at the top.

marsh-marigolds

The leaves are long-stalked and the ones on the upper stem have almost no stalk.
Their color is dark green, shiny and are about 15 cm in diameter. The shape of the leaves is bean to heart-shaped and they are notched at the leaf edges and not divided.

The flowering period of the marsh marigold begins in March and lasts until the month of April or June, depending on the location. Now and then there is a weaker second flowering period between July and October. Each stem usually has a few flowers, which are hermaphroditic and radially symmetrical. Their perianth usually has 5 oval and wide perigone leaves, which have a length of about 2 cm. There is no calyx. The marsh marigold has many stamens in yellow and between 5 and 15 carpels, which are narrow and free. The glands for nectar are at the bottom of these carpels.

marsh-marigold

Once the carpels are fertilized, a bellows fruit ripens in a slender shape. The ripened bellows fruits have a star-shaped arrangement. Their mature seeds are dark brown and about 2.5 mm long. They are arranged in 2 rows inside the bellows fruit.

The marsh marigold grows in continental and northern Asia, Europe and North America. On the European continent it is spread as far as Arctic Russia and Iceland.

Its habitats are banks of springs and streams, marsh meadows, floodplain forests and ditches. It tolerates changing water levels well. Common neighboring plants are cabbage thistle, meadowsweet, marsh forget-me-not, snake’s knotweed, black alder, and cuckoo’s campion.

At Bavarian Rappensee, marsh marigold grows at elevations up to 2,050 meters.

caltha-palustris

Marsh marigolds are not eaten by grazing animals.

Although the plant is poisonous, it was nevertheless used in the past as a coloring agent for cheese and as a food and stimulant. Its leaves were a traditional salad green with a pungent, spicy flavor in Spain and a means of flavoring vinegar and wine in England. Marsh marigold buds were a substitute for capers in times of crisis, but have little importance as a food substitute today.
Because marsh marigold buds contain anemonin, high consumption of these substitute capers carried the risk of skin rash, diarrhea, and nausea.

When the plant components are cooked, their toxicity decreases. For this reason, it was recommended to change the cooking water at least twice.

Today, the consumption of all components of this plant is not recommended.

The ancient Greeks and Romans did not know the plant species marsh marigold as a medicinal herb. In the 15th century, a distillate of the plant was mentioned as a remedy for eye ailments.

In folk medicine, marsh marigold was a medicinal plant only in isolated cases. The herb was used within Central Europe for menstrual cramps and skin diseases. The Russians used marsh marigold as a laxative and urinary stimulant. Its leaves were a respected wound remedy for insect bites and served as an aid for broken bones, scab wounds, and smoker’s lung.
In modern medicine, the marsh marigold is no longer used, because today the plant serves only homeopathic purposes.

Just like numerous other plants blooming in spring, the marsh marigold was a repellent for demons among some peoples. At Walpurgis it was collected and scattered in front of the entrances to the cattle stables to ward off witches. The cattle also got the plant mixed into the feed, for a beautiful yellow tone of the butter throughout the year. The Danes and Icelanders also used the marsh marigold as a protective agent at Walpurgis.

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Flower

Lupine

lupins

The lupine, Latin Lupinus (lupus = wolf, therefore sometimes also called “wolf bean”), belongs to the family of the papilionaceous plants. At the beginning of the 19th century, the perennial, which originated in North America, began its triumphal march in Europe. More than 200 different species, both perennial and annual, enrich the gardens today. Here it is hard to imagine colorful borders without cultivars of the perennial lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus).

nature lupine

With a height of 80 to 120 centimeters, the well-known garden lupine rises from any herbaceous border, visible from afar, and the flower corolla alone can grow up to half a meter high. The foliage of the lupine is a vivid green. The palmately pinnate leaves often collect water in the center, which then looks like a silver bead.

While the wild form blooms in a blue, the gardens are enriched by flower candles in white, pink, red, purple, yellow or even bicolor. Since lupines always open first the lowest flowers of the candle, they thus ignite a veritable firework of colors from late May to early August.

sheeted-lupine

After flowering, pods are formed, which contain the seeds.
CAUTION. Not all lupins are the same. The seeds of garden and wild lupines contain the toxic bitter substances lupinin and spartein and can cause respiratory paralysis and death if eaten.

The lupine grows on native soil. It is very easy to care for and does not make any special demands on the soil. On the contrary. It likes it sandy, poor and acidic with a pH value below 6.5.
Like about 150 other species, the yellow lupine originates from the Mediterranean region. But this attractive plant is also found in North, Central and South America.

Probably the best known use of the lupine is as an ornamental plant in the garden. The perennial plant, which sows itself, quickly fills gaps in the bed. Thanks to new cultivars that have produced smaller species, lupine is also suitable for keeping in pots. As a cut flower, it keeps fresh for a long time in the vase.

lupine red

Another field of application is the use as green manure. Here, annual lupines are sown. At their roots rhizobiaceae form, which store nitrogen. Lupins are therefore ideal for enriching the soil with nitrogen. The lupine is a great help when it comes to preparing garden areas for the creation of new beds. The narrow-leaved, yellow or white lupine penetrates up to two meters deep into the soil with its taproots and loosens the soil in this way.

Lupines can inspire a true passion for collecting. If you go back to the varieties of the English breeder George Russell, you will be thrilled by the so-called “Castle Series”. The white ” Noble Maiden”, the bright yellow “Chandelier” and the crimson “The Pages” grow 80 to 100 centimeters high and bloom for weeks.
At 50 to 60 centimeters, the dwarf garden lupines are considerably smaller and thus suitable for pots.
“Westcountry” is the name given to bicolored or multicolored lupines.
Be careful with new shoots: Not only do we humans appreciate lupines, slugs also literally love to eat them. With the appropriate precautions, however, nothing stands in the way of romantic blossom magic in the garden for many summer weeks.

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Flower

Forget-me-not

forget-me-not

Forget-me-not is a flowering genus of plants with the scientific name Myosotis (Greek: “mouse-ear”). The scientific name of the genus in the family Boraginaceae means “mouse ear” in Greek, referring to the shape of the flower’s leaves. The origin of the name Forget Me Not, which is its common name, is that the flower is commonly referred to in French as ne m’oubliez pas (German: “Don’t forget me”). Similar names have been given to the flower in many other languages.

forget-me-nots

Some colors are especially seen in cultivated forms growing in gardens. Aside from blue, the common Forget-Me-Not colors are white and pink.
The genus, which includes about fifty species, is very diverse. Most species flower small (about 1 cm or less in diameter) with 5 flat blue petals. Color variation is often observed in the flowers that bloom in spring. In addition to the usual blue color, white and pink colors are often seen. This shade-promoting plant is common in gardens, and cultivated ones often bloom in multiple colors. Whether perennial, annual or biennial, forget-me-not forms a 7 to 12 cm long clump of variable, oval, elliptical or lanceolate, gray-green, short soft-haired, rough leaves. The leaves are permanent. In spring from March to June, small flowers (0.3 to 1 cm) bloom in flattened containers in compact bells combining blue or white and yellow eyes. It is a hardy plant with very good frost resistance.

forget-me-not mixed

It is a dwarf and dense plant. Planting should be done when there is no risk of freezing. You can sow the seeds from May to June. Germination needs sun to be healthy.

Make sure that the seeds you sow in September spend the winter indoors. You can also plant outside in the spring. When you plant, make sure the soil depth is six inches.

Many varieties of the race, spread over a fairly wide area, are specific to New Zealand, while several European species are available. Some species of the flower, particularly Myosotis sylvatica, have been introduced to temperate regions in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, where they can be seen. In the United States, Myosotis alpestris is the official flower of the state of Alaska.

flowers forgetmenots

There are many different legends about the flower, and most legends explain the flower’s name in some way. For example, according to one German legend, God calls the flower a “Remember or Vergissmeinnicht.” In another legend, Adam and Eve cry out to the flowers as they leave paradise, “Remember me!” According to another German legend, a knight and his beloved, walking along the Danube, see a blue flower about to be washed away by the river. The flower, which is included in many other legends, has also found an important place in literature. The flower, mentioned in several stories by the Brothers Grimm, was also mentioned in many poems and praised by many literary figures; for example, Goethe called this flower “the liveliest flower, the most elegant of the graceful”.
Henry IV also made this flower his emblem during his exile in 1398, and continued to use it as an emblem after his return to England the following year.

In many romantic poems we find forget-me-nots or love grass. Remember, I have been an emblem of Freemasonry since 1948. It has also become the symbol of the Alzheimer’s Association and evokes memory loss. For the same reason, it was chosen to symbolize the International Day of Missing Children, which takes place every May 25.

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Flower

Cornflower

cornflower blue

The cornflower, known in Latin as Centaurea cyanus, has been used for years as a universal medicinal plant.

Due to its categorization as a field weed, the extensive use of fertilizers and weedkillers has decimated the population of this plant to such an extent that it has almost been eradicated.
Due to this, the cornflower was protected for many years, thanks to this measure it was possible to increase the population, therefore there is no threat to it anymore.

cornflowers

The cornflower as a herbaceous plant reaches a height of growth between 20 and 100 centimeters.
Here, the flower-bearing, loosely tomentose stem is simple and branches in the upper part.
It is an annual plant.

The alternately arranged foliage leaves have a medium and loosely gray felt.
At ground level they are larger than those near the tip of the leaf.

The flower appears bell-shaped in various colors, but especially in various strong blue shades, but also in white, pink or purple.
The flowers have about 30 tubular florets on the edge and there are bracts in the center.
The flowers are also slightly tomentose and bloom in the period from late May to September.

cornflower and beetle

The distribution area of Centaurea cyanus covers large parts of Europe.

Despite its wide European distribution, the cornflower is not one of the plants originally native to Europe, as this is a cultivated successor to the seed that originally came from the Mediterranean region.
Presumably, the seed from the Mediterranean region was introduced unknowingly and unintentionally, so Centaurea cyanus counts as a hemerochore plant.
Meanwhile, the cornflower is spread all over the world.

Since the arable farming the cornflower constantly accompanies the grain fields this leads to at the beginning mentioned classification as weed and the following fight against the plant.

Due to the clustered population at the edge of grain fields brought the Centaurea cyanus, already in the Middle Ages the name cornflower.

cornflower

The cornflower fulfills a high benefit and application for both humans and bees.
Thus, bees and bumblebees see a busy forage plant in the cornflower.

In addition to its use as a medicinal plant, the cornflower is generally very popular among beekeepers, as its high sugar value and the high sugar content of its nectar make it a valued secondary crop.

Due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, Centaurea cyanus was long considered a universal medicinal plant, so it was used both topically and for internal use.
In particular, it was used for fever and eye diseases, but also for poorly healing wounds.

Due to today’s use of other and more potent medicinal plants with a wide spectrum of effects, the cornflower is only used in a subordinate way.

However, the flowers continue to be used as a herb, because due to the various active ingredients they are universal and can be used for countless ailments.

For the production of blue-flower tinctures, which have a positive effect on states of restlessness, stress, nervousness and concentration disorders, the cornflower is often used.
Classically, in addition to cornflower, nine other medicinal plants and their blue flowers are used.
The flowers of hyssop, meadow saffron, groundsel, speedwell and lavender are only a few examples of plants that are suitable for the preparation of blue flower tincture.

The cornflower is a recognized symbol in many countries.
In Germany, for example, it is the symbol of the Hungarian Germans or Danube Swabians.

In the USA it stands out as the symbol of the annual Steuden Parade, which is held by Americans of German origin.

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Flower

Snapdragon

Antirrhinum

A splash of color in gardens and borders: the snapdragon.
The annual Antirrhinum, popularly known as snapdragon or snapdragon, is a colorful annual summer flower.
The long inflorescences are striking, as they are made up of several individual petals standing close together on short stems.

That we call the plant snapdragon is due to its flower shape resembling a small mouth. If you squeeze the flower slightly, it opens a little. After the pressure is released, it closes again. Another distinctive feature of the flower is the yellow dot on its lower lip.

snapdragons

The color variations of the plant are impressive. Thus, the flower occurs in beautiful pastel shades, but also in bright red, yellow or orange. Bicolored cultivated specimens are in great demand. The Antirrhinum fits into any garden and can also be used as a cut flower in colorful bouquets.

The flowering time depends on the weather. It begins in June and lasts at least until October.

Bumblebees like snapdragons very much and help themselves to their nectar. This is secreted at the base of the ovary and then deposited on the lower lip. The bumblebees land on it and thus open the flower. Antirrhinum is so popular with bumblebees, as well as other insects, because it is one of the few nectar-giving plants in summer.

Its unusual inflorescence and colorful varieties make snapdragons so popular with garden enthusiasts.
They fit not only in cottage gardens, but also in parks, and are also planted in cemeteries.

Snapdragon

For window boxes, florists or gardeners often recommend hanging varieties.

Broad-leaved snapdragon (Antirrhinum latifolium) is hardy enough to withstand winter even in prolonged cold. It blooms from June to September and is recognizable by its yellow and white hues.

Spanish snapdragon ( Antirrhinum hispanicum) is found in Spain. The connoisseur identifies it by its felt-like leaves as well as its white-pink flowers.

The dwarf snapdragon ( Antirrhinum majus) is a so-called ground cover. It can be recognized by its tiny blue-purple flowers in the period from June to September. This snapdragon is suitable for planting in open areas, as it quickly covers the ground. Its flowers are tiny and blue-purple and can be admired from July to September.

Once you plant the garden snapdragon, you can enjoy it again the following year. Snapdragon needs a warm and sunny place. However, it will also bloom in partial shade. Any garden soil is suitable for the plant. It thrives especially well in nutrient-rich and moist soil. If you decide to use a substrate, a pH of 5.5-6.5 is optimal. In a flower pot snapdragon can also be cultivated with potting soil.

Antirrhinum yellow

So, snapdragons you can both sow and plant in the flower bed. When sowing, there is a possibility to preplant the plant already in January. In April, the plant can be planted directly outside. Before that, it must first be exposed to the cold for germination. For this reason, it is advisable to store the seeds in the refrigerator for about seven days before sowing. Then, in January or February, the seeds are pre-pulled. To do this, place them on substrate, but do not cover them with it. After all, snapdragons germinate exclusively in the light. In addition, you should always keep the substrate slightly moist. At room temperature, the plants develop shoots for the first time after about one and a half to two weeks. A location where about 15 degrees is useful for fourteen to twenty-one days after germination, to accustom the plants to outdoor temperatures. After the first half of April, you can plant snapdragons at intervals of ten to fifteen centimeters. Pre-grown plantlets bloom a little earlier than those whose seeds were sown outdoors.

Antirrhinum belongs to the labiate family of the plantain family and originates from the Mediterranean region. In ancient times, it was considered an apotropaeum, i.e., an evil warding off magic. In herbal books it appears as a remedy for counter magic. It was administered to women in childbirth as a relief during an exhausting birth. An Italian botanist named Mattioli tells the legend of a chained dog that was cursed with an evil spell and was unable to bark because of it. However, after being given the antirrhinum, he was supposedly capable of barking again.

Categories
Flower

Bellflower

dwarf-bellflower

Bellflowers are very beautiful summer flowers. They are very popular with many gardeners because of their beautiful appearance and are often sown in the gardens.

Especially the blue flowers are particularly fascinating. In the early romantic period, the bellflower was the symbol of love, infinity and longing. Thus, many poems were written and published about it. Especially the bell flowers adhere to the ideas of love, because they shine in the garden in various shades of blue.

bellflower

The bellflower is also called Campanula patula and is a plant variety from the bellflower family or Campanula. The name is derived from its flower shape. Thus, Campanula means “little bell” or “bell”. The botanical name was given to the bellflower by the Swedish naturalist and botanist Carl von Linné.

Bellflowers are easily recognized by their tubular, bell-shaped and star-shaped flowers, which open in June and September, depending on the variety and species. The flower owes its name to these.
A large part of bellflowers blooms blue or purple. Here the spectrum ranges from a pale sky blue to a dark purple. At the same time, there are also many white-flowered species, such as the dwarf bellflower, which is also called ‘Bavaria White’ and the beautiful tufted bellflower ‘Alba’. But not only the color of flowers and their shape are variable. At the same time, the arrangement of the striking flowers differs between species. Often they stand in panicles or in clusters, but sometimes individually. The leaves are undivided. These can also be toothed or heart-shaped pronounced.

Bellfowers

Bellflowers bloom throughout the summer season, depending on the variety and species, the beautiful flowers appear in the months of May and August. The time of flowering therefore extends over a particularly long period and this is optimal for pollinator insects such as bees, and butterflies.

Most varieties and species of bellflower thus bloom from June and July until the month of September. Here, especially the ground-covering and small-growing varieties can form a dense carpet of flowers, which shines in purple, blue, white or pink.

The fruit is capsule-like or cylindrical or ovoid and arranged in ten nerves. The seeds are scattered through the holes.

With beautiful blue or white colored flowers, campanula or bellflowers are of special value for the garden in summer. This family, which belongs to the genus of bellflowers, includes a total of more than 300 species. Most of the flowers are deciduous perennials, while others are evergreen. Some other species are grown as annuals or biennials in the garden. They are found in a wide variety of habitats in the northern hemisphere. Most species originate from the Mediterranean region, the Caucasus, the Balkan Peninsula and some others also from North America, East Asia, the Himalayas as well as Iran.
The bellflower is common almost in the whole Europe up to Siberia. In the country of Austria, it is often found throughout the country.

round-leaved-bellflower

The bellflower can be used in many ways in the garden. The low, mat and cushion-forming species bring a lot of color to a rock garden or near walls. For example, they go perfectly with yarrow, thyme or baby’s breath. In sunny herbaceous borders, larger species such as tufted bellflower do particularly well next to taller evening primroses, yarrow, marguerite or alongside speedwell. However, because of their romantic flower shape, bellflowers are popular companions for roses. For the shady beds are suitable in combination also Prachtspiere, foxglove and honeysuckle as planting partners.

Bellflowers come in a wide variety of sizes and shades of purple, blue, white and pink. Depending on the variety, bellflowers are perennials or groundcovers. In principle, these are significant decision criteria. However, gardeners should pay special attention to the life of the plant. Most varieties of bellflower are perennial, however, annual or biennial varieties occur at the same time. Perennial species are usually hardy, some more so than the others.

Categories
Flower

Begonia

begonias

The begonia comes from the family of the slate leaf family. There are about 900 different varieties and species of begonia.

Depending on the species, begonias have a different growth habit. You can get begonias as hanging, upright, shrubby, climbing and clambering varieties. In botany, begonias are divided into 7 main groups.

begonia

The flowers of begonias are pentate, and the petals are all of the same shape. Accordingly, they are not separated into calyx and corolla. Male flowers of begonia usually have two or four petals and very many stamens. Female flowers have two to five and sometimes even ten petals. There are two to five carpels, which fuse to form a winged inferior ovary. The capsule fruits are usually formed there, which are again asymmetrically winged. They contain very many small seeds that are dispersed by the wind.

Berry-like fruits form on some flowers, which in turn are eaten by wild animals.

begonia pink

Originally, the begonia comes from the tropical and subtropical regions around the equator. There, the begonia has been cultivated for about 200 years. The Begonia Grandis, on the other hand, thrives in the western hills near Beijing. In sheltered places in Central Europe, the begonia species is also hardy.

The begonia immediately catches the eye, especially because of its festoon shape. In hanging baskets, the overhanging shoots in sunny yellow, fiery orange or strong red make for a real eye-catcher. In addition to the differences in leaf and flower shape, there are also differences in growth. Especially for high tubs or for hanging baskets, the hanging varieties come into their own very well. If the begonia is planted as a soloist or in combination with other flowers, you should go for the standing varieties. The varieties with unfilled flowers can withstand heavy rain without damage.

ice-begonias

Begonias belong to the low-maintenance flowers in the garden. They can be planted in the shade and still enjoy the long-lasting blooms. The soil for begonias should be fresh, loose and rich in humus, if possible. Begonias do not tolerate waterlogging – the roots would die immediately. Begonias can be planted outdoors from the middle of May. However, begonias can be grown indoors as early as February, so that they have a certain head start. If you plant begonias in a tub or box, the distance between the plants should be at least 20 cm, because the plants grow very strongly and soon compete with each other. The tubers of begonias can be overwintered very well in a cool and dry place, so that the next year you can enjoy your pretty flowers again.

Begonias often suffer from powdery mildew. Begonias are also very susceptible to other rot fungi. Therefore, do not plant the plants too close together and do not keep the soil too moist. In begonias, aphids and thrips are among the rather rare pests. From time to time, the begonia is also attacked by the thick-mouthed weevil. This can be recognized by the eaten leaves. In the dark, the pest can be easily collected.

Categories
Flower

Slipper flower

the-ladys-slipper

Slipper flowers, scientifically called Calceolaria Integrifolia, are a genus of the plant family called slipper flowers (Calceolariaceae). They are in the order of labiates (Lamiales). The plant originates from Central and also South America. There it grows in the mountainous regions. At present, some cultivated species are known, which is very popular as a balcony and houseplant. Also on flower beds or as ornamental plants you can find a use.

slipper-orchid

The leaves of the plant are fleshy and slightly hairy. In terms of shape, they are ovate as well as oval and elongated. They grow cross-like on the stems and a have a serrated, jagged edge, depending on the variety.

The colorful flowers, which are an imposing and bright appearance, resemble the shape of slippers, hence the name. To flower connoisseurs, the flowers remind of lady’s slipper orchids because of the similar appearance. The flowers, which appear singly and have belly-like lower lips, come into focus of many hobby gardeners from the month of May.

On the side as well as main shoots are panicles, which bloom both in September and October, depending on weather conditions. There are also other varieties of slipper flower available in retail stores as well as specialty flower stores and nurseries. Whether spotted, with red or orange flowers, there are many variations to choose from.

ladys-slipper

When a slipper flower is properly developed, capsule fruits form on it. Flaps, which are located on them, open. In this connection, they release smaller seeds, which is spread by the wind and the prevailing weather.

Slipper flowers, due to their neotropical distribution, grow not only in Central and South America, but also mainly in southern Ecuador, parts of Peru, Cajamarca and the Amazon. In Tierra del Fuego and Mexico, the plant is also very common. In principle, it can be said that the further north you go, the less species diversity there is.

Planters as well as window boxes are perfect for showing off slipper flowers in gardens or on balconies, for example, and setting them off properly. Due to their yellow, bright as well as distinct flowers, a handsome contrast is formed. If slipper flowers are placed at the site combined with other plants, which bloom, for example, in purple or blue, they form together a colorful ensemble. Many amateur gardeners also plant them as a bed decoration in the home garden. They bloom annuals, but are very low maintenance.

slipper flower

Plants such need sun and should be planted in a bright place, as well as grown. However, they should not be exposed to the hot midday heat. Slipper flowers need regular as well as thorough watering. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. During longer dry periods, watering must be done more often.

Slipper flowers need sandy and nutrient-rich soil. A soil rich in humus has a positive effect on the plants during cultivation and care. Adding lime is not recommended, but azalea soil is. When growing must be ensured adequate plant spacing to reduce the likelihood of infestation by pests. Optionally, amateur gardeners can add azalea fertilizer. However, the use of substrates and fertilizers should be made only as needed and individual soil conditions.

The botanical genus name Calceolaria is derived from the word Calceolarius meaning “shoemaker”. Like most plants, the slipper flower has its name from Latin. It used to be integrated into the genus Scrophulariaceae.

Since 2001 they form a separate family genus together with Jovellana. This was achieved and realized by gene sequence analyses. Currently, there is no evidence that slipper flower is toxic as such. Whether it has any benefit as a medicinal plant, as previously thought, cannot be confirmed at present.